It has been rather hectic at Hollybird Beads HQ in the past few weeks so once again, the poor old blog has gotten neglected!
Early on Saturday 27th November, myself and my parents set off to walk from our flat into the centre of Cambridge carrying bags of display stands, tissue paper, paper bags, float and of course, a whole selection of my handmade jewellery. I'd booked a stall at the Made-It Market being held at the Cambridge Guildhall and had spent weeks furiously beading away in every spare moment to make my stand look as full as possible.
We arrived to find the hall already filling up with lots of other crafters setting up their stands and I hastened to do the same, hoping I could manage to lay out everything as I'd practised. My parents departed to explore the city and check out the exhibitions that were on at the Fitzwilliam Museum, leaving me and my boyfriend to man the stall. I'd brought beads and thread with me so I sat merrily beadweaving away, whilst people came and browsed. I was pleased to see that the fair was very well attended, with a steady flow of customers from the word go.
I'd only done one craft fair previously (and a very small one at that) so I didn't really have much to compare it to in terms of my expectations of sales - I just hoped I took enough to cover my stall fee at the very least. I was thrilled then to do far far better than that, and also to receive lots of lovely compliments about my jewellery from shoppers and have a chat with some other fellow crafters.
A friend came along with her mum and took this photograph of me behind my stall - I apologise for my slightly mad looking smile! - this was taken after the fair had been open a few hours so you can see there are already some gaps where I had sold some pieces.
It was a great day, although I was absolutely exhausted by the end of it (and promptly started coming down with a cold that evening!).
In the past few weeks I've been busy beading custom orders that have been placed recently. These have included an adaptation of a design that someone saw through my Facebook page and a commission to create some matching jewellery sets for bridesmaids which has had me beading in some beautiful shades of silver and aquamarine.
I've almost finished other peoples' orders, so next on my beading list is making Christmas gifts to give my own family and friends. I shan't mention what I'm making yet, just incase any of the intended recipients stumble across my blog, but I'll show you pictures after they have been given (and hopefully well received!)
There are still lots of lovely sparkly things in my shop if you are still shopping for Christmas gifts - I've added a few suggestions at the bottom of this post just to give you an idea. I'll be staying open over the holiday period too...so if you've come into a few pennies over Christmas you can treat yourself to a piece of handmade Hollybird Beads jewellery.
Just one of several flower rings I have left - these would make great stocking fillers at just £5. I have silver ring bases too so I can custom make you one in your colour choice if you'd like!
A sparkling silver and purple 'Nova' pendant. This piece has a wonderful 'ruffled' texture.
My favourite new design - the 'Pearl Starflower' bracelet...this black and silver version is just so classically elegant.
I've also made the 'Starflower' motifs into pendants - another great stocking filler, available in several colours in my shop, just £7.
Hope all your Xmas preparations are going smoothly - I am looking forward to a very festive day this Friday when I'll have my work Christmas lunch and then I'm off to the Olympia Horse Show for the evening which always feels very Christmassy!
Nicole
xoxo
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