forgotten beauty.....

Kay Rasmus Nielsen (March 12, 1886 – June 21, 1957

Hello

I have been so busy over the past few weeks with commissions that I have not had time to post anything, but one of my Christmas gift, was so beautiful that I have to tell you about it.
I was bought a copy of 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses', a lovely book that I distinctly remember taking out of the library when I was 5 or 6. I had completely forgotten about it, but the moment I saw the wonderful pictures I remembered sitting in the library, wishing I had a beautiful dress like Princesses.

The artist is a Danish Art Nouveau illustrator called Kay Nielson and his work is truly amazing.
I find his images totally captivating, like all great illustrators, his work looks so simple, but also extremely complicated and the colour washes/combinations he uses are very pretty.

His prints are available on line and I am going to buy several to inspire me. Now I know about him, I will not forget his art again.

Bel x  

beautiful hues....

Macaw Feathers

Hello

I have spent some time this week trying to source interesting colours to use on my website fluidsilverbridal and I came across so many lovely images of Macaw feathers, that I had to share some of them. The colours are so brilliant and multi-tonal, simply looking at the them cheers me up.

Bel x

are you a crafty fox?

Jimbboart

Hi 

This weekend I had the pleasure of looking round a Crafty Fox Market, held at the DogStar pub, just round the corner from Electric Ave in Brixton. The market was great and I came away with a much lower bank balance, but several presents ticked off my list!
I was really surprised by the amount of graphic art there and jimbobart really stood out for me. I had already seen one or two of their plates in the design shop next to the Festival Hall on the South Bank, but I did not know who designed them.

Take a look at the website and if you fancy a nice day in town, keep an eye out for the next Crafty Fox Market, as I think it's a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Bel x

time of the year for gloves.....

My Etsy finds: Mynoush, Initasworks, Miabaggaili, AgnesFelt

Hello to you

It's got to that time of the year, where I need a new pair of gloves! Every year I loose mine, or boil them in the wash. So every autumn a  new pair for me!
I much prefer my knitwear to be hand made (as I'm sure you do to), so Esty is my first stop and here is my first selection and I honestly can't choose between the 4 pairs. I may well buy them all, depending on how many pairs I will loose over the next few months.
I've tried to learn to knit, but it just doesn't float my bloat, so my attempts have never lasted long enough to create a single glove, let alone a pair.
If you fancy a pair of new gloves and you want to promote craft, then you will definitely find a really nice pair on Folksy or Etsy.

Bel x  

my sunshine is coral.....

Hello
This week for me has been trying desperately to keep my spirits up, as I've been feeling under my own little grey cloud. So I turned to colour to lift me out of the dumps and the colour that shined through was coral. 
Very much a spring colour I know, but I've been wearing it on my nails all week and every time I felt low, I looked down and my zingy nails made me smile. 
I know that at some point soon  the thought of Christmas will start to perk me up and I'll be full of the joys of sparkle and twinkly lights, but until that kicks in I'm relying on coral to pick me up.

Bel x

perfect, crisp, fresh.... why I love Autumn

Hello

The last few days have been absolutely beautiful, perfect autumn weather in my little patch of London. The air has been crisp and the sun blinding. I went for a nice long walk this lunch time and took my camera. Everything seemed to sparkle and shimmer in the bright winter light.

I also had the added treat of meeting Percy, the amazing Bengal cat that lives on the route I always walk. He is so beautiful and very very talkative. So I stopped and had a chat with him and took his picture, although he was much more interested in watching the wood pigeon, who was teasing him several yards away.

I love days like today, they really inspire me and although it was dark by the time I got home this evening my mind was buzzing with ideas for things to make this weekend.

Bel x 

my decor8 eclass moodboard......

Hello

So for the last few weeks I have been trying (mostly in vain), to participate in a really cool e-course run by Holy Becker of Decor8.

For the last 3 weeks we have been set various tasks as homework, by my actual work has been totally manic, so I was determined this weekend to complete the task for this week...a mood board.
Apologies, for the lighting in my pictures, I was battling with drizzly rain today, but I think I actually like the way some of the colours have turned out.

I  loved gathering all the bits together and I think there are more combinations in my head. It's not quite what I wanted to achieve, a bit cluttered, but as I was chasing the light, it's what I got.

Hopefully there will be a another bright day soon and I will have another crack at it, but for now I am happy with what I have created.

Bel x

A helping hand.....

Hello

I hope you are having a great week so far?

Now when I decided to start writing my blog, it was not my intention to write about anything other than Colour, Jewellery and Craft, as these are the things that make me happy.
But, I feel it's only fair to let you into a secret that I been in on for the last 18 months or so. If you already know about Pixiwoo, then your'll know that the advise given by these two 'Make Up Artist' sisters, Samantha & Nicki is the most amazing ever.
They have over 400 YouTube tutorials and cover anything from classic looks (great for weddings), to celebrity glamour, to fancy dress/party make up.

They know what looks good and will show you exactly how to apply everything, with tips scattered along the way and what's more they are really nice and great to watch. I feel like they are my friends, even though I've never met them.
I've learnt to use brushes to apply my make up properly and also about skin care brands that are used by the professionals.

Pixiwoo has over 400,000 weekly followers, so they are definitely doing something right.  Even if you don't wear make up or just have time in your life to apply a bit of mascara and some lip balm before leaving the house, check out what these lovely ladies have to say. 

Bel x

Underground colour.....

Hi

With the weather now becoming slightly gloomy, my morning train arrives in semi darkness. I've been landing at work still half asleep, carried along with the crowd, often with no real memory of my journey!

But this week I had to get into town exceptionally early (7am!) and fuelled by espresso, I was a lot more alert than usual. 

I notice that the underground at Charring Cross has the beautiful transport poster above, Nature's Paradise. The design is so so classic, with bold use of line and colour blocks, that with a little modification I think it would make a great mosaic (I might ditch the dolphin & some of the daisies).

Another project on my list for next summer.

All these wonderful transport posters can be bought on-line at London Transport Museum shop as well as loads of other cool gifts, that you wouldn't expect, so take a look if you are after unusual, but stylish Christmas presents.

The Puffins definitely brighten up my journey to work now.

Bel x

Esty Super Star......

Kangaroo Care

Hi

I was browsing the wonder that is Esty today, trying not to think about all the work I was MEANT to be doing, when I found these lovely necklaces by Kangeroo Care. I  instantly thought that they were really sweet and beautiful.
As a Jewellery who works predominantly with precious metal and gem stones (which sometimes can feel quite hard and cold), I think there is a real softness to jewellery made from wood and these pieces are combined with crochet in lovely refreshing colours.

The idea is so great, a necklace for mother and baby, something bright to catch your babies attention when breastfeeding.

How cool and clever is that!

The moment you take a baby in your arms, nothing is off limits, especially jewellery and necklaces in particular will be reached for. 
So it's great to be able to wear a piece that can be grabbed and even chewed. There are also some very sweet pieces for children, which I know would be loved and treasured.

I don't have a baby, but I think these necklaces are so fresh, that I want to buy one anyway and this site will be a must for any of my friends or relations, when they give birth. What a cool present to buy. and give.

Bel x

I love Mollie Makes.....

Mollie Makes

Hello all

Several months ago I was lucky to come across Mollie Makes magazine in my local newsagents on the release of only the second issue and I have been hooked ever since!

The magazine covers stitch craft, handmade cloths, retro furniture and much, much more. 

It's out every month and only costs £4.94. You can read it on-line  but every issue so far has come with a useful gift, sewing scissors, buttons, beautiful ribbon, so if you read it on-line you will miss our on the freebies!

I know that WH Smiths stock Mollie Makes, but only a few copies, so if like me there are regular readers in your area, you may be missing it, if they all sell on the first day it's out.

Well worth hunting out a copy do as I have done and ask for a subscription for your birthday or Christmas ans then sit back and wait for it to come to you.

Bel x 

All you need is paper, a blade and lots of imagination.......

Paper Art by Yulia Brodskaya

Hello 

I was in London this week and bought some beautiful hand made cards by Rob Ryan in Liberty and decided to check out other paper art designs. some of the pieces I have come across are utterly amazing.
Have a look online and be inspired.

Bel x

Paper Art by Matt Shlain

a new place to spend my money.......

kitchen accessories, wall stickers, ceiling rose stickers, lights

Hi

Get your lovely selves to a computer, smart phone or tablet and take a look at www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

There is furniture, gorgeous wall stickers and beautiful graduated wallpaper.

Don't blow the savings all at once.....

Bel x

In search of colour inspiration......

Oil Paintings by Dana Oldfather

Hello

Today I have been scouring the net for some colour inspiration and I found the lovely site of US painter www.danaoldfather.com

Her beautiful oil paintings and prints are a riot of colour, which is definitely what I needed as it has rained all today and I am starting to 

come down with a post holiday cold. 

I think the colour combo's in both paintings above, are really interesting and as I am about to start the annual hunt for spring bulbs, esp Tulips which need to be planted by the end of November, I think I might take some inspiration from Dana!

I think it's time to turn the central heating back on!

Bel x

September colour.......

I woke up this morning, post holiday and decided to give my little work room a tidy up and found a box of beautiful shell buttons I bought in the summer from John Lewis and www.clothhouse.com in Soho.
If you don't know the Cloth House website or it's 2 Soho shops, they are well worth a visit. They stock loads of unusual ribbons, buttons and lace as well as a wonderful range of linen's and hand printed fabric. 
In the light the colours in each tiny button are so brilliant and they look great with the heart shaped stone I found when I was beach combing this time last week. 
I'm definitely going to keep the tones in mind for my winter pieces, I think antique rose gold will work very well with these lovely subtle shades of shell.

Bel x

Autumn Colour........

Uuuummmmmm Autumn is on the way.........

Isle of Wight Botanic Garden

I've been away on holiday for the last few weeks and whilst away Summer is slowly slipping towards Autumn......my favourite time of year!
Whilst away I visited a beautiful Botanic Garden, with a very mysterious Hydrangea Walk. The colours are subtle, but completely inspiring and the texture of the petals is just like velvet. The way the light catches the flowers is lovely, especially at this time of year when they are perfect.
There is definitely a sense of calm in the air at the moment, not Summer, but not quite Autumn enough to wrap up warm in winter woollies. I absolutely love this time of year, from now until Christmas everything sparkles and I have an excuse to buy myself a lovely new winter coat!

Bel x

Get making.......

Clothkits

Hello

Sorry I've been away a while, I've been working hard making a mosaic for The Flowerpot Gang BBC1 and it's been tough going, but I think the end result will look amazing in the garden. The episode will be on the TV in a few weeks, so I will keep you all posted.
In the meantime, for those of you who don't know about Clothkits or who spent their childhood like me, dressed from head to toe in Clothkits, but thought that the company were no more. They are back, with beautiful patterns/kits and lovely material, including the Rob Ryan prints above.
Well worth a look!

Belx

Rainbow colours....

Wendy Marsh - Etsy

Hello....
So I have found these wonderfully colourful glass cake stands made by  Wendy Marsh. She sells them out of the US and can be found on Etsy and I think they are fabulous. I don't bake much, but I am going to buy a stand to put in my bathroom to put all of my cosmetic's and face creams on.
I am definitely going to let the colour in!

Bel x

Very very pretty....

plumo

This is lovely...
I have been searching for a nice jewellery stand, as my long necklaces especially get really knotted. I've been searching for a little while and this week I came across this beautiful design on the Plumo. I have often visit this site for their dress designs as they always have styles that are quite seductive, but also really comfy.
Luckily this jewellery stand is in the sale and is only £15, which is a bonus.


Bel x

My new peices

My work this week....

I have been busy working on two new pieces for my website.

I have wanted to make a Star Tiara for a while and I think I will actually wear it out at some point this summer, as it does look really nice.

I am really pleased with how my Butterfly Hair Pin is coming along. It still needs to be given a satin finish, but I think that it will look real beautiful in the back on a chignon hairstyle. This will be the first of many as I have several lovely butterfly shapes in my head that I know will translate wonderfully into silver.

Bel x

Create your own little bit of Summer.....

From left to right ---- Clambake, Movers&Shakers, True Love, Swept Off My Feet.

Hello


I have been attempting ignore the fact that summer has not YET arrived and that Elle and Vogue are showing winter fashion in their Aug issue.
Summer will come and in the meantime my nails will give me some brightness.
I absolutely love ESSIE nail varnishes, for their colour range, their consistency and the brush shape. I used to buy mine in Liberty's (£9.95), treating myself every time I was in London.
Recently however, they are being stocked in Boots (£7.95) and I have also started to find them in packs of 3 matching colours in my local TK Maxx (£9.95 for 3!).
If you haven't tried the brand, then I would definitely recommend it. 
I also keep all my nail varnishes in the bottom holder in the door of my fridge and this way they don't get warm and gloopy!


Bel x 

Come on ....wear a scarf it will always look chic.

There is just a small sample of my scarf collection.


I love the colours, the silk and the fact that you can make a plain black outfit look wonderfully Jackie O chic, just by adding a head scarf.
They are also really cheap to buy either from the high street, M&S or Zara or from retro shops or markets. 

If you fancy starting a collection, have a look on line at ASOS or if retro is what you want then Rokit is a great place to start.
I also have great charity shop in my area and good old fashioned Scott Jumble Sales, that are another amazing source of all things retro.
Wear your scarf with pride!
Bel x

My Rose obsession continue's......

The rain has finally subsided long enough for me to take advantage of all my beautiful roses and take some pictures of my latest Tiara designs.
 It's so lovely to be able to go out an d cut my own flowers and no matter what space you you, there will be a rose to fit be it patio, window box or balcony.
I have many shades of pink and peach in my collection. All are repeating, so when I cut the dying flowers more will grow and I always choose varieties that are scented. Apart from pruning them back in Jan/Feb, I leave them alone to do their thing and every year I am still amazed by how beautiful they are.

Bel x

Super Cool.....Face Lace


Hello....
For those of you who haven't already seen or read about Face Lace, it's time you knew.

This ingenious and rather beauty idea has been thought up by renowned Make Up artist Phyllis Cohen, who's worked in the industry for many years, creating amazing looks for David Bowie and the The Rolling Stones amongst  others.
Have a look on the site as there are many designs to choose from and be the person that wow's everyone.
I don't have any photo's of the set I've worn Mini Fleurty, but they were easy to apply and more importantly remove and I will definitely take some pictures the next time I am out and about all laced up.
You can apply them over eye shadow for  dramatic effect, but those who can't be bothered or hate to look like a mess at the end of  an evening these will look as amazing as they did when you stepped through the door!

Go on, treat yourself........

Bel x

Colour.....Romance

Hi there.....

I seem to still be preoccupied with all things floral, I'm not sure if it is the abysmal weather or if the rain just makes the flowers more beautiful?

I have dreams that my garden will be an oasis of colour, but it's very difficult to garden when the rain is torrential.


The lovely pink hue's of the bouquet of roses below caught my eye from some magazine clips I had kept from months ago. I am sorry that I didn't mark down where they came from, especially as I would love to grow a rose variety in this particular shade.


I hope the rain stops soon.....
Belx

Colour...Beautiful Blush


Hello....
In my garden at the moment I am lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful roses that are all in bloom despite the appalling rain. I have planted most of them in the last 4 years, all from David Austin.

I tend to go for repeating varieties, that flower from the end of May right through to the beginning of October and luckily many of these have really lovely perfumes, like Gentle Hermione.

I have also been looking through Etsy this week and have come across Blush Fashion, who make a lovely style of drape dress, that would be perfect for any bridesmaid or to add some glamour. I just can't decide what  colour to go for?

I hope the rain stops soon .....
Bel x

David Austin Roses

Blush Fashion

Hello, Hello......
Now I know that this blog is meant to be skewed towards all things wedding/beautiful, but I am going to argue that the pieces made by Stella Bleu Designs fall into the beautiful category.

Well done to KKatz for making such lovely pieces.

Dame poutylips herself, Miss Keira Knightley, looking actually rather lovely!

Why is it that when we think of Brides, we think of white or better still off white (because those gowns that look like they've been 'Dazed' are truly terrible). But why is wearing colour such a weird idea?
It didn't used to be, Queen Victoria is to blame for the white, Jane Austen's heroines would have thought this terribly plain, colour was the thing in her day.

How about this lovely shade of blue....

I have recently found a really beautiful website for a US stationary chain call Paper Source - www.paper-source.com. They have a great blog and some really lovely and clever idea on their site for anyone who loves colour , or like me finds new stationary strangely attractive!

There colourscope is particularly lovely, with just the right tones to be modern/chic rather than children's bedroom.

I particularly love these blush colours, they make me want to raid John Lewis or VV Rouleaux and buy ribbon in every shade!

I am going to try to order some of their custom pads, paper and handmade paper, so I will keep you posted as to how easy and of course, how expensive it is.

If anyone buys from them in the UK, it would be great to know any pitfalls to ordering from them?

courtesy of Paper Source 

Welcome to my fluidsilverbridal blog.....

Welcome....


So I am taking the plunge and starting this blog, to share my thoughts and things that I like with all of you.


I have recently started www.fluidsilverbridal.co.uk after receiving my Silver Hallmarks from the Birmingham Assay office. So I can now share my creative process with you.

Please let me know what you think....