Back in early September
a few wedding service
providers (myself included)
were invited along to
collaborate with designer
and dressmaker
Jackie Doxey.

It was a long but rewarding
day and the resulting images
are fantastic.....thanks once again to the talented
photographer David Morphew (don't forget the brilliant gift from the man himself, mentioned
below in a recent post.) 

Our beautiful models were Crystal (pictured left,) Lyndsey and TV presenter Ali Defoy
Along with the Jackie Doxey images, I am (slowly) getting around to adding more of the model images from the Crystal Calla Tiara and Lipgloss Beauty make-up photoshoot, courtesy once again of David and featuring Anna, Paula and Laura....
Keep checking back for the new stuff!

Have a fantastic 2012 and beyond!

So as promised in my previous post, here are the details of this amazing free gift.........
To my first local client in 2012 (you'll understand why   when you read on)
If you place an order with  Crystal Calla Tiara  that has a total value of £200 or more will receive a free
studio portrait session, courtesy of my good friend and fantastic photographer David Morphew at his brand new studio
in St John's, Warwick (this is why I've stipulated the local element, sorry if you are further afield)
The session must be booked before the end of March 2012.
Examples of David's work are available to see on this website (I'll be adding more soon)
BIG THANKS David!

for not chatting with you for a while.
I have been absolutely full-on with a complete refurbishment of our bedroom which has taken around three months!
Thankfully we were all done just in the nick of time for Christmas...... oh and incidentally a very happy (if belated) Christmas to you all.
I have a lovely gift for one lucky lady, but I'll tell you more about that very soon so watch this space! ;0)

Hi all,
but particularly welcome to my NBF's from the Burlesque world.
As mentioned in a previous post, I've been busy making some new 'Pastie' and 'Tassel' designs and have just sent my brand new dedicated page 'Burlesque Pasties & Tassels' live.....
Hope you like it?
BW's and sparkles to you ALL!!!

My new Burlesque Pastie 'Burlesque to Bespoke'  designs
have been great fun to create....an unusual change to my usual work,
not that I don't still adore you lovlies....my fab bridal crowd, you understand!
Oh and speaking of you lovely lot....Joan and I will be at 'The Chace Hotel' wedding
fayre this coming Sunday October 16th....please come along and take full advantage of all
of the fantastic experts on hand to help you make your BIG day
extra special. Amongst them will be the brilliant David Morphew
(the photographer featured throughout my website) and Satti from
Lipgloss Beauty (also responsible for beautifying the website
models Paula, Anna & Laura.)
See you on Sunday! xxx

Hi all and especially to my new friends in the Burlesque world!
My client 'Venice Pearl' has just given my latest Pastie (nipple covers) design the thumbs-up YAY! I sent them to her to give me her feedback on size and 'attach-ability' (don't know if that's an actual Burly term....but it works for me!)
So it will be all systems go on some more new design projects for both Pastie's and Tassels (yep, there's a difference!) and I'll post some pics asap for those who are genuinely interested and for those of you who are merely a bit curious ha,ha!
Oh one other piece of news for any potential worldwide customers, as of 30th September 2011, I will be unable to serve anyone outside of the EU....this is due to soaring insurance costs (as ever!) and my sincere appologies if it causes any inconvenience :0(

Hi again.
So as promised in an earlier post.....
I've now finished a smaller version of my 'Crystal Lily Bouquet' design.
Just to show how something can look so different in an
alternative colour....I opted to make this one using gold
wire and the (I think) closest gold coloured Swarovski
crystal which is called Topaz with some topaz AB thrown
in for added sparkly effect!
Once again the added bonus over a fresh flower bouquet is that you get to keep it forever and maybe pass it on as an heirloom?
I've also added more pics of Anna throughout the site from
fab piccie taker....David Morphew.

Oh and Joan and I will be at 'The Arden Hotel' wedding fayre this Sunday18th September if you're interested in seeing my work in 'the wire' Hope to catch up with you there from 11-3.  :0)

Hi again....
just wanted to give a mention to the absolutely fantastic
photography genius (and all round nice guy) that is
David Morphew !!!
We have worked together on a couple of occasions now
and he is just the most talented guy.....
His attention to the finest of details and finishing
is about as extreme as my own.....
Just realised we both may have OCD!?

I am working my way through the website and adding
the pics as he sends them to me, starting with the very
beautiful Anna (pictured left)
I also need to mention the equally talented Satti of
Lipgloss Beauty who did the fantastic make-up and hair
on all three of our models.
(See a previous post for news of this photoshoot.)

Also just time to mention that I attended another shoot
with David last Thursday to launch the new collection by
Bridal dress designer/maker Jacqueline Doxy.....
More news on that soon!

A BIG thank you to all the lovely people who came along to the wedding fayre that Joan and I attended yesterday at 'The Village' hotel in Solihull.
As always we chatted to lots of brides and grooms to be and had a giggle with yet another gentleman who absolutely had to try on the 'Ice Queen Coronet'......I really must start taking my camera to these events to catch the 'game-for-a-laughers' in action!
Hope to see you (and some new faces) at the next wedding fayre on the 18th September at 'The Arden Hotel' on the A45....and I'll try to remember my camera......smile please!!! ;0)

Hi all
I've been wanting to design a Swarovski crystal
bouquet for as long as I've been twiddling and
finally I've managed to find a bit of spare time to
fulfil my own promise!
This is the beautiful result of my toil......
'The Crystal Lily Bouquet' and I'm really happy
with it's stunning sparkle and uniqueness, a true
timeless heirloom that may be treasured and
handed down to daughters and grandaughters.
I hope to add some smaller variations on this
design and to create them in alternative colours
to enable you to see the possibilities......
Bear with me and check back soon!
Just time to mention that I've added another, 
sooner wedding fayre date to this Autumn's 
events. It will be on Sunday 4th September
at 'The Village' in Solihull and runs from 11am
until 3pm. Come along and meet Joan and I and
be one of the first to see 'The Cystal Lily Bouquet'
in all it's sparkly glory!!! 

Well as promised, I've just added my brand new webpage 'Burlesque to Bespoke'
It is totally dedicated to my more 'unusual' work...the stuff that is requested by not only brides and mums, etc but also the designs I've been asked to create for stage and Burlesque dancers.....can't tell you what an eye-opener it's all been and great fun (as well as a little frustrating at times ha,ha!)
My Peacock design (see previous post for image) will be having it's stage debut this Sunday at
'The Canary Cage'  in Liverpool worn by the very talented 'Venice Pearl' she may also be spotted performing at 'The Miss Pandora'  competition in Bournmouth on the 18th August and dancing in 'The Sparkle Lounge'  in Lancaster on the 26th August....go along and show your support and be thoroughly entertained!!! GO GIRL!

Hi everyone!
Just a quick note to let you know that I have just added the confirmed dates, so far of the Autumn wedding fayres Joan and I will be attending.They are as follows: 
The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club on 18th September
The National Motorcycle Museum on 9th October
The Chace Hotel on 16th October
Nailcote Hall on 23rd October.
There are further details about halfway down my Homepage and this is where I will add any further info or new dates .....so check back regularly and we look forward to meeting you!

Ok,
so remember my lady Gemma (see previous posts)
who turned out to be a Burlesque dancer?
Well this is her latest bespoke headpiece, introducing.....
'The Peacock'
A skullcap design based on the head and crest of a truly
beautiful bird (and the peacock, ha,ha!)

Gemma is in the process of putting together several new
'Burly' acts and I'm proud and honoured to say....has commissioned me to create all of her headpieces and a few other items besides....... 
which I will reveal in due course, I know, I know the suspense is already killing you :0) !

So based on the info Gem has given me regarding the Burlesque
world and the fact that she thinks the ladies will LOVE my
work.....I will be adding a new page to the website
dedicated to 'Burlesque, Theatre and Bespoke'

So hurry up with my piccies, Gem....you are my little star!
(More detailed images of the work will be available to view on
the new webpage)

So I'm back from my little break, refreshed and ready to go again! (Ahhhhh number one)
And I have just had a look at my Guestbook and would like to thank Nicole and Daisy for the absolutely lovely comments they have left me with regards to the 'Little Angel' circlet I created for Daisy to be the prettiest little flower girl ever! (Ahhhhh number two)
So if you've been waiting patiently to contact me.......I am back in my little workshop so drop me a line and I'll be in touch very soon!

Just letting you all know that if you get in touch and I don't get back within a couple of days....please don't worry I definately will be!
I am taking a short (but well earned) break until early July.....SERIOUSLY need to give my little fingers a rest from twisting, threading, manipulating and sculpting!
I will occasionally check for messages, but please don't be dissapointed if I don't contact you straight away....come July I'll be back in full creative mode, so bear with me until then.
Chat to you soon, best wishes....Tracy x :0)

Hello lovely people.
Just want to tell you about my newest designs.....one for the ladies and one for the little ones.....bet you can't guess which is which ha,ha!

The first is called 'Sophistication' and started out as a bespoke design for a fun lady called Lindsey and was loosely based on the 'Crystal & Pearl Shower'  but evolved into this almost vintage style as it resembles a Birdcage veil that sweeps over the corner of one eyebrow....quite alluring!

The second is the prettiest little crystal circlet named 'Little Angel' which  also began it's life as a special request by Nicole for her four year old daughter, Daisy....how cute will she look on the BIG day?!
Thank you to both ladies for helping me with further inspiration and please keep the requests coming as I love to create new and exciting designs!!!

So last Sunday 'TheTeam' (pictured left, less our king of photography hiding behind the camera) converged in the 'Iliffe Room' of 
'The Chace Hotel'  in Coventry to take some fab new pics.
Our fantastic photographer 'David Morphew'  instantly made us relax, chatting and joking easily with us....an all round great bloke, not to mention his beautiful work and attention to detail!
Our hair and beauty Guru, Satti from Lipgloss Beauty worked tirelessly....applying stunning make-up, false eyelashes, curling and preening for hours and all that after arriving with a full face of perfect make-up and hair done, herself!!!
Our models seemed, also to have lots of fun and I'm sure will be over-the-moon with David's photos.
So I'd like to extend the following heartfelt thank you's to (from left) the gorgeous Paula, Satti, Anna, Laura....ignore the redhead in the major bling, David Morphew  and last but not least to Sarah at
'The Chace Hotel' for kindly allowing us to use the 'Illife Room' which is the wedding ceremony room.....Mick and I got hitched in there and it is bright and beautiful, so please go have a look at the hotel if you are still in the planning stages of your own wedding......and don't forget to get in quick and book David and Satti to avoid dissapointment! Thank you one and all and we must do it again sometime!

Ok the rest of the good news......
Sometime last year, Joan and I attended a wedding fayre at Coombe Abbey Hotel.
It was there that we met both Jennifer and Ben....a gorgeous couple that were looking for a venue for their forthcoming BIG day.

Well I recently had an email from Jen asking if I would make her the Aurora Crown which was the design she fell in love with when we met.
Of course I made and sent her design and she has kindly sent me this stunning piccie of her wearing the crown and a very fetching photo of fiance Ben also in full crown mode (apparently very jealous of Jen's sparkles and refusing to be left out of the fun......good on ya Ben..... looks good, but has to be said far better on Jennifer, ha,ha!)

Well Jennifer was bowled over by the crown, I'm pleased to say and has 'Tweeted' about me, YAY!..... However when she sent me the link to her Twitter page, I was equally bowled over and proud to discover that Jennifer is a top Playboy model! (Shouldn't be surprised  really....the glamourous taste, great looks, hair, perfect bod etc,etc!)
Anyway, if you, like me would like to 'follow' Jennifer and Ben on the lead upto (and beyond) their own wedding day, her Twitter address is @playboymodeljen.
A BIG thank you to Jennifer (and Ben for being game-for-a-laugh.) I'll get your earrings made asap too...... have a fantastic day and don't forget those photo's you promised me, okay? :0)

So (deep breath)
it seems my lovely bride-to-be, Gemma (see previous post re bespoke 'Ice Queen Coronet'.....now affectionately known as 'The Venitian') has become my biggest fan.
It turns out our little Gem is a Burlesque dancer......how impressive is that?!
Well she came back to me with a new challenge.....to create a crown for her new act based on the 17th centuary French queen Marie Antoinette. It seems she will be wearing a huge big pink wig and needed a crown to finish the look and so VOILA (just about the extent of my French vocabulary) here it is 'The Marie' It is created using lots and lots of cream, dark and light blue Swarovski pearls twisted around with light sapphire and AB crystals and finished with moving forehead crystal 'chains'....it is a towering 7" (18cm) tall!
I'm also about to start on a pair of crystal 'Kitty Cat' ears and a headress that mimics the crest on top of a peacock's head.....all great fun and a completely different direction to my 'normal' tiara work!
More great news for both Gemma and I......she has been selected to be featured in a magazine, YAY go Gemma!!!!
Why good for me and Crystal Calla? well she was wearing 'The Venitian' when she was spotted by the magazines photographers and they really want to feature Gemma wearing my designs, so I'll be getting an accreditation in an issue due out in the Autumn......Thanks hunny....you're a star!
Oh and last but not least, Gemma will be in a competition this weekend as part of the
'Liverpool Tattoo Convention' she is performing in 'The Tattood Tassel Off' so if you are that way, please go and show your support and say Tracy sent you.....GOOD LUCK GEM, you'll walk it (or is that strut?) 
Still more to tell you (unrelated) but will leave that for another post.....cruel I know!

Joan and I recently attended a wedding fayre at Warwick House  in Southam that was fantastically well organised by 
Smudge Magazine (with kind thanks to them for the use of their photos)
Warwick House , itself has just been totally refurbished (costing millions) and is offered as an exclusive venue to you and your guests for the entire wedding day!
It is a beautiful place which you may see from the 'Smudge' pics here: http://www.smudgemagazine.co.uk/gallery/wedding-show

We also met a lovely lady called Satti (left) who does an absolutely amazing job of bridal and occasion hair and make-up! If you'd like to contact Satti to discuss your ideas, email: lipglossbeauty@hotmail.co.uk

Oh and what can I say, but wow....David Morphew's photography is simply stunning! His attention to detail and vibrant colour is amazing, as is his classic black and white work.....a joy to look at for years to come!

for   that phone call from Kate (sorry won't have enough time now anyway, I'm afraid.)
Well I'm just a little dissapointed that the Royal Bride-to-be didn't give me the nod to design her tiara for the BIG day but I guess Swarovski just can't quite compete with real diamonds, lol!

Good luck to the happy couple and whatever you, yourself (along with the rest of us commoner's)   are doing to celebrate (or avoid) THE wedding......have a great day/long weekend! :0)

Hi all,
firstly may I wish you a very Happy Easter!

Well Crystal Calla Tiara has just celebrated it's first birthday and the early signs are so encouraging!
I've had and have   some absolutely lovely clients and I love receiving the many heart-warming thank you's and beautiful photo's from you.
I'm now officially very busy!   :0)  
So to all my ladies....past, present and future, a huge thank you for choosing me to design and make probably the most important headwear/accessory you will ever wear......I'm so very honoured and proud to be part of your BIG day!

Thank you so much for your continued support.

Just a quickie.....no really!
I just want to thank two of my lovely ladies who have left me such heart-warming and appreciative comments which I have added to my 'Happy Clients'  page. It makes me realise why I love my work so much!
Thank you so much to my new 'biggest fan' Gemma (the 'Ice Queen Coronet' lady mentioned in an earlier blog post) and to Danielle who's Mum, Anita collected all of her headpieces ('Lovers Side Tiara' and matching Cuff, the 'Passionflower,'  'Blossom Comb' and some bespoke flower pins and clips for her bridesmaids) earlier today. Good luck in the future to you all (and I'll be in touch soon re the other matter, Gem! x)

.........So as promised yesterday
(another two day on the trot post......gonna be getting a gold star soon :0) !)
Here is my lovely client, Gemma's bespoke version of the 'Ice Queen Coronet' 
She approached me a few weeks ago and told me she really wanted a red version of the crown and also mentioned her wedding will be in Venice (lucky girl!)
So with this in mind, I suggested that we might incorporate some gold into the design....the result both she and I think is stunning (my best work to date in Gemma's opinion) and VERY Venician.

I know you will be reading this, Gemma....so don't forget my promised piccies! :0)

Hello again!
just got to tell you a couple of things.....
The first is regarding the piccie on the left.....'Grace' has just been added to my most recent webpage:
'First Holy Communion' it is a pretty little affordable tiara which features three simple little Swarovski clear crystal crosses in between some pearl uprights.

The second (and third) news is regarding this weekends
Crystal Calla Tiara attended events.
Joan and I will be at 'Warwick House' in Southam on Saturday 9th April but also we will be at 'Ruby Tuesday Hair Salon's'  pamper open day at the Canal Basin in Coventry on the Sunday for a couple of hours from 12pm. Hope you can come along to one (or both) days to say hello?
Oh one other thing (I know I said a couple.....trying not to bore you :0) ) I have just finished a bespoke version of 'The Ice Queen Coronet' for a lovely lady called Gemma.....I will post the photo tomorrow! That's it for now...honest!

Hi again....two posts in as many days, I must be getting the hang of this blogging stuff! lol.
Today I am writing about a special request made by a lady called Sarah, she particularly liked the 'Petals' designs as they are understated but very pretty. Her problem was that she couldn't quite decide on whether to have the Petals Side Tiara  or a front forehead style designed and so I went ahead and made that very design as a traditional style tiara (shown here.)
Now having finished it, I think it has quite a vintage feel and so as well as turning up on the
 'Lily, Calla & Flower Designs'  page with it's fellow collection....I have also added it to
 'Vintage Inspired Designs'

So far, I have to say that I haven't entirely embraced the fact that 'vintage' is back in a big way...guilty as charged!
As you are probably aware, if you have browsed the website already, I specialize in the more fantasy and fairytale style of design.....
BUT to right my very sorry :0( wrongs, I have added a new design to my 'Vintage Inspired Designs'  page, it's called 'Glamour'
and features an abundance of pearls in flattering creams and golds.
It is a very versitile creation that may be worn either upwards (like a more traditional offset tiara) or as an Alice-style side band as ahown here.
Am I forgiven, pleeeeeeease???? :0)

I'm still at it......what my hubby calls twiddling and fiddling!
Since launching my new webpage dedicated to First Holy Communion , I have added several new designs and I will be adding one or two more very soon (depending on time I am able to spend on designing as my busy period is just around the corner!)
keep checking back............

So here it is....the bespoke Aurora (full-head) Crystal Crown I recently designed and made for Philomena....a traveller lady who contacted me a few weeks ago to see if it was possible to have the original 'Aurora (half) Crown'  made whole and higher.
Well the result is shown here, it took in excess of 3000 Swarovski clear and AB crystals and almost forty hours work to complete. It has been beautifully modelled here for me by Laura.
I will pop some larger pics onto the
Tiara and Crown Gallery and onto the
Fantasy Collection page.

Countdown to the bespoke 'Aurora full-head Crown'
...........1 day to go until  piccie post!!!
Congratulations and best wishes to Philomena (the traveller girl who commissioned the design) and her now, new hubby for their BIG day, today 17th March 2011!

As promised in a previous post....
I have just added another brand new design to the newest webpage on the site 'First Holy Communion'
This pretty little tiara (or bun tiara) is called
'Communion Cross' and it features no less than eleven little woven Swarovski crystal crosses, five larger and six smaller. It joins several more designs specifically made with this special occasion  in mind.

I am also popping in a mention about the wedding fayre Joan and I will be attending this coming Sunday 20th March 2011 organised by 'Perfect Brides' at 'Nailcote Hall'  please come and have a browse around the venue and have a chat with the many exhibitors who are all there to help you have the day of your dreams! See you Sunday 11am until 4pm.

Hello again.....
If you haven't already spotted it, I have just added another brand new page onto the website:
'First Holy Communion'
It features some new designs such as 'Faith' (pictured here,)
'Trinity Cross'  and 'Dainty Cross Coronet' as well as some classical work from other sections and collections of the website.
Please keep a look out for a new design or two coming soon, or drop me a line to customise any already available.
Tracy@crystal-calla-tiara.com

Hi lovely people,
I am dropping in a short post here to ask you to watch this space....
I was approached a few weeks ago by a young traveller lady asking me to  make her a full head crown loosely based on  the  'Aurora Crown'  Now when I say loosely, this particular version is 11cm as opposed to 7cm at it's highest point and obviously goes around the whole head not just the front.
It has taken almost 40 hours work and more than 3000 Swarovski crystals to complete....a sparkling triumph!!!
I will be putting some photo's of the design onto the website after her wedding which is on St. Patricks day next Thursday, so you won't have to wait long if the suspense is killing you! :0)

.......another one opens, as the saying goes.
Well in this case it is regarding my planned attendance at Cranmore Park wedding fayre.....this two day event has unfortunately been cancelled BOOOO but I have been kindly asked by 'Perfect Brides'  to come along to 'Nailcote Hall' on the 20th March instead YAY!
So if you miss Joan and I at the 'Days Hotel'  this coming Sunday 13th March, you will still get another chance to come to Nailcote Hall the following week to say hi and try! :0D

Hi there,
just a quick mention about our event tomorrow, Sunday 27th February.
Joan and I will be bringing Crystal Calla Tiara to 'The Chace Hotel'  on London Road, Coventry.....hope you can make it?

So how was St. Valentines Day for you?.......did he pop the question and more importantly did you say YES?!
If so my deepest congratulations to you both and I wish you luck and love
So here is where the journey to the big day starts....organising the wedding date, venue, invitations, cake, suits, the   dress and the crowning magical touch of sparkle to complete the whole look......your headwear!
So this   Sunday 20th February from 11.30   until 3pm is the ideal opportunity to make a start and get some ideas and advice from the professionals at   The Woodside Wedding and and Celebrations Showcase. Joan and I will be there to encourage you to try some of my designs...even if you are not at the tiara buying stage it is useful to get a feel for what will (and won't....we are very honest) suit you.
So we look forward, as always to meet and help you in anyway we can.....see you on Sunday :0)

So another wedding fayre under our belts and another good giggle courtesy of a bride's dad this time....it's always the men!
To say this one was a character was an understatement......he tried his best sales patter on me to try to knock my price down,   all my hours of hard work the cheek! It's a good job I have a great sense of humour Mr Clamp otherwise I might have taken some serious offence to your comments my lad....as it is, all I can say is very good luck on your wedding day Jodie.....you are going to need that and some ear plugs when it comes to daddy's speach....I don't envy you one bit there!
Have fun all and sincerely great to meet and banter (or should that be barter) with you???!!!  

Hi lovely people,
a massive thanks to all of you who came along to 'The Royal Court'  wedding fayre last Sunday.
My appologies if I didn't get to chat to you either because I was really busy or the fact that I was unable to hear you because of my 'nextdoor neighbours' playing a full music set for most of the day!
Don't get me wrong here....they were fab and I would have boogied with the best of them on a night out.....but they were just too loud to comfortably chat...in fact, I was nursing a sore throat for the first half of the week so sorry also if I shouted at you.....I had no choice!
If you didn't manage to grab our attention last week there will be another opportunity to see Joan and I this Sunday 6th February at the National Motorcycle Museum  (near Solihull) from 11am...hopefully a little more peaceful and relaxed!? :0/

Hi all....
just wanted to remind you that Joan and I will be attending 'The Royal Court'  wedding fayre tomorrow (30th Jan) from 12 until 4 pm (the fashion show will be on around 1pm if you'd like to take that in while you visit)
We sincerly hope to meet you there...but if you can't make tomorrow, we will be doing several more shows in the coming weeks....details are available on my Homepage  Come and say hello to not only us, but all of the wedding professionals.....we are here to help make your BIG day extra special!
See you from midday tomorrow?...... best wishes, Tracy & Joan x :0)
Psssssst.....I will be unveiling some new designs too!

Cute for the little ones or elegant for adults......that's the brand new design for 2011 the
'Dainty Coronet'

As with the Ice Queen Coronet  this design works worn either centrally on the head or sitting to one side at a quirky angle.

It's size is perfect for a child and with the added addition of some little crystal crosses on the tallest peaks would be a beautiful and unusual
1st holy Communion headress. 

(Click on the image to see how this design looks with the crosses attached.)

If you are a fan of 'The Lovers Collection'  
(see 'Lily, Calla and Flower Designs' ) then you'll love that I have designed a piece to complete the look.....introducing the 'Lovers Cuff'

The entire collection now includes a traditional front sitting tiara  ,
a side tiara , earrings , necklace and hairpins  all featuring the same intricately woven Swarovski crystal lilies in Aurora Borealis (rainbow) crystals to ensure they stand out from any surrounding clear crystal leaves or 'blossom.' 

Don't forget any items can be made in any colour or an array of similar colours to create a beautiful three dimensional shaded look....
for an idea of what I mean click here

Please contact me with your specific requirements and bear in mind that most of the items featured in this collection and many other of my designs are also suitable for Proms, balls, parties, 1st Holy Communion and just as a treat for yourself! :0)  Tracy@crystal-calla-tiara.com 

Hi everyone,
I hope all of you are sticking to those New Year resolutions!?
Personally, I didn't really make any (not because I'm perfect....far from it!) I just don't seem to be able stick to them.....but I guess I should resolve to loose those extra Christmas pounds now that all of the choccie is out of the house!
I will get a bit fitter soon though as I have booked several Wedding Fayres in the next few months, the latest of which is a two day event in March so I'll be on my feet for about nine hours a day at Cranmore Park ....I do love meeting new people though especially at wedding fayres, everyone is in high spirits and Joan and I have had some very fun moments at some of last years events and I'm sure you lot won't dissapoint us this year!?
The first of our events, however is in a couple of weeks time on Sunday 30th January at The Royal Court Hotel so pop along and have that giggle! 

Hi I just wanted to pass on a lovely message that came via text from my friend Sheila:
'For my l;ovely friend! She can deal with stress and carry heavy burdens. She smiles when she feels like screaming and she sings when she feels like crying. She cries when she's happy and laughs when she's afraid. Her love is unconditional.....there is only one thing wrong with her, she forgets her worth!'
Isn't it a lovely thought to pass onto all your closest friends to make them realise how special they really are and to put a smile on their face....worked for me, thanks She!
Speaking of friends.....I'm hoping to make many more this year as a lot of my former clients have become friends and we stay in touch from time-to-time. I love to hear how married life suits them and about the iminent arrival of any tiny feet (good luck Vanessa and Chase....hope all goes well!) So please come along and say hello to me....and my Mum, Joan at any (or all) of the wedding fayres we are attending soon (see my homepage  for details) drop me a line or call me.....I am always happy to meet new people! :0)

I hope you have had a fantastic Christmas and I would now like to wish everyone an extremely happy, healthy and prosperous 2011 and if this is 'your wedding year' then I also wish you lots of luck, with the fine-tuning of your plans!
Some good news to start the year......with the rise in VAT and material costs, I have decided to try to soften the blow a little by now offering FREE Delivery in the UK and depending on the value of your total order....I may also be able to offer some discount on multiple items  required, just drop me a line with your query and I'll let you know if I can help.
Once again Happy New Year and I'll chat again soon, very best wishes, Tracy x :0)
Tracy@crystal-calla-tiara.com

Just wanted to wish everyone a very happy Christmas/holiday especially my clients past, present and future (sounds like a seasonal 'Dickensian' novel!)  Have lots of fun and share lots of love!  Tracy x   :0)

Hi again,
how is the run up to Christmas going for you?.....I'm guessing that unless your wedding is this month, then all thoughts of that particular celebration are firmly on hold at least until Boxing Day! :0)
Personally I'm finding it a bit of a struggle to buy for (typically) the main three people in my life....my Mum, Dad and the ever awkward (but lovable) Mike!
Only 11 sleeps to Santa and my blood pressure is slowly rising.....I WILL sort something out for them all this weekend! (I hope....)
In the meantime......don't take a leaf out of my book and have a stress free few more days!!! :0/

The countdown has officially begun in our house....the tree, lights and decorations are now up (took me best part of eight hours....ever the perfectionist, wonder if I'm borderline OCD?) and it's only twenty-two sleeps to Santa YAY!
Even if Christmas is not your thing......it's a welcome break for us all anyway....isn't it???
In the meantime stay warm....get your own deckies up (does wonders to cheer you up) and I'll chat to you soon....                                                
Tracy x

heck have you lot done to the weather!? lol :0/
It's not even December and it's freeeeeeeezing!
I remember posting in an earlier blog how I was holding off   putting the central heating on   but now my finger is hovering over the 'constant' switch! I sincerely hope this isn't a taste of the rest of our winter.....afterall where was our summer??? NOT fair!
On a lighter note (only if you are organised that is) it's only 26 days to Christmas YAY! :0)
I loooooooove Crimbo and only have to wait a few more days to put up my deckies.....twinkly and sparkly just like my designs and at least I can close the door, put my fire on and gaze at the lights.....makes you feel all warm inside (even if it doesn't improve outside!)
Oh.....and don't forget to put your order in soon to avoid the dreaded extra VAT etc...Happy Christmas shopping.

Joan and I would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone....brides, maids, mum's, guests and grooms who came along to say hello to us on Sunday at Coombe Abbey.
I hope you found all of us wedding professionals useful in your quest to plan your perfect day?!
Good luck with it all and hopefully we   will see you again soon.

Hi all,
I am just dropping this in to make you aware that as of 1st January 2011 there will be a price increase...
My sincerest apologies but this is due to the VAT increase as well as the annual rise in Swarovski crystals and other raw materials. However if you place an order with me by December 31st 2010 then the current price will obviously be held for you.
Again really sorry but it is genuinely out of my hands! :0(  

I was approached recently with regards to the Aurora Crown and a 'Snow Queen' dance costume someone was making for the theatre.

Given that the concept for the cotume was for dance, I pointed out that this design, having so many crystals on it would be a little too heavy for that kind of movement and so this got the creative juices flowing again!

The result is the 'Icicle' crown pictured left a truly head-turning. unusual design (not for the faint-hearted) and the full details may be found on 'The New Fantasy Collection' page.

Just a quickie reminder about the
Coombe Abbey Wedding Showcase
this Sunday 14th November......
Joan and I would love to see you there...come and try the new (and original) designs and visit this beautiful venue!

Hi lovely people, I am in need of your help.....The voting has just begun in the

'Wedding Ideas Magazine Awards 2011'

I would REALLY appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to click on the link above and vote for 'Crystal Calla Tiara'
a BIG thank you in advance and wish me luck!!! :0) xxxx

Based on the popularity of my 'Passionflower'  tiara design, I have come up with a version which features two flowers but on a much smaller scale.
This design has been made in gold-plated wire with ruby and AB Swarovski crystals but would easily translate into silver wire with any other colour crystals.

I have also started a brand new page on the website called:
'Vintage Inspired Designs' this will be dedicated to items that have been made using either vintage inspired or true vintage find jewellery.....as such some of the items featured on this page will be one-offs so your piece will never be seen on anyone else.
This page is still under development....so keep checking for new stuff!

Just been reminded by Joan about Mercia FM being at The Chace Hotel wedding fayre a couple of weeks ago.
As the ladies were hovering around....they were taking snaps of the various stands and exhibitors, I thought you might like to take a look at the pics here: http://www.mercia.co.uk/photos/72157625236808276

I also took my own photo's....a bit difficult with the low, mood lighting in the Chace but this is roughly what to expect at a 'Crystal Calla Tiara' attended event....

While we are on the subject, Joan and I will be at    'Coombe Abbey Wedding Showcase'    next Sunday 14th November from 2-5.30pm    (so no dragging yourself out of bed to attend this    one!)       A stunning medievil wedding venue and if you     haven't been inside before....quite awe-inspiring    just come along for the opportunity to nosey    around. :0)

I had mentioned in an earlier post (now deleted for reasons that will become clear)   that my signature
'Crystal Calla Lily' design had been plagiarised, however the tiara maker in question has since   been in contact with me to apologise unreservedly for the error.....it seems we were both duped by a client of hers who arrived wielding a photograph of one of my designs and requested her to make something similar. The image had no company name upon it (seemingly a bit of picture editing had taken place!) and so she agreed without doing any further research....leading to our unfortunate crossed swords!
I am pleased to report that all is now well and the design has   since been removed from her own website with no hard feelings as I gather she has had a similar experience herself in the past and understood my obvious annoyance.
A word to the lady client who started the hassle.......THANKS FOR THAT!!! :0\

Let me explain the title I have chosen for this post.....
My able assistant Joan and I had a great laugh on Sunday at The Chace Hotel wedding fayre courtesy of one VERY game groom-to-be!
He came dutifully along with his lovely intended and their beautiful little girl who were both looking for a fabulous headress, however having spotted the 'Ice Queen Coronet'  he just had to try it....and (weirdly) it didn't look wrong!!?? :0)
I'm sure the pics taken by his wife-to-be and her friend are now doing the rounds on 'Facebook' and the like.....good on you and what I said in a previous post about men being no fun.....'I absolutely take it all back!!!'

The 'twidling and fiddling' (as my lovely hubby Mick calls it) I have been doing lately has resulted in not only new tiara and wand designs but also some very sparkly jewellery!
The 'Crystal & Pearl Cuff' is quite a bold, yet elegant statement piece. I have included both the front and side view here to enable you to see the tapering effect....a perfect partner to the new 'Bubbles'  tiara, perhaps or just for the sparkle freaks among us? (Holding my own hands up at this point! :0) !)

I will also be launching a new necklace design or two very soon.....so watch this bloggy space!!!

Many ladies have asked me if I 'do' any tiaras featuring pearls and my answer is yes!..... almost all of my designs will translate into pearls rather than crystals or indeed a combination of the two.

But ever the crowd-pleaser that I am, I have come up with a brand new design that perfectly illustrates this (just in case it is difficult to imagine the alternative.)

I present the 'Bubbles'  tiara.....a gently tapering design featuring, as always the finest Swarovski crystals in a combination of clear and AB and with (in this case) white pearls.

I will be bringing it along to The Chace Hotel Wedding Fayre this Sunday 24th October so if you'd like to be one of the very first to try the design 'hot-of-the-press' so to speak make sure you come along!

As promised, just a quickie mention about my next event.
Joan is back (YAY, thank goodness!) Both she and I will be attending the 'Chace Hotel Wedding Fayre'   this Sunday 24th October.
Come and try some (or all) of   my designs all of which are crafted using only the finest Swarovski crystals....
Also have a chat with the other fantastic   wedding professionals   including Mark and Mylene from 'Mark Andrew Mens Formal Hire'   (for him) and 'Karen Delahunty' who designs and makes individual gowns (for you.)
We would love to meet you!

I'd just like to say HI to everyone I met at 'Woodside's Wedding Showcase' yesterday and a BIG thank you to the three gorgeous ladies who were kind enough to wear some of my designs whilst modeling some beautiful wedding gowns.  
Joan (my fab Mum) and I always wear some of my work at the events we attend but yesterday I was missing my 'mother-of-the-bride' model and no amount of cajoling (or blatant begging) would get her temporary replacement...my hubby Mick to play ball and sport a design of his choosing....sometimes men are no fun at all!!! :o)
Hope you all had a good time and took full advantage of the freebie wine and canapes!?
I hope to see you next week?...I will post the info in a couple of days or go to my 'Homepage'  to find out all of my up and coming events.

Hi again.....two posts in as many days, I'm getting used to this blogging marlarky! :o)
This mention is about another new design I have just added to my
'Wands & Bouquets' page so is aimed at the 'little ones' among us (but if it floats your own boat.........?)      

The 'Fairy-Fluff Star' is an oh so cute and fluffy alternative to a flower bouquet....and much more fun to hold!
It's made with fluffy feathers and red Swarovsi crystal, rose and ribbon accents.....
Absolutely perfect for a Winter or Christmas wedding!

Contact me if you require other colours or the alternative 'Loveheart' shape (shown below.)

I will definitely bring them with me on Sunday to the
Woodside Wedding Showcase ......see you there? x

Another Wedding Fayre is looming....well another two actually!
This Sunday 17th October I will be at Woodside in Kenilworth   for their wedding showcase extravaganza from 11am until 3pm.
My very able assistant Joan is soaking up the sun in foreign climes at the mo (lucky Mum & Dad) so I will be 'dragging' the hubby (kicking and screaming if needs be)   along to help with the setting up and breaking down of the stand....the in between bit will be manned by yours truly   and thank goodness for the 'Nintendo DS' to keep him entertained!
If you are coming along and would like me to bring any specific designs, please drop me a line:
Tracy@crystal-calla-tiara.com or call or text me on 07767351443 to ensure I have what you would like to see 'in the wire' on the day.
Look forward to meeting you! :o)

A BIG   thank you to all the lovely people who came over to say hello to Joan and I at Sunday's Wedding Fayre at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre.
It's a venue I have not been in before and was surprised by the shear size of it but also the fact that it still had a nice intimate feel due to the clever twinkling lights in the curtaining.....bear it in mind if you are still in the early planning stages!
I sincerely hope you also took full advantage of   'Chrissie McClelland'   hair and make-up artist extrodinaire!?

I'll be exhibiting again in a couple of weeks and will post the details here nearer the time....
or check out my Home Page   as I give all of the events I'm attending a 'plug' on there.

Just a quickie mention:
My able and fab assistant (Mum, Joan) and I will be attending a Wedding Fayre next Sunday 3rd October at
The Heart of England Conference and Events Centre  in Fillongly from 12-4pm. I hope you will be able to come and say hello?
My good friend and fantastic hair and make-up lady Chrissie McClelland  will be right along side me.... great opportunity to try the designs with the hair so see you there?!... Perhaps I should take up Poetry?....no Tracy, stick with what you do best!  lol : )

Hi again,
I have just added a 'new' design (when I say new it is a variation on my existing 'Floating Butterfly Cake Topper')
This one features Dragonflies instead.
The alternative design came about when I was contacted by a lovely lady called Rosalyn who really liked the idea of the cake topper but her 'thing' is dragonflies......she asked if I could help and this is the resulting design.
She also requested that hers not have the floating elements but wanted them included separately to have on the other tiers of the cake....a lovely idea and I really hope that I will receive a piccie of the finished masterpiece after the big day?!
I hope you are reading this, Rosalyn? lol : ) x

You can see the bigger image and full description here:
http://www.crystal-calla-tiara.com/page10.htm

Hello to any of you who have been patiently waiting for me to pull my finger out and add the 'Opulence' tiara to my collection.......
Appologies for the delay....but I have been really busy with a few rush orders since my return from sunny Spain to not so sunny OR warm England! (putting off the need for central heating as long as possible, but am running out of jumpers fast!)
The images and the full description (and brief followed for the competition entry) are all now available to view on my newest webpage......
'The Fantasy Collection'



I hope you like it and don't forget, like all the other designs on my website
it can be altered or crafted in any colour(s) to suit your own preference.

Hi all,
I hope all of your wedding/party planning has been going well while I've been away?.......
I am back from my jollies now, I had a fab time but am glad to be home and ready to get down to the twiddleing thing again!
I will be doing a bit of updating on the website soon and will be adding my Swarovski competition finalist entry the 'Opulence'  tiara to 'The Fantasy Collection'  page (with a pic of that 'cheap' : ) model again) taken when we had the photoshoot with Andy Baines at B72 Imaging  a couple of months ago.
So, please check back soon, TTFN!

Hi everyone, just a quickie post to let you know that I'm taking a short break from the 'twiddling and fiddling' (see below for explanation!) I'm off to rest my poorly fingers for a wee while so if you contact me, don't worry if I don't answer straight away, although I will still check my email periodically.
I'll be back in full swing in early September so will be in touch then, if not before.
Chat to you all soon xxxxxx

My fabulous assistant..... my wonderful Mum, Joan   and I attended the first of my planned wedding fayres yesterday at The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
Despite the fairly awful but typical 'British summertime' weather, we had a pretty good turn out and met some absolutely lovely ladies (and Gents although they were generally sent off to wander.....got to maintain the air of secrecy....sorry guys, no offence!)
Mum and I both love attending bridal fayres (despite the fact it is very hard work with setting up and breaking down the stand again!) We thoroughly enjoy meeting and chatting with not only the bride but often their Mum, Mum-in-laws to be, friends and bridesmaids both adult and children.....who absolutely love trying on all the pretty sparklies and of course we must all add the appropriate ooooh's and ahhhh's  for the little princess-for-a-day impact!
So to all the fantastic people who came to see us yesterday, thank you for making it such fun and we sincerly hope to see you again very soon, the next nearest event to Coventry is The Chace Hotel  on Sunday 24th October...I hope to add some more wedding fayre dates for Autumn, so keep an eye on my Homepage for the confirmed events......Good luck with the planning and I hope you all got some great ideas from your visit?

I know I promised a little while ago to add some more images from our recent photoshoot with Andy Baines at B72 Imaging a few weeks ago, but to be honest I've been trying to avoid the ones that feature your's truly!
As I mentioned before I'm not really comfortable in front of a camera....especially if I know my picture is being taken and why is it your smile always looks unconvincing when it's been 'staged'!? In fact I can still remember the feeling of 'jaw ache' on my own wedding day....and no, it wasn't through all that chatting.....or drinking!
I really only agree to have my pic's on this website at all because ladies often ask how a design will 'sit' or look when on, so I'm the only 'model' readilly available....and cheap!  lol : )

Anyhow here is another of my favourites:
 
    Sarah wearing Calla Trinity



......and here are some of the rest!!!:














    Romance 

   Passionflower

Hi lovely people,
I'm just dropping a short post in here to mention the Wedding Fayre I will be attending in a couple of weeks at the 'Belgrade Theatre' in Coventry city centre.
It's an ideal opportunity to come along and see all of my designs 'in-the-wire' so to speak!
Please come along and say hello...it's on Saturday 14th August 2010  from 11am until 4pm...the full details are available to view on my homepage  about half way down.....
Look forward to meeting you there!

Just a few weeks ago, the wonderful Andy Baines of B72 Imaging was officially a little star as he gave up his valuable 'chill-time' one Sunday morning to take some pics for Chrissie McClelland (hair and make-up) who kindly asked me along to show off some of my work.
Well I would have to say that becoming a model for the day took me right out of my comfort zone but, hey what we'll do for our friends and some free advertising....no-pain-no-gain, I guess!
Anyway, along with myself, the other far more photogenic models wer Ellie, Helen, Sarah and the lovely Tracie of Ben N Zaks Florist.  A BIG thank you to them all for giving up their free time, four hours of smiling is not an easy ask! Oh and poor Chrissie was gulping down some adrenalin-kicking, caffeine induced high energy drink to keep her going!!!
Here are some of Andy's fab pics.......













 Ellie wearing the 'Ice Queen Coronet'

















Helen wearing the 'Lovers Tiara & Necklace'

Sarah wearing the 'Fantasia Tiara'

Tracie also wearing the 'Ice Queen Coronet'



I'll post some more images in another Blog soon.........

I have been furiously 'twiddling and fiddling' lately (as my hubby, Mick calls it!) to create and produce a couple of new designs for my brand new webpage 'The Fantasy Collection'  It is a collection of intricate designs aimed at the lady who dares to be different!                          
I have transferred 'The Aurora Crown' 
onto this section of the site as all the people who have seen the design 'in the wire' have said how very 'Snow White/ Snow Queen' it is! So don't panic if this is the crown for you....it is still available, it just has a new home.
I will also be adding the 'Opulence' tiara to this collection as soon as the competition is over in
September...so watch that page.

So down to the nitty-gritty, what have I been up to recently?....
Well I spotted a competition early on last month to create a piece of jewellery, fashion accessory or home design object for 'Crystallized Swarovski Elements' via the 'E-Beads' website So loving a challenge (and it was a rush, I had it finished in a week!) I am happy and proud to report that my design the 'Opulence' tiara  made it through to the final stages of the competition! 

Ok, so we've established that 'blogging' does'nt come naturally to me but I 'must try harder' (as my maths teacher would often put in my school reports!) My friends in business Chrissie McClelland ......fab hair and make-up artist and Tracie from Ben N Zaks   florist are always badgering me to Twitter....I'm a self confessed 'Tweetaphobic' if that's a word...or have I just invented one? Anyway my point is, after this little blogventure....is that another one?... I might just be tempted to give it a go......MAYBE ladies!