♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ It’s been a while ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

It’s been some time since I posted. Plenty has been happening for me. Lots of commissions and extra fairs. This has given me a push to start attending more vintage fairs in my local area. The response to my work has been phenomenal and I love show off my creations to my neighbours.

Back in October I was busy creating new stock for Ruby’s. It was great to some familiar faces and meet some new ones at both the October and December fairs.

I also had the pleasure of doing my first ever Yellow Vintage Fair at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. It was such a busy day! I am pleased I managed to create more of my new glitter bows as they proved a popular stocking filler. The Poinsettia pieces went down a treat too!

2014 is going to be an even busier year for me. I have quite a few fairs booked already and I have another first... Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair. I will be joining over 100 sellers in the Southampton Guildhall on Saturday 8th Feb. Better get making!

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♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ Anna’s Splash of Colour ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

A new service is now available. Whilst at the latest fair in Newbury a lady was looking through my playing card greetings cards. She selected the cards and commissioned a bespoke piece. I think this might be the way forward.

♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ Teacup Fascinator & Matching Buttonhole♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

The latest creations for a tea party themed wedding...

♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ It's nice to hear what people think ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

So, I created a Salvador Dali inspired headpiece for a client that discovered me on Etsy.

As soon as a package leaves my house the panic sets in. Will it get there, will it survive the journey, will they like it, does it fit... I could go on. To receive such thorough and complimentary feedback was a real ego boost so wanted to share it...

Dear Sue,

Hope this finds you really really well. I'm so sorry for writing so late but it's been such a hectic time for me and I really wanted to take my time in writing you.

Firstly, your packaging was amazing! The coolest packaging I have ever seen. I didn't even want to open the box!!

The actual fascinator was beyond my expectations! It is so so beautiful. I felt amazing wearing it and so comfy.

I can't tell you how many people complimented me on it and asked me where I had it made. You've got quite a following in Dubai now!

Thank you so so much for making this beautiful creation. Thank you for making it in such a short time! Thank you for everything....really....

I will definitely keep in touch and let you know of any future parties or ideas that we may need!

Thank you and all the very best,

Azza

♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ Comic Book Geekery ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

I had a lot of things going through my head as I made this piece. As always I make up a story to go with the imagery I am working with. Usually I am creating with playing cards, they get a bit boring after a while as I always go back to the Jack having an affair with the Queen behind the Kings back. 

So the images used from the cover of Ace Magazines, Inc The Beyond, No. 10 April 1952 gave me a bit of inspiration. As I am only working with the cover I had to guess what the story was about and so the general plot, I believe, is something like this.

The Damsel in Distress is being chased by fiery devlish creatures.

 

Her Fiance, who is a bit of a wimp can only watch in horror as they come to get her.

 The old man pictured bottom left is reaching out to help her and rescue her from the clutches of the little devils. ( I hope you can see that from the images).

The feathers used to embellish the piece also represent the characters. Single, turquoise feather = woman, two grey/blue feathers = Fiance, red and black feathers = devil and the ivory feathers represent the old man who is rescuing her. 

The button has the logo of Ace Magazines and I have hand embroidered it.

It’s all pretty obvious isn’t it however I wanted to try and explain the process behind my work and how important colour and quantity of the feathers is important.

Now I am off to make more...

♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ Queen of Hearts ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

The Queen of Hearts Fascinator has been developed into a bit of a fancier version. The wired hearts can be adjusted into place and the extra heart shaped feathers add movement and height. 

This piece is now available to buy here.

This piece has come from the popular comb which can be found in my shop.  

The cards in this piece are slightly different with the heart pips having a black outline. 

The base of the flower is mounted on a rosette of ribbons and a felt heart finishes it. 

♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ The new Auricula ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

Originally based on Carrie’s clip this piece has been on the back burner for quite some time. Glad I have finally got it in my Etsy shop!

My plan to have one listing a week is going ok. Not sure I will have one next week, no time to create whilst busy car shopping and getting bits done for school. Hopefully next weekend I will spend a few hours locked away in my feather room.