New Magpie Calls Branding!

Hey All. Well you might have noticed as you got onto the page that a few things have changed.

Well these changes are all a part of the new Magpie Calls Branding I had commissioned by the Fabulous Fathima Kathrada of Happiness Is. 

Although Magpie Calls started out as a hobby in 2012, directly from making costumes and accessories for dancing. It has grown more than I could have thought over the last couple of years, and it is time to take it to the next level. Branding was an obvious part of that growth!

Some Background on the name: As a Bellydancer I am a self-confessed Magpie and often joke that I have A.D.O.S (Attention Deficit Oooh Shiny) Disorder. When I started getting orders for my Fabric flower clips and accessories I felt I needed a name to go with this new business. I knew I wanted something to do with Magpies and I came across a poem that spoke of Magpie Calls, and I immediately thought THAT is what I want my accessories and creations to do- to call out to my fellow Magpies and draw them in. I want each pretty to find it's rightful owner- to have it call to their hearts and as each pretty is unique, it should belong to a particular owner! Hence the birth of Magpie Calls.

Now obviously this back story was fairly important to me and to how I wanted my Brand to move ahead. I chatted to Fathima about how I wanted something that was classic , yet also represented the fact that I like each pretty to be unique- that I mix old and new elements and try to always put my own spin onto my creations. I was also specifically wanting something that would be a great fit for getting into shops and into the Wedding Market. 

Here are some of the designs we went through during the back and forth process:

They are all pretty great, but just not quite what I wanted. After a couple of tweaks Fathima came up with this Gem...

 She even included versions with Bellydance and Bridal in the logo for the different branches of my business. So Cool.

Here is the logotypes I will be using for packaging and price tags:

 

 

And here are my awesome business cards- Yes I have three versions (I couldn't choose hehe)

Aren't they gorgeous? You would buy from me if I gave you one of these cards right? ;)

She also included other elements which will help me to add cohesion across the board in advertising, displays, social media and on the blog.

I am SO excited to see this all become a reality and over the next couple of months I will be switching all aspects of Magpie Calls over to the new Branding. First on the agenda... new business cards!

I really feel that this new look will elevate my business to a more professional level and enable my products to really stand out and be memorable. I can see 2015 being a really really good year for Magpie Calls!

Thank you to Fathima Kathrada Illustration and Design for such a wonderful job:D

Here are her contact details:
www.happinessisat.blogspot.com
fathima.kathrada@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/happinesscreates

much love

Steampunk Hat D.I.Y!

Hi All. Today's post is of the geeky D.I.Y variety. This weekend coming up we have a Victorian Faire that is happening locally and I am very keen to get all dressed up and go and experience some old-worldly fun! I have an outfit, but felt I needed an accessory to go with and decided to make myself a steam-punkish hat to top off my outfit! I am sharing how I did it in case there is anyone else who wanted to try.

YOU WILL NEED:
1x costume hat
steampunk/victorian related embellishments
craft glue (E600 is brilliant)
netting
feathers
elastic band

 I got this hat at one of the local Chinese stores for a dress-up years back. It has 2 clips underneath to attach to the head.

 I wanted a slightly different look to the brim of the hat, so after reading about this method I decided to try it. It's not a huge difference, but I think it looks better than the purely flat brim.

 Sorry Typo is E600 not 6000... but it's the best BEST glue for D.I.Y and crafting- it's industrial strength and a little goes a long way! Good steampunk type of embellishments are clocks, keys, cages, gears, locks,cameos anything that has that old-timey/time-travel/Victorian aesthetic.

 I used a maroon leather to match the maroon velvet coat I will be wearing.

 Play around with placement before glueing. And make sure it's fully dried before next steps to prevent stuff falling off or moving!

You can see the new "brim look" nicely here .

 This step can go directly to step 9 as the glue doesn't have to be dry on this step before gluing it to the hat!

 Very important to let this dry fully, as it could move or fall off if used before it's properly dry!

There we go- a new steam-punk inspired hat. Obviously if you have more time and you want to paint-technique the hat base and add extra to the hatband etc you can go all out!

If this tutorial helped you to create a hat please send me a picture or a link to your creation so I can see and admire:D

I will add a pic of me with the hat in full dress-up mode after this weekend!

Happy Steam-punking All!

Ethnic and Eastern Bridal Inspiration August 2014

Hi All. Last time I promised a sister post to the western style Bridal Inspiration I had found. Today we look at some of the gorgeous Ethnic and Eastern Bridal inspiration that is around at the moment! As a Bellydancer I am automatically attracted to the beautiful textiles and adornments these weddings showcase and of course this inspiration is not just for eastern or ethnic brides but can hopefully inspire you to make your wedding look or theme a bit more exotic and luxe looking!

Here are a few  reasons to bring a bit more of an ethnic or eastern feel to your wedding:

TRADITIONS:

Many Couples move away from their home countries , meet other cultures through work or as a younger generation become more cosmopolitan in their lifestyles. However when it comes to weddings they want to either bring their nationality or ethnicity into the ceremony or theme as a way to honour their roots. This can make for a delightful mix of cultures or themes in a wedding and can really make something meaningful and unique.

Here are some wonderful takes on melding cultures:

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/06/10/african-wedding-inspiration-from-zoom-photography-mary-kinney/

http://burnettsboards.com/2014/06/inspiration-reality-neo-eclectic-balinese-wedding/

http://beautifulsouthasianbrides.tumblr.com/archive

http://www.indianweddingsite.com/california-outdoor-fusion-hindu-ceremony-1/

WESTERN WEDDINGS WITH A TWIST:

Ok so you don't want to go for traditional dress but still want a big cultural influence in your wedding? Well take a look at these examples of western style weddings which have a big dab of flavour with traditional fabric, head-wear, and colour.

http://yoknyamdabale.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/afrocentric-african-centeredweddings-dont-be-slaves-to-arab-and-european-cultures-on-your-wedding-day-honor-your-african-roots/

http://yoknyamdabale.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/afrocentric-african-centeredweddings-dont-be-slaves-to-arab-and-european-cultures-on-your-wedding-day-honor-your-african-roots/

http://yoknyamdabale.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/afrocentric-african-centeredweddings-dont-be-slaves-to-arab-and-european-cultures-on-your-wedding-day-honor-your-african-roots/

DETAILS:

It is the small details that really make a theme a reality , and the following details are just gorgeous.

http://burnettsboards.com/2012/09/safari-chic/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://blog.koyalwholesale.com/2012/03/bold-bright-beautiful-indian-wedding-ideas/

https://www.etsy.com/listing/37618071/mehndi-elephant-cookies-half-dozen

http://styleunveiled.com/storage/inspiration/wedins_moroccan_2010/wedins_2010_moroccan_inspiration__003.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291850777961

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DSMeeBee?ref=seller_info_count

COLOUR:

I am a HUGE sucker for colour and texture and eastern and Ethnic weddings always seem choc-full of this. Just another reason to add a dash of these elements into your wedding day!

http://www.blog.indianweddingphotography.com.au/p/gallery.html

http://mehndiequalshenna.com/

http://gypsypurpleloves.tumblr.com/post/71486056149

http://www.welschphotography.com.au/

http://sunlitstudios.com.au/

I hope you enjoyed this take on the more traditional wedding inspiration, and it inspires you to think about what elements of your past, history and culture you want to include on your special day!

Keep an eye out, my next post will be a Geeky D.I.Y.

much love and sparkles

Wedding Inspiration July 2014.

NO I am not getting married! However I AM in the process of building up my Bridal range at Magpie Calls (called MC Bridal), and I often look for inspiration online to see what is trendy and what themes and looks my creations will work with. Today I have complied a few pics and links of stuff that is really inspiring me right now! This ranges from colours, to dresses, to themes , to hairdos. I hope you enjoy the beauty regardless of whether you are looking for wedding inspiration or not!

WEDDING DRESS DETAILING:
I am loving the fact that wedding dresses are now focusing on detailing. This used to be the case in the 17, 18 and early 1900's, but wars and frugality meant that dresses had to par down the pretty details for simpler looks. The 80's of course went Over the top and decided EVERY detail was necessary to put on a dress, the 90's rebelled against that and went ultra minimalistic. Thankfully in the 2000's and 20 teens detailing is making a comeback and it's beautiful. From pretty sleeves to beautiful backs, and vamping up a simple dress with a sash or beading, drresses are becoming less and less about tradition and more about brides personal style. LOVE IT!

http://www.stylemepretty.com/canada-weddings/2013/11/07/gods-mountain-wedding-from-well-hello-photography/

http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2012/08/01/carol-hannah-2012-collection/

http://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/what-junebug-loves/nostalgic-summer-camp-wedding-in-maine-from-ira-lippke-studios/

SUBTLE COLOUR

Gone are the days of having to have pure white wedding dresses. Nowadays subtle colour, whether its in a sash, petticoat, decorative beading etc is perfectly ok for wedding attire. It can link the Bride into the colour theme beautifully and just adds to the uniqueness of the wedding!

http://ruffledblog.com/1950s-inspired-auburn-wedding/

http://www.colincowieweddings.com/wedding-photos/detail/image257766

http://www.crazyforus.com/?p=10650

COLOUR THEMES
Well definitely have to talk about the Pantone colour of the year 2014: Radiant Orchid. A beautiful colour which can go with bold and delicate colour schemes equally well. It adds just the right amount of colour and prettiness and would work in most seasonal palettes.

http://blog.luxeventsanddecor.com/

http://www.shesaidoui.ca/2014/01/wedding-color-palettes-2014-radiant.html

http://www.shesaidoui.ca/2014/01/wedding-color-palettes-2014-radiant.html

WEDDING HAIR
Flowers are back in a big way!  I am loving the new flower crown trend and it adds such a beautiful and feminine element to a bridal look. I also am a fan of the delicate tiara circlets with wire and beads. So delicate and pretty.

http://polarbearstale.blogspot.com/2011/03/like-diamond-in-sky-bridal-tiara.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291168919903?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

http://www.weddingpartyapp.com/blog/2014/05/30/fresh-floral-trends-for-2014-weddings/

http://bridalmusings.com/2014/04/romantic-elegance-daalarna-2014-wedding-dress-collection/

http://www.weddingpartyapp.com/blog/2014/04/08/2014s-biggest-bridal-hair-and-makeup-trends/

 So These are some of the things that inspire me right now and so much more. I have linked the images to their source under each picture. Please go and check them out further if you feel the need!

I know this was a very western centric post, so the next post will be on eastern and more ethnic trends and inspiration for weddings! Keep an eye out!

much love and shimmies