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.