Website revised and updated 23rd May 2010
May 2010 Update
To coincide with the long awaited update with some new stock I've also attempted to revise and simplify the website. I hope it looks cleaner and is easier to use but I'd appreciate feedback on what you think as it's what work for you that matters not me.
Since my last update I had the usual creative break in the new year to recover from the build up to Christmas which is my busiest period. However this year March proved to be a busy month with an event each week so that left little time to restock let alone update the site.
I went away in April for a 5 day break to Seville and courtesy of the volcanic eruption had a much longer stay than anticipated. This resulted in some new ideas but once I was back I was obliged to work overtime in the day job to catch up my hours.
Things have temporarily settled down for a while so some of my ideas have come to fruition. My extended stay in Seville coincided with the Feria, the annual spring fair which is the largest in Spain and a real spectacle. Everyone dresses in traditional dress to attend and the city is in party mode for a week. The colours of the ladies in thier flamenco costumes and the energy and fun of the festival inspired my Feria chain maille earrings. Here's a picture taken at the Feria to give you an idea of the variety of colours.
I've also introduced a range of pendant drops. as many of you will already have a chain or ribbon that you like to use then these can be added to it. It helps to reduce the cost which is something I'm increasingly conscious of. I'm also happy to sell existing necklaces without the chain if you'd prefer, just email me in advance and I can adjust the price.
In addition there are some new lampwork earrings and a couple of chain maille bracelets.
Enjoy the good weather while it is with us and hopefully my next update will not be so delayed.
Mid November Update Lots of new things added so that it's not just the "events" that benefit from by burst of "busyness". I've added a new category just for Christmas called "fun and festive" earrings as well as adding more sets, some new pendants and lampwork earrings. The big change is the addition of some sterling silver chain maille bracelets. I'm now registered with the Birmingham Assay Office and have my own sponsor's mark. I can know make items in sterling silver and goldas I can get them hallmarked. This is an exciting move for me as I love chain maille but couldn't always make what I wanted because of the weight restrictions.
November Update
Well it's that time of year again when Christmas starts to feature heavily in my calendar. I've got several events this month so I'll be busy making jewellery. I've
been busy scouring the web for lots of new lampwork and I've acquired some lovely new beads to work with. Some of these can be seen already - check out matching sets, princess necklaces and red, orange and brown earrings.
This month is also very exciting as I've sent off my application to register with the Birmingham Assay Office and obtain my own sponsor's mark. UK legislation requires all silver and gold items over 7.78g and 1g respectively to be hallmarked and so hopefully in the not too distant future this will be something that I'll be able to do. This means that I'll be able to extend my Pick your own maille option to include sterling silver and gold.
I'm also hoping to increase my web presence as I've been invited to join a new website which will hopefully launch later this month -can't say anymore as it's still pretty hush hush but it will be very exciting if all goes to plan. More details to follow as and when.
Prize Draw Update
July Update
Well I've had an amazing time since the March update. Most of it non jewellery related which has been the reason things have been quiet on the web front. In May I trekked Maccu Pichu in Peru to raise funds for the Camphill Village Trust. To achieve this, much of my time this year has been spent training and fundraising.
The Trek was a wonderful experience and one I will never forget. Peru has left a lasting impression on me and I can thoroughly recommend a visit should you ever have the opportunity. I've also been to Ireland purely for some rest and relaxation. So now I'm back and raring to go.
While I've been away it gave me a chance to think about what directions I want to take and what I want to focus on. As a result one of the first things I've done is to totally revamp the website. Hopefully you will find it cleaner, that is less cluttered and easier to use.
As one of my main guiding principles when making jewellery is to be different then there is much more lampwork. As each piece of glass is handmade, each finished piece is unique. You can have your own piece of glassy loveliness knowing that no-one else will ever be wearing the same.
I have also REDUCED the postage rates. As my postman rarely asks me to sign for anything that has been sent to me using the "Recorded and signed for" service it seems pointless paying extra for this service. A straw poll among other jewellery makers suggests that their experience is similar. It also has the added advantage that if you happen to be out and your postie is a bit more diligent, you won't find yourself having to make an unecessary visit to the sorting office.
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Website updated 9th March
Website updated 1st March
After a busy December with Christmas markets and fairs I had a quiet January to recharge the creative batteries, but I got back in the saddle in February and started making again. My love affair with lampwork continues and I've added more lampwork pendants as well as lots of earrings.
At the minute things are quite hectic in trying to balance the day job, with making jewellery as well as fundraising and training for my charity trek to Machu Picchu in May. However I will endeavour to add new items on a regular basis.