Over the Top Cake Toppers!

Welcome to "Feature Friday!"
This week's hot pick?  Bling Cake Toppers

Bling Cake Toppers, based out of Ohio, make cake toppers and other cake and bridal bouquet decorations that are covered in Swarovski crystals - any letter and any number in just about any font.  If you want your cake to sparkle and dazzle, Bling Cake Toppers are the one for you!

 

We asked Diane Bradley, the owner of Bling Cake Toppers, how she got her start designing cake toppers, and here's what she said:

"I started the company because I have a knack for the arts and crafts. My aunt was turning 90 and I was responsible for planning the whole event. Turning 90 was cause for a major celebration and I wanted to put extra emphasis on the "90" at the top of her cake. I made my first cake topper and it looked fabulous! My husband was the person who inspired me to turn making cake toppers into a business. He saw me make the first topper and noticed that the activity was not a chore, but more of a labor of love and he planted the seed of "why don't you offer to make toppers like those for others who want them?" This was the start of Bling Cake Toppers."

What's so special about Bling Cake Toppers?
There are over 100 crystal color options to choose from!  Why, because Diane understands "bride speak", the language of brides.  What that means is, if your wedding colors are "pool blue" or "eggplant purple", Diane understands exactly what you are referring to and she can coordinate the crystals to match!

What does the Brower Power Design Team love about Bling Cake Toppers?
Bling Cake Toppers are not just for weddings!  They can be a fabulous addition for birthdays, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvah, quinceaneras, and any other event that has a celebratory cake.  And best of all, Diane can customize your topper!  They are not limited to just letters and numbers -- if you send Diane your image file that can be converted to a pdf, she can make your custom shape!  Super cool!!!

Can I afford a "custom" Bling Cake Topper?
The answer is yes!  Dont let the word "custom" scare you away from your perfect topper because you fear it will be to costly. Most times, there is no increase in price for a custom topper. Pricing is based per image/object, letter, or number. The price you pay is determined by the height you want your topper and is not dependent on the letter, number, or object you choose. Pricing range from $45 for the 3 inch height to $145 for the 6 inch height.

What other products does Bling Cake Toppers offer besides cake toppers?

Bling Cake Toppers also sells ribbon letters and keepsake stands and frames. Ribbon letters are covered in the same Swarovski crystals as the toppers and can be used to decorate any bouquet. This is an option for an unexpected flare for any bouquets and are a great option as a bridesmaid wedding gift.  And your cake toppers are much to pretty to only make a one time appearance at your premier event.  Get your name, date, or event title embossed on a wooded stand or shadow box frame and display your beautiful topper on the mantle of your fireplace, on your end table or nightstand, or hang in a special place in your home. These toppers make prominent statements well after the event is over and make for a wonderful conversation piece!

Contact Information:
Bling Cake Toppers
www.blingcaketoppers.com
Diane Bradley
e-mail: diane@blingcaketoppers.com
(513) 259-7894
Follow on Facebook at Bling Cake Toppers
Orders may be placed securely online or feel free to email or call for additional information.

So what are you waiting for?  Get over the top with Bling Cake Toppers!

See you on the next Feature Friday!  In the meantime dont forget to join our blog and follow us on facebook and twitter @BrowerPower.

Have an "event"-ful weekend!
Hugs,
Christine & the Brower Power Design Team
at C. Brower & Co Creative Events

Ringing in a "SHINY" New Year!

Welcome to "Feature Friday!"
This week's hot pick? SHINY DESIGN

A Happy New Year to all our C. Brower & Co Creative Events fans and Brower Power blog readers!  What better way to ring in the New Year than with a cool new product for your next event! Ready to impress your client with something special? Then look no further than the folks at SHINY DESIGN!

SHINY DESIGN creates tension fabric structures for special events, tradeshows, and interior architecture. SHINY focuses on their new product line using light-weight aluminum alloy framing structures, making pieces that are the lightest, smallest to ship, and most cost-effective in the industry. The products are high-quality creative shapes that can be purchased at their full-service e-commerce store, or over the phone. SHINY also has large custom capabilities, and can provide a range of possibilities for projects big and small.

Lisa Marks and Lindsay Karich, the owners of SHINY DESIGN, work together in their Brooklyn studio, making clients visions become reality for their various events. All the products can be printed on, projected on, or simply stretched, letting your event SHINE!

We asked Lisa how she and Lindsay got their start in the event's industry and here's what she had to say:

We were both formally trained in Product design. My training at Parsons School of Design where I now teach 3-D CAD modeling, and Lindsay's from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I focused on tension fabric for use in furniture and after working in furniture and accessories for a couple years, I moved on to work in tension fabric for events. Lindsay focused on Products for interior special design, and her interest in exhibit design made a natural fit for tension fabric. After working together in the industry, we decided to go it on our own, bringing our ideas for different materials into the marketplace, and thus SHINY DESIGN was born.

What does the Brower Power Design Team love about SHINY DESIGN?
Besides the fact they are fellow Brooklyn-ites, we love the fact that SHINY DESIGN products come pre-assembled with framing already within the fabric, allowing for easy pop-up construction. No more heavy lifting, no more confusing construction drawings, and all pieces come with a simple rigging kit! Can I get a whoot-whoot!

Here's my favorite SHINY DESIGN product. It's called Ribbons but i call it "the new red carpet". This is way cooler than your boring old red rope and stanchion. And what a way to start the WOW at your next event!

But with everyone cutting their decor budgets, can I really afford SHINY DESIGN products?
Yes! (Quit your belly aching.) You can afford SHINY DESIGN products!
SHINY DESIGN products are for purchase, not for rent! So designers get ready to expand your inventory for much less than what you've been paying to rent tension fabric products, now you can own these products and reuse and reuse for every event, increasing your profit margin!
 Not only are their price points fantastic and you will save money on the cost of the framed pieces, but their new lightweight structures save you hundreds on shipping!  You receive packages that are a manageable size and shipped in regulations boxes, so there are no more oversized charges for your shipping.
Prices start as low as $33 for a two foot ceiling treatment Circle, $172 for a fout foot Aperture Spot, $595 for printed six foot branded circle and can range up to $1843 for a 10 foot custom branded Infinity Hanging Sign.
 

 

Contact Info:
Email Lisa or Lindsay at: info@get-shiny.com
Phone: (888) 407-3998
Fax: (610) 616-2575
Website: www.get-shiny.com
Online store: http://www.shop.get-shiny.com/ 
Join them on Facebook, Twitter @ShinyDesign and Linked-In!

So what are you waiting for, GET SHINY and Let Your Event Shine, with SHINY DESIGN!!

Wishing you all much success in 2011, and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!!
Xoxo,
Christine & the Brower Power Design Team
at C. Brower & Co Creative Events

Something Old, Something New, "Something Heirloom", Something Blue

Welcome to "Feature Friday!"

Today's hot pick?  Emici Bridal

Dupioni Silk Flower Sash  $250

Something Old

What I love about the products by Marie Conrad, owner and designer extraordinaire of Emici Bridal - Heirloom Quality Bridal Accessories, is they evoke the feeling of being in a different era, that of a classic 1940’s wedding. One can imagine a beautiful bride walking down the aisle in a vintage gown wearing a beautiful silk sash with hand dyed, hand crafted silk flowers and rhinestone embellishments.

Catala Bloom Bridal Sash  $90

Emici has a wide range of bridal products for your special day including sashes, ring bearer pillows, hair and dress accessories, flower girl baskets, and even bridal bouquets! 

Many hours go into each of these works of art with hand picked fabrics that are grouped together and then cut, formed, embellished and added to the silk wrapped stems.

Every item is created and carefully constructed with great affection by Marie herself with the hopes that it will be enjoyed for years to come.

Ruffle Ring Pillow Collection  $110

Something New

Here’s a sneak peek at a new collection of ring pillows coming soon to Emici Bridal. These pillows feature silk ruffles in various shades and shapes. The photo to your right is created out of silk satin with an ombre hand dyed dupioni ruffle topped with a gorgeous rhinestone center. These creations are one of a kind as each hand dyed ruffle will have variations.

Fuschia & Orange Crush Silk Dupioni Catala Flower Bouquet  $520

Something Heirloom

I asked Marie what inspired her to start creating heirloom bridal accessories and how she got her start in the business. Here’s what she had to say:

“I first got started making bridal accessories about 10 years ago. I had a job in retail at the time so it was not really about making it my career. I just always liked to design and create so it was a great outlet. The progression is what interests me. Experimenting with new techniques, figuring out ways to seperate my designs from all the others. The challenge of creating something memorable for my clients using the best materials I can find. Inspiration comes easy, picking one new project to finish is the hard part. I have no less than 12 ideas I am contemplating at any given time. Some make appearances in my offerings and some hang around for months while I wait for the perfect finishing touches.”

Fleur de Lis Silk Dupioni
Lavendar Sachet  $20

Something Blue

Those of you who know the Brower Power Design Team know we love blue (just like our logo!) so it’s no doubt we would have to highlight one of Emici’s beautiful blue creations. The photo to your left is the Fleur de Lis Silk Dupioni Lavendar Sachet (set of two)  in a Robin egg blue embroidered silk dupioni with light brown ribbon. Thin satin ribbon attach to your rings and a ribbon strap across the back to help the ring bearer carry the pillow. It is hand tufted with a mother of pearl button on the back. Truly gorgeous!

Tulle Accent Feathered Silk Rapture
Rose Fascinator   $95

It’s no surprise to us these exquisite creations have been featured in Modern Bride Magazine, marthastewartweddings.com, Brides Noir and numerous e-zines and blogs.

Price Point

The price point for these heirloom treasures can range from $20 to $1600 so there is something for everyone at Emici Bridal!

Ivory & Cream Silk Catala  Jeweled
Bloom Bridal Bouquet  $900

Contact Information

If you would like to view more beautiful Emici Bridal creations, visit their website at http://www.emicibridal.com/ and become a fan of their facebook and twitter page.  If have any questions please feel free to email Marie at marieconrad@emicibridal.com

I hope you enjoyed this week’s Feature Friday!  Don’t forget to join our blog so you don’t miss out on any Brower Power Feature Friday fun!  Follow us on facebook and twitter!

Have an “event”-ful weekend!!

Hugs!

Christine

An Eco-Friendly Out of the "Box" Product!

Welcome to "Feature Friday!" 

This week's hot pick?  Creative Custom Card Boxes!

There is no doubt that brides and Event Professionals love this product as Creative Custom Card Boxes was the winner of the 2009 Brides Choice Awards on WeddingWire, Featured in Eco Beautiful Weddings Magazine as an Editor in Chief's Pick  and soon to be on WE TV's Platinum Weddings!  These beautiful hand crafted card boxes, designed by mother-daughter team Marni Gold and Linda Protovin of River Edge, New Jersey, are the perfect way for brides to personalize their wedding.  But.....Creative Custom Card Boxes are not just for weddings!  They can be customized to fit any event theme such as Sweet 16's and Bat Mitvah's,  Baby Showers, Anniversary's and Non-Profit event functions. 

Each hand painted Card Box can be made to order in any color to match your event, with coordinating ribbon and optional embellishments such as Swarovski Crystals, pearls, feathers, and personalized logo plaques. They come in a square or round boxes (or a combination of both), and in 1 to 4 tiered options with dimensions of the boxes based on your overall number of guests.

We asked owner Marni Gold how the idea of Creative Custom Card Boxes came to be and here's what she said:

"I came to the wedding and party business in a slightly different way than many.  I'm a trained singer and experienced voice teacher who studied opera and musical theater in college, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from the University of Central Florida.  My performance career took me to Germany, England and Italy, where I was inspired to share my passion for music through teaching.  After attaining my Master's Degree in Education, I taught at the local high schools in New Jersey and now teach private voice lessons at a music school in New Jersey.

I was planning my wedding in 2008 and was searching for a unique and secure way to store gifts and cards at the wedding reception.  Frustrated with the gaudy, tacky, and just plain expensive options I came across, my mom and I decided to create an eco-friendly custom card box that was simple, elegant and understated that still corresponded with my wedding colors and theme.  This was a natural fit with both our years of entertaining and decor experience, and so the idea of Creative Custom Card Boxes was born!"

This mother-daughter team understands the importance of personalization and exchanges fabric swatches, photographs, and other items of importance with their clients for inspiration when designing the custom card boxes.  They also pride themselves in making sure their card boxes and other products remain as affordable as possible.  (But we'll get to price point later on in the blog!)

  

What does C. Brower & Co love about Creative Custom Card Boxes?
The Brower Power Design Team loves all the options and fine details offered by Creative Custom Card Boxes (and our fans know we are all about the details!), but we really love the fact that the creative artistry of these boxes are all Eco-friendly.  Each box is handcrafted out of heavy duty Eco-friendly recycled paper mache, then hand painted using durable acrylic paint.

How can I keep my cards secure during the event and how do I remove them afterwards?
The lid on the two tier box is actually glued shut, with ribbons securing both tiers in place.  Cards are retrieved through the back of the box and you have the option to add a free security closure for extra added security at your event.  You can request this feature when filling out your Design Specifiation Form during checkout on the website or you can call with your special request.

What other options and products does Creative Custom Card Boxes offer?

In addition to the 1 to 4 tier boxes, Creative Custom Card Boxes offers the "Guest Wishes" Guest Book Box.  It's an innovative new alternative to the standard guest book used at weddings and other social occassions, or the wish trees often used at non-profit events.  Guests fill out wish cards with their thoughts, feelings, best wishes and blessings for the guests of honor and insert them into the "Guest Wishes" box.  It echos the design of the Creative Custom Card Box, reflecting the colors and style of the event, but more importantly it makes a wonderful keepsake!    

  

In addition, hand crafted custom cake table decor letters and monogram cake toppers are available.  They are a beautiful and budget friendly way to give your wedding cake table or any part of your reception that little special touch.

 



Price Point?

Creative Custom Card Boxes prices are fantastic!  They range from as low as $60 - $125 with additional pricing for add-on embellishments.  Visit their website at http://www.creativecustomcardboxes.com/ for more information on embellishment options and to place an order! 

For additional questions about Creative Custom Card Boxes, contact Marni Gold at 888-315-9296 or info@creativecustomcardboxes.com. 

Can't get enough of seeing those beautiful card boxes? Follow them on facebook!

Oh....almost forgot!  Please join me in wishing Marni a very Happy Birthday today! 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Feature Friday!  So you don’t miss out on any future Brower Power Feature Friday fun, join our blog or follow us on facebook and twitter!

Have an “event”-ful weekend!!!

Hugs,

Christine

ACE OF CAKE STANDS!

Heard of Follow Friday on Twitter? Well the Brower Power Team is starting a new program called “Feature Friday” where we will be featuring some of our favorite new vendors and products we’ve found along the way in our travels across the land! We’re excited to introduce you to some people you haven’t met yet, and some exciting new products out there.

Who will be the first you ask and how did we choose??? That one is an easy one!

Let me introduce to you Robert (Bob) Calabrese of Robert Edward Woodworking located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. Bob is an incredibly talented woodworker who designs unique and exquisitely detailed, hand carved wedding cake and cupcake stands. Bob was chosen as our first “Feature Friday” not only because of his incredible talent, but by how we met him – over Facebook! Thanks to the power of social media, it’s another planner to vendor match made in heaven! Planners and brides alike are going to love this product for their special event!

We asked Bob how his career creating custom designed cake stands began and here is what he had to say:

“My love for woodworking started at a very young age – probably about 10 or 12. I was always making things from scrap pieces of wood from my Dad’s workshop. As I got older, my attention shifted to pencil sketching, oil painting and much later photography – particularly architectural photography. During a recent trip to Savannah, Georgia I took many photographs of all the beautiful homes in the historic district. I thought I might try and sell some of my work. One of the homes I photographed was the Mercer Williams House, in my opinion, the most beautiful home in Savannah. I sent some of my photographs to the owner and Carriage Shop manager and we developed a very good relationship. I mentioned to the Shop Manager that I do woodworking – things like very detailed birdfeeders, candle holders and planters. The Shop Manager liked my work, but didn’t think there was a market for it. She suggested I build a replica of one of the gazebos in Savannah and try to sell it as a wedding cake topper. Since this gazebo was popular for weddings, it might be of interest to wedding planners. It took me several months to build the gazebo, but once it was completed, I was totally hooked on woodworking. Building that gazebo convinced me to start a woodworking business and in 2008 Robert Edward Woodworking was born. The gazebo cake topper idea never really took off, but it lead to the cake stand concept after speaking with one of the wedding planners in Savannah.

Many, many people in the wedding and event industry that I have had the pleasure of coming into contact with over the past 2 years have been unbelievably supportive in helping me promote my work. However, there are three that I must acknowledge.

Collette Foley, owner of Collette Foley Specialty Baking in New York City put me in touch with editors of several major wedding magazines after we exchanged only a few e-mails. Her positive support and frequent advice helped me immensely as I tried to find my way into the wedding industry. Collette created an opportunity for me to build my first round stand for an Elegant Bride Magazine photo shoot.

Kerry Vincent, famed Food Network judge and cake decorator, responded to the first e-mail I sent her by asking me to call her. She said she wanted to offer me some advice on how to market my work. One day I saw Kerry on TV and only a few days later I was actually talking to her on the phone! To say I was thrilled doesn’t even come close. That was almost 2 years ago and Kerry remains unbelievably helpful. Each year I work with Kerry in designing and donating a cake stand for her Oklahoma Sugar Art Show in Tulsa. I am completely impressed with the time she has devoted to helping me and countless others. She is a gem of a person.

Nancy Kay, owner of Nancy Kay Confections in Santa Barbara, California sent me pages of advice relating to starting my business as well as advice specific to the wedding industry. After knowing NancyKay only a few weeks, she was kind enough to take the time from her very busy schedule to contact me with advice.”

What a fantastic story! Our design team loves creative people and learning how they got their start. We love Bob’s product and are happy to share it with the world. We think he is definitely the ACE OF CAKE STANDS!! The price points for his product are fantastic with Cake Stands ranging from $170 - $300 and Cupcake Display Stands ranging from $200 - $415 for 3 and 6 tier displays. Coffee table stands are also available!

If you would like to meet Bob and see his gorgeous cake stands in person, he will be showcasing at the ISES New Jersey North Chapter Cake-Off Kick-Off at Harborside Creative Catering in Jersey City on September 22nd! You can register for the event online at http://www.isesnjnorth.org/.

If you can’t make it to the event but would like more information about designs and pricing, feel free to contact Bob directly at:Robert Edward Woodworking
Phone: 201-393-0507
Cell: 201-394-4835
Fax: 201-462-0634

Follow on Facebook!http://www.robertedwardwoodworking.com/

We hope you enjoyed our first Feature Friday! So you dont miss out on any future Brower Power Feature Friday fun, join our blog or follow us on facebook and twitter!

Until then, have an “event”-ful weekend!!!

Hugs,
Christine