percy handmade :: handmade bridal hair pieces, fascinators and wedding accessories

The new website + blog!

2011-06-29T18:16:00.000+10:00

I have some very exciting news to share! The Percy Handmade website is now live and the blog has moved too! It has been a labour of love that has been months in the making but I am so pleased to finally share it with you all.

All new blog posts will be updated on the new site so I would love it if you could add the new site to your favourites. I will be moving old posts across to the new site in the coming weeks so please bear with me while there's a bit of movement between the sites!

Thank you for your support and understanding! xx

tessa: petite navy sash

2011-06-13T17:19:00.000+10:00

Navy blue is one of my favourite shades of blue. I haven't made many pieces for the shop in blue but there was something about this rich blue that I couldn't resist.

This petite sash is made from silk taffeta is dark blue with a matching double sided satin ribbon sash. The flower is 2.5" wide and is adorned with beautiful Swarovski pearls and crystals.

new silk blooms for the shop

2011-06-12T18:23:00.004+10:00

Behold! Some pretty new blooms for the shop! These gorgeous light and airy silk flowers have been handmade from silk habotai in diamond white and dark ivory with Swarovski pearl and crystal centres. Love!

a custom order for Brianna

2011-06-05T18:13:00.002+10:00

I am currently working with the sweetest client by the name of Brianna who contacted me about a custom larger Annika hair piece with long wispy ostrich feathers. I love the larger sized blooms and the dramatic feather details and I think it would look so pretty in a romantic up-do! Thanks Brianna xx

Loren

2011-06-05T13:29:00.000+10:00

Loren is the newest piece added to the shop. There are many more pieces that I need to photograph and upload but as I've been pretty time poorly lately, I'll be adding them slowly over the next few weeks.

Loren is handmade from silk dupioni and silk organza and is embellished with a beautiful pearl and rhinestone centre. As with all Percy flowers, every petal has been hand cut, formed and assembled. I'll be adding similar flowers in different sizes and colours soon.

Annalise: lace and silk wrapped headband

2011-06-04T19:05:00.003+10:00

The newest piece in the shop is a gorgeous silk wrapped headband in off white tones. Annalise is a delicate and sweet addition to the bridal range and I love the gentle lace blossoms adorned with Swarovski pearls. Perfect for an outdoor wedding or an intimate engagement party!

Sweet Kylie

2011-06-04T09:13:00.000+10:00

Two gorgeous photos came through from Kylie, wearing a Beatrice hair piece, and her adorable little boy. These photos are so darn cute! Thank you Kylie for sharing them with me xx

Ashley!

2011-06-03T21:59:00.000+10:00

Beautiful photos from the beautiful Ashley. They are beyond gorgeous and I think she looks absolutely stunning. I am loving the Fleurette pins in her pretty up-do... I feel so honoured =)

Camille + Zoe

2011-05-29T22:43:00.000+10:00

Camille and Zoe are some of the newest pieces in the shop. Camille is too sweet for words... it's small, simple and oh so pretty. The silk organza and silky satin flower itself is 2.5" wide with some extra pretty tulle, feathers, velvet millinery leaves and rhinestone accents extending another 1.5"-2.5". It's perfect for a bride looking for something subtle and beautiful.

Camille silk organza and silky satin bridal hair piece with feathers

Zoe is another special feather piece which I just adore. Soft ivory and pale gold tones featuring a bleached peacock feather and sweet duck feathers... and I mustn't forget, it's finished with a gorgeous rhinestone for an extra special finish.

I'll be working on some new feather pieces over the next few weeks. So many ideas floating around my head but not enough time to sit down and make it happen... but I'll keep you all posted with photos once they're complete!

Zoe ivory and pale gold bridal fascinator with peacock and duck feathers and rhinestone

a custom order for stacy

2011-05-26T19:51:00.000+10:00

Stacy is the one of the sweetest people around. I first came across Stacy in late 2009 when she first bought a flower from me and I have been so fortunate to have her continued support through numerous purchases since. I was so thrilled to hear from her again just recently and this time she had the most exciting news.... she was engaged! I jumped up and down when I heard her news and I was even more excited when she asked me to create a hair piece and sash for her big day.

As I wrote to Stacy just yesterday, while I love the creative freedom of custom work it can sometimes be both a blessing and curse. So much so that for Stacy's sash I ended up making her two to choose from because I just couldn't decide myself!

I thought I'd share some photos of the pieces because I love how they turned out xx

Thank you Stacy for the inspiration behind these pieces!

pale pink silk tattered rose

2011-05-24T22:47:00.001+10:00

The other day I posted about a new flower in the shop by the name of Darcy. I loved the new bloom so much that I just had to create it again in a different colour. I love the sheer petals and the pretty Swarovski centres.... I also love the slightly frayed edges as I think it makes for a beautifully vintage-inspired piece. What can I say, I love it all!

I was really excited when I discovered pale pink silk dupioni and silk organza in my fabric collection the other day and I knew exactly what I would make with it. And here it is...

Darcy can also be made in charcoal grey, dusty purple, deep magenta, black, white or ivory. If you'd like this silk flower made in a different colour please let me know and I'll see what I can do for you!

silk rosettes

2011-05-24T22:31:00.000+10:00

So, you may have noticed my current obsession with silk dupioni and silk organza. And you'd be right, I adore them and I think they're a match made in heaven. The new pretties just added include Adelaide, a gorgeous triple blossom hair comb.... and Audrey and Emilie, flower girl/junior bridesmaids headbands with rosettes.

I actually made these a little while ago but as I'm constantly time poor, they have been pushed to the side time and time again. I'm so glad I finally had a moment to photograph them and bring them to life! I hope you like xx

ADELAIDE - triple silk dupioni and silk organza rosettes - bridal hair comb

AUDREY - double silk dupioni rosettes - flower girl and junior bridesmaids headband

EMILIE - sheer silk organza rosette - flower girl and junior bridesmaid headband

sheer delight

2011-05-23T11:24:00.001+10:00

You may have noticed that there are some new pieces in the shop. I've been thinking about all things sheer for the past few weeks and I'm so pleased that I've had a moment to upload the new items to the shop. I have added some photos below of some of the new silk dupioni, silk organza and silk taffeta goodies with Swarovski crystal and pearl centres. I'll be adding some more pieces next weekend!

DARCY white or ivory silk organza and silk dupioni with tattered petals, Swarvoski centre

TAHLIA white or ivory silk organza and silk dupioni with Swarovski crystals, pearls and feathers

SIENNA double silk organza and silk dupioni blooms with Swarovski centres

for the flower girl...

2011-05-21T17:00:00.002+10:00

I have been promising to add some new pieces to the shop for all the flower girls out there. These little beauties make my heart sing... I just love them to bits and pieces.

As with all Percy pieces, the embellishments have been securely attached but just as a precaution, I do recommend that young children who wear these pieces are supervised while wearing them because they do contain small parts. Now that disclaimer is out of the way, take a peek below!

I had a few piece to photograph this afternoon and managed to fit them all into the shot below. The pieces pictured below are the little beauties from the flower girl collection as well as some gorgeous silk organza and silk dupion bridal flowers with Swarovski centres.

Em, sweet Em

2011-05-16T21:51:00.000+10:00

Maybe it's because I rarely leave the city, but I love the idea of a country wedding. I love the idea of the relaxed country atmosphere, intimate gatherings in wide open spaces and knowing that something very special is happening very far away amongst very close friends and family.

I also adore Em who has been so wonderful to work with and so kind with her praises. She sent me some beautiful photographs from her wedding today that I must share with you all. Her photographer on the day was Matt and Katie Photographer s and my gosh, did they do an exceptional job! You can view the photographs on their blog here and I have added some of their images below too. Thank you Em xx

the lovely Mez

2011-05-16T21:21:00.000+10:00

Every seller loves their customers but in the bridal world this is particularly true. A wedding is one of the truly joyous occasions in a girl's life, and being able to play a small part in these experiences is one of the most rewarding aspects of my business.

I was honoured when Mez contacted me a little while ago to discuss options for a flower brooch for her wedding gown. It was always such a pleasure chatting to her about the details of her piece and it was really exciting when I finally finished the piece and I could show her photos.

Well, her wedding has come and gone and I received a lovely email from her today with photos from the big day. Thank you Mez, you look so beautiful!! xx

silk taffeta goodness

2011-05-15T16:55:00.004+10:00

Om nom nom nom... sometimes I come across a fabric that is just so fabulous I wish I could eat it! The newest Percy pieces are made from beautiful silk taffeta in diamond white and ivory. Diamond white being not quite white and not quite light ivory but a pretty shade in between. Ivory being a true ivory, certainly not a warm ivory but a little warmer than a light ivory. Oohh the spectrum of whites!

These blooms have tulle accents and are adorned with Swarovski pearls and crystals for a simple and elegant finish. The sizes pictured in the last photo below are 2", 3" and 4.5" although I'm sure if I had a free moment I could make them a little bigger. I do love big blossoms after all! They can also be accented with a spray of beautiful feathers and/or larger tulle details. Please contact me if you'd like to discuss options.

As with all Percy flowers, each piece is made petal by petal. Hand cut, stiffened, formed and assembled. What I love about these silk taffeta pieces is that each petal has a very subtle fray at the tips which I think adds to a lovely charm to the piece.

real weddings: adrienne

2011-05-14T09:08:00.000+10:00

Some gorgeous photos of beautiful Adrienne from her wedding day that I just had to share. These stunning images were taken by Amanda Donaho who is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Adrienne looks incredible and she's wearing the Audrina hair piece. Love!

corsages

2011-05-11T21:50:00.002+10:00

A gorgeous photograph taken by my talented little brother Martin. When I saw this photo of myself I nearly fell off my chair! No surprises, he has continued to impress me with his talent!

Below is a preview of a new silk habotai double blossom corsage I'll be adding to the store soon...

I can't wait to show you more photos from the photo session!

Giveaway time on Sandy a la Mode!

2011-05-10T13:48:00.000+10:00

I love Sandy a la Mode and I'm very excited to be the featured sponsor for the week. Check out the giveaway here and a little interview.

The lucky winner will receive $70 credit to my store - yay! The giveaway is open internationally and closes on Tuesday 17 May 2011 at 12pm CST.

Wishing everyone the best of luck and I can't wait to see who wins!!

percy bride: rebecca!

2011-05-06T18:09:00.000+10:00

Today I received a lovely email from Rebecca, an Australian bride who I worked with mid last year. Rebecca was the sweetest customer and I just adored working with her. Her wedding was about a month ago on 2 April 2011 and I was so excited to see some photos from her special day!

Her gown is just so lovely and the paper lanterns add the sweetest touch. Thank you Rebecca for sharing these images with me!

And of course, I cannot forget to credit these lovely photos to Glen Ryan from Natural Light. Lovely!

big is beautiful

2011-05-01T16:31:00.005+10:00

Some of the newest pieces just added to the shop feature oversized blooms in all their glory. I am LOVING these big gorgeous flowers! The largest size is 5.5" wide however I am committed to making some that are just a little bit bigger... up to 7" wide. I haven't had a free moment to make one that large yet but it's definitely on the to-do list.

mr bear

2011-05-01T11:45:00.000+10:00

I had to share this beautiful photograph my talented brother Martin took recently of my chocolate Labrador pup Bear. So adorable!

beautiful Jessica

2011-05-01T08:42:00.000+10:00

I just LOVE receiving photographs from my customers from their wedding day. I received a beautiful photograph from the sweetest customer, Jessica, who was wearing the Josephina piece. She looks beyond beautiful, and her dress... oh her dress! Thank you Jessica for sharing this beautiful image with me and I hope you're enjoying married life xx

garters now available in store!

2011-04-22T16:24:00.000+10:00

I probably receive one enquiry each week asking whether I make garters. Until today, the answer has always been unfortunately no, but I have taken it upon myself to learn a new skill and I have since designed and made some for the shop. I absolutely love how they turned out and I think it will be my newest obsession!

While there are only two just listed in store at the moment, all garters that will be added to the shop will be made to measure for a perfect fit. I'll be adding new garters shortly!

Below are some photos of the new Polly and Angelica. Polly is a gorgeous pure silk dupioni garter with vintage laces. Angelica is a lovely silk habotai and vintage lace garter adorned with Percy Handmade signature double blossoms.

beautiful brides: Jennifer's beach wedding

2011-04-22T09:29:00.001+10:00

Another beautiful Percy bride! The gorgeous Jennifer in her stunning rosette adorned wedding gown at her beach wedding. I love how well her Charlie clutch matches her dress. Too cute!

These beautiful photographs were taken by Sam Ellis via A Stylish Design (ASD makes the most adorable wedding pillows and other lovely wedding decor pieces).

beautiful brides: sabrina!

2011-04-22T09:22:00.000+10:00

I received a lovely email from Sabrina from Germany a few days ago. Her wedding was almost 8 months ago but she kindly sent through some photos from her big day. She looked gorgeous and I loved how she did her hair! She wore a set of 2 Zara hair flowers and they're tucked ever so sweetly to the side of her chignon. Just beautiful and I had to share!

real weddings: beautiful Jessica

2011-04-20T22:02:00.000+10:00

I stumbled across these beautiful photographs of the gorgeous Jessica who purchased a set of 2 Coco blossoms for her wedding a little while ago. Doesn't she look gorgeous?! And I'm loving these beautiful photographs by Leeann Marie Photography. You can view more photographs from the beautiful wedding here. Just lovely!

the lovely lulu

2011-04-20T14:39:00.004+10:00

One of the most common questions I receive is whether my pieces can be made in brighter colours. While the popular silky satin flower (i.e. Alexis, Arianna, Marais, Audrina etc) are only available in ivory and black, I had some time over the past week to photograph some of the new coloured silk pieces I had worked on last month.

These little beauties are made from 100% silk dupioni so they can be made in virtually any colour under the sun. Each petal has been hand cut, formed, treated and assembled. Due to the nature of silk dupion, the petals may fray ever so slightly with wear, but as the fabric has been treated and moulded into shape, you shouldn't expect more than the odd fray (which can just be trimmed with a sharp pair of scissors). The Lulu flowers pictured below are 4" wide however they can be made in other sizes too.

What I love about the lovely Lulu is that it can be made in virtually any colour. I have obsessively collected silk dupion for years so you can choose from the following colours:

White
Ivory
Cream
Champagne
Pale gold
Cinnamon
Canary yellow
Pale pink
Antique rose
Dusty pink
Lilac
Grape purple
Aubergine purple
Red
Burgundy
Baby blue
Royal blue
Navy blue
Seafoam green
Apple green
Forest green
Teal green
Tangerine orange
Rust
Pewter grey
Charcoal grey
Black

Please contact me if you have a particular colour in mind because the colours above are only a few of the colours I have on hand.

I'd love to hear from you!

back in business (and a sneak peak of things to come)

2011-04-20T13:08:00.002+10:00

Thanks to everyone for their support, patience and understanding while my shop has been closed. Closing shop was actually much tougher than I thought it would be - not only because I had pretty much nothing to do while my body was recovering, but also not being able to sew as much as I wanted to was probably the most difficult part of all of it!

My lower back is finally recovering and yesterday was my first day where I could move around and not feel sorry for myself. I decided to reopen my shop today but I will not be taking on any large orders or rush orders for at least a few weeks. Any new orders that come through will be made in the timeframes specified in the listings. I have already received 6 orders across my two shops since reopening so that was a lovely surprise!

This injury was the first time I have seriously hurt myself. It did however open my eyes and made me realise that I had to change things in my life so things were more sustainable... long term. For the past 2 years I have been working full time during the day and I would rush home to start work on existing orders into the night and on weekends. As other online sellers will appreciate, there is much more involved with running an online business than just making things... there's listings to write, photos to take, tags, responding to emails and questions, pieces to design, supplies to buy, marketing materials to coordinate/design, research, packaging, branding, advertising, promotions etc etc.

Combined, it all took its toll on me and my little spine. But, the good news is I am now committed to looking after myself (and actually doing it, not just saying it!). I will exercise more, sleep more, eat better, just general work/life balance. It will be tough adjusting as this has been the lifestyle I have given myself for 2 years but it must happen otherwise there will be no more Percy.... and a long term back injury just wouldn't be fun!

The other thing I have been thinking about over the past 2 weeks while I have been feeling sorry for myself is colour! Yes, bold, bright, raw colour. This would normally be something that would scare me but I am embracing colour and it will be part of the new revamped Percy Handmade. Keep an eye out for some new pieces made from beautiful silk dupioni in the most gorgeous shades... in fact, here's a sneak peek!

LULU silk dupion handmade flowers with rhinestone centres

headband love!

2011-04-16T18:41:00.000+10:00

A handmade oversized silk habotai bloom with tulle and Swarovski crystals... oooh, too much fun! To be added to the shop soon!

knitted goodness

2011-04-16T15:51:00.001+10:00

I received the sweetest gift the other day.... a knitted scarf and matching brooch pin from my partner's mother. Oh so sweet and oh so beautiful! I really wish I was half as talented as Steve's mum... maybe one day.

The scarf is absolutely beautiful and is made from Italian cashmere wool. It will definitely come in handy this winter season! It's so soft and I love the intricate details and to top it off, the brooch is adorned with a beautiful vintage button. Oh, isn't that just divine?!

I just love it!

sheer silk petals

2011-04-15T13:52:00.001+10:00

Silk organza is one of my favourite materials to work with and is available in a wide range of beautiful colours. I love how it's sheer, crisp and lightweight and works beautifully when moulded by hand.

Once the store reopens I will be adding these little beauties to the shop. The opaque blossom below is a combination of silk organza and silky satin and adorned with beautiful Swarovski clear crystals and Czech silver glass beads. The two sheer blossoms are made from silk organza only and are also adorned with Swarovski crystals. As with all Percy Handmade pieces, these blossoms can be made in other sizes or colours, please contact me to discuss!

sneak peak

2011-04-13T15:19:00.001+10:00

A little sneak peak of some of the new colours which will be added to the shop when it reopens soon!

a new addition: sash collection

2011-04-09T10:14:00.008+10:00

I love sash belts and think they can be the perfect way to complete a look. A few months ago I made a silk dupion sash belt with a ruched front panel, and lovingly adorned it with three signature ivory silky satin blossoms with Swarovski pearl centres. I have been meaning to take some pretty photos of the sash and it finally happened last week.

Once the shop reopens later this week, I will be adding this little beauty to the sash collection. As this piece will be made to order, it can be made in different configurations and sizes.

Taking a little break

2011-04-08T14:20:00.005+10:00

Doctor's orders. I have hurt my back and have been ordered to take a week's rest to recover. As much as my stubbornness and love for Percy is driving me to keep the shop open rain, hail or shine, I only have one spine and I need to take care of it.

While the shop will be closed for a little while, I just wanted to let all existing customers know that there are no overdue orders at the moment. All current orders will be completed in the timeframes outlined in the listings. I am still able to respond to emails so I would love to hear from you if you have any questions or enquiries about current or future orders.

Hopefully everything will be back to normal next week (hopefully sooner!) and my apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thanks for your patience and understanding!

etsy find: wink creations

2011-04-07T21:13:00.004+10:00

I love discovering new Etsy stores and I recently came across a little gem by the name of Wink Creations. Wink Creations is a wonderful Australian store filled with unique jewellery made from semi precious stones, pearls and quality sterling silver components. I love the simple and contemporary designs and the versatile colour combinations!

I actually purchased two necklaces from the lovely Marissa from Wink last week - one for a dear friend of mine and another as a little present to myself. They arrived just in time for a photo session I had scheduled yesterday so I couldn't resist modelling them in some of the shots!

Take a peek at the necklaces I purchased, and while you're at it, check out the shop Wink Creations.

Bright and bold!

2011-04-07T18:33:00.002+10:00

A few months ago I posted a short piece on a gorgeous pink couch I stumbled across while I was browsing Pinterest. I loved the colours so much that I decided to use it as the source of inspiration for some of the new pieces in store. The combination of beautiful chartreuse/olive green with the fun cerise/fuschia pink splash is just too much fun!

I will be adding some more pretty pieces to the shop in other colours soon. Keep an eye out for some splashes of navy blue, ruby red, royal blue, canary yellow and tangerine orange!

I am always open to custom creations so if you have a particular colour in mind, please don't hesitate to contact me to check availability!

JULIA Cerise magenta chiffon, lace and satin blossoms

HANA White, ivory and olive green feather fascinator with rhinestone detail

JULIET Cerise magenta chiffon and lace flower with feather accents

NATALIA Olive green chiffon, lace and satin flower with feather accents

Congratulations Diana!

2011-04-06T13:37:00.001+10:00

Wow, I was thrilled to see that there were 78 entries for the Percy Handmade giveaway! 76 entries on my blog and 2 entries on the Facebook page! This is absolutely fantastic and thank you to everyone who participated.

Congratulations to the lucky winner Diana Dang (#27) who I will contact shortly to share the good news! Thank you Diana, I can't wait to chat to you about your prize.

While there could only be one winner to this giveaway I will be hosting another giveaway very soon. Please keep an eye out on this page and my Facebook page for more information!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

2011-03-30T10:45:00.005+11:00

It's been a very busy month but one thing I have been meaning to organise is a GIVEAWAY to celebrate the second anniversary of Percy Handmade!

One lucky winner can pick 1 of the 3 hair pieces below:

1. HALLIE ivory tulle and french netting bow hair comb with Swarovski pearl accents ($72 value)

2. OLIVIA white and ivory feather fascinator with rhinestone/pearl accent ($68 value)

3. ABIGAIL Swarovski crystal and pearls hair pins in silver or gold wire ($52 value)

To see more photographs or to learn more about each piece, please click on the images above!

TO ENTER:

1. "Like" Percy Handmade on Facebook
2. Leave a comment below stating which piece you'd like and why

For an additional entry:

3. Blog, Facebook or tweet about this giveaway (please include @percyhandmade in your tweet and mention Percy Handmade) and then come back and leave another comment!

And that's it!

The winner of the giveaway will be announced on Wednesday 6 April 2011 12 noon (Australian time).

Good luck!

etsy find: ruby and willow

2011-03-26T19:22:00.001+11:00

Don't you just love stumbling across fabulous finds? A little while ago I discovered Ruby & Willow, a boutique stationery design service from Auckland, New Zealand. Kate Holland from Ruby & Willow is a goddess when it comes to creating beautiful and unique stationery, and if you don't believe me, take a peek!

There's even a blog called Magnolia Rouge (love the name!) and an Etsy store as well. And it gets better... there's a custom design service too!

wedding trends: coloured wedding shoes!

2011-03-26T09:38:00.002+11:00

One of my favourite trends for weddings is coloured wedding shoes. I can't think of a better way to show off your signature style and personality through a pair of bright pumps or quirky flats. Aren't these just fabulous?!

via Shoes With Style

via It's a Bride's World

via Shoes With Style

via Realistic Weddings

via A Paper Proposal

Via a Paper Proposal

via Elizabeth Anne Designs

inspiration board: vintage inspired hollywood glamour

2011-03-24T23:19:00.002+11:00

I was saddened to wake up to the news this morning that Dame Elizabeth Taylor had passed away overnight. Her signature style, glamour and grace will be remembered for decades to come. Today's inspiration board has been inspired by hollywood glamour and everything that I believe Elizabeth Taylor epitomised. She was a true screen legend and brought much sophistication and beauty to the world.

Elizabeth Taylor image via Cowkitty

Earrings: The Wedding Lass
Shoes: Martinez Valero

etsy find: findi flooshki

2011-03-23T09:42:00.002+11:00

I love discovering new Etsy stores and Findi Flooshki from Australia is definitely a new shop that deserves much attention. I recently purchased a stunning barrette from Findi Flooshki as a gift for my partner's mother. I was a little naughty this morning and I thought i would take some quick photos of the piece before I pass it onto her... I just couldn't resist! The piece is the gorgeous decorative chocolate barrette below with pretty golden highlights. It reminded me of my trip to Europe back in 2009 when my partner and I were fortunate enough to spend a month strolling through the streets of Italy.

The barrette is exceptional, both in design and craftsmanship. Natalie, the talented designer behind these pieces, comes from a family of artistically inclined artisans and you can see the influence of her upbringing in each piece. You can also tell that much love, time and thought went into each piece, and when I hold each piece in my little hands, I feel like I'm holding a moment in history. I am so pleased with my purchase and while I haven't had a chance to pass this clip onto the gift recipient, I am sure she will love it!

The gorgeous Japanese inspired barrette below is also one of my favourites and I can't believe I am now the proud owner of this piece of craftsmanship. Love, love, love!

You can view Findi Flooshki's fabulous range here.

shop update: Billie double blossoms

2011-03-20T18:49:00.004+11:00

I regularly receive requests from customers for silky satin pieces like the Audrina, Annika and Avril in white. It always breaks my heart when I have to advise potential customers that the fabric is only available in ivory and as such, I wouldn't be able to customise those pieces in white for them.

Today I was working on a custom piece for a lovely customer. The piece was to be based on the Avril hair piece but in order for it to be white, I had to change the fabric combinations so that it was made from white satin, chiffon and silk organza. It does look a little different to the silky satin goodies I have in store but I think it's just as pretty and has a gorgeous ethereal quality to it. I am loving the rhinestone and french netting details too!

I love the new piece, Billie, so much I will now be selling it in my store. Here are some pics!

wedding inspiration: tulle

2011-03-19T23:07:00.004+11:00

A wonderful trend that I have always loved for weddings is tulle. It's such a versatile material that can be used for all seasons but I particularly love it in the spring time. I love tulle overlays on bridal gowns, tulle veils, tulle hair pieces, tulle garters, tulle accents in decor... There's something so beautiful and ethereal about this beautiful material and it always works a treat when mixed with silks, satin and especially lace.

Tulle beaded napkin via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Cotton candy via Wedding Tulle (It's cotton candy yes, not quite tulle, but equally fabulous!)

via Green Wedding Shoes

via Pinterest

Tulle gowns by Samuelle

via June Bug Weddings

Second anniversary for Percy Handmade

2011-03-17T18:12:00.001+11:00

This belated post is in recognition of a wonderful milestone Percy Handmade reached on 15 March 2011. This is a very significant date because it marks the second anniversary of all things Percy Handmade. Every day I pinch myself in sheer disbelief that I am able to do something that I truly love. While I do work full time during the day which can be difficult when I'm juggling a number of large orders including custom requests, coming back home to work into the evening is something I love doing and I wouldn't swap for anything. I love every second of what I do and I would never have thought 2 years ago that I would be doing something which would bring me so much satisfaction, happiness and joy. It has also provided me with some things that are just invaluable - self confidence, self sufficiency and quietly knowing that dreams do come true.

I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible for me. I would not be here if I didn't have the most wonderful and supportive customers who give me the motivation and encouragement to do what I do. I would not be here without my wonderful partner, my family and friends who have provided wisdom and perspective, a reassuring smile and words of encouragement when I need it. And of course, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Percy, my always reliable sewing machine who sits quietly in the corner when not in use, but to me is a symbol that I can make anything happen if I just put my mind to it...

xx

beautiful bride: Cara

2011-03-10T16:46:00.002+11:00

Today I was browsing through one of my favourite blogs Style Me Pretty when to my surprise I noticed one of my sashes on a gorgeous bride, Cara. The lovely Cara purchased a blossom sash and a set of 3 matching hair flowers from me in October 2010 for her New Years Eve wedding a few months later. I am loving her gorgeous colour palette and fun little accents at her wedding - the pretty white bridesmaids bouquets, the clocks scattered around the receptions, the vintage inspired goodness in all it's glory.

And of course, I am truly smitten with the photographer, Smitten Photography! A few of my favourite photographs are below...

a custom creation

2011-03-08T19:21:00.002+11:00

A pretty custom piece I've been working on with the lovely Tricia. It's a mixture of the Isabella and Audrina hair flowers... combining a little bit of pink champagne with some ivory hues. Ohh I love!

Up close: the bridal comb collection

2011-03-05T19:39:00.004+11:00

It was a beautiful autumn day here in Canberra today. My brother Martin and I whipped out the camera and spent the afternoon taking some up close photos of some of the new pieces in the Percy Handmade bridal comb collection. It's always fun spending time with my little brother and we have some beautiful images to share as a result!

There's a few more on the way but here's just a few for now.

SOREN Swarovski pearl and crystal wave bridal comb

MARIAN silver and off white beaded bridal comb

TABITHA Swarovski pearl and crystal comb

AGNES triple beaded blossoms

ARABELLA double blossoms with faux pearl sprays

The 2011 collection has arrived!

2011-03-02T18:43:00.006+11:00

I am so pleased to be able to finally announce that the new 2011 collection has arrived! It has been a little project I've been working on for a little while now and I am so happy with my latest vintage inspired goodies. These pieces feature some beautiful Swarovski pearls and crystals, gorgeous feathers and tulle accents. Oohh, I'm in love!

I'm adoring these beautiful photographs from Justin Craig Photography and I couldn't be happier with the results. His patience with putting up with a hard task master like me is something to be applauded and I appreciate his willingness to accommodate my vision. I am one of those crazy people who plan things out to the finest detail and I can be a little too particular at times so a very big thanks goes out to him. I'm slowly adding new pieces and photos to my store so keep an eye out for them.

Oh, and finally, the official Percy Handmade website is due to launch soon so stayed tuned!

Here are some of my favourites...

Models: Sally-Anne, Erin, Steven

Photography: Justin Craig Photography

Styling: Tania Maras

Hair accessories: Percy Handmade

Hair stylist: Sheryn O'Connor

Make up: Jacqueline Scott

Blushing bride: Julia!

2011-02-26T16:51:00.002+11:00

A little while ago I made a triple blossom sash for Julia from Melbourne. Julia had designed and handcrafted her own wedding dress for her big day and she was after a sash as a finishing touch. When she told me she had made her own dress I was immediately impressed and then proceeded to virtually beg for photos from her big day.

Well, the lovely Julia sent me some photos from her wedding day just a few days ago and I must say she is quite possibly the most beautiful bride I have ever seen!

If you are as impressed as I am that she made her own bridal gown, you will no doubt be hoping that she will one day have her own store and will hopefully be selling her gorgeous gowns to the masses. I know for sure that I will be her biggest fan!

And of course, I mustn't forget to highlight the STUNNING photographs by Melbourne wedding photographers Love Katie & Sarah. This talented duo is one photographic team! You can see more of Love Katie & Sarah's work here.

Shop update: New piece - Celia bridal hair piece

2011-02-20T16:07:00.002+11:00

I've been working on a new piece for my store. I received such a positive response from the Audrina piece that I decided to create something just as special but without the feathers. The new Celia piece features beautiful Swarovski crystal embellishments and velvet millinery leaves. This is a darling piece and definitely one of my new favourites!

Keep an eye out for more new pieces! The photo shoot last week went beautifully so I'll be adding the new range soon! [*Hint: the new range features beautiful Swarovski pearl and crystal bridal hair combs...] Love!

The Flowergirl Collection: part 3

2011-02-18T20:05:00.002+11:00

Today was a very very special day. Today I received some photographs from the wonderful Michelle from Ellie Bean & Models of two new pieces from the flowergirl collection. These pieces - a tulle and rhinestone satin headband, and a silk rosettes hair clip - were photographed on the angelic Emerald.

Emerald is utterly beautiful. Angelic and adorable. I literally cried when I saw these photos because I was so impressed! These photographs were taken by her talented mother from Child Light Photography. Behold...

My experience with Ellie Bean & Models has been wonderful in so many ways. Thank you to everyone who created these beautiful photographs!

The Flowergirl Collection: part 2

2011-02-16T18:13:00.005+11:00

I received some lovely photographs of the beautiful Orianna today via Ellie Bean Models. These beautiful photos were taken by the talented Alexi from Child Essence Photography. Orianna is modelling a pale gold satin and lace blossom hair clip from the new flower girl collection. Oh, love!

The second set of photos feature pretty Orianna wearing a silk dupioni, tulle and rhinestone hair piece. This piece can be customised in numerous colours, sizes and shapes. It looks adorable on her!

I love the pretty lace dress and her gorgeous curly hair. She is just adorable! Thank you to Orianna and her Mum and the wonderful people at Ellie Bean Models.

Beautiful bride: Jen

2011-02-16T16:57:00.001+11:00

This morning I discovered a lovely post on Polka Dot Bride which featured photographs of Jen and Tony's wedding from October 2010. The wedding was held in Melbourne, Australia, and the images are gorgeous!

I was so excited to see was that two Percy Handmade ivory flowers were also featured! Jen looked so beautiful - you must see for yourself! http://www.polkadotbride.com/2011/02/very-jen-and-tony-2nd-and-3rd-october-2010/

Photo credits: Jave Photography

beautiful bride: Lauren!

2011-02-07T20:34:00.003+11:00

Photo credits: AvaKate Photography

Oh my, have I been spoilt today!

Earlier this morning I received some beautiful photos from the lovely Dawn (photos posted earlier). If that wasn't enough to make my day, tonight I received some stunning photographs from the gorgeous Lauren! I worked with Lauren in March 2010 and I feel so honoured that she remembered me to send me some follow up photos!

I'm so fortunate to have such wonderful customers. These photos mean so much to me... I look at them all the time with a smile and I treasure them dearly.

Check out how gorgeous Lauren looks in her satin flower hair pins - thank you Lauren and AvaKate Photography for the beautiful photographs!

Photo credits: AvaKate Photography

The Flowergirl Collection: part 1

2011-02-07T19:19:00.003+11:00

Very exciting news!! The Percy Handmade range now features pretty pieces for the little flower girl. It's something I have been working on for a little while now and I'm so pleased to have the opportunity to work with Ellie Bean & Models who have showcased my pieces beautifully!

There are many more pieces in the new collection but here are some photos of only two pieces in the new range... the moment I receive the other photographed pieces I will upload them to this site. Stay tuned!

The adorable model here is Natasha T from Ellie Bean & Models. She is absolutely gorgeous!

beautiful bride: dawn

2011-02-07T08:06:00.003+11:00

I just woke up to a lovely email from a wonderful customer by the name of Dawn. I worked with Dawn in late September last year to create a customised embellished sash for her wedding day. Well, she's just sent through some photos and the dress is gorgeous! The photos are just as lovely! Take a peek!

Thank you Dawn xx

fabulous hair: the side chignon

2011-02-03T14:20:00.001+11:00

I stumbled across a fabulous tutorial on how to create your own side chignon on the Martha Stewart website. I love vintage inspired hair styles which still have a modern twist. The best thing about the side chignon and is that it's effortlessly stylish, incredibly feminine and would suit most face shapes.

I love it!

There are few easy steps as described on Martha Stewart:

1. Using a round brush, blow-dry hair smooth and straight, focusing on the top sections.

2. Once dry, use a large-barrel curling iron to create waves from the ears down.

3. Build height and volume at the crown by teasing hair gently with a fine-tooth comb.

4. Gather hair into a low ponytail; twist it along the nape of your neck, pinning as you go.

5. Once you reach your ear, shape the remaining hair into curls, and pin them back over.

6. Hairspray in place. To add texture, gently curl and scrunch the wispy ends with your fingertips.

Easy peasy!

Treasury time!

2011-01-29T07:59:00.007+11:00

I just woke up and the first thing I did was slowly make my way to computer. To my excitement I was greeted by a handful of treasury notifications which had come through overnight each featuring one of my handmade pieces.

These treasuries are so pretty that I just couldn't resist sharing them with you all!

Curated by DestinysCreations

Curated by WinchesterLambourne

Curated by factorygirlashli

Curated by prunellasoap

Curated by thebellefleur

Curated by HouseThatCrowBuilt

Curated by ThreadRare

Curated by OriginalsByLynnette

Curated by SylviaCPhotography

I'm now off to make some breakfast and then back to the computer when I'll start creating some new treasuries myself!

My first front page treasury!

2011-01-26T21:02:00.001+11:00

Oh wow, I am so excited! A treasury I made this morning in honour of Australia Day has made the Etsy front page!

Congratulations to everyone featured in my treasury list, your work is absolutely gorgeous and I'm so thrilled to be able to help get your fabulous work out there in the big wide Etsy world =)

Happy Australia Day everyone!

real weddings: Julia!

2011-01-25T21:44:00.001+11:00

I absolutely love hearing from my customers after their wedding day. I really do. I love hearing about how it all came together, the compliments they received and seeing how beautiful they look in their photographs.

Today I had one of those moments when I received a lovely email from Julia, a customer who I worked with in September 2010. Julia was an absolute pleasure to work with and it was so wonderful to hear from her again!

Julia purchased a pretty peach chiffon blossom hair pin. She requested that the centre be left plain as her mother was going to attach her grandmother's earring to the centre. Isn't that just beautiful? What a gorgeous way to incorporate such a sentimental family heirloom. I think Julia looks absolutely stunning and I am so honoured to have played a tiny part in her big day!

Thank you Julia! Thank you also to Angie King Photography for the exquisite photographs! xx

magazine feature: The Discerning Bride

2011-01-23T18:17:00.001+11:00

Today I came across some exciting news... one of my Percy Handmade ivory sash belts was featured in the annual Discerning Bride magazine!

I was thrilled to flick through the pages to see one of my pieces in print - so exciting!!!! If you can grab your hands on a copy, check out pages 10 and 114.

real weddings: gorgeous Christie

2011-01-22T00:02:00.001+11:00

Today I received some gorgeous photographs from a lovely customer by the name of Christie. I worked with Christie on some custom hair pieces for her wedding in October 2010 and it was so great to hear from her again and to see how absolutely stunning she looked on her wedding day!

I love showing off photos and I am even more excited about showing off these ones.... how gorgeous is the dress? And the hair... ohh that wavy updo - I love it!

Thank you Christie for kindly sharing these photos with me xx

treasury: timeless pieces by the Etsy Wedding Team

2011-01-18T08:11:00.002+11:00

I have been a member of the Etsy Wedding Team for over a year and I have always enjoyed the advice and feedback I have received by the many talented sellers on the team. I thought I would curate a treasury featuring some gorgeous pieces by some EWT members in white, cream and silver/gold tones.

I love the classic and timeless details!

inspiration board: st valentine's day wedding

2011-01-13T10:07:00.002+11:00

St Valentine's day isn't too far away so I thought I'd create a wedding inspiration board based on some gorgeous rich red hues in recognition of the most romantic day of the year.

My favourite piece would have to be the red shoes!

Porcelian nesting bowls by New Moon Studio

Stella wedding invitation by arippke

Vintage inspired place card holders by sugarpush

I Carry Your Heart ring dish by PalomasNest

Rhinestone hair comb by Nyjolejewellery

Queen for a Day wedding gown by Claire La Faye

Red Nina pumps via Red Wedding Guide

Red garter by Charming Chick

pink champagne and pale gold: shop update

2011-01-12T12:09:00.001+11:00

Some lovely new blossoms just added in store in gorgeous hues of pink champagne and pale gold. These pretty flowers are made from satin, chiffon and lace with rhinestone centres... gorgeously vintage-inspired!

I love these oversized blossoms but if you would like them in a smaller size, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd love to work with you to create the perfect set.

Ooh la la!

wedding ideas: coloured wedding gowns

2011-01-10T22:13:00.002+11:00

To wear colour, or not to wear colour... that is the question.

For the majority of brides out there, it's probably a very simple question with a very simple answer. But for those who are a little more adventurous and want something completely different to the conventional white gown, then there are lots of dresses to suit those who aren't afraid to take risks.

aubergine purple trumpet style wedding gown via Simply Bloom Photography

pink ruffled wedding dress via Ruffled blog

gray wedding gown via Dorset Wedding Photography

blushing in pink tulle wedding dress by Ouma

tiffany blue wedding dress via Your Best Wedding blog

sunshine yellow wedding dress via The Sweetest Occasion

crocheted with love

2011-01-10T16:58:00.003+11:00

Today I received something very special - a handmade gift from a talented dear friend named Erin. The moment I lay eyes on the little package tears started to flow... I was overcome by how pretty it was, and it was even more special because I know it was made by someone close especially for me.

I just adore the intricate crocheted lace pattern and her attention to detail in hand sewing it onto the handmade linen pillow case - just gorgeous. It was even sweetly packaged in an organza drawstring bag!

This is definitely one of the sweetest gifts I have ever received and I will cherish for many many years to come.

Thank you Erin!

inspiration: the pink couch

2011-01-09T23:29:00.002+11:00

Have you ever stumbled across a photo and just wished you could close your eyes and make it become a reality? That's exactly how I felt when I discovered this photo of a gorgeous pink velvet couch against a vibrant green wall. I love everything about this room... from the decorative mirror to the navy blue lamp in the corner, to the neutral herringbone carpet. Love, love, love!

I can't help but think this photo will be the source of an upcoming inspiration board!

Pinned from designspongeonline via pinterest

wedding trend: hand picked posies

2011-01-09T00:23:00.002+11:00

A lovely little detail I have been admiring in vintage inspired and rustic weddings is the casual, yet oh so chic posy of flowers. Whether the flowers have been handpicked fresh from the garden or handcrafted from materials such as paper or fabric, it's deliciously simple and striking at the same time.

Here are some little bouquets that have caught my eye.

Oversized handmade paper flower. Image via Ali Degraff via 100 Layer Cake

Handmade paper bouquet by Wire & Paper

Bouquet of lavendar tied with velvet ribbon via BridalBuds

DIY paper butterfly bouquet by Martha Stewart Weddings Summer 2009

innocent whites via Create H

It's hard to pick a favourite because I think they're all gorgeous and would add a wonderful touch to a vintage-inspired wedding!

shop update: precious white pieces

2011-01-06T13:49:00.003+11:00

I have just added some lovely new white pieces in store! These precious pieces can also be made in ivory or black but I thought I'd add some white hair flowers to brighten things up a little.

I'll be adding many more pieces in the next week so please stay tuned!

White or ivory satin and silk organza flower with rhinestones and feathers

White and cream feather flower with rhinestone and pearl centre

White or ivory satin and organza flower with tulle, stamens and rhinestone

shop update: new bridal hair pieces in store

2011-01-05T13:03:00.002+11:00

One of the things I've been working on lately has been some new pieces for my store. While it is the middle of summer here in Australia now, I wanted to create some more detailed pieces which would look lovely for a fall or winter wedding up in the north. These new pieces feature pretty feathers, rhinestones, stamens and some gorgeous flower buds. I hope you like them!

Large single ivory silky satin and silk organza blossom with rhinestone detail

I vory silky satin and silk organza with baby bud and feathers

Single ivory silky satin and silk organza flower with cluster embellishments and feathers

wedding trends: hairstyles

2011-01-03T17:28:00.006+11:00

The past few weeks I've been doing some research into wedding hair styles for an upcoming Percy Handmade photo shoot. I can't decide whether my models should have soft and romantic long curls, a relaxed up-do, or something a little more sleek. There are so many gorgeous hair styles out there but I'm after a look which will look gorgeous with both flower hair pieces and feather accessories. The challenge is on!

Looking at the bridal runways for 2011, it looks like soft and romantic hair styles will never go out of style. These are some of my favourites.

Sleek bun - modern and sophisticated. Beautiful with an oversized flower!

Vintage inspired curls to frame the face

Wavy upstyle - soft and romantic. Endlessly elegant!

Messy textured hair - perfect for a beach wedding

Long waves - what a lovely way to show off some luscious locks

Now, the challenge is to decide which style!

1000th sale!

2010-12-31T17:41:00.002+11:00

This is just a quick post to share the news that I have just made my 1000th sale on Etsy! When I first started making things in early 2009, I would never have thought that on New Years Eve 2010, just a few hours before the clock strikes midnight, that I would reach such a spectacular milestone. I'm just so thrilled!

I would like to say a very big thank you to all of my customers for their support this year. I have enjoyed every second and I cannot wait to see what is ahead for us all in 2011.

I thought I'd also include a sneak peak of some new pieces that I plan to add to my store in the next few days...

Happy New Year to all! See you next year xx

wedding ideas: pink and grey

2010-12-31T10:10:00.002+11:00

I previously created an inspiration board featuring Pantone's 2011 colour of the year honeysuckle pink. I absolutely love the intense hue of honeysuckle pink and I was inspired to create an inspiration board featuring this gorgeous hue combined with a gorgeous grey. There's something so special about pink and grey together - lovely!

:: Photo credits ::

Grey dress by DKNY via Harvey Nichols

Pink flower decor by Martha Stewart

Light grey wedding cake via HME Weddings

Pink beaded necklace by Suzini

Embellished silk rosette hair piece by Percy Handmade

Grey wedding favors by Martha Stewart via Wedding Tulle

Wedding dress via fhiky

Vintage carved frame by Shabby McFabby

wedding trend: embellished gowns

2010-12-27T14:02:00.010+11:00

The wedding trend of 2010 - embellished gowns - will no doubt continue to be a hit in 2011 as it is a simple and beautiful way for brides to keep costs low for their wedding day but still look glamourous, individual and beautiful. It is probably safe to assume that the majority of brides out there don't have the budget of Kate Middleton, but not to worry, there are so many stunning gowns on the market that are classic and elegant and can be easily customised with handmade flowers, ruffles, bows, laces, rosettes and other appliques.

I am often approached by customers who want a Percy flower altered for use on a wedding dress. As everything is made to order, creating something to suit individual preferences is absolutely no problem at all. And, I am always happy to send out fabric swatches to ensure a perfect colour match.

I am often asked to create something which is either:

detachable: such as a cluster of flowers attached to a brooch pin which can be used after the wedding
backless: which can be hand sewn onto the dress by a seamstress or the bride
on a sash: either a handmade silk dupioni sash or a double satin ribbon

Either way, it's a gorgeous way to create something simple or dramatic economically and exactly to your liking.

ONE: Find the perfect dress in a classic silhouette. I think the Amsale 2011 fall runway collection is elegant, beautiful and truly inspiring.

Amsale 2011 fall collection

TWO: Pick a flower which gets you excited, something which highlights you as an individual. Flowers or embellishments in whites, ivory or cream are a lovely way to keep things elegant and classic, however don't be afraid to go for bright colours or dramatic shapes! If there is something in store that you would like customised, please let me know! I would love to work with you to create the perfect piece.

Customisable flowers by Percy Handmade

THREE: Determine where you would like the embellishments. On your shoulder cascading down? On the waist line? On your hip or the back of the dress? The options are endless! Here are some gorgeous embellished gowns for inspiration:

Amsale 2011 fall collection

Just gorgeous!

etsy find: suzini

2010-12-26T22:33:00.001+11:00

I came across the lovely Susan and her store Suzini recently in the Etsy forums and I was immediately drawn to her vibrant, modern and fun bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I have always been a little hesitant wearing brightly coloured clothing but when it comes to accessories, the sky is the limit! I love the rich colours and playful Suzini designs and I think they would be absolutely perfect if you want to instantly dress up or dress down an outfit!

There are so many gorgeous beaded pieces in store in every colour of the rainbow. There is now a Facebook fan page too. Go on, check out her store because I know you will be a fan!

Mr Rubenstein Bear: picture perfect!

2010-12-25T00:45:00.009+11:00

Some may think it's a little odd organising a portrait shoot for a little puppy dog but, for Steve and I, it was the perfect opportunity to capture our new family in it's early stages.

The look and feel of the session was rather simple; we wanted something fresh, contemporary and relaxed. We were very fortunate to find a talented photographer, Justin Craig, who was able to transform our vision into something truly special.

We had originally post-poned the photo session due to poor weather. We rescheduled our booking for two weeks later only to discover that the weather on the day was in fact worse that what we had hoped for. In the course of a few hours we experienced patches of rain, cloud, constant wind, sun, more cloud... and then lots more rain... It was particularly odd considering that here in Australia mid December is meant to be summer!

For the venue, we wanted some photos in our home as well as something outdoors that still had some raw structural elements. We decided to go to a gorgeous place - Mount Stromlo in Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra, Australia - just a short drive from our home. What appealed to us was the remains of the old Space Observatory which had burned down several years ago during a horrific bush fire in the area. The loss to Canberra at the time was immense, not only due to the number of homes and animals affected, but also the Observatory as an icon to the city. As a matter of fact, Mount Stromlo Observatory also had another significant link to us as the street we bought our house in is actually named after one of the Italian Astronomers who had been brought to Australia many many years ago to set up the Observatory! What a small world we live in...

Despite the poor weather and the difficulties that Justin faced trying to capture some beautiful images on the day, I am absolutely thrilled with how the photos turned out. I could rave on forever about how talented Justin is but instead, see for yourself...

Photo credits :: Justin Craig Photography

Sneek peek: Bear's portrait session

2010-12-21T15:10:00.011+11:00

Steve and I decided to spoil ourselves, and our puppy, this Christmas season with a family portrait shoot with the talented Justin from Justin Craig Photography. We were so pleased with his work on the first Percy Handmade product shoot that we just couldn't resist having him capture our new pup in our new home.

Despite the horrid tornado-like winds and the unpredictable rain on the day, the photos turned out beautifully. It's incredible how quickly a little Labrador can grow so I'm really happy we didn't post-pone the shoot.

I will blog more about the events of the day in my next post but for now I thought I'd show you a photo as a little sneek peek of our portrait session.

Isn't little Bear just adorable?

Photography by Justin Craig Photography

inspiration board: new years celebrations

2010-12-19T23:27:00.003+11:00

Can you believe it's almost 2011?

While I'm still in denial about how fast these years fly by, when I stop to think about it, the past year has been incredible. I bought a new house, worked full time in my day job, ran my Percy store at night and every other breathing moment, welcomed a new puppy dog to the family... plus so much more! I had little sleep, lots of coffee but lots and lots of fun.

To celebrate the brilliant year that's been (and almost gone) I thought I'd gather some gorgeous pieces to bid farewell to the wonderful year that was 2010. Enjoy!

:: Photos ::

Vintage black tuxedo bow by Raleigh Vintage

Gold regal masquerade mask by The Crafty Chemist
Balloons print by GildingLilies

Star stud earrings by Michelle Chang Jewelry

Stripe clutch by Percy Handmade

Red paper ornament by Kiss A Designs

Tiny bow necklace by Angelene

Faux crystal earring by My Cellar Door

wedding ideas: rhinestone and pearls

2010-12-19T18:15:00.006+11:00

One of my favourite pieces in store is a tulle, silk organza and french netting hair piece with rhinestone detail... I love it because it's light and airy and I love the simple contemporary take to a flower hair piece. I think it would look fabulous matched with some gorgeous pearls and a simple dress.

:: Photo credits ::

hair piece by P ercy Handmade

dress by Loveybyisha

pearl and swarovski earrings by TZTudio

necklace by Zafirenia

shop update: holiday sale!

2010-12-19T09:19:00.005+11:00

To celebrate the holiday season, Percy Handmade is offering 10% off all items in store for a short time only. Please use the coupon code HAPPYHOLIDAYS2010 at checkout to receive the discount!

Please note the discount can only be provided if the code is used at checkout. Happy shopping!

wedding ideas: cream and gray

2010-12-18T20:46:00.006+11:00

Final inspiration board for the evening... a collection of pretty greys and creams for a stunning neutral wedding scheme. Lovely!

:: Photo credits ::

feather hair piece by Percy Handmade

paper butterflies by Jaime Mancilla

ivory flower hair clip by Percy Handmade

cupcakes by Janelle Dedini at Cake Inc

shoes by JCrew

clutch purse by Percy Handmade

invitations by Abs in the Custom Print

rhinestone hair pins by Dana Castle

wedding ideas: fall wedding

2010-12-18T19:57:00.005+11:00

While it's summer down here in Australia, I thought I'd pull together some fall inspired pieces for those of you who live up in the northern hemisphere. The weather down here in Canberra, Australia, has been quite unpredictable... some rain, some wind, more rain, then a bit of sun.... certainly not the summers I've grown accustomed too!

:: Photo credits ::

bridal clutch by Percy Handmade

pearl earrings by Something Jeweled

place cards and invitations by Timeless Paper

ring pillow by Bragging Bags

flower hair flowers by Percy Handmade

wedding gown by ArielJ

swarovski earrings by In Style Boutique

wedding ideas: ebony and ivory

2010-12-18T19:07:00.005+11:00

I love it when modern meets vintage which is why I just adore it when ivory is combined with a strong accent colour like black. I thought I'd include some Percy Handmade pieces in the mix too!

:: Photo credits ::

wedding gown by Ting Bridal

moustache by Whisker Works

invitations by Shine Invitations

wedding clutch by Percy Handmade

earrings by Estancia Designs

table numbers by Shine Invitations

wedding cake featured in Better Homes and Gardens

feather hair piece by Percy Handmade

wedding ideas: honeysuckle pink

2010-12-18T11:01:00.006+11:00

:: Photo credits ::

shoes by wet seal

pinwheel by Rule42

pearl bracelet by AMIdesigns

flower table decor by aAccentsandPetals

invitations by Tucci Paper Co

wedding gown by Bridal Bliss Designs

bridal sash by Percy Handmade

rhinestone hair pins by Saylor Rose

wish list: all i want for christmas...

2010-12-11T22:41:00.006+11:00

I love this time of the year - Christmas and New Years, the beginning of summer, packing away the winter wardrobe and stocking up on lots of new accessories for the new season. On my Christmas list are some fun necklaces and accessories that I can mix and match. These little beauties are just fabulous!

:: [clockwise from top left] ::

Black leather cord bangles with gold plated tubes by Maribelle Campa

Mon Amour vermeil gold nuggets silver hoop earrings by Friedasophie

Hand cast brass necklace by Dores

Gilded long pearl cluster necklace by Abigail Percy

Hopefully Santa will be kind =)

photo shoot: justin craig photography

2010-12-04T13:06:00.005+11:00

I recently had the pleasure of working with Canberra based photographer, Justin Craig, on a Percy Handmade product shoot for a new line of pieces. If you're a Canberra local, I highly recommend Justin for your wedding or next formal event - he was an absolute pleasure to work with, totally understood my vision and has an incredible eye for detail. As a matter of fact, I have already scheduled a portrait shoot in two weeks time to photograph my new puppy Bear with Steve and I. It will be our first family portrait =)

I'm hoping to arrange another product shoot early in early 2011 to showcase a new line of clutch purses and hair pieces. Stay tuned...

In the meantime, take a peek below!

Styling by Tania Maras

Clutch purses, hair pieces and sash belts by Percy Handmade

Photography by Justin Craig Photography

update: Percy Handmade is finally on Facebook!

2010-12-03T07:16:00.005+11:00

I have been planning to set up a facebook fan page for quite some time.... and I finally did it last night!

I'm slowly adding some photos from a product shoot with Justin Craig Photography - please find me on facebook to check them out. These photos were taken to launch my new range of pieces that I'm very excited about.

I love the new images and I hope you do too!

You can view my facebook fan page here xx

Styling by Tania Maras

Sash belt by Percy Handmade

Photography by Justin Craig Photography

etsy find: The Bijou Babe

2010-12-01T10:45:00.004+11:00

It's always exciting when you come across something that makes you jump around inside. That's what happened when I found The Bijou Babe and her gorgoeus work on Etsy! I love the contrasting colours of pink and green combined with gold, and the delicate berry-like details. Gorgeous!

Anjou Necklace-Oro Verde Quartz, Tourmaline

Winterberry Earrings-Rubies, Sapphires, Vermeil

La Rose Sauvage Pendant Necklace-Pink Corundum Quartz, Tourmaline

at home: sweet like chocolate!

2010-11-30T19:35:00.009+11:00

Two of our friends - Erin and Ryan - were over on Sunday to meet our new puppy Bear. It just so happened that it was also Ryan's birthday so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to make him a cake! I must admit, it was quite ambitious considering I'm certainly not the domestic goddess that some people might think I am. I do not cook, in fact, I hate cooking... but there's something about baking a cake that's just so much more fun!

It was a little daunting at first but as I got the hang of it, it started to turn out pretty well. I was so proud of the finished product that I just had to take some pics to show off my first baked treat =) And, for the record, it was delicious!!

(Poor little Bear, I could see him eyeing off the cake all morning but he didn't get a piece... he did get a bone though which he seemed pretty pleased with...)

shop update: purple and teal pretties

2010-11-30T19:18:00.019+11:00

For quite some time I have been planning to expand my range into brighter richer colours. The colour trends for 2011 are absolutely gorgeous and include colours such as apple green, hot pink, violet purple, emerald and yellow just to name a few.

Stay tuned... I'm slowly photographing the pieces but I plan to add them all to my store shortly.

These pretty feather hair pieces can be made in a number of different colours and sizes. Please let me know if you would like a piece custom made specifically for you!

Mr Bear: Rubenstein bear

2010-11-30T15:17:00.007+11:00

I mentioned in an earlier post that we were expecting a new addition to our family.... well, I can proudly report that Mr Rubenstein "Bear", our gorgeous (now) 11 week old chocolate Labrador has been settling in well in his new abode and seems to be quite happy with his new surroundings.

He arrived about 2 weeks ago at the age of 9 weeks via plane from a Labrador breeder in Melbourne. It was a one hour flight but it must have felt like an eternity for our poor little puppy. While we would have preferred to have driven from Canberra to collect him, we thought that a one hour flight would be less traumatic for a little puppy compared to an 8 hour drive. He arrived safely, a little anxious, but overall happy-go-lucky and keen to meet his new family.

I have taken about a million photos of our new puppy dog... ahh, what can I say, I'm a proud new parent! We have even arranged a professional photo session of Bear this coming Sunday so that's very exciting. A little like a family portrait with Steve and myself. Oh I can't wait to show you all how the photos turn out!

Day One - 9 week old Bear having his first drink of water in his new home

So sleepy after a long walk...

On a walk... looking oh so adorable!

Bear at the age of 11 weeks waiting patiently

wish list: gorgeous garlands

2010-11-30T13:21:00.004+11:00

With Christmas fast approaching, I'm on the look out for some pretty pieces to decorate my home. These items have been in my favourites list for a little while now but I just can't choose!!

Ahh what the heck... I might get all of them!

Shakespearean paper garland of hearts by Bookity

Butterfly Garland - Sugar Plum by ThisNeckOfTheWoods

Heart Strings in Pure White Mobile by MaisyAndAlice

etsy find: lovejune

2010-11-30T09:31:00.003+11:00

For quite some time, I have been eyeing off the wonderful creations of Love June and it won't be too long before I invest in one of her gorgeous gowns. I adore the glamourous, yet floaty, bohemian signature style and I can't wait for the perfect occasion to wear one of these pieces of art. The hardest part I think is trying to figure out which dress to purchase because they're all so pretty!

You can check out her brilliant work here or on her Facebook fan page.

NEW EVETTE charmeuse one shoulder cocktail dress with belt

NEW RISA charmeuse flutter sleeve dress with accented waistline

NEW GEORGIA silk chiffon gown with draping detail and accented waist

COLLETTE halter looped bodice knee length cocktail gown in silk dupioni

at home: just a few more sleeps...

2010-11-08T17:23:00.004+11:00

Just a few more sleeps until the newest member of our family arrives... Oh!! I can't wait! He's absolutely adorable and his name will be Bear.

I will be in touch with lots more puppy photos xx

shop update: a new line of clutches

2010-10-30T18:42:00.005+11:00

As promised, here are some pics of my newest clutches. There's a few more to photograph so I'll be adding them in store shortly!

Lots more clutches on the way in gorgeous prints and colours too!

shop update: new clutches on the way

2010-10-29T10:23:00.004+11:00

ooohhh I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to write for a little while but I can happily say that I have some gorgeous new clutch purses on the way.... I'm absolutely in love with them! I've been working on some new purse patterns and I'm really pleased with the new shape. They're still quite similar to the original kisslock clutch but with a few pretty tweaks. I'll keep you posted with photos shortly!

have a great day everyone! xx