Of Bridal Shows and Wedding Models, part 2!

Instead of a cheesy Hollywood sequel, today's "Part 2" post continues the bridal show theme, and my recent opportunity to create pieces for the fashion show portion of the Ultimate Bridal Fantasy Show at the Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine's World Golf Village. What a fun show! My friend, Faythe, International Makeup Artist and owner of A Glamour Bride, was over-seeing the affair for the bridal show. I was excited to be working with Bridals and More, a local Mom and Daughter bridal store. Their inventory is GORGEOUS! Check out the photo of the models in part one. Their selection is amazing!

My first set features cornflake (or "keishi") pearls embracing crystal clear glass beads for sparkle. What's fun about this set is the AB (Aurora Borealis, or rainbow) finish that makes the beads look like soap bubbles! With the warm softness of the cream-colored pearls and the iridescent finish on the glass beads, the necklace has a shimmer that will only (barely) mirror the glow on the bride's face.

Next, two strands of glass pearls are lassoed by

rhinestone spacers, and accented by crystal drops for an elegant collar. Everything about this necklace can be customized, from the color of the pearls, to the metal, gold silver or even copper can be used, and my spacer supplier has 1000s of different styles that we could use as well. The depth of the scallops can also be altered.

The clasp is a fold-over magnetic clasp. It will not come off if, for some reason, Aunt Ethel tackles you with one of her big rib-snapping hugs (you know the one).I'll make matching complementary earrings, of course.

My next creation is more contemporary. Many brides will choose a traditional gown, to please their family, and then add a snazzy necklace set to suit their personality. Whatever floats your boat! It's your day. LIVE IT!

This set has hand-knapped quartz

rectangular beads, and I wanted to accent their roughness with the beauty of flowers.

These little brass beauties are filled with sparkly seed beads, and are framed with gold and silver chain. The scalloped chain is graduated, meeting in the back with two strands ended in crystal.

Last, and certainly not least, is a custom order I was creating at the same time as all of the other pieces for the Bridal show. A lovely Etsy bride ordered a hair comb from my shop, and hers was my 100th sale during my time on Etsy.

To celebrate, I made her some matching hair pins as extras for her hair stylist, in case they wanted to use them during her hair trial and on the "big day." It's so much fun to create these bridal hair accessories! Part sculpture and part jewelry, the end effect with an "updo" is stunning, and can be the finishing touch for the bridal look. Can't wait to see her lovely photos.

I really enjoy working with brides. The joy, anticipation and the thrill of a wedding is contagious. It's like creating the embodiment of their happiness. Tall order, but inspiring nonetheless. To capture the essence of their personality, and their optimism for their new life is pure satisfaction.

Of Bridal Shows and Wedding Models...

I was recently picked to design the bridal jewelry for the fashion show at The Ultimate Bridal Fantasy Show, held at the convention center in the Renaissance Resort at the World Golf Village. A daunting task, for sure, when I was informed there were nine (9!) models, and no opportunity to see the dresses beforehand to get an idea of the designs I needed to create! Well, as most things do, everything turned out just right.
Here are a few photos of the pieces made for the show, as well as the beautiful models. Photography of the models by Stephie Joy Photography.

First item up for consideration is a piece I started for a bride married last September. When her design needs changed, I liked where this one was going, so I soldiered on. Freshwater pearls and rhinestones accent faceted Swarovski Crystal flowers and pendants, and are held together by an Argentium Silver swirled wirework frame. I balled the ends of the frame with my torch for a more delicate presentation. Meant to sit at the collarbone, the chain is adjustable to fit different shapes and sizes.

Next up is a bridal comb that could be a matching piece to the one above, or separate. It's a small comb, but it makes a statement. Rhinestones and crystals and swirls of silver will add a glimmer to your updo, or serve as an anchor for a birdcage veil.

My next creation is a reproduction of a reproduction. I've created and produced a reproduction of Scarlett O'Hara's necklace from the Bar-B-Que in Gone With the Wind, and it's available for purchase in my shop. I love the design, so I decided to render it with the same findings, but in pearls, rhinestones, and crystal. Success! The result is as delicate as the original piece, but suitable for a bridal set.

Fourth in line is a simple strand of not-so-simple elements. These netted beaded beads are a design from a tutorial by Beadinfinitum.com In these beads, I used Moonstone, with a pretty blue flash, teardrop seed beads, czech glass, and silver-lined seed beads. Paired with mother-of-pearl coins and alternated with crystal, this simple necklace is elegant, intricate and graceful. Matching earrings complete the set.

This is Part 1 of my amazing January Bridal journey. Part 2, coming soon! Probably tomorrow...