Yarwood-White BrideStyle

Creating a Craft Business - New Workshop Dates Announced

I am delighted to announce that due to the success of our last 2 day workshop, I will be running another "Creating a Craft Business - How to turn your hobby into a profitable business" in early February.

Thursday 9th and Friday 10th February 2012

As the course is only two months away, don't delay in booking your place if you want 2012 to be the turning point for your business.  Book before 23rd December and save £35 on your place, which makes good business sense by any standard!

To find out more about the course read our other blog posts here.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW.

Creating a Craft Business - Our first workshop is complete

Last week I ran the first of my new 2-day workshops for creative start-ups: Creating a Craft Business. 

Four wonderful and inspiring women joined me to talk about their unique crafts and discuss how to turn their talents and passion into a profitable business that pays the bills.

From left to right is Oorla, who designs beautiful and unique silver and gemstone jewellery under the brand Oorla Jewellery;  Trudie, a designer who creates beautiful wedding headdresses for her fledgling business Tiaras by Trudie (please visit her lovely new website);  Ann from Moe and Me, with a real eye for gorgeous gifts who makes delightful handbags; and Sharon, a talented artist and photographer who has created a collection of glassware and art inspired by the sea, under the name Seaglasse.

There was definitely a bit of a lightbulb moment in the studio on day one when we were discussing financial planning and pricing.  There are some simple formulas you can work through to establish whether your craft will ever bring you an income to meet your expectations.  Everyone will have different needs financially depending on their circumstances, but the exercises we completed helped to give everyone a realistic picture of what they can achieve, and how they can start making an income from their crafts.

On day two we focused on branding, marketing, and PR tricks of the trade.  There was a lot to get through, but we came up with some great ideas for getting famous that don’t cost much money.

By the end of the two days, with heads full of ideas the team left to go and create their own action plans and start to turn the dreams into reality.  I am providing feedback on the plans and will be keeping in touch to help keep them all on track with their goals.

I am delighted to say I have received some great feedback on the course, with everyone agreeing they found it inspiring, friendly and worthwhile.  Thank you to Oorla, Trudie, Anne and Sharon for taking the time to join me on the course, and i am very excited to see how your businesses will grow from here.

I will be running this course again at the end of Jan/early February, so if you are interested in attending please email me on clare@yarwood-white.com and I will let you know the dates as soon as we have them confirmed.  You can see the full agenda for the course here.

The course takes place at the beautiful Medicine Garden in Cobham, Surrey, in the MakeMe! Studio.

 

New Workshop - Creating a Craft Business

Or how to turn your hobby into a profitable business

Date: 14th and 15th November, 9.15am-4.30pm both days

Location: MakeMe! Workshops at The Medicine Garden, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3LU

 
Do you have a passion for your craft or hobby, and dream of making your living from it one day?  Do you imagine having your own studio, and people flocking to buy your beautiful products? 

I have met so many talented artists, designers and crafts people, who are held back from becoming super sucessful by only a lack of business experience and a lack of confidence.  So, I have devised a 2 day workshop to share what I have learnt over the years, and hopefully provide the foundations to turn dreams into reality.

I started making jewellery as a hobby in 2003 from my home.  Four years later, I was supplying world famous department store Liberty, had won numerous awards and my jewellery had appeared on television, magazine covers and celebrities.

I have a whole bagfull of dos and don'ts to share, and lots of tips for getting to the top.

The course focuses on business planning and marketing, which are the key areas that many talented creatives fall down in.  We take a practical, informal approach with lots of discussions and exercises which means participants will go home with written plans to get started on, and hopefully a new found confidence.

AGENDA

Day 1

09.15-09.30              Coffee and Welcome
09.30-10.00              Exercise: Introduce your craft
10.00-12.30              Business Planning

• Getting started
• Managing your money
• What should you charge?

12.30-13.00              Lunch
13.00-15.00              Business Planning

• What is everyone else doing?
• Selling yourself

15.00-15.15              Coffee Break
15.30-16.30              Exercise: Get planning

Day 2

09.15-09.30              Coffee and Welcome
09.30-10.00              Group discussion: Overnight thoughts
10.00-12.30              Marketing

• Building a brand
• Getting famous
• Relationship marketing

12.30-13.00              Lunch
13.00-15.00              Marketing

• Getting the most from your website & social media
• Advertising, exhibitions and promotions
• Photography and display

15.00-15.15              Coffee Break
15.30-16.30              Exercise: Your USP

To find out more or make a booking visit http://www.makemeworkshops.com/craft-jewellery.html#business

See you there!

 

Bride of the Month: Pippa

 

Pippa married her gorgeous partner Mark last December in central London.  She epitomised the Yarwood-White look with her classic, elegant dress and timeless pearl accessories.

Pippa's amazing hair and make up was by Alexis Daly.  She wore a classic chignon, accessorized with our Fern Tiara Comb.

 
 


The Fern Tiara Comb is made with freshwater pearls and diamante on a silver plated comb. It can be worn at the front of the hair like a traditional tiara, or at the side or back as show on Pippa. It is one of our best-selling headdresses and has previously featured on the cover of Cosmo Bride magazine.

 
 

Pippa accessorised her tiara with delicate pearl and diamante drop earrings from our Angel range, and a fabulous Modern Heirloom Brooch.

 
 

Big congratulations from all at Yarwood-White to the new Mrs Seabrooke! xxxx

 

Designer Accessory Event at Bridal Rogue Gallery

On the 19th May the Bridal Rogue Gallery on Chiltern Street, London, hosted a glamorous accessory event for brides-to-be.

We all got into the swing of things with a glass of Champagne, which we needed as it turned out to be an extremely busy evening!

As well as showcasing Yarwood-White Jewellery, we were delighted to have Rachel herself from Rachel Simpson Shoes with her brand new wedding shoe collection.

 
 

The lovely Alexis Daly was wowing the crowds with her amazing wedding hair styles, and managed to squeeze some very lucky and very happy brides into her busy schedule doing wedding hair and makeup. 

 

Flowers were by the amazing By Appointment Only Design, who are neighbours of Bridal Rogue Gallery on Chiltern Street.

We were also lucky to have Charlotte from Nicki Macfarlane showing her gorgeous bridemaids dresses.  Nicki Macfarlane dresses the flowergirls at the Royal Wedding back in April, so they are literally fit for royalty!

 
 

Pippa Middleton's Hair - Get the Look

 

Gorgeous Pippa (or P Middy as she's now been nicknamed) wore fresh lily of the vally in her hair on the big day.

You can recreate this simple, fresh look with our freshwater pearl Fern Leaf Comb, it couldn't be simpler.

Fern Leaf Comb, freshwater pearl and diamante on silver plated comb £120

 

Bride of the Month: Amy

Amy and Eric married in October 2010 at a relaxed, country wedding in Suffolk.  What is striking about this wedding is how delighted Amy looks throughout the day.

The beautiful photos were taken by the talented Sarah Gawler www.sarahgawler.co.uk.  If you haven't booked your photographer yet, check out her blog to see what you should be aiming for!

 
 
 

Amy chose classic pearl and diamante accessories from our Modern Heirloom range which along with a birdcage veil gave her elegant dress a vintage twist.

She wore the Modern Heirloom Pendant Necklace and our best-selling Modern Heirloom Drop Earrings.

 
 
 

 

For an extravagant flourish, she added a Modern Heirloom Brooch to her vibrant bouquet.

 
Amy works at the fabulous You & Your Wedding magazine, so we were particularly flattered that with all her wedding experience and resources at her fingertips she chose to wear Yarwood-White on her big day.

Thanks for sharing your beautiul photos Amy, and thanks again to wedding photographer Sarah Gawler for capturing the day so perfectly.

Buying the dress should be a delight

I am always shocked when I hear stories of brides who have had very bad experiences in wedding dress shops.  It is more common than you'd think, from snotty "pretty women" style staff who make you feel like you are wasting their time to grubby dresses and a "rule" list that makes you feel unwelcome before you get there.

All of this can make dress shopping very intimdating, but here's the thing - it doesn't have to be this way!!

There are many many fabulous dress shops out there run by enthusiastic, experienced and helpful staff who's only aim is to provide the dress of your dreams and the experience of a lifetime.

The Dress, in Teddington, is one such boutique.

Run by Gillian and Jo, they are quite rightly reknowned for their fabulous service, and brides travel from far and wide to visit them.

The Dress work on an appointment only basis, allowing them to give their undivided attention to every bride.  Brides love their large and luxurious dressing room which overlooks a beautiful garden providing a relaxing setting for making the most important decision of the whole wedding (after choosing the man!)

We love their philosophy; "to ensure you cherish and enjoy the whole experience of choosing your wedding dress, from your first visit to your final fitting."

They have a gorgeous selection of elegant and classic dresses from leading British Designers such as Lyn Ashworth, Stewart Parvin, Augusta Jones and Suzanne Neville. 

We have been working with The Dress for 4 years and they have just taken delivery of a wide range of Yarwood-White stock adding to their fabulous accessory collection.  As well as jewellery they also stock veils, shrugs and shoes ensuring you can get everything you need to look stunning on your wedding day all in one place.

 

Accessory Event

We are holding an accessory event with The Dress on Thursday 5th May 5-8pm.  We will be showcasing our collections and hair and make-up artist, Alexis Daly will be on hand to do mini hair trials and give brides the chance to try some of the gorgeous jewellery from Yarwood-White.

We'd love you to join us at the boutique for a glass of champagne; to reserve your place call The Dress on 0207 8977 6167.  For more information on The Dress please visit www.thedress.co.uk

And remember, dress shopping should be a delight, so if you aren't happy with the service you receive, do tell the boutique, and try somewhere else!

A side tiara fit for a princess

We love that Kate Middleton chose to wear Diana's engagement ring.  Aside from her own very personal reasons, the blue sapphire is a wonderful stone for engagement rings as it represents fidelity.  The deep blue stone has an extensive history as a jewel of royalty.

When we were asked by www.notonthehighstreet.com to create a product inspired by the forthcoming royal wedding, we thought, what fun!

 

Our design has been inspired by the royal blue sapphire colour which is already making a huge comeback thanks to Kate.  The side tiara design is modern and fresh and works with loose or structured hair (although we suspect Kate will be going for a traditional up-do on the big day.)

 

As you can see from the close up this beautiful silver plated side tiara features Swarovski crystals and diamante stones for maximum sparkle.  It is perfect for bringing out the princess in you.

Ellie Sanderson: Best Bridal Retailer 2011 - It's Official!

On Monday night we were at the Bridal Buyer Awards in Harrogate celebrating the best of the best in the Wedding Industry.

We shared a table with the fabulous Ellie Sanderson and her team, who were shortlisted for Best Bridal Retailer.  Ellie stocks Yarwood-White jewellery in her beautiful store in Oxford, so we know all about the exceptional service and experience that her brides receive.

From left: Photographer & Ellie's husband David Bostock, Me, and Ellie, wearing a stunning red Suzanne Neville gown.

Ellie looked amazing in her gown, definitely one of the "best dressed" there if you ask me!

After a three course meal, a "good-luck" delivery of Bollinger Champagne to the table from Sassi Holford and a live performance by the Singing Waiters, we got down to the serious business of the awards.

Luckily, Ellie's category was up first, so she didn't have to wait long to hear the good news.  I think we might have been the noisiest table there!  Ellie's mum was also at the awards, and was pleased as punch for her daughter!

Here are shots from Ellie's beautiful store which give you an idea of why they deserve this award:

 
 
 

Yarwood-White were finalists in the Best Bridal Headdress Designer category, and although we didn't win this year, we are honoured to have been shortlisted among such strong competition.

You can see a full list of the winners on the Bridal Buyer website, and here they are proudly displaying their awards:

 
 

Big thanks and congratulations to Ellie, Nicola, Laura and the rest of the table for a fab evening!