Isla Blatchford Wedding Commission

Isla Blatchford married Gary Wright on the 15th September 2012. Having only known Isla for a few months, I was completely delighted when she approached me to create a bracelet and earrings for her, plus necklaces and matching bracelets for her five bridesmaids.

Isla is very creative herself and wanted to incorporate lots of handmade items into her wedding.  Isla had already decided that her wedding was going to have a handmade and vintage theme and a colour scheme of teal and silver so she knew she wanted to incorporate this within the bridesmaid pieces.

Bridesmaid Bracelets:

Isla chose a simple elasticated bracelet design that could incorporate the two colours.  I used Swarovski indicolite crystal bicones (8mm and 6mm) plus Swarovski light grey crystal pearls (8mm) and decided to mix the beads up so the design had a more unique feel to it.

Bridesmaid Bracelets

Isla knew that she wanted the two bracelets to be attached somehow so I tried a few different methods including a large jump ring connecting them but my head kept going back to using ribbon which I had done with a similar previous design.  I sourced a silver ribbon that matched the pearls which tied the two bracelets together in a bow.

Bridesmaid Bracelet

Bridesmaid Necklaces:

To match the bracelets Isla wanted a vintage style necklace so we researched 1940’s pearl necklaces and decided upon a two stranded necklace in the Swarovski light grey pearls (10mm and 8mm) with a simple trigger clasp.

Bridesmaid Necklace

Bridesmaid Necklace and Bracelet

The pieces really complimented each other and the Audrey Hepburn style bridesmaid teal dresses.

Isla and her bridesmaids wearing their jewellery on the big day

Bridal Bracelet and Earrings:

Isla wanted her own jewellery to be simple, but classic at the same time, and match the detail of her wedding dress and bouquet which had some almond tones in it. We therefore opted for a three stranded floating bracelet using Swarovksi almond crystal and cream rose pearls (8mm and 6mm) and a simple silver trigger clasp.

Isla also wanted some simple earrings to match so I used Swarovski 6mm cream rose and 8mm almond pearls on flat head pins with silver studs.

Bridal Floating Bracelet and Earrings

The lovely thing about designing jewellery for someone you know is that you can obtain honest feedback and one thing I have taken away from this commission is that if I do a similar bracelet design again, I will secure the ribbon in a bow using a few stitches to avoid the bow tie loosening.

I really enjoyed making all these pieces but especially the bridesmaid necklaces and bracelets.  I think they suited the dress so well and really finished off the outfit.  I had great fun taking the photographs of these pieces and editing them.  So much so that I created a frame of several of the pictures which I am going to do for each commission in the future.

Bridesmaid Necklaces and Bracelets

All that’s left to say is congratulations to Mr and Mrs Wight on their marriage and I wish them all the best for the future.

Hope you have enjoyed viewing these designs and I would be happy to hear any comments.

I will add some more photos of the jewellery being warn on the day as soon as they are available.

If you like these designs and would like to enquire about using Pierrine’s bespoke wedding jewellery service please contact me on –
pierrine@cwgsy.net

Thanks

Nicole

Grace Duquemin Wedding Commission

Grace Duquemin married Steven De La Haye on the 7th September 2012. Grace approached me to create earrings and a necklace for her, necklaces for her three bridesmaids and earrings and a necklace for her mother.

Grace was one of my calmest clients so far and had done her research so knew exactly what type of jewellery she wanted.  She also knew her colour theme was emerald green so wanted to incorporate this within the bridesmaid pieces.

Bridesmaid Necklaces:

I hunted around and managed to source Swarovski crystal emerald bicones to use along side comet argent light bicones (reflective silver) in various sizes as part of the bridesmaid necklace design.  Grace had liked previous floating necklace designs so we chose a three stranded floating necklace using these two colours to compliment their dresses.

Bridesmaid Necklace (Swarovski emerald and crystal comet argent light crystal bicones)

Bridesmaid Necklace (Swarovski emerald and crystal comet argent light bicones)

Bridal Necklace and Earrings:

Grace wanted her own jewellery to be modern but classic at the same time. She had seen the Swarovski pearl necklace I had made previously but ordered it in smaller cream rose crystal pearls (6mm, 8mm, 10mm).  She loved the detail of the heart charm near the trigger clasp on other necklace designs so we incorporated in this in her necklace.

Bridal Necklace (Swarovski cream rose crystal pearls and heart charm)

Bridal Necklace (heart charm clasp detail)

Grace also wanted some simple earrings to match so I used 6mm and 8mm Swarovski cream rose pearls on ball head pins with silver studs.

Bridal Necklace (heart charm clasp detail) and Bridal Earrings

Bridal Earrings (Swarovski cream rose crystal pearls)

Mother of the Bride Necklace:

Grace wanted to give her mother a necklace to match her dress so we picked out some of the main colours in the dress detail to match (peach, silver, purple, aquamarine).

Mother of the Bride Dress Detail

After a lot of searching I managed to source some Swarvoski crystal bicones in similar colours.  Grace wanted a dainty necklace so we chose a three stranded floating necklace design with a simple trigger clasp.

Mother of the Bride Floating Necklace (Swarovski light peach, indicolite, tanzanite and comet argent light crystal bicones)

Mother of the Bride Floating Necklace Detail

I found sourcing the Swarovski crystal bicones in the particular colours we wanted the hardest during this commission but it was so worth all the effort to see how well the colours matched up with all the outfits on the day.

All that’s left to say is congratulations to Mr and Mrs De La Haye on their marriage and I wish them all the best for the future.

Hope you have enjoyed viewing these designs and I would be happy to hear any comments.

I will add some more photos of the jewellery being warn on the day as soon as they are available.

If you like these designs and would like to enquire about using Pierrine’s bespoke wedding jewellery service please contact me on –
pierrine@cwgsy.net

Thanks

Nicole

Pierrine at the Guernsey North Show

During the summer months in Guernsey, we hold several parish shows across the island. Starting with the South Show, then the West Show and finishing with the North Show.

The Guernsey North Show is one of the main events in Guernsey’s summer calendar, and takes place in the wonderful rural setting of Saumarez Park. Each year the Show attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy the displays of exhibitors’ entries, ranging from Guernsey livestock through fur and feather, fruit, vegetables, flowers, flower arrangements, cookery, photography, art and craft.

There is also a programme of arena events, showcasing local and off-island talent, and the Guernsey Battle of Flowers, which culminates in the evening illuminated cavalcade followed by a firework display.

As a child I have fond memories of attending the North Show and remember the buzz it gave me to enter the exhibit tent and find out whether my entries had won anything. I only started making jewellery late in 2009 and with a few months learning under my belt, decided to enter the jewellery section at the North Show for the first time in the summer of 2010. I knew I wasn’t going to win anything as was I very new to jewellery making techniques, but was proud of my piece and proud of myself for taking part and entering.

2010 North Show Entry – Chain Charm Bracelet

I didn’t take part in 2011, not sure why, probably too busy or using that as a pathetic excuse so this year after having watched Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade Britain, where she learnt new skills and entered handmade items into shows, I felt that I must get involved again and enter. My jewellery making skills have come on a bit and felt that it would be good to put something more technically challenging in. So then came the decision of what to put in….. I knew I didn’t have time to make something new specifically for the Show, which I aim to do next year, but chose a bridal piece made last year which I loved.

It was a 5 stranded bridal cuff bracelet made on wire using Swarvoski Crystals and Pearls and fastened with a 5 strand loop clasp. The piece was made for a bride who wanted a chunky piece of jewellery that made a statement and matched her wedding dress.

Bridal Bracelet (Swarovski Pearls and Crystals – 5 strand)

I also made a matching bracelet for the bride’s sister who was a bridesmaid but a 3 stranded version. You can read all about both pieces in Davina Le Page – Wedding Commission.

Anyway, I was proud to enter the bracelet in the Show and decided to display it on top of a heart shaped stone to give it a more dramatic feel. The stone was one I found a few years ago on a beach and had carved for my wedding day.

North Show Bracelet Entry Display

The judging took place and I eagerly set off to see how my entry had done. As I entered the tent and approached the jewellery section, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my bracelet was awarded third prize. The entry that had come first was an arrangement of matching jewellery made out of a silk painting so I could see straight away how much work had been put in and loved the mix of blues and greens in the pieces.

North Show Jewellery Winner Entry

I was not aware you could put more than one piece of jewellery in under one entry so could have added the bridesmaid bracelet too but at least now know for next year!

Looking back at the piece I entered in 2010 and this year’s entry, I am proud of how far I have come in my jewellery making skills and if anything, this exercise has taught me to stop and remember what is important and that is to enjoy what I make and be proud of it….

Now all that’s left is to pick my winnings up next Friday. Now what shall I spend that £2 on! It’s the taking part that counts…..

Catherine Hockey Wedding Commission

Catherine Hockey married Nick Boughay on the 7th April 2012. Catherine is a friend of mine who approached me to create earrings for her and her three bridesmaids and earrings and a bracelet for her mother.

As Catherine’s wedding was on the Easter weekend the theme was flowers so we knew straight away that the bridesmaid jewellery, whatever design, had to include a flower of some sort. Catherine is always so good at accessorising her outfits that I knew she would want things colour co-ordinated. The colour theme was colbalt blue and yellow so I sourced some Swarovski crystal aquamarine flower pendants to use as part of the bridesmaid earring design.

The bridesmaids weren’t going to be wearing necklaces so we opted for longer earrings so that they would make more of a statement. I decided to use Italian Chain and connect various beads of varying blue shades including the Swarovski crystal flowers.

Bridesmaid Earrings:

Bridesmaid Earrings

I haven’t been asked to make bridesmaid earrings based on chain so it was a nice change and meant I could have more freedom with the design and beads used. I was not sure if there were enough beads attached but when I saw the bridesmaids wearing them on the day, I realised it was just the right amount. They stood out but did not look heavy or cumbersome.

Bridesmaids:

Bridesmaids

Bridal Earrings:

For Catherine’s earrings I knew it would have to be a design that would make a statement and involve something that sparkles. I sourced two Swarovski Tear-drop Pendants in Crystal AB measuring 24mm and Sterling Silver Tear Drop Pendant Caps. I connected these to Swarovski Crystal AB Bicones.

Bridal Swarovski Crystal Teardrop Pendant Earrings

Bridal Swarovski Crystal Teardrop Pendant Earrings

Bride:

Catherine wearing her Swarovski Teardrop Earrings on the big day

Photograph Courtesy of Creative Photography

Mother of the Bride Earrings:

Catherine’s mother also wanted some jewellery made to match her outfit so we decided on Swarovski creamrose and powder green pearls and golden shadow bicone crystals.

Bridesmaid Bracelet and Earrings (cream rose and powder green pearls and golden shadow crystals)

Mother of the Bride Bracelet:

Bridesmaid Bracelet (cream rose and powder green pearls and golden shadow crystals)

Bridesmaid Bracelet (cream rose and powder green pearls and golden shadow crystals)

Mother of the Bride Bracelet and Earrings:

Bridesmaid Bracelet and Earrings (cream rose and powder green pearls and golden shadow crystals)

Doing wedding jewellery for a friend is always a challenge as you can feel under more pressure and want them to be able to be honest with you and share any concerns. I enjoyed creating completely new designs for Catherine and loved trying out new beads and findings. I personally loved the chunky Swarovski bridal earrings and think they really suited Catherine’s outfit and picked up the light beautifully.

I will add some more photos of the jewellery being warn on the day as soon as they are available.

All that’s left to say is congratulations to Mr and Mrs Boughay on their marriage and I wish them all the best for the future.

Hope you have enjoyed viewing these designs and I would be happy to hear any comments.

If you like these designs and would like to enquire about using Pierrine’s bespoke wedding jewellery service please contact me on –
pierrine@cwgsy.net

Thanks

Nicole

Carolyn Wensink Wedding Commission

Carolyn Wensink married Craig Marchant on the 18th February 2012 in Canada. Carolyn lives in Cardiff so her Guernsey based sister Emily approached me to create jewellery for her sister and her four bridesmaids.

Carolyn’s theme was snowflakes so Emily and I knew straight away that the bridesmaid jewellery, whatever design, had to include a snowflake of some sort. I sourced silver diamanté snowflake charms for Carolyn’s necklace and matching bracelet and smaller simple snowflake charms for the bridesmaid bracelets.

Bridesmaid Bracelet:

Bridesmaid Bracelet (12mm Swarovski Crystal Creamrose Pearls with Snowflake charm)

Bridesmaid Earrings:

I have made designs similar to these before but never used a snowflake charm for bridesmaid bracelets so it made a nice change and really suits a Canadian wedding.

It was quite different making bridal jewellery for someone I had never met so Emily had to liaise with her sister Carolyn about her requirements and then relate this back to me. It was lovely to know that Carolyn trusted Emily’s judgement and that she also was happy to commission me and not someone local to herself. I was therefore delighted to make Carolyn a matching bridal bracelet and necklace with a snowflake theme and a co-ordinating headpiece and pair of earrings.

We wanted the jewellery to make quite a statement as Carolyn likes chunky jewellery so we opted for a two stranded bracelet using 10mm Swarovski Crystal Creamrose pearls and a diamanté snowflake charm.

Bridal Bracelet:

Bridal Bracelet (10 mm Swarovski Crystal Creamrose Pearls with diamanté Snowflake charm)

Bridal Bracelet

Bridal Bracelet

Bridal Earrings:

Bridal Earrings

Bridal Bracelet and Earrings Boxed Up

Carolyn also wanted a chunky necklace to match so we used 12mm Swarovski Crystal Creamrose pearls and a diamanté snowflake charm:

Bridal Necklace:

Bridal Necklace (12mm Swarovski Crystal Creamrose Pearls with diamanté Snowflake charm)

Bridal Necklace (detail of diamanté Snowflake charm)

To keep the theme throughout her wedding accessories, Carolyn chose to also commission a co-ordinating bridal headpiece which would add a touch of sparkle to her hair style on the day.

Bridal Headpiece:

Bridal Headpiece (Creamrose Swarvoski Crystal Pearls and Crystal AB Bicones)

I really enjoyed working on this order because it was my first winter wedding design and I loved the chunkiness of the bridal jewellery.  Here are some pictures from the big day:

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All that’s left to say is congratulations to Mr and Mrs Marchant on their marriage and I wish them all the best for the future.

Hope you have enjoyed viewing these designs and I would be happy to hear any comments.

If you like these designs and would like to enquire about using Pierrine’s bespoke wedding jewellery service please contact me on –
pierrine@cwgsy.net

Thanks

Nicole