Do Tell the Bride 27th September Holiday Inn, Winchester

Brides of Winchester are showcasing their beautiful gowns and other UK designers at Holiday Inn, Winchester 27th September 7pm onwards.  Exhibitors include Chanticleer Bridal, although Tracey herself will not be present this time, Moss Bros Suit Hire, Melody Clark Couture Jewellery, Polly Edwards and others.

Tickets are free, if you can be there, it promises to be the best 'Do Tell The Bride' yet.

New blog http://thesteadyhandblog.com/page/3/

If any of you have not already seen this lovely blog then I heartily recommend it to you.  Aprile is a lovely lady with some wonderful products in her Etsy shop  http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSteadyHand  wonderful crocheted items for your delection.

my particular favourite is this lovely bag, perfect for summer days or going to the beach http://www.etsy.com/listing/94010175/plastic-market-totebeach-bag

good luck to Aprile and may sales continue.

best wishes
Pauline

How to wear a bridal hair comb

Many ladies, when faced with a hair comb, will say 'it's beautiful, but they never stay in my hair,' this is very when placing a fairly heavy comb into soft, straight, silky hair; it won't stay in and before long the comb has slipped or fallen out and in danger of being lost or crumpled underfoot.   So what is the secret?

There really isn't any secret per se, these combs are not designed to sit in and hold straight hair.  These beautiful pieces are decorative for the most part, although they will add some further security to the hair.  They work best if the hair is in a bun or chignon, hair that has been backcombed to create something for the comb to grip onto.  Plenty of hairspray will create grip, but be careful don't apply the hairspray to the pearls or crystals of your comb as it will make them dull.  Placing the comb carefully in a 'nest' of hair will reduce the pull of gravity and keep it in place.  Most people say that 'dirty' hair is best as it provides more grip, but we all know that we cannot possibly walk down the aisle with day old hair, so add that hairspray, or even a mousse to hold it in place.  Combs such as 'Victoria' featured here are heavy, but work well with a veil.  Place the comb at the front of the veil on the top of the head for a simple, yet stylish look. 

Why not ask for 'Victoria' with a birdcage veil addition, which can be placed anywhere on the hairline.  This comb can also be made on a longer comb base (the one shown is 2.5 inches in width) if you prefer a larger version in front of your veil.

Whichever you choose, you will be assured of a sophisticated style with a hint of vintage and class, just remember that it won't sit properly on straight, silky hair.

Melody Clark

Well the plans for Melody Clark Couture are going well if a little slower than I would like.  the Pull-Up thingy is brilliant and well worth the money, can't wait to use it again at the next fair.  Funny how something like that adds that touch of professionalism to the stand. 

Also strange how in the Hart Centre I was on a 'stall' but at a wedding fair I'm on a 'stand'.  there's no difference at all, even the layout is similar! 

Keep watching for more news of Melody Clark.  the website is setup, and I'm still photographing and adding items to that, so a way to go, but when you're doing all yourself it takes time.   In the meantime, there are other items loaded onto my Etsy shop.  www.etsy.com/shop/melodyclarkcouture

have fun and keep watching, new items coming on board... ooh here's one.  Let me know what you think.

Pauline

The 'Dior' type necklace

Well, this is a picture of the 'hardest necklace I've ever been asked to do'.  as you can see it's really quite complicated.  The upshot of the request however, is ........ nothing!  not a thing, I've no idea if she's received it, likes it or anything else.  I'm loath to ask in a way in case she says she hates it, but I guess if she did she may well have come back and said so, I'd like to think so. 

The collar of the necklace is on a wire frame which has been hammered to strengthen the shape, at the back there are several chains which allow the necklace to be done up as tightly as possible to retain it's shape.  Each chain is finished with a sparkly Swarovski crystal and there are intermittent crystals on the chains at the front.  If any of you havea  moment I'd be delighted to receive your comments and thoughts.  Of course, I can't post more pics because... it's gone.  somewhere, who knows?  if you see someone near London wearing something like this one, then it could be the one that gave me so much grief, all for £45!  hey ho.

The hardest necklace I've ever had to do!

I was asked recently to make this unusual necklace.  I've not seen one like it before and she was having difficulty finding one.  It's like a huge choker which resembles the necklace hoops worn by African ladies, the Masai Mara?  I don't know anyway, flowing from the choker bit are strands of beads which fall right down to the navel.  it's huge!  I have added in some crystals to give it some sparkle, but for the most part it is made of acrylic gold beads.  Even so it's still amazingly heavy, I don't envy this lady wearing it at all to be honest.  I just hope it does the job for her. 

The upshot is, however, that she wants me to be featured in a magazine, I've no idea which one, but it could very good exposure, so we'll see.  I'll keep you posted and let you know which one.

stay safe

Pauline

It's been a while

Once again it's been a while since I posted on here, so apologies to anyone who was waiting for something innovative and exciting to exude from the depths of the PPD studios (I should be so lucky).

Last year, especially towards the end, was very hard with many difficult decisions being made and difficult situations being faced.  Not least of which was what to do with Purple Princess Designs.  Do I change the name?  Do I change the product and leave the name?  in fact even, do I carry on?   The answer is that yes for this business I will carry on, the name will change and I am pleased to announce the birth of Melody Clark Couture, handmade bespoke tiaras and jewellery.  My new website has been secured, and will be set up and running very soon.  I am looking at ... obviously by the name, couture design with an exclusive and upmarket feel to it.  PPD will still exist, but will continue with the cheaper end of the market including the mini crown series on Ebay.  I hope to collaborate with a partner on the mini crown side later this year, in the meantime things are on track for Melody Clark, website being designed, logos being finalised along with new designs.

Here's to, what I hope will be a great future for Melody Clark (who is she?..... me of course!)  and I look forward to blogging again to update you all on progress.

best wishes and Happy New Year to you all.

Pauline

What's in a name?

I'm sure that many of you have found yourselves with a similar dilema, what do I call my business? 

It shouldn't really be that difficult, at least we'd like to think it wasn't, however I have been deliberating for some time over the name Purple Princess Designs.  I decided a while ago that the name does not 'cut it'.  Purple as a colour is great, and many have commented that it is also their favourite, but I can't say it's brought in business. Princess has a connotation of childhood about it, and really does not reflect the kinds of designs I am now creating.  I need something which reflects quality, individuality and style to match my vision of where the business should go, but what?  I have thrown this open to the 'floor' as it were in order to see what ideas people come up with.  Interestingly, most have either suggested names which already exist, or names which just don't work.  Envision Eyes was one, a great name but sounds more like an optician than quality bridal accessories.  Crystal Couture another, but sadly already exists. 

I anyone out there has any suggestions please feel free to pass them along, I am open to anything.  However, i do have a name which I think is going to be 'the one'.  I will keep you posted and let you know my decision as soon as possible.

Autumnal hues

I was idly thinking the other day as I walked to the gym, isn't it funny how we are so driven by the seasons.  The browns and ambers of autumn manage to make their way into our choices of clothes, hair, even food.  Somehow it seems so wrong to wear something of a bright hue, such as orange, red, bright blue and yellow, when all around us we see muted tones, increasingly skeletal trees and dark grey skies.  Similarly, it seems wrong to even think about pastels far more associated with spring and early summer than deep, dark autumn. 

In a month or so we will be inclined to don blacks, deep blues, red and crimsons in line with winter; colours which I suppose, make us feel warm and cosy.  Glittery fabrics and diamane shine will feature heavily in clothes donned for the Christmas season.  Why is is it ok to wear glitter for xmas but not for any other time of year?  is this tradition long associated with the feasts and holidays of mediaeval times, reminding of the warmth of glittering fires and gold goblets filled with warming wines and ales? 

Possibly this is all true, but I think it's easy to forget that we are ourselves, creatures of nature.  Still we are governed by the movements of the planets, particularly of course, the moon and the sun.  As such we are also governed by the relentlessly changing seasons, and yet there is also something very reassuring about this constant cycle of nature.  Nature understands extremely well that death is necessary for new life to spring forth and emerge making the planet and ultimately, us, stronger.

Have a great autumn and look forward to the depth of winter knowing that new life, rebirth and spring are just around the corner. 

Phew! busy busy

Well, what an incredibly busy couple of weeks, what with wedding fairs, selling Hallowe'en beads on Ebay and Etsy, then to cap it all my father lost the sight in his left eye.  He couldn't drive, so yours truly has been ferrying him to and from the hospital, and also ferrying Mum to the shops for their dinner!  Dad has an op on the 28th November, in which they will remove the 'jelly' from his eye, and also a small cataract, but at least his sight will be a whole lot better.

In the interim of couse, I have to keep ferrying them both around, as Mother can't drive (probably for the best)  however, i have managed to make a gorgeous vintage hair piece, which I showcase here for you today.  I do hope you like it, let me know what you think :)

Pauline

Another blog

'Well yes I do have another blog called 'Writer's Blog', I am a writer as well, that is what I do.  I am currently analysing 'Basil' by Wilkie Collins with a view to submitting a work to be published (hopefully) on the Wilkie Collins website run by Andrew Mangham at Reading University.

I am a huuge Wilkie Collins fan and studied 'Basil' for my Master's Dissertation at Reading back in 2005.  'Basil' is a fascinating story of a young man who proposes marriage to  a young lady, but ends up being usurped  by her tutor. It is a story of madness and monomania, made worse by paranoia.  I will post a section of my submission here, in order that you may read it and make comment to your heart's content.

I wish you goodnight for now... off to read more 'Basil'.

where does the time go?

Well my lovely blogging followers and friends.  Just where does the time go?  I can't believe it's a month since I last blogged.  Not good!  What has happened in that month? I hear you ask, well I've started the wedding fairs again, the first of which was in a barn.  It was a 500 year old barn on the outskirts of Basingstoke.  Fabulous! I hear you cry, and it was all Tudor brickwork and high oak beams.  The only problem was that it was freezing inside and lovely and sunny outside.  No, that wasn't the only problem actually.  The floor was pure concrete; all dust and feathers from the birds nesting in the roof and the arrow-slit windows.  On arrival most of the exhibitors hearts sank as, although the barn was beautiful, a wedding venue it was not!   

however, we all laid out our wares, and once all the tables were covered and balloons were placed, the barn looked beautiful once more.  One exhibit which really caught my eye was the fruit and vegetable carving.  Yes indeed, these lovely people had carved flowers and leaves out of fruit and vegetables to make the most exotic display I think I've ever encountered.  it was gorgeous!  if you want to see some gallery pics have a look at www.carvedmagic.co.uk.

here's to the next blog, and I promise it won't be as long as last time.

Pauline

Boutonierre

Just attempting to make some buttonholes, or boutonierre as they are otherwise known.  Crumbs they're not as simple as they look.  I think crocheting 9ct gold was slightly easier :?

still I'll soldier on and I will solve the issue, I'll post some pics as and when I think they're good enough.

Wow! A big welcome to all my new followers

Thank you to all of you who have decided to follow Purple Princess Designs, aka Purplepolly on Etsy.com.

Here I will post news of new items, articles of interest and new design innovations, where possible, from stages such as London and Paris Fashion weeks.  If anyone has an idea for a blog, or would like to guest blog, please do feel free to contact me, I'm more than happy to accept suggestions and ideas.

Recently I have started a bead club in our local area, we are small, yet perfectly formed so far.  Our last session saw us beading in the most wonderful wooden structure in the garden with sunshine flooding through the 'windows'.  Some call it a gazebo, or a small summerhouse.  it's circular with built in bench seats and a huge round table in the middle, perfectly set for beading.  The windows are canvas and plastic 'roll uppable' shutters allowing for light to flood in, and yet keeping the rain well and truly out.  what a wonderful session, and some beautiful, yet simple articles made by the lovely beady ladies present.

who thought you could crochet with wire?

Yes it's true, a couple of years ago, even a year ago I would not have thought it possible to be able to crochet with wire, and yet voila!  here I am crocheting, not only with wire, but also with 9ct gold wire! 

I attach a photo for your perusal.  As you can see the bracelet consists of Swarovski pearls and crystals, and diamante 'disco balls' for extra sparkle.  My bride was extremely happy with the result, as the powder almond and light creamrose pearls fitted perfectly with her theme, dress and tiara.  Personally I don't think this photo does it any where near the justice it deserves.  Let me know what you think.

Another shop closes in the High Street

Sadly, I have to report that the Bead Box in Knaphill has had to close it's doors for the last time today.  I knew they were working on a two day week, and thought I would just mosey over there to have a mooch.  In my pocket I had a very small budget of £20 for some goodies, but as it happened they had a 50% off sale on... and a lot of sad people talking to Blair, the owner.  He was telling me that there just is not the footfall nowadays  to warrant keeping the shop open.   He partly blamed the internet, but also, should we not consider our own behaviour when it comes to shopping?

More and more shops are closing on our high streets, and frankly I'm with Mary Portas here, I don't want to see ghost towns with myriad empty shops.  I want to be able to see and feel the quality of what I'm being offered.  Sadly it seems that we are so lazy that we'd rather risk purchasing items from the internet than make the effort to mosey into town and support local businesses.  I think, as Portas says, we will regret this, maybe not now, but in the future we will certainly miss them.

Please whatever you do, make the effort to support local business, it's really important that we don't lose the identity of our towns, and also that we support each other in business.  Do we really want to deal with faceless individuals who trade with us on the internet, people we can't talk to, and much less complain when things are not right?

I don't think we do, not really. 

Happy Shopping

a dalliance with fascinators

Hallo All

it's been a while since I was on here, this is largely due to working at a local mental health hospital.  Ha! no not what you think, I am doing them a favour and training the staff on a new computerised patient notes system.  Odd? well no not really, this is the kind of thing I have done for many many years, in my previous life.  I have been a lecturer at a local college, and also ran an IT HelpDesk for Going Places for about 11 years.

I tested new systems and logged all the problems then when the time came, I contributed to all the documentation, and where necessary trained it on to the staff.  So actually it makes a lot of sense.   It's been interesting these last few weeks, well since May really.  Organised is not a word I would put to this lot, but they seem to be getting to grips with it all now.

what has amazed me is just how many people have no idea how to use a computer.  No idea at all, incredible that in this day and age, there are still people who just don't own a pc, or a laptop.  They can't type, and have no idea how to navigate around a computer screen.  Funny how we imagine that everybody will have these facilities and skills, why should they really?  it's their choice not to.  The only problem is, of course, that they will find they'll now have to find those skills from somewhere.  Trouble is that the hospital won't train them.  hey ho, fun days.

Hope everyone is well.

Posting at last!

Well, dear friends it's been a while since my last blog.  Been busy busy with repairs, alterations, working at the local mental health hospital, teaching, and writing books.  I'd forgotten about the blog post. 

I have a young lady who wants an Alexis tiara in black, silver and clear crystals, it's going to look fabulous.  Her overall colour scheme is black and white; her Berkertex dress is white with beautiful black embroidery detailing.  I can't wait to see Alexis in these colours so I will post a pic once it's completed, but I just know that it will stunning.

Did you know that tiaras can be worn in two ways, often people are unsure of how to put them on, but the idea is that they stand proud of the head.  If they are worn like a headband, and there is no reason why they can't be, then the prongs or fronds should be gently moved to an upright position so they can be seen.   They should not be flat on the head.  The other way to wear them is as though they are a crown, this suits some people if they have the right shaped head, but not others. 

Placing the tiara further back will make a rounder, dare I say, chubbier, face look slim.  Placing it forwards will complement a slim, or longish face.

However, you wear it, make sure that it looks as good as it possibly can.  After all, you want it to show everyone, that you are the bride.

Royal Wedding 'stuff'

I'm not going to 'go on' about the Royal Wedding and what Catherine's dress will be like.  We just have to be patient, although I think that 'Sally Traffic's' prediction of long sleeves is way off kilter! 

I'm looking forward to the event, but I find it very very sad that so many people feel obliged to 'diss' the whole thing.  We are all going through very difficult economic times and the Royal Wedding is a boost and a lift for us all.  A day in which to take some time out, courtesy of our lovely sovereign, and kick back for a few hours.  It's a bit of a fairytale, and I for one wish them much happiness.  I don't care if they are rich by an accident of birth to be honest.  Being rich does not make you happy after all.  Similarly, I would hate to be constantly in the public eye the way they are; constantly criticised for one thing or another.  After all if I want to go out in ripped jeans with unbrushed hair, that's my business, and nothing to do with the nation.  Just think, they can never do that! 

Good luck to them I say, and let all the religious nutters and fundatmentalists stay away and not spoil it for everyone.

best wishes to you all, have a great day tomorrow.

Don't forget about being yourself as well as being fashionable

Gosh I can't believe I haven't blogged since the end of March, how time flies.  I have been reading a lot about the Royal Wedding, well who hasn't?  I found a post which rightly said that Catherine Middleton should let her own personality do the 'walking' when it comes to her dress and overall outfit. 

I agree, there's a lot of talk at the moment, for example, about 'Vintage' style and fashion.  Even I am being 'dragged' into the vintage craze, and yet it's one style which I have never enjoyed; give me fresh and pretty every time.  Are we really that spoon fed by hype and media that we begin to forget who we really are? 

Remember Carrie in the first 'Sex and the City film'? when she arrived at the church wearing a sort of 'bird' confection in her hair, although she is a fashion icon to many, she actually looked ridiculous,  (by her own admission in fact in the second film).  What Carrie forgot was that fashion is all well and good, but what about how she really felt, and how she really wanted to present herself to the world. 

If your style is flambouyant and 'out there' great, run with it, but don't be coerced into a style that is not right for you, just because it is fashionable.  Stay true to yourself, you can be comfortable and wear fashion as well, they can and do mix.  Shop around for different ideas and remember this is about you, not the shop or the fashion or the fashion designer.