Social media, spooky finds and pony clubs

I'm back! Yes, I've made a new season resolution (if there is such a thing) to give some more love not just to this blog but to my jewellery line as a whole. The last 12 months have been so hectic I've let thing slide but enough is enough! Time to dust off the cobwebs and get myself sorted (plus, y'know, Christmas is on the way...)

I've not been sitting with my feet up, mind. One of the things I've been particularly busy with is taking care of the PR and marketing for my local horse show, Leigh and District. I've built them a blog and set them up a Twitter feed. In the meantime, I've also learned a lot about social marketing, which I will try to share here as and when I can.

For now, though, here's a quick post with my pick of the best Halloween finds on our faithful friend, Folksy.

For a cheap and cheerful way to add some spooky style to your Halloween outfit, these cute Kawaii badges by Asking For Trouble feature the artist's illustrations of some things you might find in a spooky abandoned laboratory.

These vintage-style Halloween gift tags by Vintage Dreams are the perfect finishing touch to a pagan party.

On a similar note, we also love these creepy-feeling Wuthering Heights-inspired gift tags by Rowan Tree Design.

For a Halloween purchase that will last long after the trick-or-treaters have stuffed themselves silly on sweets, treat yourself to these atmospheric photographic coasters, by the aptly named, um, Coasters.

Finally, if you're looking for a classier way to decorate your home, head to one of my favourite shops, Bookity, for a gothic take on their classic paper garland.

Comments

Explosion in a jewellery box

It took me ages to find a pretty way to store the jewellery for my Folksy shop . I didn't want it to get muddled up with my own jewellery, but at the same time I didn't just want to stick it all in a box. I also wanted something that I could take with me to craft shows. At first I used a French shabby-chic style mini jewellery mannequin, but it soon got full! Then I found a gorgeous bird-themed jewellery stand. Unfortunately I've been so busy making lovely new items recently that tha's got a bit stuffed too! Oh dear... (Sorry about the picture quality, I had to take them on my mobile) I think it's probably time to buy another jewellery stand. I want one that will complement my existing ones but not exactly the same. Any suggestions will be happily welcomed. And how do you all store your stock? Is it tucked away under a bed or proudly on display to make the most of any visitors?

Press releases - a basic guide

As a crafter/designer, I know there can be nothing more thrilling (and potentially profitable) than seeing your name in print. As a full-time journalist, I know there is nothing more likely to go straight in the trash folder than a bad press release. So. How do you maximise your chances of your local newspaper, glossy mag or specialist crafting magazine taking notice of you? I can't guarantee that these tips will get you press coverage, but they will certainly help. 1. Get the right person. Buy a copy of the publication or visit their website and find who the best person to contact is. Any email that starts "I'm not sure if you're the right person..." goes straight in my trash folder - it suggests that the sender has no respect for my time, which is over-full as it is, without wasting my time reading things that aren't relevent to me. If in doubt, ring and find out. While you're at it, find out what their deadlines are - and stick to them. 2. Get to the po...

Opinions needed

I have a beautiful, really delicate vintage filigree brooch in the shape of a butterfly. The trouble is, I can't decide whether to make it into a necklace or a bracelet. What do you guys think? (Sorry about the blurry photo - that's what happend when I only have my phone, not the proper camera):

Made With Love by Kat

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