Nearly There

Most people will have almost finished their Christmas shopping over the next couple of weeks. I will not do mine until the last show is finished, and then I will wrap and pack.
I will be at The Rural Living show this Saturday and Sunday 26th / 27th in Taunton Somerset.
Mostly with my Ceramics.

Coasters always make a nice practical present. These are a set of Birds with a holder.

Have you noticed the weather, how mild it is. Now my grandfather used to say if there are a lot of berries on the holly, that's for a cold bad winter?

My Holly trees are loaded in berries this year.
Don't forget, I have items for sale on Etsy or if you can make it to the show do pop over.

Jingle Bells

Yes it is that time of year again, putting your thinking caps on, what are you going to buy for your loved ones.
Try giving handmade this year, unique with a lot of thought into the item.

I am doing what I always do, this time of the year, going round in circles and getting no where. I have been trying to build up stock for the shows, but I do get side tracked onto other things......

This year I will be selling ceramic candle lights, Christmas tree ornaments and some of my lovely Lampwork jewellery.

Hope to see you at some of the shows.

Christmas is a Coming....

Before I new it October had come and gone, so doing the usual rush to build up stock for the November Fairs.
I will be at The Rural Living show in Taunton 26th & 27th at Kings Hall School and at Westlands in Yeovil on 20th Nov. If you are around please pop by and say hello.
I have A few more new Items to show you this month, first a lovely pale pink lampwork and crystal bracelet, coordinated with rose quartz and sterling silver, this is on my Etsy shop at £39.50

Adjustable Sterling Silver ring, with my handmade cabochon.



I have also been making a few Christmas presents for family and friends. I don't see the point in buying mass produced, when you can give a unique piece that you have created.

The ring is the adjustable ring, that one I shall sell and the cabula brooch is a present for a friend.
I will try and blog again in a few weeks time, but I don't know if you noticed the weather last week. There was a foggy morning and the dew seem to hang like glass droplets, I couldn't resist taking this picture.

Falling Leaves

The leaves and apples are now falling off the trees, Autumn is now here after that lovely hot October week.
How many of you are now thinking of Christmas......yes Christmas.
I start my Christmas fairs now  and this year many of my regular customers, would have noticed that I have cut back on the number of shows that I attend.
Reason for that is to have some quality "me" time. I am still doing the larger shows and some small ones that support local charities.
I have bee playing with silver over the last couple of weeks, so here are a few pictures. These items will go on my Etsy shop, unless I sell before hand.

Handmade or Assembled

I know that this a very touchy subject, but for many lampwork Artisan, it is difficult to find fairs or places to sell, that understand Handmade to those items that are assembled.
Speaking for myself, I have had a few organisers, who will not take anymore jewellers, but then many, do not handmake there items, but assemble. I know that this is also an art, but if you actually make the glass cabachons or beads and then the silver work, there is a lot more effort and work in the item and the cost should reflect this.
I also understand that there needs to be prices for every ones pockets, in this time of people worrying regarding jobs and morgages.
For those of you that may read my blog, could you bear in mind, that we who make Hand made are proud of that and your help to promote, truly handmade, helps Community Crafts and skills stay alive and grow.

Holiday is over, Now back to work.

I have just had two super weeks in Greece (Zante) the sea was so warm and the accomodation was really good.

I didn't waste all my time on the sunbeds. I took my tools and some work with me and made a bracelet and a necklace, they will be in my Etsy shop soon.

Will blog again next week, with more items from Avalon Designs.

Aqua Ring

I made a really lovely cabachone in aqua colours, thought it would make a nice ring to match the rest of the set.

The silver really sets thi one off. I think this one will stay with me.......