The Luxury Wedding Show, 22 – 23 October 2011, Saatchi Gallery, London

We’re very pleased to announce we’ll be exhibiting at the new luxurious designer bridal exhibition; Taking place at London’s, Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea, The Luxury Wedding Show London its set to be a fabulous showcase of everything luxurious in the world of weddings.  Visit Love My Dress blog for more details in a recent blog post.

Visitor entry into this exclusive event is priced at £50 and will include:

A glass of champagne to enjoy during the catwalk show
A premium goody bag
The White Book – the essential guide to the show
Reserved seating at the Catwalk Show
The Look Book – the essential guide to the Catwalk Show

1920’s Hen or Birthday Party – fascinator making, charleston lessons & Vintage afternoon tea

Go on immerse your hen or birthday party in the roaring 1920’s with Clara Bows Millinery &  1920’s Charleston Dance with some stunning vintage china thrown in to boot from Vintage Tea Sets.  We’ve teamed up with the fabulous Daffodil in Cheltenham, a true ‘Art Deco’ gem to give you this ultimate 20’s experience.  Spend the day soaking up the beautiful venue and relax knowing you don’t need to traipse here there and everywhere, instead kick back with a cocktail or two, make a beautiful individual creation to wear and learn some 20’s moves like the knock knees, high leg kicks, snake hips and goddamit shimmy!!! before having a high tea or dinner on some stunning vintage china.

Further details will be added to the Clara Bows Millinery website soon but feel free to contact me for more details in the meantime.

Clara Bows write up in the Cosmopolitan Bride Editors Letter

I’m chuffed to pieces with this I really am.  One of my recent fascinator workshops has received a glowing personal review from none other than the Editor of Cosmopolitan Bride (and You and Your Wedding) – she attended the Bake-a-Boo one.  Click on the image to read it in full for yourself….

My millinery business gets a lovely write up in Cosmopolitan Bride by the Editor!

Clara Bows Lackham Countryside Centre Fascinator Course 01st June 2010

Hi all, just a quick post to let you know that I’ll be hosting a fascinator course at the lovely Lackham Countryside Centre on the 01st June this year.  For details on how to book click here.

What can we expect from this experience -Enjoy a creative afternoon in the idyllic surroundings of the Lackham Countryside Centre. Learn how to create your own fascinator, perfect for a day out to the races or a wedding, in relaxed, friendly and enjoyable company.

Discover the thrill of creating a completely unique fascinator from scratch whilst learning some basic millinery techniques along the way.

Be a real “mad hatter” with afternoon tea served on vintage china.

This experience is suitable for beginners, however basic sewing skills are needed, all materials are provided .

Profile of delivery team

Vicky Rowe founded Clara Bows Millinery after a career change and a passion for 1920s and 30’s fashion.

Vicky was trained by a milliner of royal appointment. She has taken a path of discovery based on research from the 1920s and 30s and has now established her own style. Vicky is known for her elegant designs, which are decorated with vintage embellishments – lace, freshwater pearls, and ethically sourced feathers.

Additional benefits of this experience

It’s great for building confidence and is an opportunity to express self creativity. You’ll produce something unique which will be the envy of others.

A delicious afternoon tea, served on vintage china, is included.

Mad Hatter themed fascinator workshop at Bake-a-Boo photographed by Rosie Parsons

Last Sunday Rosie Parsons (photographer extraordinaire) and I embarked on a road trip to the big smoke from our comfy west country burrows, one that would merge her Birthday celebrations with a fascinator workshop I was hosting at the stunning little teashop run by Zoe called Bake-a-Boo (I’d been itching to meet this vixen after a mutual appreciation of vintage china and cake).

Meet the beautiful Zoe, making us a steaming hot vintage teapot of darjeeling on our arrival.

‘The Clara Bows head’ complete with an example fascinator I made the day before for some inspiration was placed on the beautifully laid table that the workshop ladies would be seated, and I set about laying out all the materials before they arrived.

Then the workshop commenced.

We paused for an Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea…..

Before resuming work again and completing these lovely creations.  Here’s a picture of the hen party that took part modelling their pieces.

A lovely time was had by all.  If you’d like to take part in one of these workshops or would like one arranged, see my millinary website Clara Bows for more details or email me (Vicky) at info@clarabows.co.uk

Fascinator Workshops, Afternoon Teas on Harmony II Yacht

Yet more fantastic news folks.  I’ll be running regular fascinator workshops on the ‘Harmony 2‘ a 189ft luxury mega-yacht moored in Bristol Harbour, not only that but will be offering hen & birthday party packages (you get the venue exclusively). Its just down river from the SS Great Britain but bang in the centre of the city, a perfect and very unique base to explore the city after having a fun day of activities.

You can stay overnight in the luxury cabins, take part in the many workshops throughout the day, from fascinators, bouquet making, cup cake topping and finally some nautical boudoir! Enjoy a slap up afternoon tea on gorgeous vintage china, relax in the hot tub before leisurely wandering to the many bars and restaurants on your doorstep.   More details will be published soon, including details on the very talented individuals who will make up the very special workshop crew.

Introducing my 1920’s Millinery Website – Clara Bows

Its official launch isn’t until June this year but here’s a taster, I need to photograph all my hats and fascinators which is easier said that done at the minute (a good chunk are with a magazine which is another story!) so for now there’s some old pics on there .  Excuses excuses! check out my very flapperesque website Clara Bows Millinery (make sure you click on the gramophone!) created by the wonderful Rosie & Lee.  They’ve done an amazing job, thanks guys x

This website will be selling hats I make, giving details on how to order a bespoke hat from me and of course, details on my fascinator workshops (with lots of pictures showing them in progress).  I’ve been selling hats now for well over a year, no promotion at all but still getting at least a couple of orders a month usually people who stumble on me via the web or who stop me in the street.  I’ve been given my own millinery section in the Bristol Fashion Show later in the year.  I’m excited, nervous and honoured all at once about that, I’m busily making my six key pieces……six pieces that I’ve wanted to make for years heavily influenced by the 1920’s, its a creative indulgence and I’ve had to up my skills to create these pieces where the practices needed to make them have almost died out.  And two of these pieces wouldn’t be possible If it wasn’t for a lady with over 50 years in the business making hats for Royalty  passing on her skills as I couldn’t find anyone else up to the job.  All the feedback I’ve had from customers has been incredible but whilst I was growing Vintage Tea Sets I kept this in the background, and lets face it I’m very very busy with the china hire business!  But with the support of my lovely Mum – together we make an amazing team – she blocks the hats for me, makes those lovely vinyl cakes stands that just keep flying off the shelves and helping get big orders together.

Fascinator Workshops, Demo’s and wedding fayres for Vintage Tea Sets – Jan to Feb 2010

Amongst the workshops and wedding fayres,  2010 is getting very busy and booked up  very quickly for weddings and events.  Here’s the next 6 weeks diary for you, where you’ll see me out and about (or just the china) and some fun creative workshops I’m hosting. I’ll update my facebook with more events so pop over there and add yourself, much easier than referring to my blog where information gets buried quickly as I’m quite a busy poster.

In date order…..

Sunday 17th January 2010 – Bath Guildhall Wedding Fayre 10pm till 3pm

If you decide to book the venue on the day you’ll receive 10% off room hire and will be automatically entered into a fantastic prize draw

A selection of my vintage china (Vintage Tea Sets) will be on display at the Bath Guildhall Wedding Fayre at the Fosters Stand.   Pop over and say Hi to the Fosters Events Team and check out they’re gorgeous menu’s.

Sunday 14th February 2010 – The Lord Mayors Mansion House Wedding Fayre – 10am to 3pm

Fosters events are hosting a public wedding fayre at the Lord Mayors Mansion house in Bristol including a number of their preferred suppliers.  I’ll be on hand to give you advice on giving your wedding some vintage style touches and will also have a display for you to take a look at to give you some ideas on how to make your tables look stunning.

Sunday February 20th 2010 – Bridal Workshop – Floral, Jewellery and Fascinator…upstairs in the Hamptons Deli – 11am – 3pm

This is a low key, relaxed affair at the Hamptons Deli, pop in for a coffee to meet Julie from Floriture, Alexandra-Céline and myself to find out what we have to offer in our workshops, we’ll be showing you some neat demo’s.  This is perfect for people wanting to learn a new skill and save money on their wedding day….maybe you’d like to make your bridal headpiece? a unique personal item of jewellery or want to tackle those centrepieces….come and see us, grab a coffee and we can tell you whether we can create a course that fits your requirements.

And lets face it, The Hamptons is an excellent delicatessen and coffee shop, I can often be found in there sampling their delights (their scotch eggs are something else – naughty)…….The Hamptons address is 21a High Street, Chipping Sodbury (Outside Bristol).

Monday 22nd February 2010 – Fascinating Mad Hatters Workshop – Caffe Clifton 6pm-late……

I cannot wait for this one as well!  Limited spaces available and bookings are coming in after I only released info yesterday so book early to avoid disappointment.  More details are on facebook

I’ll be hosting a fascinator workshop at Caffe Clifton with a themed afternoon tea complete with mad hatter vintage crockery and lots of Alice in Wonderland twists.  You can make up to 2 pieces depending on how you do for time (how elaborate you want to be).  I’ll be giving you ideas and suggestions but as the name suggests, its a Mad Hatters Party, so you will have lots of choice of adornments…..flowers, feathers, simamay, beads, crystals, pearls…..just get creative, and I’ll be there to give you guidance and assistance.

Keep it as simple or flamboyant as you like….its up to you…..contact me (Vicky) on 0117 9532973 or email info@vintageteasets.co.uk to reserve your space.

Click on invite for more details or visit facebook

March to come……..

Fascinator and Jewellery Workshops perfect for hen parties from Vintage Tea Sets

Button Jewellery brought to you by Alex Costa

I announced in a previous post recently that I’m running a number of fascinator workshops in 2010, the response to these has been fantastic and bookings for Easter and the Summer are coming in thick and fast. I also wanted to let you know that I’m collaborating with a number of individuals on these courses, so if you fancied making a day of it I can offer a fascinator and jewellery package!  There’s even floristry package (learn how to hand tie bouquets or make some really personal button holes), hell there’s even a chocolatiers course as well!!! we’re able to hit the road and even offer cream teas on my gorgeous vintage china, whether you want to drink tea or champers out of the tea cups its entirely up to you! It’ll be a day to remember and best of all you get to keep what you make which is up to two fascinators from me and then for example a necklace and earring set. Over the next couple of weeks I’ll be introducing you to my workshop buddies.  We can come to you or arrange a workshop space near you alternatively email us for a list of our Bristol and South West venues.

‘

First up, I’d like you to meet Alex Costa, a gal with some very classy makes, her forte is jewellery but she is a talented vixen with many more makes I’ll be blogging about in due course.  That’s one of her gorgeous button jewellery makes shown at the top of this post.  She’s been selling in boutique shops for over a year now and is based in central London.

Email me for more details on info@vintageteasets.co.uk or phone 0117 9532973

Fascinator workshops brought to you by Vintage Tea Sets

Two posts in one day!  I couldn’t hold on any longer.  I’m very pleased to announce that I’ll be running a number “Fascinator Workshops” in the New Year, as you know I create hats and fascinators, mostly bespoke.  At long last I’ll be getting my hat website off the ground, its taken a while as the last 18 months I’ve been working hard on Vintage Tea Sets my hire and event planning website, all these things are now coming together.

Vicky Rowe and fascinator student

Be you a hen party or suppressed creative genius wanting to unleash your inner beast, join me on an exciting half day course where you’ll make your very own unique fascinator or cocktail hat for that extra special occasion and if that’s not exciting enough, afterwards we’ll celebrate with a themed scrumptious afternoon tea served on gorgeous vintage china sampling a selection of fine teas. It’s a day of pure girlie indulgence.  The workshop caters for all abilities, so whether you’ve never so much as threaded a needle in your life or if you’re sewing mad, we can accommodate you.  Day workshops can be arranged and for those of you wanting to learn more that millinery has to offer I offer one to one hat making courses.

For group bookings choose from a variety of workshop themes and packages that encompass a treasure trove of decorative items such as vintage brooches, fresh water pearls, beads, lace, Swarovski crystals, feathers, satin and velvet……

Please note: workshops require a minimum of four people, larger groups can be accommodated by arrangement…….with bookings over 8 the hostess/party organiser goes free.  My workshops are run in a variety of locations throughout Bristol however I can travel by arrangement, please contact me for further details and to request a booking form info@vintageteasets.co.uk  Prices start from only £40 per person on our most basic packages including materials for your own unique creation and refreshments served in vintage china through out the day.

Themed work shops include :-

Mad Hatters Tea Party – A creative free for all is the only way to describe this eclectic workshop, a stitch here and a scone loaded with clotted cream and jam there, fueled by tea and cake your creativity will know no bounds . Perfect for a hen weekend, let the Bride, Bridesmaids and girlie guests all make something truly fabulous and wear your creations for the rest of the day….and night.

Burlesque Sirens – Satin, pearls and sequins. Move over Dita von Teese, there’s some new girls in town! In this unique workshop learn how to create a Retro/kitsch cocktail hat followed by a very stylish afternoon tea.

Nice day for a white Wedding! – Vintage Brooches, pearls, diamantes, Swarovski crystals…..Perfect for a hen weekend, let the Bride, Bridesmaids and girlie guests all make something fabulous. Stop for a delicious afternoon tea.  And Bookings of over 7 paying guests and the Bride goes free!

Sex in the City meets Day at the Races – feathers, sinamay and beads. You’ll never buy a fascinator again after taking this course, and just soak up the compliments you’ll get after a jolly good slap on the back and a cheeky afternoon tea.

Christmas Party Glitz – Sequins, satin, velvet and Bling!

Vintage Chic – Vintage fabric, velvet roses, lace, pearls and feathers. You are a vintage goddess, oh yes and by golly is the world going to see you for that after this course…..afterwards enjoy a Tea at the Ritz style Tea Party.

Upcylcled and looking pretty damn fine!!! – discover how to use everyday items destined for landfill and turn them into something pretty fine! No one will know any better and you’ve just single handedly outdone rumplestiltskin! Afterwards we’ll celebrate with tea and cake.

2010 weekend workshops are currently being scheduled and I will post the dates on here very shortly.  If you’d like to secure a private group booking then please contact me on the email address below.   The summer is a busy time for me with the vintage china hire but I will endeavor to schedule some during that period.  We have received an extraordinary amount of interest for this so early booking is recommended.  Week days can also be arranged.

What’s included?

Tuition, materials, refreshments and an Afternoon Tea.

Details & Booking Information

Workshops start at 10am until 2.30 pm, prices start from £40 per person, which includes morning tea/coffee, lunch, and materials. (Please arrive promptly as we have a lot to get through on the day!)

When you book a non refundable deposit is payable with the remaining total due on the day.

If you would like to book please call Vicky on 0784 3511288 or email at  info@vintageteasets.co.uk