A Little Christmas Cracker

Here's a perfect little gift to make for loved ones and it just the right size to fit in a Christmas cracker or to hang in an organza bag on the Christmas tree!

In September, I visited the Big Bead Show at Epson Race Course and discovered a stall selling these beautiful little angel key rings.

They are so easy to make and the components are quite inexpensive.  You just take a long head-pin and thread on a small silver spacer bead, followed by a large, pale pink teardrop miracle bead, then a metal angel wings finding and finally a round, rose pink miracle bead.  Cut the head-pin to the correct length and using round-nose pliers make a loop at the end (make sure that wire meets the other end closely, so there is no gap).  Open the loop and add a small amount of silver chain.  Finish this with a silver lobster clasp or key-ring................and voila............you have a beautiful angel key ring!

Enjoy!

Kate x

All of the above components can be found on ebay or if you don't have time to make these, they are available to buy for £3.50 each in my Folksy shop.

http://folksy.com/shops/KatieLou123

Secrets of a Successful Craft Fair Display

Secrets Confessions of the Craft Fair Newbie!

Having only recently delved into the world of selling my creations, the first craft fair is an experience of both fear and delight, but there is nothing like meeting the people buying your products face-to-face. 


The success of your craft stall is all in the planning.............make sure you have enough stock, practice setting up your stall in advance, make sure you have everything you need (including the kitchen sink) on the day, put together an eye-catching display, take plenty of business cards.................and sell, sell, sell!  We leads me neatly on to a number of useful links below.  

Preparing For Your First Craft Fair - UK Handmade
Craft Fair Displays - Oh, Hello Friend
DIY Display Ideas - The Indie Craft Show Directory
Make Your Own Jewellery Displays for Craft Shows - So Crafty on Squidoo
Craft Fair Dos and Don'ts - UK Handmade
Show Me Your Booths - Flickr Group
Craft Display Booth Tips - The Craft Business Guide
Etsy Craft Fair Tips - Etsy

Hope these links offered encouragement to all those thinking about taking the plunge...........it's not really as daunting as it seems!

Kate x

Time to familiarise you with my style

As it says in my intro.........I am passionate about making jewellery.  As all you other creative crafters out there know, there is something really satisfying about watching someone adore a piece of jewellery created by you.  It can't get much better than that!

I'm not one of those 'creators' who likes to stick to one style and to be honest this can play havoc with my branding, but I'm one of those people who loves to try everything.  I have been making jewellery for the last 8 years and although I have a number of techniques that I seem to have mastered well...........to be honest, why should we put boundaries on our creativity when there is always something new to learn!  

Creating is all about what we find beautiful and the hope that someone else finds it beautiful too.............and on that note, I'd like to show you a few of my latest little works of art!

Round-Maille Bracelet

Beads and Butterflies Charm Bracelet

Electric Blue Bag Charm

Fluorite Crystal Bracelet

Bold & Bright Necklace, Bracelet & Earring Set

Boxchain Bracelet

Iridescent Purple Bag Charm

Bead & Crystal Flower Bracelet

'Green with Envy' Strands Necklace

Well as you can see photography isn't necessarily one of my strengths and neither is coming up with creative inspiring names tags..........any tips would be greatly appreciated...........but I hope you like my creations.

Kate x

Hello World

Well...........here goes.................I guess it's time to find my blogging style! 

If this blog goes to plan I will be providing you with news and pictures of my latest creations, step-by-step project tutorials, updates on my favourite hand-made craft sites and fellow designers...................oh and hopefully some informative insights into my world!

In return for not waffling too much...........hopefully you will let me know that you are out there and that someone somewhere in the world is actually reading this and finding it useful.  Please feel free to comment on my posts (please be gentle) and let me know of anything you think I should be blogging about or linking to.

Well that didn't seem too bad for my first attempt.............I think I could get use to this!

Kate x