Your Handmade Wedding by Fine & Fleurie

The Great Hair Debate

2010-08-14T16:01:00.004-04:00

This. Hair. Is. Too. Hot.

That's it.

Georgia in the summer time, 1,000% humidity and a head full of wavey, thick hair is just not a good mix. I am thinking of cutting it. Not tooooo short, but a good amount. Thoughts? Yes? No way?

NEW Handmade Dupioni Silk Blooms

2010-08-01T07:25:00.005-04:00

I love the look, texture and slight sheen of dupioni silk. Here is one I worked on the other afternoon. I am thinking of making a slightly smaller mate to this one and selling them as a pair :)

Annnnnnnnnnnd the Winner is...

2010-06-25T09:38:00.004-04:00

The lovely Mrs. Farris :) Congrats!! Be sure to checkout her Etsy shop, too. Super cute STD cards and other goodies. This giveaway was so fun and so far these necklaces have been really well-received. Yay!

Also, check out this custom (hand-carved) stamp I bought this week from brownpigeon

So cute, right? I am so excited to start doing business under the new indentity :)

Girl Loves a Giveaway!!

2010-06-14T17:00:00.005-04:00

So in celebration of my new custom necklace collection I am doing a giveaway over on my FB Fan Page!!! One lucky chickie will win a sterling silver necklace stamped with her "Mrs." name, so whether you are newly married, almost married, or even if you've been married for 20 years, click over to my fan page and enter!! Ends Friday at midnight; winner will be announced Saturday! Woot woot!

A Little Treat and a Sneak Peak...

2010-06-06T08:06:00.007-04:00

You know what I noticed about myself? I am a Sunday morning blogger. Many of my blog posts happen in the wee hours of Sunday; I guess because this day is the quietest and laziest around my house. We sleep late, make pancakes and drive around looking for yard sales... and best of all, no mail runs today so there is no mad dash to print, package and get to the post before the lock me out lol....

Anyways, there is tons of good stuff going on over here, so I'll pick my top three..

First, here is the new logo! I am still in the process of switching everything over to operation under my new LLC name, but this logo being finished is huge. Soon, I'll have a new .com under this name and eventually my Etsy shop will reflect this change as well. What do you think? Any feedback is appreciated :)
So next topic- look at this pretty dress I got this past week from Leanne Marshall aka Leanimal

Remember the winner of Project Runway 2008? Those gorgeously pleated dresses, super feminine designs and muted, beachy colors palates had me swooning even then.

This is her Emaline dress and I have to say, I was not dissapointed when this arrived just a couple days after I ordered. It is completely gorgeous.

Soooooooooo, this brings me to my last topic for this post.....

My real motivation from ordering from Leanne was to get a feel for her work in person, the cut, fit, craftsmanship because I am thinking of having her design and make my...........................................................................................................................................................................................

WEDDING DRESS!!

*insert screeching tire sound*

*insert record stopping sound*

I know, you're thinking: "Isn't she already married?" "Don't she and DH have two little boys?"

Well, yes and yes.... but when we got hitched 4 years ago (!!) I didn't think I would ever want a true wedding. I was happy to run off and elope and fill family and friends in on the details later. But, a lot has changed since then and the time feels right. Woo Hoo! I am thrilled and excited to finally have a day all our own with some close friends and family :)

So much more on this later :)

How Does Your Garden Grow....

2010-06-04T08:00:00.011-04:00

Our yard here in Georgia is definitely in full bloom. I decided to turn the hydrangas blue this season (you use sulfur to do this) and they look so amazing! These are the very first blooms of the season, but they will be popping up all summer.

I also have a few pitiful strawberries that are actually turning ripe red. Antonio will be so excited to see these; he doesn't care if they're a funny shade haha!

The impatients by the door are doing great, too. I think this is the perfect shady spot for them.

And of course I could never sneak outside to snap a couple photos without my little outdoorsy friend. He just loves it out here.

How do you like his summer buzz-cut :)

Um, hello??

2010-05-02T08:05:00.006-04:00

Yikes! Where have I been! No no, I haven't been slacking and although my blogging has fallen to the back burner recently, I have been hard at work behind the scenes!

For one, JMG Jewelry Design is about to have an entire new identity! I am in the process, final stages in fact, of becoming Fine and Fleurie LLC!! Yay! This means new logo, new website and all around new and exciting things for my growing business. I will be revealing my new logo here in the days to come, so please keep an eye out :)

What else has been going on? Well, some new cufflinks...

And also, our sweet baby Ethan turned ! Yay! Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

My week... in Etsy purchases...

2010-04-09T12:09:00.000-04:00

Although I have been hard as work this week, I did take a little time out to shop :) Here are a couple of my favorite Etsy purchases from this past week....

This super skinny gold belt is vintage and soo adorable! I snagged it for only $20 (!!) from RubyKitten. She has lots of good stuff...

Also, the fill the shabby frames I got on clearance from the craft store I bought these gorgeous prints from UrbanDesign . They are really so pretty in person and they catch a compliment from everyone who passes through the hall :) Love!!

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-03T09:26:00.001-04:00

I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday!!

I'll be enjoying a couple much needed days out of the studio, but I'll be back at it early Monday morning :) Here are a couple shots of the boys enjoying their early gift baskets (thanks Zia Pina!)

::::::::::Real Bride::::::::::::

2010-03-24T06:33:00.000-04:00

These pretty photos of recent client Jennifer really made my heart skip a beat! Jennifer is wearing my ivory silk mini fascinators and she looks ah-mazing! Congrats Jennifer and Brandon!!

Photography was done by the talented Melissa McCrotty. Gorgeous!

Winner, winner!!!

2010-03-23T11:05:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much to all the lovely ladies who helped to make my very first giveaway such a success! I had so much fun doing this I am already planning another for April...

Anyways, the winners were chosen at random (names in a hat! lol) and they are:

Heather Muir

and

Ashley McLellan

Yay! Congrats ladies!!!

::::::GIVEAWAY::::::: on my Facebook Fan Page!!

2010-03-15T16:08:00.000-04:00

So excited!

The giveaway is running Monday to Monday so click over to the FB page, read the details and enter! One entry per fan, no purchase necessary. One fan will win ANY item from my shop!!

Just a Few Random Weekend Notes...

2010-03-14T06:36:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday Ya'll!

Received my new clutch from Jenny. Love love love... the vintage leather is buttery soft and the palest shade of army green.... although it photographs almost aqua.

In other randomness, The Sartorialist has an iPhone app now.... definitely worth the ::free:: download for eye-candy on the go.

What else...
Oh, inspiration for this coming week are these necklaces for Anthropologie:

So gorgeous and definitely have me inspired to use up some of the pretty trinkets laying around my desk. We'll see how it comes out; maybe I'll list it in the shop.... maybe I'll just keep it for myself :)

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

Lovely New Pieces in the Etsy Shop...

2010-03-07T16:30:00.001-05:00

Well I've been riding the inspiration wave lately and here are a few new pieces to show :)

Multi-strand headband inspired by January Jones' headband at last years Emmy's

A fun french netting poof as an alternative to a traditional veil

New Cuff Bracelets Available!

2010-02-28T07:20:00.000-05:00

I have so many pretty little findings laying around and I've been looking for some way to put them to go use and TA-DA! New raw brass cuff bracelets. I am a big fan of chunky jewelry and these bracelets go with lots of different looks. AND the best part is the price; most are under $30! I think these would make really pretty bridesmaid gift!

See all currently available here!

Like my pretty new dress?

2010-01-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

It's handmade by a lovely Japanese designer, Vivat Veritas and you can visit her Etsy shop here! The dress fits like a dream and the full skirt gives me a little junk in the trunk lol.... something I sadly lack ;)

Designer Denim Blowout Sale Today on GILT!

2010-01-21T10:55:00.000-05:00

Starting at 12pm today Gilt is having their Designer Denim Blowout Sale! So exciting... I don't know what styles they'll have but I am hoping to score a pair of white skinnies by Ksubi, like these:Need an invite? Click here!

I have snapped up some amazing deals in the past- $88 Anlo flares! And the pocketed Trovata dress in these photos for $90!

Post-Holiday Blahs and Giveaway News...

2010-01-11T09:41:00.001-05:00

So we are already 11 days into the new year and I hope so far it is treating you all well! I am back to the grind full force and happy to have lots of exciting new things in the works. But, I am still going through a little bout of the "post-holiday blahs", which is something that happens every year around this time. It's when the festivities are over, family has gone home, the decorations have come down and suddenly it is the dead of winter with no warm-up in sight. When we were living in Miami I didn't feel this way too much because it was always in the 80s and we would just head to the park or the beach. Oh well, warmer days are definitely on the horizon, so for now I will just buckle down and get lots of work done, baking with the boys and breaking in my new sewing machine :)

But, I was thinking that a great way to cheer up the winter blues would be to do a giveaway! This will be my first giveaway ever on this blog, so I am super excited. However, I haven't decided which piece I am going to send off to a lucky reader. What do you think??One of my new stained glass pieces?
Or one of my new birdcase veils maybe? (not even in the shop yet!!)
I'd love to hear opinions! I am going to decide and post the giveaway tomorrow morning, so please check in!!

Happy New Years (Eve)!!! And Some Fashion Inspiration...

2009-12-31T10:46:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone!
Happy New Years Eve!! Out with the old in with the new- I just love this time of the year. Not just because of the holidays- the yummy food, great gifts and extra time with the fam. But I love the sense of possibility it gives me. What can I make of the year to come? 2009 was a great year for me- we made a big move, bought the house of our dreams, welcomed our second healthy baby- wow! All of that is really hard, nearly impossible, to beat. But, I think 2010 is really going to be my year for business success. I've got lots of new things in the works and I've been feeling super inspired lately. Soooooo, we will see!

But, back to the day at hand. Although I'll be spending new years eve home with the boys, watching the ball drop from my living room with the fire place ablaze, I still like to think of what I *might* wear if I were headed out on the town. Here are some Etsy finds that I really love. (Keep in mind I am super conservative so no sequins or feathers will be found in my pretend New Years Eve ensemble lol):

Wide Collar Wrap Top, by MoonCircus

Jersey Fringe Bandaid Skirt by iheartnorweiganwood

Herringbone Spats by ashesandempiresLoooove these!

Pretty new rings...

2009-12-30T08:34:00.001-05:00

I have some pretty new rings available in the shop. They are all ready to ship, too!
They are sterling silver or copper with gorgeous vintage turquoise glass stones.

Also, the SHIPPING SALE has been extended one more day :) Happy Wednesday!

Post-Holiday Shipping Sale

2009-12-29T08:46:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday! Now that most of the excitement has died down around here, I wanted to offer a little special to my clients. FREE worldwide shipping! It's valid Tuesday only and all shipping charges will be refunded via Paypal! So, if you've had your eye on something, now is a great time to scoop it up :) Enjoy!

My Super Glamorous Laundry Room Photo Shoot

2009-12-26T06:53:00.000-05:00

I always have to laugh a little when I get compliments on my product photography, mainly because the photos are shot in my laundry room (it has the best natural light in the house, seriously) and they are always taken with a two year old and an eight month old under foot, baby toys, screaming, yogurt-covered fingers trying to touch my stuff. I love all the eye-candy on the wedding blogs (StyleMePretty, JuneBugWeddings) but *sigh* my life just isn't that glamorous :0)

Anyways, enough day dreaming. Here are some new pics from my latest laundry room photo shoot. Enjoy!

I can barely contain my excitement!!

2009-12-07T08:02:00.000-05:00

You know when you get into a serious creative-funk and you think you'll never have another brilliant moment again? That how I had been feeling lately. I'm not sure if it was the change of seasons, the cold weather that my body had forgotten while we were living in Miami, but I just wasn't feeling *it*.

But, I am so excited to announce that the spell has been broken and I am unveiling something new and bold and inventive for my Etsy shop. The DEPARTURE Series!!! I have already sold a few of these new pieces, but I have LOTS more to add. I feel such a sense of renewed inspiration and I am literally giddy as I list these necklaces!

Here is a peek:

Ready to buy? Here you go!!

In Case You're In the Mood for Something Gorgeous..

2009-10-10T08:20:00.001-04:00

Gorgeous bride Dorie had an amazing Memphis affair! It was so quirky-chic, I can hardly stand it. See Style Me Pretty's take here. Photo credit Heidi Ryder.

Sneak Peak....

2009-09-24T08:46:00.001-04:00

So we've been getting minimal sleep around here lately, since the boys have become very early risers and a boat load of custom orders has been keeping me up past midnight most nights... Nevertheless, I've been putting together a collection of winter belts. Here is a sneak peak at the first, which will be in shop sometime next week (hopefully!)

A Pretty Custom Creation

2009-08-13T10:35:00.000-04:00

Just posted this morning, a pretty ivory tulle and silk flower fascinator! I really love this design and may add it to my regular line. Nice!

{Gator Bride} Blog Love

2009-07-20T16:06:00.000-04:00

I was delighted to hear how pleased Kimberly, a bride-to-be and recent client, was when she received her custom bridesmaid hair flower order!

Kimberly has a fantastic blog {Gator Bride} where you can read about her adventures in wedding planning. Definitely worth checking out! Thanks again, Kimberly!

It's almost sangria time...

2009-07-19T14:03:00.000-04:00

So, I confess. I buy a lot from other Etsy sellers (shhhh, don't tell hubs). I blame it mostly on the fact that I'm always on the site, managing my shop, keeping up with the trends and getting lost ready storque articles. One thing always leads to another and before I know it I'm typing in my Paypal password and clicking the infamous *Pay Now* button. Really, I can help it. Here's the latest bit of damage I did:

These beauties are from RedHotPottery and I think I'm in love.

I can't wait to get them and make some sangria in this pretty pitcher! Doesn't everything taste better in handmade pottery?

As Promised...

2009-07-12T16:05:00.000-04:00

More photos of my gorgeous clients sporting their JMG creations! Thanks for sharing, ladies!!

A beautiful Real Bride

2009-07-10T09:47:00.001-04:00

I've been meaning for a while to post some of the gorgeous photos that past brides have sent along to me. But when a recent client sent me this photo yesterday, I knew I couldn't delay any longer. For her early summer wedding, Jordan was adorned in my brooch headband, classic pearl necklace and studs, all in ivory. She looked stunning and doesn't her hubby look smitten! I can't imagine my work looking any more beautiful! Thanks again for sharing, Jordan!

This is the headband in the Martha Stewart DIY Wedding contest, so if you love it please stop by here to vote for it!

I'm going to post some other lovely brides' photos this week, so you all can see my fascinators and headbands at their best.

Jessica

Please Vote for my Headband

2009-07-08T16:26:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

As many might know, Martha Stewart has a DIY Wedding Craft contest going on this month and next. I've entered one of my very favorite pieces in with high hopes :) I'm hoping some of my lovely clients and friends would take a moment to vote. It is so very appreciated!

Here is the link: http://contributors.marthastewartweddings.com/portal/index.html?ctrl:id=window.default.ContestWindow&ctrl:type=render&ctrl:windowstate=maximized&op=vpic&user=1148237&ccomm=36776&offset=3&cPicId=92569

Best,

Jessica

Once the weather clears....

2009-06-23T10:41:00.001-04:00

And I can actually get some good light to take better photos, I will be posting new cufflinks! My hub (a firefighter) gave me this good idea. I have new pewter cufflinks available with Saint Florian, the patron saint of fire fighters on them. I also have ones for police with Saint Michael. A fantastic gift for your groom!

Here are a couple of preview pics:

2009-06-22T17:30:00.000-04:00

Just some cuteness to bring a smile this afternoon...

I found these hats on clearance at Baby Gap and couldn't resist getting one for each of them, even though Ethan's is an XS it looks like it won't truly fit for a while yet:

And just one more...

Happy Monday!

2009-06-22T09:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday!

Well, we survived the busy weekend with A's birthday on Saturday and Father's Day on Sunday. I'll post some birthday pics later on, once I get the morning's orders out.

For now, here are some pics of a custom order from last week. I really love the rhinestone centers on these little fascinators. Should I post them in the shop as a set of two?

I think I'll add a little biot feather to the backs if I do list them. We'll see :) Anyways, on with Monday!