Bargain Shops!

Hi again,

I've been quiet on the blog front, but busy on the work and spending front!

Workwise, Fairy Elephant Design has been advertised in the June edition of Vogue magazine, and even more exciting to me, in Making Jewellery's August edition out now, in the reader's section, with a whole third of a page.  So proud!

On the shopping front, just wanted to share some knowledge, if you are in wales (living or visiting), and can jump on the coastal train, all the way up to Pwthwelli, and back down to Machynlleth, there are some fab bargains to be had.

In Pwthwelli there is a lovely craft shop, and downstairs all manner of art and craft supplies, it's worth seeking out, although I didn't grab the name, it should be easy to ask for.  I could of got lost in there. . .

And in Machynlleth, there are lots of second hand shops, vintage market stalls (weds), and an amazing fabric shop with a great sale on (currently - so hurry!). 

The shops aren't hard to find, and it's more fun wandering round each one I say!

I bought some vintage postcards, water paintbrush, artists pastels, card, buttons, books, acrylic & watercolour paints, fabric (fat quarters), vintage sheet music. . . .oh so much to play with!!!!

Check back soon to see some results. . All I need now is a sewing maching. . . and Sizzix Big shot machine. . .

 

Wow!  Did it really take me from January to now to get over doing the Tax return?  I didn't realise how long it had been since my last blog.

Well, Fairy Elephant Headquarters has been very busy over the last two days.  Firstly to the left, my second piece ever of altered art, using a combination of tools, pictures, charms and found items.  Let me know what you think? 

I will be making jewellery from this art, it's in progress as we speak, I will post pictures when it's all set and ready and polished up.

I used a couple of the pictures from the amazing Graphics Fairy, who tirelessly provides pictures for free, and has a great shop of her own, please visit her at http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.co.uk/ and please respect the terms of use - which are very fair and it's a fab reference site, as well as promoting other crafter's and artists.  She also has some great links to tutorials and supplies sites, so if you want to start making your own unique style of jewellery or craft, this is the place to start.

Well, I'm off to do some more work, and to get an advert submitted for a magazine, more on that later. ..

Have a great day whatever you do.

Best Wishes,
Nikki

Fairy Elephant (that's me that is. . ) 

New Year, New Passion!

It's been a long time since my last blog. .

I've started this new year afresh, and have so much enthusiasm for my jewellery this year.  On February 1st a great new shop is opening, in Coventry, in Ball Hill's Two Tone Village, called Made in Coventry.  Full of local, talented Designer Makers, it brings a great opportunity to purchase something that little bit different, all under one roof. 

I will soon have an online storefront, currently in progress, and I'm going to keep blogging, and pass on tips and advice, and links to sites that have been invaluable to me, and friends with amazing talents, along the way.

So a belated Happy New Year, and now I'm off to fill in the tax return! (groan).

Fairy Elephant gets married. . . .

Well I've been busy, been away and got married on a lovely beach in Greece,  made some new jewellery, and now I'm ready for the fantastic Handmade Kenilworth Market this Saturday!  You can find them at http://www.handmadekenilworth.co.uk/

Here's a sneak preview of a new jewellery piece that I will have with me Saturday (complete with chain of course. . .)  Let me know what you think!  I called it 'Words from the Heart'.

This piece is made with domed glass oval tiles, and a pretty blank bracelet from http://www.jasminstudio.com/page6.htm - a brilliant supplier of all sorts of fab goodies!

Well, hoping everyone is looking forward to the busy season ahead, I'm hoping it's an exciting time, I'm certainly loving making lots of different designs with glass tiles, resin, epoxy stickers, and my usual silver bead jewellery.

Have fun creating!

Fairy Elephant. . xx

Slacking. . ..

Hi everyone,

Sorry, been slacking slightly in the blog department!  Had a fab weekend at Handmade Kenilworth Market, lot's of new sellers on Saturday, beautiful handmade quality goods. 

I spent most of my day being a magpie over my good friend's handcrafted lampwork beads, and came home with more than I should have, but am slowly turning them into jewellery.  Rachel's fabulous beads can be seen here on my page at

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.231368170222311.78083.190836780942117&l=ebd939aefd

and on her website here at: http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/index.htm

She is also an amazing teacher, and will soon be starting up some new classes, keep following her website and blog for details. 

Kenilworth Handmade Market's blog can be found here: http://handmadekenilworth.blogspot.com/ and contains all the fab items from Saturday's market.

I have been busy making new pendants, bangles and jewellery from Rachel's beautiful beads, as well as my resin jewellery, example below.  These can be found on my page at http://www.facebook.com/fairyelephantdesign

Keep watching over the coming week as I will be adding new items for sale.  Stop by and let me know what you think.

Bye for now,

Fairy Elephant (Nikki)

Small Business Help in the UK

Hi again,

I just wanted to share that there is help out there, for small (and very small), businesses like me, who work full time but want to create at home also, and perhaps do the odd craft fair etc. 
You can sign up with HMRC, at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/index.htm and register your small business.  This is easy to do, and they also run free courses to help you learn how to go about doing books etc. 
Once you are registered, you get a couple of letters, and then normally just a tax return at the end of the year, which actually isn't that daunting to fill out. 

Also, at BusinessLink http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home?domain=www.businesslink.co.uk&target=http://www.businesslink.co.uk/, you can get free advice, on nearly everything you need to know.

I found these two sites great help, and a reassurance that it's not that hard to do it yourself. . .

Hope this helps guys.

Best wishes,

Nikki

Care of your Sterling Silver Jewellery

Hi everyone,

Just thought for my second post I'd give you a little tip on the best way to keep Sterling Silver jewellery pristine.

Sterling silver tarnishes over time, simply by being in contact with the air.  it is best to put your jewellery away after use, inside a box or cloth bag and away from other jewellery to avoid scratches.  To remove tarnish and help restore shine to your jewellery, rub gently using a cotton cloth (one specifically for silver cleaning if you have one).  Use mild soapy water if necessary, rinse gently afterwards and dry thoroughly. Wearing your jewellery regularly helps to reduce tarnishing.

If your gemstones or pearls require a clean, the best option again is a damp cloth.  Detergents are not recommended as some gemstones are porous and this may affect their quality and beauty.  Try not to spray products such as hairspray or perfume directly on to your jewellery or wear while you are taking a shower or bath. 

You can also buy little pads that preserve silver, and put them in the bag with your jewellery. 

This hopefully all helps to keep your silver bright and shiny.  Of course, the best way, is to keep wearing it!

Nikki