Rachel Wood Designs

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Beautiful Bride? Nailed it!

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One of the best bits of advice I had was from my dress designer (and friend) Mandy, was to book in for a manicure and turn off the phone. Off we went to Escape for all manner of preening, and lots of fuss. It was the best thing I could have done to avoid that last bit of wedding stress. It was only after the event I realized just how much my hands were photographed close up (signing the register, cutting the cake) and grabbed by guests during the wedding to look at my rings.

 

Well that was seven years a go and I think that was the last time my nails were done. During my last, shall we say “strop” I vowed to spend a bit more time on well, ME.

So I have started having my nails done regularly (yes, me, I have). I wasn’t expecting the added bonus that it’s like having ten little tools on the end of my fingers! If I’d spent money on my nails over the years it probably would have saved me time on some of my more intricate jewellery orders believe it or not. Between handling Swarovski crystal, narrow gauge wires, renovating a house and being a mum – let’s face it my hands now need some TLC.

Thanks Amanda (another busy Mum juggling it all and still looks fab) – I’m delighted with my french manicure. It’s so natural looking that nobody will suspect it’s not unless I let the cat out of the bag… Oops!

https://www.facebook.com/Glamnailsco/

It’s All About The Detail

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I love making combs for the back of the hair, fastenings or decorations for the back of a dress. It really is all about the detail and important to consider that not all your photographs will be a square on front view. Likewise, some of the most successful pieces I’ve worked on are all about what you see once you get closer, and a talking point for you and your guests. My “Discovery” bridal bouquets featuring all sorts of forgotten treasures are pure bliss to work on. My first order since returning to work has been such a love affair – I’m not sure I’ll be able to hand it over when she comes to collect (I’m working on “letting go” Laura don’t worry)!

The bride in question fell in love with the bouquet (pictured below) that I had made for her friend Sarah a few years ago. When Laura arrived with a box of broken jewellery, pre loved sparkle, buttons and even her Grandfather’s handkerchief I felt so inspired. I can’t wait to post some photos her finished bouquet that was kick started by the one featured below – but only right the bride sees it first…

Something Old, Something New

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And a sixpence in her shoe… Have you ever heard that? I’m all for comfort so there’s no reason why the sixpence cannot be wired into your bouquet. A borrowed locket sewn into the lining of your dress. The palest of light azure blue swarovski crystals in your flower girl’s alice band. And that stunning new headdress from Rachel Wood Designs made to your tastes, bringing those old retro pearls right up to date. Bright ideas? Plenty more where they came from…

Placing Your Order

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There are a range of existing designs for inspiration that can be embellished and remade in any colours you desire.

If you want something a little different, use bespoke service and have a unique piece of jewellery designed specifically for you, following a consultation.

Please contact Rachel to discuss your requirements.

by APPOINTMENT

Rachel Wood Designs is based from home and we have a number of workshop samples ready for you to try on. We can also advise you of available alterations and alternative design ideas to suit your needs. Choose from one of the existing designs in a range of colours / components, or take inspiration from them and have a new design tailor-made to your specifications.

Our bespoke service is ideal for those of you who require inspiration and guidance, or desire something just a little different. During the consultation there will be samples available for you to try on and your requirements and ideas can then be discussed at length. Any other important information such as deadlines, colour themes and details of the special occasion would be helpful in advance of the meeting.

Please contact Rachel for more information and to make an appointment.

PAYMENT DETAILS

30% Deposits will be required when commissioning a bespoke order, and the balance due on collection/before delivery. Orders of existing designs and samples will require payment in full, in advance.

What’s available from Rachel Wood Designs?

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You can choose from the range of existing designs or use the bespoke design service, and have something tailor-made to your individual specifications. Tiaras and handcrafted designer jewellery pieces are made from the highest quality Swarovski crystal, glass beads, crystal pearls and intricate wire work.

  • tiaras and headdresses
  • earrings and bracelets
  • combs and pins
  • fascinators and hat decoration
  • bespoke accessories
  • costume jewellery repairs / re modelling

How do we start?

  1. Look at the portfollio for inspiration
  2. Gather together your samples, ideas and any forgotten treasures / pre loved jewellery, brooches etc. for including in the design
  3. Book a consultation
  4. We begin creating your unique piece

To Veil, or not to veil… What’s the point?

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Okay, so my veil was initially just my something old. A vintage circular veil my Mum wore for her wedding ceremony, embellished with lace to add detail at the back of my dress and head – to make me feel like a bride. Just an accessory, out of the way of the headdress I had handcrafted for myself from my grandmother’s crystals…

Then two minutes before walking down the aisle I asked my chief bridesmaid (the best friend always there for a crisis of confidence and has been since I was six) to cover me over with the entire thing. I won’t lie – it was that cloak of invisibility that got me down the aisle!

A veil is no longer tradition – it’s a personal choice. It’s not a spiritual decision or a necessity to complete the look. But like any accessory or shaped garment it can aid the perfect outfit in making you feel just right. However, without careful consideration in it’s placing – poof, it can make you feel like you’ve been attacked by a pair of net curtains.

I don’t know if that has helped or hindered. My veil definitely helped.

It did hinder once sat down though and so was promptly removed during the starter… Sorry Mum!

Images by Frank Henshall Photography.