I am priveledged to live near a vibrant community of small, independent wedding businesses with more and more opportunities to meet with them and experience the products and services they offer.  A few weeks ago I got to spend the evening with Nicola from Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe at her new “Made By You” bridal workshop.

We were joined by a group of brides-to-be, two of whom I’d previously met at my 5th birthday party the month before, and another couple I’ve exchanged emails with.  Each bride-to-be was there to create a unique bridal accessory that they could wear on their wedding day.

Held at And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon, a quirky little cafe and bakery in Manchester, everyone was greeted with a hot drink and cake – the best way to start any crafting session I think! Next Silver Sixpence’s Nicola gave an introduction and explained the different pieces that people could make, including all kinds of headpieces and birdcage veils, to ring pillows and lucky horseshoes.

After this, everyone dove into the glittering jars, bowls and dishes full of pearls, beads, vintage trinkets, feathers, ribbon and lace.  Silver Sixpence’s Nicola had brought along different samples that the girls could try on to help them decide what they wanted to make – this is so important because, if you’re like me, and haven’t ever really worn a headpiece or birdcage veil, you want to know what you’re about to make will suit you.

Some of the girls had bought along swatches from their wedding dresses to ensure that they chose complimentary fabrics and laces for their designs.  For anyone who wasn’t sure, Silver Sixpence’s Nicola was on hand to offer advice and suggest how pieces might come together. There was much hustle and bustle as everyone chose their pieces and dreamt up their designs.

Once everyone had a clear idea of what they wanted to create, Silver Sixpence’s Nicola advised the girls on where to start and showed them how to create different elements of their designs, like creating fabric flowers and attaching clips to bases.

The hubub and excitement of choosing fabrics and laces and beads slowly gave way to a concentrated hush, as everyone began sewing and putting their designs together.

Almost everyone had finished their accessory by the end of the evening, a few girls still had tiny bits to finish off, but Nicola kindly offered email support for any difficulties.

This is the lovely group of brides-to-be wearing their handcrafted headpieces, including Eulyn (who created these beautiful wedding invitations inspired by ours), Lydia and Faye who came to my 5th birthday party, and Janet from Beautilicious 40.

Oh and just a sneaky one of Nicola and me…

Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe

Nicola is the designer behind Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe, making handmade, bespoke accessories for the modern, vintage inspired bride.  All the accessories (including headpieces, veils, garters, shoe clips and ring pillows) are made using one off fabrics and trimmings.

Nicola also hosts hen party events where you can craft your own vintage inspired headpieces using her gorgeous materials, or alternatively you can attend one of her “Made By You” bridal workshops.

For full details visit www.silver-sixpence-in-her-shoe.co.uk or contact Nicola at nicolawellard@hotmail.co.uk.

Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe is one of the fabulous businesses listed in The Natural Wedding Company directory.

Images: The Natural Wedding Company