Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe

I am so pleased to have Nicola from Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe as featured supplier today with a very unique and creative idea.

Hi Nicola, please can you tell us a bit more about Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe.

I design and handmake vintage inspired accessories for the modern bride. The majority of my business comes from brides wanting bespoke birdcage veil headpieces and garters. However I have also done things for bridesmaids, Mother of the bride and even guests. This is really what led me to set up the craft parties as I could see people were looking for something unique to wear to events. I now run classes and private parties where ladies can come along and craft up their own headpieces! It’s a great hen party activity.

How did the name come about?

I was looking for something that fitted with wedding traditions but had a point of difference, that would be remembered. I actually asked a lot of friends at the time and said I liked the old, new, borrowed, blue rhyme and a friend came up with “silver sixpence” and I thought it sounded nice with the “in her shoe” added. It’s not easily forgotten!

  How did you get into making your beautiful pieces?

It really was as simple as planning my own wedding and not being able to find what I wanted for the big day. I had people ask me to make theirs after that and tell me to quit my job and do it full time. I have always sewn - I did a fashion design degree, but was a high fashion buyer in London for 10 years prior to this. I guess that has given me the confidence to set up my own business.

Annie Birdcage Veil

Coco Garter

Ruby Ring Pillow

Can you tell us more about your vintage themed hen parties?

Well as mentioned before these are run as classes local to me in Didsbury Manchester at various venues and also as private parties, It is a great hen party afternoon activity and is usually accompanied by a good few glasses of bubbly! I set all the materials up in cute vintage china and glass bowls and after a little explanation of what will follow everyone gets stuck in. I have mood boards, plenty of examples of my own work for people to try on and lots of gorgeous materials and trimmings to rummage through for inspiration and I am of course on hand for advice but I like to let people be creative with their own ideas too. Best way to get inspired!

I find that the couple of hours fly by and people always end up very surprised with how good their piece is they have made! The girls will often trot off to the night out wearing their creations or save them for a photo op at the wedding. It’s great fun. I am currently running these across the north at £30.00 per head inclusive of all materials for 2-3 hours depending on group size. I can couple up with a partner for afternoon tea service to be provided too at an extra cost

What about our readers who aren’t very creative and can't sew?

People are constantly amazed by how easy they find it to make something brilliant! I think it is important to have lots of inspiration and I always make sure I give extra help and support to those who are not so confident. It is my job to sense that with people. It is all handsewing too so fingers tend to be spared!

Where do the parties take place?

Classes are running at Airyfairy cupcakes in Didsbury monthly at the moment and I am also planning in dates for alter in the year with The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon in West Didsbury. The classes will expand running up to Xmas with new ideas added to the list. For hen parties I usually go to the serviced apartments where the girls are staying and set up there or at someones home but a local venue can be hired at extra cost.

Where can our readers meet you? And do you have a website?

My product is currently being stocked by the White Closet  in West Didsbury and The White Room in Sheffield.

I will be doing the Vintage Wedding Fairs in Harrogate on Sept 18^th and Chester on October 16^th plus the West Didsbury wedding event on Oct 15^th.

My website is www.silver-sixpence-in-her-shoe.co.uk/

Collete Bow

Lancashire Bride love ALL of Silver Sixpence In Her Shoes designs, there a must have for brides to be!