Looking back on 2011

I cannot believe 2012 is here already!

I just wanted to share a few of my highlights of 2011, lots has been happening that you may not be aware of 

So in February I was featured in a 2 page spread of a local glossy magazine

In March I became part of the Warwick Tweetup where I have made some amazing friends

In April I exhibited at the BCTF trade fair

In July I pitched to Liberty in London and then was featured in a Spanish publication

In August I launched my new greeting card range. A lovely member of Warwick Tweetup helped with all my photo's to make my products come to life!

In November I had the privilege of making a necklace for Beverley Knight, I went to see her gig in Leamington Spa and met her afterwards. She is very, very down to earth and has inspired me a lot.

In December I won The London Jewellery School's competition for best design. I won a voucher to go towards a course and shall be learning how to make a wooden ring.

I have lots of plans for 2012, I'm very excited but nervous too as I am determined to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit more.

I won something!

I cannot believe it, the London Jewellery School had a competition running over the weekend where you submitted your designs and they chose their favourite.

I submitted my 18ct gold plated Gaia necklace. These are not only my favourite design but they are also becoming very popular with Beverley Knight taking ownership of hers last month!

Anyway, to get to the point I woke up this morning to a Facebook message saying I had won, not only that I was getting a voucher for one of their courses in London.

I have a long list of courses I want to take part in throughout the year but cannot for the life of me decide which I want to do first!

Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

I have been feeling like a real Scrooge this year with everything that has been happening lately I really couldn't be bothered.

I was asked to organise the staff Christmas meal for work, Friday morning came and I was terrified that it was going to be a disaster. I shouldn't have worried though, the venue was gorgeous and beautifully decorated, the staff were amazing and the meal was really scrummy!

Our company is quite small with only 16 of us but everyone gets on so well. The evening was for partners to come along as well so there was lots of chatting to be had. Our table was mainly talking about cars - no real surprise as we design transmissions for lots of car manufacturers.

I gave each couple one of my Christmas Cards with their meal choices in - good job I did as everyone had forgotten what they wanted!

Christmas Card

Rob mentioned to the boss that the cards were my design and he was very impressed, they have been so supportive of my business and word quickly got around about what I do which is great!

The drink was flowing all night and everyone was 'merry' not wanting to leave at the end of the night!

The bosses are already talking about having a summer barbecue to celebrate the companies 5th birthday (I'd better get organising!)

Makes me realised what a fantastic company I work for.

Merry Christmas everyone.

xxx

Zazu Videography

Have you seen this fantastic video of one of my cards being made?
Photos were taken of every movement made to make the design and hey presto a video has been created!

and this is the finished design, I decided to turn it into postcards instead but may get some cards done too.

Postcards in packs of 4 with envelopes for just £2.50 available here

Gift Wrap £1.10 available here

What a Knight!

As some of you may know last night myself and Rob headed down into town to the Leamington Spa Assembly to see a gig.
I have been told for a couple of years now that I need to go as it is an amazing live venue and boy they werent wrong.
The venue is very intimate with intricate wall paper and decor, very art deco.

We had a great spot just two away from the front and had an amazing view.
The first group up were a group of 4 lads all of which played their own instruments and had incredible voices. They are from Australia and this was their debut in the UK. They are called Electric Empire so check them out.

There was another chap who's name I can't remember but was famous when I was just a little girl.

And then there was the absolutely stunning Beverley Knight. I didn't realise I knew so many of the songs, it was a real blast from the past and I will definitely be getting her albums now as the powerful voice coming out of this petite lady was incredible.
She came on stage in skin tight black trousers (like Sandy on Greece) and absolutely rocked the place!
There were a number of super quick outfit changes each time having more of a wow factor. I honestly dont know how she got changed so quickly!

At the end of the night the whole crowd sang Happy Birthday to her backing singer Bryan.

Myself and Rob were lucky enough to get passes to see Beverley after the show. There were only about 10 or so people who got to meet her so feel very privalaged.

We were all ushered to the bar area where Beverley came to meet up after getting changed a few minutes later. She came in with her cup of tea - very rock and roll!

She spent a few minutes talking to people and then came over to Rob and scaredy cat me  in the corner!
Beverley is the nicest person, just so lovely and friendly. I made her a necklace which I hope she liked, it was based on my Gaia necklace but a little more intricate.

I just want to say a huge thank you Beverley for putting on an amazing show and for putting up with me waffling to you last night!
xx

Thinking about my New Years Resolution already

I have been at another event today and it has got me thinking about next year and where I want to go with the business.

So here goes:
I will not be attending smaller events
I will not be making things that I don't enjoy just because I think it will sell
I want to gain more stockist for both the cards and jewellery
I would like to have more of an online presence so will be looking into SEO a bit more
I would love to make more of a mixture of price ranges so make some lovely top quality gemstone jewellery
I want to attend a wedding fayre
The gift range is going to grow and I would love to add new items regularly

Well thats my thinking done until next year!

Been Featured

Just a quick post to give you an update on our new card range.

Well they seem to be very popular so far. Some have made their way to Studio 61 in Derbyshire and another lot will be working their way onto an online shop soon too.

My Nan has taken lots to sell at her local craft fair in West Wales.

I have also been featured on lovely Laura's blog check it out A Daisy Chain Dream please do take a look.

Present Greeting Card

Nearly forgot, I am running another offer with GoodyPass. Get a £15 voucher for my website which costs you just £5 - Christmas isn't that far away you know! GoodyPass