Wednesday 12 February 2014

Get Creative


Let me introduce you to the ultra creative Rachel Smith, owner of the craft workshop company 'Craft Me Pretty'.

Rachel's workshop is Based in Grantham and she regularly runs weekend workshops in everything from creating wedding accessories to lamp making at lovely venues across the Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire area.



Rachel was approached by lots of 'hens' who wanted to do something a little different for their parties and so she started running jewellery making events where friends could have fun whilst learning something new.  Rachel's sister company 'The Handmade Hen' offers the very best in hen party activities using fabulous venues all across the UK.  Every bride to be is catered for as Rachel has created not just wedding jewellery and tiara making workshops, but has a whole array of fun and quirky hen crafting parties to choose from.



Hen Party Fun


 How about choosing a 'Cupcake Making Party' where you and your friends can make fabulous cupcake bouquets, each decorating 7 delicious cupcakes using butter icing, sprinkles, sparkles and hand made fondant shapes.  Cupcakes and sugar paper flowers are then formed into a bouquet shape, wrapped in cellophane, secured with lovely ribbons and kept pristine to show off to family and friends in personalized gift bags.




Or how about this for a really fun idea for a hen party, 'Knicker Decorating Party'. Decorate your party pants with a fabulous array of ribbons, lace, diamante, paints, buttons and more. Now that should be a very fun two hours!


Always on the look out for ways to bring the wonderful world of craft to her customers, Rachel has also created a range of lovely items for you to buy straight from her Craft Me Pretty website.  My favourite range is the vintage silver plated hand stamped cutlery.  What a lovely gift these reasonably priced items would make.  Rachel takes the time to make sure that they are extra special by wrapping the lovingly shined cutlery in ribbon and tissue paper and sent out in a brown paper parcel tied with string - how lovely to receive a parcel like that!




I will leave the last words from a very satisfied customer, but before I do, I will say that if ever you or a friend fancy trying your hand at some of the wonderful craft workshops from Craft me Pretty or The Handmade Hen, Rachel will always do her best to create an experience that you will love, where ever you live in the country.



"Fantastic! It is what is says, a course for beginners. Takes you through the basics to produce several items of jewelry, of which you get to take home. The tutor was very helpful and willingly went over anything that wasn't clear to the students. I look forward to her next course and will be booking that. Finally if you are just starting I would recommend this course.
Hazel - Beginners Beaded Jewellery Making"





Louise x
Tiara Heaven

How to contact Rachel Smith:



Saturday 1 February 2014

Come Rain Or Shine!



www.loveumbrellas.co.uk









In some cultures it is said to be lucky if it rains on your wedding day and with the weather being so dreadful at the moment, I thought this was a perfect time to introduce you to one of my twitter friends, Love Umbrellas.


It struck me what a fantastic idea it is to create beautiful umbrellas that not only compliment, but enhance an outfit. They keep you nice and cool in the sun (I know it's hard to remember at this time of year!) and stop the rain from spoiling your lovely hair and dress when the clouds burst - perfect.


BRIDAL UMBRELLA PACKAGE x 3 Heart Shaped Umbrellas, 2 plain and one bridal umbrella with flower edge 
Love Umbrellas is the brain child of Klair Ward who started the company back in 2011 after being made redundant from her job as a retail manager.  Klair's inspiration came after creating umbrellas for her friend's wedding as she could not find anything suitable to buy.  Friends and family just could not resist them and so Love Umbrellas was born.

A bespoke umbrella for a My Fair Lady photo shoot with black lace and ivory flowers - Photo by http://www.mcavoyweddings.co.uk/
Klair creates a huge variety of designs, from children's to Gothic style umbrellas and with the large choice of colours available, all at very affordable prices, I challenge you to not find a style that you will adore.  Love Umbrella even offer a hire service, so there is no excuse for worrying about the weather on your big day, Klair has it all covered!

 Image taken by Rossendale Photography 2012

Why wait for your wedding day to use one of these lovely brollies?  With our weather as 'interesting' as it is, there are an unbelievable amount of opportunities for showing of your individual style.  Imagine turning up to a day at the races with a parasol like the ones featured above and I know many friends (and daughter) who would love to get their hands on the limited edition owl umbrella - now that would be one stylish school run!

LIMITED EDITION - 'Twit Twoooo' umbrella £21.95

As for my own personal favourite, I would be cheering as soon as the heavens opened with this rainbow coloured beauty, isn't the shape fab!  Now there is no chance of feeling down in the dreary weather with this ray of sunshine overhead.

Rainbow Pagoda Style Umbrella £14.95

Take a look at Love Umbrellas Facebook page for some inspiring images of all the brides and customers who have bought one of Klair's umbrellas.  I would have to say that not only are they a practical addition to keeping safe from the elements but they are also a lovely prop for wedding day photographs.  With Valentines Day just around the corner I will leave you with the great image. 

 Image from Vibrance Photography

So next time it rains, don't feel down, just think how stylish you could look!

Louise x
Tiara Heaven

How to contact Love Umbrellas:
Email: info@loveumbrellas.co.uk
Website:  http://www.loveumbrellas.co.uk
Phone: 01706 220540
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveumbrellas
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoveUmbrellas