Tuesday 27 September 2011

Logo design prices are going up... but not yet!!

I've been working on a lot of logo designs recently, and it has come to my attention that I have been undercharging for the work quite significantly - I've actually been told off by 2 other designers for undervaluing myself! Oops!

So after lots of research (and discovering that the other designers were right!) my logo design prices will be increasing. This won't be happening until next monday (3rd October,) to give you guys a chance to book in some cheap logo design work before the increase!

Click here to check out my logo design page, or email leah@goldenappledesigns.co.uk for more info!

Leah x
twitter:
@leahgoldenapple


Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here
to visit the s
ite

Monday 26 September 2011

Squueeee! An exciting adventure...

On Friday I'm off to Brighton for the weekend and I couldn't be more excited!

I'm going on a roadtrip with the super lovely Ali Lovegrove, who I've become awesome friends with over the last few months via twitter, facebook and email, and who I am SO excited to be finally meeting!
























When we get there we're teaming up with the oh so talented talented dressmaking genius Louise from Oh My Honey, who has been making me do excited little squeals with her emails today!

There are lots of other amazing suppliers in on it with us, but I'm not going to reveal any more to you just yet.

I can't wait to share our adventures with you! :)

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

Thursday 22 September 2011

Calling all planners, stylists, venues and bloggers!

Tomorrow I will be spending the day making up and sending out some lovely sample packs for wedding planners, event stylists, venues and bloggers.

The pack will include some examples of my work for you to keep in your portfolio and show to any prospective clients, and an opportunity for you to see the quality of the materials I use first hand!

If you would like one please email your details to leah@goldenappledesigns.co.uk and look out for the postman!


















Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

Bespoke Christmas cards!

Its nearly that time of year again!

As you may know I launched my Christmas collection yesterday.

As well as the predesigned ranges I'm also offering bespoke cards, which are a great option if you're looking for something a bit more unique and personal. Whether it's for your business, family or for personal use I can create a design to suit you.

In Blue Peter style, here's one I made earlier....



























...and here's a sneaky peak of mine!



























I charge a design fee of £20 to create a design for you, plus printing and postage on top.
There are 2 different printing options available:

A6 open out cards (blank inside) plus matching envelopes: 60p per card
A6 postcard (with a message on the back if you like): 45p per card

I can do other shapes and sizes if needed - price on application.

For more information or to enquire please email leah@goldenappledesigns.co.uk

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

I love wrapping...

...and i don't mean the eminem variety. I mean the lovely tissue paper and ribbon variety.

One of my favourite parts of an order is when it's all finished- the cards are tucked into their cellophane bags and sealed away, and the whole thing is wrapped in crisp white tissue paper.

I then tie the whole thing up with lovely ribbon and a little personalised tag and imagine the excitement of unwrapping the parcel!

I'm off to post this one now for the lovely Franky (Blogger Love Audrey) and her fiancee.. I hope they enjoy unwrapping it as much as i enjoyed wrapping it!
























Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

Tuesday 20 September 2011

{monday musings} 500 Days of Summer

Good Morning!

So I know it isn't monday but as I dont work mondays anymore (yes, i'm giving myself an actual set day off every week!) i've moved it to Tuesdays and am yet to think of a catchy name for it on a Tuesday. Can you?!

Anyway. Last night me and Joe watched 500 Days of Summer, which we both loved. (Yes, even Joe!) I loved everything about it - the soundtrack, (so many of my favourite songs!) the gorgeous illustrations throughout and Zooey Dechanel's lovely outfits!



I'm going to have it on again in the background whilst I work today :)

Lots to do this week, including launching my Christmas collection - cards, tags and decorations!

On Thursday i'll be sending out sample packs to planners, bloggers, venues and stylists - if you would like one then email me on leah@goldenappledesigns.co.uk and i'll add you to the list!

Hope you have a lovely week ahead :)

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

Wednesday 14 September 2011

{Design Case Study} Flyers for The Wedding Reporter

I recently designed some flyers for The Wedding Reporter, so thought I would share them with you on the blog!

The flyer design was created whilst I was designing the logo for The Wedding Reporter (click here to find out more) - I'd added a penguin book style logo as a bit of a wild card to reflect Emma's love of literature. Whilst Emma loved the design it wasn't quite right for the logo but she asked if i could make it into flyers instead, which was a fantastic idea!




The flyers looked so eye catching on The Wedding Reporter stand (a gorgeous vintage bureau from The Little Wedding Helper) at 'A Brides Affair' last Sunday...











































Emma loves her new flyers - i hope you like them too!

Click here for more info on graphic design, and don't forget, I give 15% off to my friends :)

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Website facelift!

I was looking at my home page last night, and whilst it was pretty I thought it needed it a bit more... Oooo and aaaah!

So I've added lots of pretty boxes linking to stuff in lovely pastelly colours with some vintage decorations and a bucketload of my favourite fonts, as well as MORE polka dots. YES. Never enough polka dots.











I've also added in any badges that people have sent me when they've featured me on their blogs (If you've featured me and I've not put your badge up then send it over!)

Have a look at it... click here.. go on!

All that's left now is some awesome photography of my work, which is coming very soon!! :)

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

Thursday 8 September 2011

What the *beep*...

...should i wear to the Any Other Party tomorrow?!

There are a few different dresses knocking about in the wardrobe, and after being so vintage at the last event (the Love My Dress Soiree) i've decided to go ultra glam and modern for this event!

I've put together some dream Any Other Party worthy outfits using Polyvore (which is WAY too fun!)

Click on the pictures to find out where the items are from - they're all really expensive but a girl can dream right?!








































































































































Yummy aren't they?!

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

Wednesday 7 September 2011

The Heritage Quarter Wedding Showcase Leicester - Saturday 17th September 2011

Next Saturday I will be exhibiting at a really wonderful wedding fair!

The fair showcases not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR of Leicester City Centre's most spectacular venues, as well as some lovely Leicester wedding suppliers.








































































































































I'm really looking forward to this event, and it will be lovely to meet some fab new couples and suppliers as well as catch up with some familiar faces too!

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

Tuesday 6 September 2011

Call me, on the line!

I've just ordered a new phone!

Since we moved house there has been no landline (sorry, for anybody who has tried calling it!) as my old phone (shaped like a shoe...) decided to stop working during transit. Im kind of glad though as I had gone off it a bit anyway!

I really wanted a vintage phone but after finding that most of them start at about £40 and being a bit strapped for cash at the mo I was super pleased when I found this bad boy bargain on etsy, priced at only £8.50! Wahoo!






























It's from Etsy shop Keep It Retro, based in Bath. Pretty cute huh?



Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

The Leicester Wedding Club Summer Garden Party!

On Sunday I hosted the second Leicester Wedding Club networking event.
The event took place at Shearsby Bath, a wedding venue set in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside.

Whilst the theme of the event was a Summer Garden Party the weather let us down, so it would have been better named an Autumnal Marquee Party! Despite the dreary weather 35 lovely people came along for an afternoon of gossip, giggles, and cupcakes with some photobooth fun thrown in!

Before the event I spent the morning creating these pretty name tags for the guests - much prettier than a plastic name tag, don't you think?

All Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Darren Cresswell Photography













































I had such a lovely afternoon, with lots of lovely, interesting and fun people in attendance, and was pleased to see some new faces as well as some familiar ones too!

Link






















It was fab to catch up with some previous attendees such as Adam Thomas and his lovely wife Sarah, the super awesome Alison from Can De Cween Cupcakery (supplier of delicious cupcake treats on the day!) Nikki from Tickled Pink Stationery (fresh from her holidays with an amazing tan!) fellow dog lover Hannah from Hand Maid Events, Nicola from Eve Lily Wedding & Event Styling, Sarah from Sarah Salotti Photography, Sam from Sam Johnson Photography, Dan from Digital Dream Productions, Sheelagh Powell make up (who i didn't get a chance to speak to but spotted looking gorgeous in a fabulous hat!) and of course our wonderful photographer for the day, Darren Cresswell, as well as so many others!!
























It was great to meet some new people too, such as Elizabeth from Elizabeth Hall Wedding Planning, Beth from Bettie Lottie Make up (make sure you check out her website, it's gorgeous!), Emma from Emma Fay Make up and the lovely ladies from Coco Angels.

I had a fab chat with wedding club newcomer Matt from Matt Glover Photography, who has some lovely images that I hope to feature on the blog very soon.
























The day was punctuated by trips to the photobooth set up by Darren Cresswell photography, complete with summery vintage fabric to complement the theme.

































































































Click here to visit the facebook page to view the rest of the photos from the day, and make sure you become a fan to keep up to date with future events!

Thank you so much to everyone who came - it was great to see you and I can't wait to start planning the next one!

If you want to join the mailing list to be invited to future events please email me on leah@goldenappledesigns.co.uk

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

Friday 2 September 2011

{supplier focus} Beautiful dresses from Oh My Honey

As you all know, I recently attended the fabulous Love My Dress Summer Soiree.

On the night i was lucky enough to have been wearing an incredible dress from Oh My Honey's gorgeous couture range.














































I asked owner Louise a few questions to find out more...

Who are you and what do you do?
I am Louise O'Mahony, designer and creator of Oh My Honey. I design and make dresses inspired by the 1950's, with modern or vintage fabrics.

All of the dresses have been handmade in Brighton by myself or one of my skilled seamstresses.

I started the label in 2009 with the aspiration to design and sell 50's style dresses that look great on all figures and can even be made to an individuals measurements and in their choice of fabric. The dresses take the classic 1950's elements, adding a twist of modern style and cut, and have been selling all over the world since the label launched just two years ago.

What do you love most about what you do?
Hearing back from my customers telling me how much they love their dresses, especially when they send me photographs of them looking beautiful and enjoying their new dress!

Is this your full time job or do you have a day job - if so what is it?
For two years this has been my full time job, I love sewing and designing, I couldn't imagine doing anything else!

I spend around 90 hours per week running the business, making, designing, talking with customers, searching for fabrics; but I don't see it as work, because I love doing it, and having happy customers is so rewarding!

Image credits: photographer: Inaglo Photography Model: Millie Dollar


















































What inspires you?
I can be inspired from anything like swatch of fabric and imagining how it would look best transformed onto a 50's inspired dress, or rummaging through delights at vintage markets for interesting ideas - to being inspired by what is on today's catwalks, giving me ideas for cuts and fabrics to add the modern twist to my designs.

From your collections what is your favourite dress design?
My favourite dress is one that is not actually on the website!

Because I offer a service where I can make up my dresses in any fabric for customers, I do the same for me! I have my signature halterneck full circle skirt dress made up in a pink, orange and ivory sugar skulls print, which I love, and it feels so fun to wear because I have made it my own.

Tell me more about you new couture dresses..
These are something I am very excited about, extra special dresses for customers that want something made with imaginative design, but still very wearable.

With these dresses I get to be a bit more creative and expressive, using finest quality materials and made with meticulous attention to detail. The first two designs are available to buy on the website now, and have been really popular so far!

I am in the process of designing a couple more OMH Couture dresses to add to the site very soon.

Me in the beautiful Oh My Honey Couture Gown at the Love My Dress Summer Soiree...
Image from Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Helen Russell & Katy Lunsford



















































Do you have any favourite designers?
Well, the popular favourite British designers Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen! I also love Theirry Muglar's wacky creations.

Designers from further back in history include Charles James, for the impeccable femininity his dresses gave women, and anything by Dior in the 1950's!

And finally… anything else you’re itching to tell me?
Although Oh My Honey is the dominant project in my life, my degree is in Costume Design and Textiles, and I still like to use the skills I acquired in that time to work with individual clients, creating one of a kind pieces, specialising in bespoke bridal wear, and costumes for burlesque dancers, performance artists, or special occasion commissions.

For more information have a look at www.louiseomahony.com

I will also be releasing a 1950's wedding dress range this Autumn!



Thank you Louise - i am so excited about seeing your wedding dress range!!


I hope you all love Louise's work as much as I do - head on over to the Oh My Honey site to view all of her gorgeous vintage dresses or check out www.louiseomahony.com to view some of her incredible wedding dress & costume design.

You can also find Oh My Honey online on the following sites...

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=100001642233439

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/louise_omahony

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/louiseomahony

Folksy: http://www.folksy.com/shops/OhMyHoney

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site

Thursday 1 September 2011

Want to say hi?!

I'm booked in for the following events and wedding fairs in September and October so why not pop along and say hello!

Sunday 4th September ~ The Leicester Wedding Club Summer Garden Party
A wonderful wedding networking event/tweet up planned by yours truly, which will take place at beautiful countryside venue Shearsby Bath - click here for more info and to register for the event.

Friday 9th September ~ Any Other Party
I'm attending the fabulous Any Other Party in London, held by the lovely ladies from Any Other Wedding. If you can't make it to the party I'll be in London on 9th and 10th so will be available for lunch or coffee on both days!

Saturday 17th September ~ The Heritage Quarter Wedding Fair
A fabulous wedding fair taking place in four of the most gorgeous venues in Leicester's city centre - The Guildhall, St Martin's House, The Cathedral and Hotel Maiyango.






























Sunday 16th October ~ The City Rooms
Link
A really wonderful wedding fair at one of my favourite venues, the stunning Grade 1 listed Georgian venue The City Rooms.

Sunday 23rd October ~ The Ramada Leicester
A fantastic city centre wedding fair at The Ramada Leicester.

Hope to see you at some of these events!
Can't make any of them? Dont forget that i'm available for consultations - email me if you'd like to arrange a date on leah@goldenappledesigns.co.uk

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site


I went to a party... The Love My Dress Summer Soiree

On Wednesday 3rd August I was luckily enough to attend an incredible party!

After an eventful morning of travel mess-ups and a 4 hour train journey I finally arrived in sunny Newcastle! After getting lost on my quest to find some suitable earrings (after leaving all of my jewellery at home!) I finally checked into my hotel!

The dress...
After a little sit down it was finally time to put on my beautiful Oh My Honey gown. (I'll be telling you more about my dress tomorrow in a very special supplier feature with designer Louise!)

With only half an hour to spare I pampered and preened in record time and after stepping into layers and layers of delicate tulle and silk I was ready to go to the ball!

Image from Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Helen Russell & Katy Lunsford







































The Vintage Hen House Shoot
I met up with the lovely Anna from Anna and the Ring in the hotel corridor who looked resplendent in a gorgeous pink dress and the most incredible hat. On the way to the Soiree we stopped off briefly to the Hen party shoot arranged by Abbie from the Vintage Hen House, where we met up with Elle from Elle is for Love, Ali from Daisy Cupcakes, Lucy from The Wedding Shop, Nat from I am Nat and lots of other lovely ladies! You can see more images from the shoot here.

Image from The Vintage Hen House - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, James Melia














































On arrival..
After the hen house shoot we made our way across the river to the Batic Centre.
The venue looked incredible - the outdoor seating area was strewn with tables that were decorated with stunning floral centre peices, vintage props and delicious cake pops and treats.

Inside was a menagerie of wonderful vintage display areas that had been set up by a number of different suppliers (click here to see the ful list.)

Image from Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Helen Russell & Katy Lunsford























After arriving and settling at a table overlooking the river, we were joined by two more stationers - Vicky Trainor and Lela from Doodle Love who I was so pleased to be meeting at last!

Image from Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Helen Russell & Katy Lunsford























Through the course of the night between delicious soiree themed cocktails and scrummy canapes I met so many fabulous people, including The Wedding Reporter (at last!!) The Bijou Bride, Cat Hepple, Emma Case, Shell de Mar, Love Audrey (who recreated her idol's timeless style perfectly!) the hilarious Aisling from Any Other Wedding, my lovely friend Lucy Stendall and so many other incredible people!

Our hostess..
Shortly after arriving and the venue was starting to fill up we noticed a flash of blue chiffon and blonde hair through the crowds - it was Annabel, our hostess.
With her stunning outfit (completed by an amazing head piece) Annabel was the perfect hostess and worked around the room greeting each and every one of her guests.
Whilst it was only brief (short but sweet!) it was fab to meet Annabel, and to have been able to attend such a lovely event that so much hard work and love had been put into!

Image from Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Helen Russell & Katy Lunsford























My favourite element...
Had to be the photobooth! What a fab way to break the ice and be silly, and a wonderful memento of the event!






















































































Gorgeous gifts...
I saved my goody bag for after the party, which i opened curled up in my hotel room with a gin and tonic and a tin of ready salted pringles (very glamorous!)

There were some wonderful gifts inside the bag , including a beautiful handmade bookmark from Vicky Trainor, an absolutely scrumptious macaron from The Boutique Baking Company (which didn't last long!) and a super cute card from Doodle Love.

I've also held on to my lovely name tag, which had been produced by the lovely Sugalily, and was a gorgeous and stylish way of know who was who! I chose to wrap mine around my wrist like a corsage, whilst others wore them around their necks or tied to their handbags.

Another wonderful touch was the cards from Paul Antonio Scribe. On a table strewn with pieces of gorgeous cream card each guest could find one with their name written in beautiful calligraphy - such a lovely memento which has now take a place on my noticeboard alongside my photobooth snaps and name tag!














































To see more images of the event you can visit the Love my Dress blog:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

I had such a wonderful time and it was so lovely to meet so many amazing people!

Check back tomorrow to find out more about the wonderful dress by Oh My Honey that i was so privelidged to be wearing for the night!

I'm getting ready for my own event on Sunday, The Leicester Wedding Club Summer Garden Party, and will also be off to the Any Other Party on Friday 9th, thrown by the lovely ladies at Any Other Wedding - I hope to see some of you there!!

Leah x
twitter: @leahgoldenapple

Golden Apple
Creative design, Stationery & Wedding
Invitations Leicester
Click here to visit the site
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