In the studio

Hallo everyone

I thought I would post a picture of the lovely studio where I work, so you can see where I design and make all my pieces and also where I meet my customers - if they are within travelling distance.

I'm really lucky to work from a fantastic studio space right in the centre of Glasgow, in a community of artists (including designers, painters, photographers, writers and architects).

We're up high, so it's always bright. To the right is a lovely big window. I have my workbench right underneath, and this is where I do all my research, and all my designing and making:

On my wall are framed photographs of brides who have commissioned pieces from me on their wedding day, and a large frame showing just a few of the many pieces I have made over the years.

On the left hand wall are a couple of framed photographs from a photoshoot I worked on with Alan Hutchison.

Underneath are a small selection of thank you cards and some of the books on historical costume that I draw inspiration from:

Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like to make an appointment to come and have a chat, drink some tea and maybe even try on a few sparkly headbands, tiaras, necklaces or earrings!

Links

Gioia Mia

Ironbbratz Studios

Alan Hutchison

Buy Gioia Mia online! 'Semplice' necklace and earrings

Hallo everyone

I'm really excited to let you know that you can buy Gioia Mia online!

The very elegant 'Semplice' necklace and earrings are featured in the latest edition of The Scottish Wedding Directory:

Made from sterling silver and Swarovski pearls or crystals.

Delicate 16" snake chain for the drop (other lengths also available).

'Semplice' are available in a whole range of Swarovski pearl and crystal colours.

Both necklace and earrings come gift wrapped - perfect for a bride or for her bridesmaids!

If you're near Glasgow and would like to see these in person

or match up colours, you're most welcome to.

Drop me a line and I'll make a studio appointment for you.

UK orders are sent Royal Mail Special Delivery, for a charge of £5.

For international orders, please contact me for details.

Buy Gioia Mia 'Semplice' earrings

£15

Buy Gioia Mia 'Semplice' necklace

£20

Buy Gioia Mia 'Semplice' necklace and earrings together

£30 (saving £5)

Gioia Mia featured on 'Cards by Sophie'

I'm really delighted to have been interviewed by Sophie, for her blog. You can read the interview here.

Sophie is one of the UK's leading wedding stationers. Her company was recently 'Highly Commended' in the Best Stationery category of the Wedding Ideas Magazine Awards for 2011.

Cards by Sophie was set up in 2009 by Sophie Ellis-Waring after planning her own wedding and struggling to find modern wedding stationery at a reasonable price. “When I was choosing my wedding stationery, I found it so difficult to find something that was just as I wanted. I wanted to be able to personalise it, change the colours and get the design just right for me. So I decided to create a collection that is simple, stylish, contemporary and affordable... just what you're looking for.”

Sophie has since developed her own range of wedding stationery, including 18 stylish, contemporary designs. Cards by Sophie offers two ranges; in our first we have unique, handmade and completely personal designs. Each design can be customised to your requirements, for example the colours of ribbons, handmade paper or Swarovski crystals can be changed to match your wedding theme and colours. There are no set rules, the stationery is available in a range of sizes, and you can create your own wording on the inside and outside of each card.

Our second range features four fabulous printed designs. You can add your own wording on the inside and outside of the card and add an additional personal touch of a Swarovski crystal to match your wedding theme.

If you’ve got something particular in mind, we can also create a bespoke design something very special for you.

Our website has just been updated which now allows clients to order online, making it much easier and quicker to get your perfect wedding stationery. We are very proud that all of our wedding stationery is unique to us, so you will not find it anywhere else!

Stationery available includes Save the Date cards, Invitations, Menus, Order of Service, Place Cards, Table Plans, Favour boxes and much more. We offer a UK-wide service and don’t forget our fantastic 10% discount on orders over £300.

For more information and to order a sample, please visit the Cards by Sophie website

You can also keep up with Sophie on twitter and on Facebook.

Gioia Mia featured in 'The Scottish Wedding Directory'

Hallo everyone!

I'm really delighted to have some pieces from my forthcoming ready-to-wear collection featured in the latest edition of The Scottish Wedding Directory:

One of my favourites is the Eleganza necklace and earrings. Made from sterling silver and Swarovski pearl, they are shown here in white:

Eleganza necklace £35

Eleganza earrings £30

They are, however, also available in a whole range of different shades and colours (from classic bridal tones to more dramatic hues), making them ideal for both brides and bridesmaids alike.

The team at the Wedding Directory loved the beautiful Deco necklace and earrings so much they featured it twice! The necklace and earrings are made from sterling silver, with clear Swarovski crystal and white Swarovski pearl.

The first shot shows a very romantic look. The Deco set is used to finish off a strapless dress, with a tulle skirt and delicate floral detailing:

Deco necklace £50

Deco earrings £70

The second shot shows a sophisticated, glamorous look. Here the Deco set is used to finish off an embellished, assymetric, one-shoulder satin dress. I loved this image so much, it's now in a frame on my studio wall.

Deco necklace £50

Deco earrings £70

I also really love the Trio necklace and earrings. Dainty and with just a touch of sparkle, they are the perfect finishing touch to a whole range of different wedding dresses. The necklace and earrings are made from sterling silver, and are shown here in clear Swarovski crystal and white Swarovski pearl:

Trio necklace £45

Trio earrings £40

Do drop me a line if you'd like to order any of these. pieces, or have a chat about something in your own colour scheme.

Links

Email Gioia Mia

The Scottish Wedding Directory

Gioia Mia featured in 'Knots and Kisses'

Talented stationer Nikki, of Knots and Kisses Wedding Stationery, has featured Gioia Mia on her latest blog!

Knots and Kisses offers gorgeous bespoke and off the peg boutique style wedding stationery for the stylish bride who wants something that stands out from the crowd. We provide a full service specifically tailored to your wedding needs. From invitations to beautifully hand painted table plans, menu cards to order of sevice...we provide the whole package for the best day of your life.

Nikki has just launched a gorgeous range of stationery called 'English Eccentrics'. The range draws its inspiration from the Victorian era, circus flyers, tweeds and satins:

You can read the more about the 'English Eccentrics' range here

And you can see what Gioia Mia pieces Nikki featured here

The Knots and Kisses website is here

Come along and say hallo!

I'm really delighted to be taking part in the Open Studios event in the Glasgow studios where I design and make all my jewellery and accessories.

I'll be showing some pieces from my forthcoming ready-to-wear collection, and running a special offer too. Oh, and there's mulled wine and mince pies on the go as well on the Friday night - a perfect way to start the weekend!

Friday 26 November 5.00-8.30pm with mulled wine and mince pies.
Saturday 27 November 2.00-5.30pm.

Room 15

Napiershall Street Centre

39 Napiershall Street

Glasgow G20 6EZ

Gioia Mia featured on 'Planning for a Wedding'

Hallo everyone

I was really excited to discover that I've just been featured on the Planning for a Wedding Blog.

Gioia Mia is described as 'simple but elegant' and 'high quality'.

You can read the blog post here: http://planforawedding.blogspot.com/2010/10/bridal-accessories-gioia-mia.html

Gioia Mia MySpace page updated

Hallo everyone

Just a quick note to let you know that I've updated my MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/gmjewellery

Gioia Mia featured in 'The Scottish Wedding Directory'

Hallo everyone!

I'm really delighted to have had a number of pieces featured in the current edition of The Scottish Wedding Directory:

This gorgeous shot teamed an elegant Swarovski rhinestone and pearl tiara, with the delicate 'Trio' necklace and earring set (in Swarovski crystal, pearl and sterling silver):

The Wedding Directory also featured the beautiful 'Callisto' necklace and earring set (in Swarovski crystal, pearl and sterling silver):

And finally, the timeless 'Semplice' necklace (a single Swarovski pearl drop on a fine sterling silver chain):

Almost all of these pieces can be made in a range of different colours - perfect for a bride, or for her maids.

Do drop me a line if you'd like to order any of these. pieces, or have a chat about something in your own colour scheme.

Links

Email Gioia Mia

The Scottish Wedding Directory

Gioia Mia featured on 'Little Miss Wedding'

Hallo everyone

I was absolutely delighted to have been featured on the gorgeous Little Miss Wedding blog.

Little Miss Wedding gives you tips, inspiration, and ideas for your special day - showcasing British wedding photographers, designers, and creators of everything lovely. LMW - the dedicated resource for UK brides looking for a unique wedding day filled with love, fun and style.

You can read the feature here:

http://www.littlemisswedding.co.uk/accessories/gioia-mia-bespoke-bridal-jewellery-accessories/

Gioia Mia photoshoot (part 2)

Photographer Alan Hutchison took some really amazing close ups of some of my pieces at the Gean House photoshoot.

These beautiful Semplice hairpins are just right for some understated bridal sparkle.

They are also available in a whole range of Swarovski crystal and Swarovski pearl colours - perfect for adding the finishing touch for bridesmaids as well.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

I really love these next two pieces, they're so delicate and the blush pink colour of the pearls and Swarovski crystals is really beautiful. The snake chain and earring hooks are sterling silver.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Photography by Alan Hutchison

A more unsual and eyecatching necklace, but one which is still elegant and sophisticated. This is Swarovski crystal in various shades of purple and lavender, although it could be made in any combination of colours to complement an outfit. The semirigid necklet is sterling silver.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Do drop me a line if you'd like to order any of these pieces, or have a chat about something in your own colour scheme.

With thanks to:

Alan Hutchison, photography

www.alanhutchison.co.uk

Gean House

www.geanhouse.co.uk

Fiona Bruce, model

Morag Hutchison, photographer's assistant

Gioia Mia photoshoot

I was really delighted to have been invited to take part in a photoshoot by top Scottish wedding photographer, Alan Hutchison.

The photohsoot took place in Gean House - a very beautiful Clackmannanshire Arts and Crafts house, dating back to 1912.

All the jewellery and accessories were by Gioia Mia.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Tiara: white Swarovski pearls

Necklace and earrings: sterling silver and white Swarovski pearls

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Tiara: white Swarovski pearls and clear Swarovski crystals

Necklace and earrings: sterling silver, white Swarovski pearls and clear Swarovski crystals

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Tiara: Swarovski crystal

Necklace and earrings: sterling silver, amethyst and Swarovski crystals

All of these designs can be made in a whole range of colours. If you are interested in ordering any of these designs, please do get in touch!

With thanks to:

Alan Hutchison, photography

www.alanhutchison.co.uk

Ivory Whites, bridal couture

www.ivorywhites.co.uk

Velvet Tigers, corsetry

www.velvet-tigers.com

Gean House

www.geanhouse.co.uk

Fiona Bruce, model

Morag Hutchison, photographer's assistant

The story behind a bespoke design

Hallo everyone

My business card features one of the many tiaras I have made over the years:

This is the story behind this piece.

Maxine came to me, like many brides, having just bought her dress - an absolutely stunning, floor length, oyster- coloured satin dress:

Photography by Graham Bell

She told me that she was going to be wearing her great grandmother's necklace at her wedding:

Photography by Graham Bell

She knew that she wanted a tiara to wear too. Her only specification was that she wanted a 'low tiara in a modern design'.

So I went away and had a long think about the various elements that went into the design of her heirloom necklace. First and foremost there were the materials: gold, garnets, pearls. Then there was the design: delicate, graceful, curving.

I carefully brought all those elements together, and over eight hours, created a unique piece for her:

And this is Maxine wearing her beautiful, bespoke Gioia Mia tiara on her wedding day:

Photography by Graham Bell

'After the excitement of her wedding and honeymoon, she emailed me to say that 'I didn't want to take off my tiara at the end of the day, and I'm currently trying to come up with another excuse to wear it (other than around the house!). I love the way it complimented my heirloom necklace and earrings, and the colours chosen really worked well together…I felt very elegant in it. Throughout the day I had many compliments about it...beautiful and perfect for the occasion. Big thanks.' Maxine xx

I am really grateful to Graham Bell for his photographs of Maxine and Pete on their wedding day. You can see more of his work on his website: www.grahambell.co.uk