I love it when I find something that has beautiful style AND is eco-conscious!  Double-whammy!  Always on the look-out for such finds, I was happy to come across True Blind Faith’s website and see their sparkly, beautiful bridal accessories created out of vintage jewelery.  There are fabulous combs to insert into your bridal-styled locks, sparkly vines that  wind through your hair, and of course, effervescent tiara’s.  I truly think that you would wear these piece again! (or maybe turn them back into a necklace or bracelet?)

This one is called “Glinda”  from the OZ collection – okay, I’ll wear this one right now, bride or not!  (I think everyone should wear a little bling now and then!)

True Blind Faith states that their goal is to “help brides define their personal style on their wedding day.  We believe that every bride should be adorned with original creations to allow her own unique style and personality shine through.  New designs are consistently born into our collections which include various styles of tiaras, headbands and combs.”

What I love about True Blind Faith’s Pieces, beside their beauty?  All the pieces are previously loved vintage jewels and findings that originally began life as brooches, bracelets, earrings or other adornments.  They are hand selected with a vision in mind with the finale resulting in a one-of-a-kind treasure.  A self-taught artisan, Susan uses her passion for beauty, vintage jewelry, fashion, and design to re-birth these vintage pieces into new, trendy hairpieces.  Creating since 2000, Susan finds inspiration in the world that surrounds her, letting every vintage piece communicate something of its own, each uniquely transformed with the creative flourishes of Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls.  New Jersey born, Susan has collected styles from each place she has lived; a self-described nomad residing outside New York City, Silicon Valley and the Monterey Bay areas of California, Scottsdale, AZ, and currently Atlanta, GA.

I love that there are various collections, and that Susan takes the time to explain her inspiration behind her collections on her blog.  Love love love!

Daniela

Pantone came out with it’s new color trends for Spring 2010 (and more) in October, and we’ve had fun with a few of our brides using variations of these colors!  Here is what Pantone lists as THE colors for Spring 2010:

What do you think?  I LOVE the Tomato Puree, especially when mixed with the turquoise.

This was a simple red bouquet we did a few years ago, with the Tomato puree red and turquoise blue ribbon – the bride even wore turquoise!

I love this image Bradley Hanson captured in a photoshoot we styled last summer, with this fabulous Turquoise hue mixed with cream:

Kelly Simants of Sweet Pea Events has been working on a blog series on Pantone colors as well, and we were glad to share some pictures with her of one of our summer weddings for her blog.

She was looking for just the right shade of blue (Pantone 2010’s “Amparo Blue”)

She paired our robin’s egg blue summer wedding with some other fabulous finds – I love what she came up with!

Row 1: Place cards with keys by Whitney Elizabeth Photography, Bridal Party with Parasols by Bradley Hanson Photography – Event Design by Daniela of Bella Signature Design

Row 2: Cupcake by Bradley Hanson with Event Design by Daniela of Bella Signature Design, Napkins by Jared Rey

Row 3: Bridesmaids shoes by Mew, Bride & Groom by Poser:Image

Row 4/5: Programs by Jared Rey, Bridesmaids dresses and shoes by Poser:Image, Bridesmaid by Jared Rey, and Menu by Whitney Elizabeth Photography

What do you like better, the Amparo blue or the Turquoise?

Our December 13th Workshop is now full, but we have a few slots available for Dec 21st, which is a Monday (and will allow you to enjoy your creation for the holidays!)  See below for details…

‘Tis that time of year!!!!
Throughout the year, I receive a lot of interest in DIY Workshops for flowers–so much so in fact, that I’ve decided to host TWO  (now Three!) workshops to create the perfect centerpiece for each of the upcoming holidays. You are invited to join me in a creative environment (hot buttered rum included), and other eager DIY-ers in demystifying floral design.
Winter Holiday:

“Monochromatic Elegance” December 13, 4:00 PM FULL

December 21st, 6:30 pm

Investment: $45 plus materials (and our workshop usually start at $100!!!)
Where: Bella’s Bainbridge Island Studio (not the Seattle one!), with owner/creative designer Daniela Ferdico Faget. Take a fun ferry ride from Seattle! 15648 Point monroe 98110

Why: I know budgets are tight right now and many hosts are looking for ways to cut costs, cut back on gifts, yet still celebrate the season. My goal is to give you the knowledge, practice and confidence in our workshops to prepare for your own future events. And who doesn’t love a little hot-buttered rum?!

The workshop is open to anyone–so make it a girl’s night out, bring your mom’s group, tell a friend. Besides, there’s nothing like gorgeous blooms, dirty hands and a little creativity to make your weekend that much brighter.

Questions & Registration
206.679.1059 or Kelly {at}bellasignature {dot} com

Want to donate your arrangement because you are going out of town? May we suggest donating a beautiful piece for the holidays to those who do not experience the beauty of the season? Many elderly in our community are without loved ones. Maybe you have a neighbor who could use some holiday cheer. We also recommend the senior-focused facilities here on the island – everyone deserves a little holiday cheer

Cheers!

We have finally made the switch to Wordpress, so please have patience while we change all our settings along with the appearance of the site!

Daniela

Eco-Friendly, Ethically Sourced Diamonds?

We all go into marriage with expectations of honesty, and ethical beliefs – in fact it’s safe to assume that ethics are a pretty darn good-sized chunk of how marriage comes about…or at least we hope! The there is the RING (one of my favorite parts – I do love good bling!) Yet…have you ever thought about where the beautiful rock that’s glistening on your finger came from? It’s SO easy to get caught up in the moment and about the style of the ring (and size of the diamond), and worrying about uncompromised ethics in diamond mining is probably not in the forefront. Yet, if you are still reading, it may be one of many things to consider (and for some, the only, or main, issue).

With all the hype of ‘green’ trends – weddings have moved full speed ahead with going green – it’s the hottest trend in the industry and diamonds are a part of that trend. Ethically sourced, conflict-free, fair labored diamonds show a commitment that extends into your marriage and future. There are other ways to go green with your engagement ring or wedding bands – why not pair your ethically sourced diamond with a recycled gold or platinum band?

Brilliant Earth offers a fabulous selection of Canadian mined and Namibian diamonds. Brilliant Earth has amazing design techniques and a wide selection of bands, diamonds, sapphires and recycled gold and metals. Plus, they honor only 100% fair labor and eco-friendly practices, and 5% of profits are donated to help local African communities.

Brilliant Earth uses environmentally responsible precious metals, including recycled gold, silver, and platinum.

Why choose conflict-free diamonds? Conflict free diamonds are guaranteed to originate from ethical and environmentally responsible sources. Conflict free diamonds are free from violence and human rights abuses, and are produced with minimal environmental impact. What is a Conflict Diamond? Conflict diamonds have funded devastating civil wars in Africa, ending millions of lives. These conflict diamonds, also known as “blood diamonds”, are associated with rights abuses, and environmental damage.
With so many ethically sourced, conflict-free choices these days, it seems only natural to do your homework before making the purchase. If we all do our part, maybe we’ll make a healthy impact in an industry that has too long thrived on violence, abuse and unethical practices. Know that the symbol of love you’ll cherish for a lifetime was a product of a fair trade industry. What a great way to celebrate the commitment of marriage!

Kudos to Brilliant Earth for their commitment to the wedding industry, ethics, and charities. Fantastic design, exceptional values and a commitment to the environment make Brilliant Earth our green pick of the week! Check out their site for beautiful pieces! I’ll take a few myself!