Growing from little seedlings

I can't believe how quickly time flies. 

Lilies and Daisies was born in 2010.  It begun when I was selecting vintage inspired home wares, and realised that I could produce much better and more unique items at a lower price.

Lilies and Daisies has developed each year and is now able to offer personalised wedding accessories, handmade vintage styling and rental service of wedding and party decor, including vintage china, bunting and tableware.

Of course, most brides and hosts of a great party would love to be involved in every aspect of the day. With this in mind, we have launched our DIY Bride range, with all the creativity and materials you need to add those all-important finishing touches.  Individual or family classes are also available, allowing you the time and knowledge to learn how to create your own handmade wedding or party.


The lists of services are not complete, so please don’t be afraid to ask or suggest something you need.  All the best ideas come from customers. A full list of hire prices is available.

Lilies & Daisies work in conjunction with Dressmaking Services and can offer dual services such as alterations, fabric ordering and supply of haberdashery.  Dressmaking Services has been my mum's business for many years and has a reputation and client base that proves how good she is.  We now hope to grow this further with Lilies and Daisies being the sister company.

This year has seen Lilies and Daisies getting stronger with a larger following on facebook and more daily hits on the website and custom orders.  Lilies and Daisies even has bookings for 2014.  It has come to the stage where I am starting to consider what options there are for the future and just wanted to say thank you and I hope you all continue to support me.

Please check out the facebook page, instragram and new look website, with the current product range on eBay.
 

Wedding Inspiration & dresses

Continuing with the wedding series, I thought it would be useful to begin with how we decided to have a vintage inspired wedding.

Jamie and I have been together 10 years, and I think he has known for 8 of those years how much I love anything vintage, pink, china and floral.....oh and maybe anything with hearts.  He has gone along with the decorating of the house in shabby chic, the constant new arrival of a new floral plate or the sudden appearance of a vintage glass butter dish without much question.  I don't think he had any doubt, when he asked me to marry him a year ago, that it would be vintage inspired.

But what era?  Anything between 1900 to the 1950's excites me, but nothing beats the timeless elegance of the 1940's.  We didn't want it to be a complete theme or fancy dress wedding, but to have the simple beauty of a relaxed family wedding, enjoying the simple things and each other.  Of course there had to be vintage china, bunting, pink, hearts and lots of flowers.

My mum would make the dresses, as she has her own business.  She said not to worry about how many bridesmaids I wanted.....she regretted that when I told her we had decided on 7!

As with anything I create, the image of my dress was firmly in my mind, but I had to try and explain it to my mum for her to create.  She worked so hard and I couldn't believe how perfect it was, even when I had only seen the trial run.  It appeared simple, but was far from that to create, due to the delicate nature of the pure silk fabric and the tiny pin tuck she had put on the front and back.  It was elegant and captured the feel of the 1940 era.

The bridesmaid's dresses weren't that easy to decide on due to the fact that I had such a varying assortment of ages.  It the end we choose an original 40's pattern for the 2 eldest in a pale coffee, the middle 3 wanted something with a skirt, in a ivory floral and the youngest 2 also had an original 1940's design, with a matching floral design but in a pale pink fabric.

Vintage Wedding Series

Two weeks ago I got married.
It was a year in the planning and making, but was the most amazing day and can't wait to share everything with you.
The wedding was unique due to almost everything being a handmade family affair.
All the dresses were made by my mum.  Accessories and flowers made by myself.  And the most important part, the help and support, was supplied by our brilliant friends and families.
I am eager to share everything, but just like the day itself and the honeymoon, I want to make it last as long as possible.  For that reason, I have decided to share in a blog series, detailing each part.  I also have a Lilies and Daisies business, so will also be sharing how each detail will be able to be purchased or rented for your own vintage parties and weddings.
I can't wait and hope you will be just as excited to follow and share our brilliant day.

Great Welsh Sewing Bee

After the success of the The Great British Sewing Bee on tv, why not take the opportunity to learn to sew.  Here are details of the beginnings sewing class, but the workshop can be tailored to your own ability.  Discounts for groups so why not set up a sew and chat session with friends, and tea and cake will be supplied!!

Beginners Sewing Machine Workshops

Never used a sewing machine before? Or just a bit rusty and keen to get back on that pedal? This workshop is for you!!

During the workshop, you will learn how to use a sewing machine and complete a simple textile project as you learn plenty of new skills.  Take your pick from a selection of fabrics to make a pretty cushion cover to take home at the end of your class.

You will learn all of the following:
How to thread a machine
How to change a needle
How to use the presser foot
How to fill and load the bobbin
How to stitch in a straight line
How to adjust stitch length and style
How to stitch a simple hem
How to sew a button hole
Basic sewing techniques such as cutting out, pinning, ironing and sewing on a button
Introduction to over-locking

 

Material, thread and button included (unless you wish to use your own) and use of equipment.  Why not bring along your own machine if you have one.

Dates and times to suit you.
One to one tuition from a qualified City and Guilds trained tutor (with the patience of a saint).
Cushion can be made in one lesson, or if you want to take your time, further workshops can be arranged.

Contact Diane Roynon or Anna Roynon at Dressmaking Services for further information. 01495 775500, High Street Abersychan

New Hen Badges

After loads of requests from customers asking for something a bit different for the "Hen" badges, there is now a rosette badge available.

This is going to be a work in progress, with lots of various options, but this is what I love about making the badges....everyone is customised for the individual orders and everyone is slightly different.

Currently available via eBay or message me at the Lilies and Daisies Facebook page.

New year, new hobby

Beginners Sewing Machine Workshops

Never used a sewing machine before? Or just a bit rusty and keen to get back on that pedal? This workshop is for you!!

During the workshop, you will learn how to use a sewing machine and complete a simple textile project as you learn plenty of new skills.  Take your pick from a selection of fabrics to make a pretty cushion cover to take home at the end of your class.

You will learn all of the following:
How to thread a machine
How to change a needle
How to use the presser foot
How to fill and load the bobbin
How to stitch in a straight line
How to adjust stitch length and style
How to stitch a simple hem
How to sew a button hole
Basic sewing techniques such as cutting out, pinning, ironing and sewing on a button
Introduction to over-locking

 

Material, thread and button included (unless you wish to use your own) and use of equipment.  Why not bring along your own machine if you have one.

Dates and times to suit you.
One to one tuition from a qualified City and Guilds trained tutor (with the patience of a saint).
Cushion can be made in one lesson, or if you want to take your time, further workshops can be arranged.

Contact Diane Roynon or Anna Roynon at Dressmaking Services for further information. 01495 775500, High Street Abersychan

Christmas Badges

I wasn't planning on making any christmas badges....until I found this fabric and new it would be perfect.
Introducing the Lilies and Daisies Christmas badges:

I am so pleased with them and trying to resist wearing them right now.  Anything can be printed on them.  They would be ideal for any christmas parties, or how about using them as place settings for christmas dinner?  They could even be added to a lovely homemade cracker as a gift or used to embellish those christmas presents.
Available now at my ebay.

Bridal Flowers

I love the look and feel of vintage wedding flowers.....the simple design that implies that flowers have just been picked from the garden.

I have been finding it difficult to try and focus on what I would like for our wedding.  The trouble is that I like just about everything.  When I read that a local florist was holding a flower school on creating a bridal posy and buttonholes, I just had to try.

The flower school was taken by Love Lily of Abergavenny.  Their website and facebook is an endless photo dream gallery of every possible flower combination, in which I have lost many hours browsing.  The school was held in The Angel Hotel...it was the perfect combination.  Walking in was like I had died and gone to heaven...log fire, a host of lovely scented flowers, beautiful classic room decoration and welsh cakes!!

You can view photos of the flower school on their facebook.  It was so useful and I learnt so much.  Their advice will be very valuable in helping myself to choose the flowers and look I would like for our wedding.  I have now been able to draw up a rough list of what I need, although everyone else does seem to think I am mad doing my own flowers.

Above are photos of my creation on the day of flower school, and below is my first attempt on my own.  It was much more difficult without the support, and I had only supermarket flowers and some stuff from the garden, but I was pleased with the results.  Much more practice needed, but I now feel it will be possible, with careful planning.  Thank you Love Lily!

Hen Badges

Hello everyone.  I am still around.  Had some surprising news in January....I am getting married!!  All my time has been taken up wedding planning, and I have to admit that I love it.  The wedding is in April 2013 so have been busy creating and planning.  Of course, there will be a vintage theme.

I am still doing custom work and just wanted to share some hen party badges that I was asked to make.

I love making these.  There is always someone planning a surprise and I always imagine how happy the bride to be must fell when she realises that all the effort was for her.

These are also brilliant for a vintage wedding, when they can be initally used as place settings and then for the guests to wear.

They are now listed at my eBay store.

Struggling to blog

I have had a rest.  It was supposed to be a small break, then it turned into something longer.  Working full time and being a mum takes it's toll and it is difficult to also fit in making things and writing about them.  That is not to say that I haven't been keeping up with all my favourite blogs, and the time has come for me to try and fit in Lilies and Daisies again.

I am only starting off with the Cath Kidston Magnets....but these were the best seller and it will help me get funds together to be more creative before christmas.  I am also glad to see that nobody has been able to fill the gap Lilies and Daisies left, and there is no other seller I can find that offers such large, strong magnets with varied designs at a low price.

The magnets are currently on sale on my eBay.

Sale items

Just to warn everyone that the sale items will end today and tomorrow on eBay.  Still loads of bargain not yet bid on.

Further Sale items added

More items have been added to the sale, all hair accessories.
They include:

All start at low auction prices for 1 week only.xx

SALE

Hi everyone,
I have currently listed some items at bargain prices on my eBay, including:

Happy Shopping :)

New Cath Kidston Magnet/Badge Designs

I now have some further designs to add to the Cath Kidston paper magnets and badges range.  This means there is now a total of 27 choices!!

The baby has lost the memory card from my camera so I will have to show the designs on other items.  You will have to use your imagination to visualise them on magnets!! All images from Cath Kidston.

The new designs are:

English Rose

Spring Flowers White

Lace Stripe in PINK or GREEN

Chelsea Roses in WHITE or BLUE

Most Perfect Dress

 I have fallen in love with this most perfect dress worn by Angelina Jolie at the Golden Globe awards.  It combines the most amazing emerald material with a classic vintage style.  I know I wouldn't look as beautiful and elegant as Angelina (who would?!?) but I really want to recreate in so would be grateful if anyone knows of any similar material or pattens.

Also a quick reminder of my Facebook page.  My blog is feeling a bit neglected at the moment.  I foolishly let the baby play with my camera so I now have a missing memory card so can't take any photos unless on my phone.  My facebook page is updated much more regularly and also includes all my product photos.

Dressmaking Services Sewing Classes

Here is my mum's latest addition to her schedule:

Beginners Sewing Machine Workshops

Never used a sewing machine before? Or just a bit rusty and keen to get back on that pedal? This workshop is for you!!

During the workshop, you will learn how to use a sewing machine and complete a simple textile project as you learn plenty of new skills.  Take your pick from a selection of fabrics to make a pretty cushion cover to take home at the end of your class.

You will learn all of the following:
How to thread a machine
How to change a needle
How to use the presser foot
How to fill and load the bobbin
How to stitch in a straight line
How to adjust stitch length and style
How to stitch a simple hem
How to sew a button hole
Basic sewing techniques such as cutting out, pinning, ironing and sewing on a button
Introduction to over-locking

 

Material, thread and button included (unless you wish to use your own) and use of equipment.  Why not bring along your own machine if you have one.

Dates and times to suit you.
One to one tuition from a qualified City and Guilds trained tutor (with the patience of a saint).
Cushion can be made in one lesson, or if you want to take your time, further workshops can be arranged.

Contact Diane Roynon at Dressmaking Services for further information. 01495 791088, High Street Abersychan

Love Giveaway Winners

Michelle, Gill and Heart Handmade all get in contact via email with your details.  I have decided to send you each the love notelet cards.  Feeling very generous today :)

Brilliant Blogs

It amazes me how much time I can lose reading other peoples blogs.  I really don't have that much time to begin with.  Just thought I would share a few.

Sandra Juno

50's Times

Alexander Grecco

Vicky Trainor

Pacing the Panic Room

Bluebird Vintage

Lobster and Swan

Just a note to anyone setting up a blog.  I know that Blogger is not seen as the best system for blogging, but I find it so much easier to follow blogs on this then any of the other sites.

New Products

I made these a few weeks ago.  I will be listing them shortly in my shops but first opportunity goes to my blog readers - email me if you are interested in anything before I list them.   I want to photgraph them better but it is such a miserable day so the light is terrible.

Both these are long style necklaces and are £8.50 each.

Bracelet £4.50 (also available with lilac rose)

Shorter Black Rose Necklace £6.50

This is a bit special.  

Original vintage flower (so unusual and pretty) on a short necklace with light amber glass beads.

Not entirely sure whether I want to sell it yet as it will be totally unique.  I love it.

Mini Giveaway

I have just been experimenting and have come up with these......

Mini Valentine Day, or just love, notelet cards.

They feature a handmade badge, made using offical Cath Kidston paper.  As I have been such a lazy blogger, I decided to do a mini giveaway.  The winner will receive one of each design. 

It will just run for the next couple of days - just leave a comment.  It can be about anything.  Maybe let me know what you will be doing for Valentine's Day.

They can also be found on my eBay.