Sapphire Designs

Valentines Giveaway

2012-01-09T02:59:00.000-08:00

Two lucky winners will receive this beautiful ceramic pot with roses in a gift box with a Box of chocolates & a bottle of wine for Valentines day. {Total value $90}

Condition of Entry

To have a chance to win you must follow the steps below.

1. Follow the Sapphire Designs Blogspot
2. Like the Sapphire Designs Facebook
3. Share the Sapphire Designs Facebook on your page
4. Comment on this post to let me know you've completed steps 1-3.

Two winners will be selected by random.org on Monday the 6th February 2012. Winners announced on Facebook at 9pm on 6th February 2012.

Both Gifts will be delivered on Sunday 12th February in Sydney or Gosford & surrounds. (email me {sapphiredesigns@gmail.com} to check if your area is included if your not sure)

Good Luck !

Jess & Scott's Wedding

2012-01-08T00:06:00.000-08:00

My Beautiful friend Jess married her prince charming Scott in August 2011. I was so thrilled to be able to travel to Melbourne to create the wedding flowers for them.

These flowers turned out so beautifuly -and were easily one of my favorite weddings of all time.

The amazing photography is by Simple Image Photography
The Stunning Venue is Ballara Reception in Eltham VIC
The Candy Buffet was by Ooh La La lolly Bars & Candy Buffets
All Flowers by Sapphire Designs

Click {read more} below to see all the photos

Wrapping Christmas Presents

2011-12-17T03:32:00.000-08:00

My favorite thing about Christmas is wrapping and giving gifts!

So today i wrapped some more gifts ready to give out next week - and they looked to good not to share! (if i do say so myself )

Our tree all dressed and ready to go :)

It's Christmas Time!!!

2011-12-17T03:08:00.000-08:00

Well today Bec & I finally finished decorating our tree, wrapping gifts and

hanging our new Memory Wreath .

The year my dad passed away my mum started making this memory wreath

Mums Memory Wreath

The idea is you add something each Xmas that reminds you of the year that's been. After 18 years Mums wreath is very full, but it all started with this little piece of wood.

Dads signature on a piece of the garage wall in the house i grew up in.

This year Bec and I got married- so we decided we would start our own memory wreath :)


Our Memory Wreath

It's very sparse right now- but over the years we hope to fill it with many wonderful memories.

We decided we would put the marriage key Bec's sister bought us for our wedding gift, and a small piece of the fabric from the arch we got married under .


Marriage Key

Gold, pink,purple fabric from our arch

We hope that we inspire you to start something so special for your family this year too.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from Sapphire Designs.

xxxx

11th November 2011 Wedding

2011-11-13T01:12:00.000-08:00

The Lovely Jo -became a Mrs on Friday. A day that will go down in history - and not just because it was her wedding day. The date 11.11.11 will only come around again in 100 years time!

I had a ball making this wedding. I enjoy any wedding that's not the standard round rose bouquet and this was exactly one of those type I LOVE.

The result of my enjoyment was 3 beautiful asymmetrical bouquets.

The brides bouquet contained White Lillies,chinchilla, Stock, Hydrangea ,mixed broad leaves,asparagus fern and Dodda Vine.

The Brides Maids Bouquets had Orange Vanda Orchids, Chinchilla, Green Billy Buttons & mixed broad leaves including Xanadu leaves.

The Cake was finished off with some white lilies from the brides bouquet.

I think the girls looked stunning don't you agree?

Rach

Tesselaars flowers

2011-10-13T03:14:00.000-07:00

I was really excited to get an email tonight letting me Sapphire Designs web page is on the Tesselaars web page.

To have a peek -click on the link below .

Sapphire Designs

Vanda Orchids with Privot berries & Dodda Vine

Wedding Flower Ideas: Feathers

2011-08-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

I found this article today that i wrote for Service Seeking a while ago, and it reminded me i still long to make a feathered Bouquet

Wedding Flower Ideas: Feathers

Rachel Bell from Sapphire Designs explores the idea of feathers in wedding flowers and decides if they're a fancy or a fail?

I consider myself to be a retro, vintage type of a girl with a lot of modern influences and I love getting the opportunity to take on these styles in the wedding flower ideas I create. So naturally when I stumbled across the idea of feathers in wedding bouquets from a fellow feather shop blogger - I thought fabulous! To me this encompasses all things vintage and modern, the possibilities seemed endless.
In my early work while I was still at TAFE in the mid 1990’s we used feathers in a theatrical way in big display pieces, using the feathers to symbolise American Indian themes, but never in our wedding work. Thankfully now the times have changed and these delicate details shine as added beauty to an already beautiful palette of flowers.
After discovering this new wedding flower idea I did some solid research to learn a little more about types of feathers. I was so amazed by the shear amount of feather varieties produced in an array of colours for our use. A thank you must be given to the wonderful birds in this world for giving up their coats for fashion and beauty.
My all time favourite feather species has to be marabou for the softness and delicate texture – these are the feathers most commonly used on the marabou slipper which is also a very popular wedding shoe, or at least wedding night shoe!
But did you know there are actually more than 5 varieties of just the marabou feather?
A lovely memory I have of the marabou feather is my Aunt's wedding dress, she was married in the late 1970’s and her dress had a hood on it which was covered in white marabou. It looked stunning!
A feather wedding moment that also sticks in my mind is the effervescent Carrie Bradshaw who wore the most amazing feather headdress for her wedding in the first Sex & The City movie. The vibrant blue feathers were a stand out, and mirrored by the huge cream roses in her natural stem wedding bouquet.
The end result of flowers and feathers is soft, delicate, intriguing (have your guests wondering “what's that in her bouquet?”) unique and timeless.
In addition to a great wedding flower idea, feathers are also being used to decorate reception venues in vases on tables, as part of larger arrangements, and even in the church flowers and on pew ends.
So whether you’ve just started looking for wedding flower ideas - or you’ve already made your floral choices -stop and consider the beauty that feathers can add to your big day.

Mexican Fiesta

2011-06-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of creating a outdoor dining table for Bec's Mexican Fiesta in June for her 30th Birthday.

as Promised... some photos.

I lay Hessian on the table for that raw effect

The Walls had a Scene setter of a bar.

The birthday girl devouring the taco cake i made!

All the guests took home a little bunch of flowers that i made to make up the table decor.

Bec hand wrote a thank you note on each bunch :)

The Thank you tags i made had pictures of Mexican Pin up girls. Bec's Love :)

The thank you bunches were tied with string to add to the raw theme.

These little fuzzy green flowers- where a huge hit!

Candles in jars looks amazing once the night fell. Perfect for the cold winters night that ensured.

I had an absolute ball creating a magical table- everyone who attended love it!

Polkadotbride.com

2011-06-22T02:59:00.000-07:00

We are so delighted to be featured as the florist for the Morgans wedding on www.Polkadotbride.com

First of many I hope :)

Big thanks to Kellee Walsh for her stunning photography.

Morgans Wedding

2011-06-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

Photographer - www.kelleewalsh.com

inspiration.....

2011-06-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Peonies.... so beautiful.

2011-06-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

Such a beautiful Autumn wedding flower.

Candy & Trents Wedding -November 2011

2011-06-15T03:03:00.000-07:00

A few lovely photos from a beautiful wedding late last year.
I loved making this bouquet it was so different <3

Fiesta Bathroom Flowers

2011-06-15T02:51:00.000-07:00

Bec's Fabulous Fiesta 30th birthday party last weekend ....

I love bathroom flowers :)

30th Fiesta!

2011-06-15T02:46:00.000-07:00

I made an amazing cake for Bec's 30th Birthday this past weekend. It was a mammoth effort, but totally worth it :) looks fantastic don't you think??

Rosemont Australian Fashion Week

2011-05-03T02:27:00.000-07:00

I loved being apart of Australian fashion week today.We worked so hard for 2 days to produce an amazing "flower mountain" for Sara Phillips .

Big thanks to Amy @ Henry Hudson for allowing
Me to be apart of her big day (s)

The time has come -A Bridal Fair......

2010-07-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Sapphire Designs will be showcasing at Athol Hall this Sunday the 1st August 2010.

Athol Hall

Sunday 1st August

11.00 am – 3.00 pm.

Ashton Park

Bradley's Head Road

Sydney

(Just past Torronga Zoo)

Hope to see you there!

Creativity

2010-06-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

I've been stuck at home for a few days unable to do anything but use the computer, as I've hurt my back. The good thing about this situation is it's allowed me to entertain myself by finding inspiration online and come up with some new ideas from this search.

Through a Facebook page -"Feathers"- I’ve had hundreds of ideas running through my head of how to incorporate feathers with wedding flowers. I've decided I’ll showcase some of these ideas at the upcoming bridal show at Athol Hall in August 2010.

The idea of the soft floaty feather in a romantic scenario really pleases me. Feathers come in so many shades and shapes, that they lend them selves to many a creation. I remember using feathers alot during my wedding and event studies at Tafe- back in the late 90's, but I used them in a way that was for theatrics not elegant, romantic and soft wedding themes. So I now revel in the challenge!

Lucky for me "Feathers" has a store only 30 mins from my home, and they are open today! Which would be amazing if I was able to walk/drive.... so I’ll have to get a grip on my patience –but aside my need to be creative and wait till i'm feeling better :) ... Watch this space for some of my creations!

In the meantime- here are some pretties I found trolling the web.....

Winter Warmer Special

2010-06-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

ving into winter I thought something to brighten your days and warm your nights was in order.

Book a Wedding before July 8th to receive a gift box of delicious,warming treats, for your self, and your home.

*BONUS*
Refer a friend to book a wedding before July 8th-both Bride & referee will receive a gift box.

Call 0433 796 818 or

E: sapphiredesigns@gmail.com

It's quickly becoming a busy month,I have about 4 complementary appointments left for June so get in quick!

Annual Bridal Expo Confirmed.

2010-06-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

This is going to be an amazing event. One where you can see a variety of Wedding Suppliers in one of Sydney's most prestigious Function centres. Even if it's a big party your planning- rather than a wedding I encourage you to come along. The views alone are worth the visit. If you have any questions, please feel free ...to call me on 0433 796 818 or drop me an email at sapphiredesigns@gmail.com.

Hope to see you all there! Rachel @Sapphire Designs.
Come and see Sapphire Designs at "sydneys best kept secret"- Athol Hall.

'Sydney's Best Kept Secret'

Ashton Park, Bradleys Head Road Mosman

Ph: 9968 4441 (Tue - Fri 9.30 am - 3.30 pm)

Fax: 9968 4004

Website: www.atholhall.com.au

Email: dhsh@bigpond.com

Exciting News Confirmed

2010-05-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Sapphire Designs has been asked to have a table for the Annual Bridal Fair of a highly prestigious Wedding reception venue in Sydney -with views of the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House, and with beach access.

I can't recommend this venue more highly, for your special day.

The fair is being held on August 1st 2010. I will post more details very very soon ....stay tuned.

Birthdays, Flowers & Thankyou's

2010-04-19T23:21:00.001-07:00

I celebrated My birthday on the weekend.
I got 2 lots of the most beautiful flowers from 5 of my dear friends.
I love that my friends know -even though i'm a florist I love flowers too.

Thank you Bec for an amazing birthday weekend. One I won't forget in a hurry.

xxxx

Karlee's Wedding

2010-04-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day it was for Karlee - and she looked stunning when I stoped at the house to deliver the flowers.

I just have a few photos I took while making her bouquets - i'm looking forward to a few professional photos from Karlee soon. When I get them - I will update this post.

Enjoy.

Brides Bouquet

Maids Bouquet

Flower Girl

Inspiration

2010-02-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

I love drawing on images I come across for inspiration in my ideas.... I think it stems from many an inspiration assignment in D&T at school.

Here are some of my favourites.

I love how Ideas can be so simple and classic, and create such a wonderful atmosphere.

Wedding Quotes

2010-02-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

Tonight i'm off to see Karlee about her wedding coming up in March ...Yup March ... only 5 weeks! shortest quote time i've ever done. But i'm totally excited- all things going well i get to see another dream brought to life! How lucky am i ! :)

Saturday 6th February

2010-02-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

I had the absolute pleasure of going to my client Barb's house on Saturday and making a beautiful floral display in vases for her house- to welcome her overseas visitors this coming week.

I love going into peoples homes, and creating a beautiful display from an armful of market fresh flowers.
It makes me so happy to see the smile on their faces....and it reminds me why I do, what I do.

It's lit and sparked a dormant passion down deep in my belly.... 2010 is going to be the year, the year that SD makes a mark on Australia-i want flowers to leave a mark in all my clients life's-like they do to mine.

xx

Sunday 7th Feb 2010

2010-02-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday it rained.... like it had never rained before in Sydney. stories or flooding, damage , and destruction... did that deter the SD team ? nope!

Sunday we were front and centre- at the St.Ives Heritage Fair. While not ideal- the heavy rain held off all day ,and only light rain in patches throughout the day .... but enough with the weather report!

A BIG thank you to all that attended the Markets on Sunday it was lovely to see watch and every one of you. I even met a few mothers of the bride...an talked much about weddings coming up.

The biggest thank-you goes to my ever adoring partner Bec. thank you darling for supporting our business... even in the rain!
xx

Smaller stall than normal- no Display cakes etc

just a few pretties....

looking wet....

Bec still putting on her happy face in the rain!

15 Years and a Yellow Rose.

2009-12-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

15 years ago yesterday My Father died.

Yellow roses were his favorite.

For you Dad. With all my heart.

xxxx

Our First Markets! Success!

2009-12-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked SDE first markets, and what a success it was!

It was very hot and windy, but the flowers and display wedding cakes did very well to uphold the temperature...(and so did we!)
It was a successful markets, I got to chat to a few brides-which I LOVE doing the most. It's so exciting when a bride gets all passionate about her impending big day! it's a chance for me to put on my creative hat, and get stuck into creating dreams!
So here is a few photos from yesterdays market...I can't wait for this Saturdays "Twilight" Market! I will remind you all of this market in an upcoming post.

A HUGE thank you to the 2 most important people in my life- My helpers and My rocks. Mum and Bec. You are gems-and SDE wouldn't be what it is without you ! I love you both.

And a special thankyou to my dear friend Sonia who iced the beautiful display cakes for me to decorate. love love xxx

Enjoy
Rach xx

Sapphire Designs go to Market....

2009-11-18T16:43:00.000-08:00

I'm getting increasingly excited about My First Christmas Market Stall!

It's alot of organisation- but it will so be worth it! i hope to see alot of friendly faces there to say hello :)

We will be selling Candles, Vases, Fresh cut flowers, Arrangements and plants.

*** We will also have a Gift Wrapping service available for items purchased at the fair, to save you messing around with paper and ribbon at home. And to ensure sure nosey family members can't see the gifts you've bought them! :) ***

I'll also be taking orders for Christmas Party Flowers & arrangements. Wedding, and party functions- so come along- have a fun day at the markets and come and say hello to the Sapphire Designs team .

The Market Dates are 6th (9-3pm) and 12th ( 3-9pm) of December 2009

See you there!

Rach x

http://www.heritagecraftfair.com.au/

http://www.sapphiredesignevents.blogspot.com/

3 Years & Julia Rose

2009-11-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

It's Bec an My 3 Year Anniversary today.
Happy Anniversary Darling. and for your virtual present i give you Julia Roses.

Below is some photos taken as they days went on ... the roses where stunning, and heart breaking to have to bin once they died.

I can't Wait to use these roses in a wedding, i think they would be stunning!
I hope you all enjoy them as much as we did.

Rach
x

HALLOWEEN!

2009-11-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

Halloween was last week, and what a fantastic Party we had. It gave me a great excuse to decorate silly, and have lots of fabulous spooky flowers!

Friday morning Bec and I took off to Sydney Flowers Markets to explore and discover the spookiest, flowers we could find....and below are the results!

Dark Purple /Black Calla lillies Smokey Foliage and Willow.

The perfect Spooky bathroom arrangement!

Mini Orange Gerbras, Berries, and Red Foliage.

Not Forgetting and HUGE Spider named Sid :)

These Roses (julia) were Bec's Pic... she though they were smokey ,a nd gostly looking... and I have to agree... they are stunning.

I just adore these roses and took so many photos of them - more on them in my next post.

Finaly a pic of Bec in her wonderful halloween outfit! showing off our amazing halloween backdrop, that all our friends had Photos taken in front of, on the night compleate with a foggy mist!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

What's in a name?

2009-10-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

People often ask me ..."Why Sapphire Designs"?

Simple and lovely answer....

My passion for floristry started at a very young age. I would always pick the wild freesias growing in our backyard- seeded by the birds in summer, pick the Geraldton wax and the agapanthus and arrange what I thought was the most beautiful vase arrangement I'd ever seen. I'm not sure if Mum minded, but she always let me get on with it. I used to make up little bunches, tie they with brown string and take them to our Neighbour as well. I loved seeing the smiles on peoples faces when I'd hand over the bunch .....

So needless to say over the years My passion for flowers and arrangements grew with the help and encouragement of both My parents.
Sadly when I was 14 My father passed away. My father was everything that was moral , good, and hard working in my eyes. I would watch his hard work day and night in his bakery. I knew one day I wanted to have the passion for my career he had, he simply loved his work. And it showed.

It was after Dad passed away that I decided to dedicate My hard work to him. I studied floristry for 4 years, put my heart and sole into what gave me great joy, and now 15 years later Sapphire Designs is born, and named after My father who's nickname was "Sapphire".

Mum and Dad on their Wedding Day.

Margaret & Gary "Sapphire" Bell.

Julie & Julia

2009-10-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

When I told Bec about the Blog idea, she said "You're only starting a Blog because we went and saw Julie and Julia last night!"

And while that may have a part in why there is today not 24 hours after watching said movie , I have a Blog.
inspiration I think ill call it.
As for the movie- it was beautiful...charming and moving. I think I'd like to read the book !

One of the most lovely things about the movie was the ever frequent flowers in shot. I love how Flowers are sometime are the pivotal part in a home display- the line that distinguishes a well organised "modern" home and a colourful "homely" home. I myself am guilty of not having regular fresh flowers in the house- but I think that should change. My Favourite flower moment of the movie was a scene about carrying Blossom stems on the New York underground. It made me smile. They aren't the easiest things to transport- but they are stunning, and certainly worth the effort.

Wedding Cakes

2009-10-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

Some of the Cakes i've decorated for Weddings.

Wedding Flowers

2009-10-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

Over time i will add photos of Weddings and Events I design. For now here are some back catologue photos of events in the past.

Rach

A Face to a Name.

2009-10-25T19:16:00.000-07:00

Rach & Bec.

Why a Blog?

2009-10-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

I've always enjoyed blogging, and I haven't blogged for quite a few years... I've just been to busy living, and enjoying life with Bec. But right now it seams like a good time to get blogging again for the both of us- to start our dream rolling, to give us a future, and to start enjoying a job again.

I'll be doing most of the blogging (Bec works harder than me! :) ) and mainly I want to let people know about how successful we become over time. there is no time limit - the possibilities are endless. but with faith, and talent, and a bit of organisation, we can make anything happen together! I do honestly believe that.

Also I'd be lying if I didn't mention this blog is also all about a little harmless free advertising!

Have a great day !
Rach.

The Dream

2009-10-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

About us:-

My Partner Bec and I (Rach) live on the beautiful central coast of NSW.

I've been a Floral Designer for 15 years -10 years in the retail floral business, and 5 years working for myself on events, and weddings.

Bec is a natural talker, and the best PR Manager I've ever had!

Together with our loving and adoring deaf kiat (cat) Moshi we plan of a successful, and full future.

The Dream

To Design Dreams!
We want to bring to life the things people can only imagine- and even something's they can't!
For Weddings, dinner Parties, celebrations, Any excuse you can think of!

Together we have the talent and the determination to make our dream come true....

Desiging your dreams.......