Made With Love

10 things journalists wish PRs knew

2012-02-03T09:42:00.003Z

A while ago I read a blog post via Comms2Point0 on Twitter, based on "things PRs wished journalists knew". Mostly it was whingeing about being asked to get quotes with three minutes notice, and I was rather incensed - for a start, if I worked in PR, thanks to my journalism background (which the author said did not necessarily make good PRs - I've never met a non-journo PR that's been any good I'm afraid) I would like to think I would be able to anticipate stories and have quotes ready. But maybe that's just me. Anyway, a rather tongue-in-cheek spat ensued, and at some point I promised to write a counter post on "things journalists wish PRs knew." So here it is...

1. Journalists work to tight deadlines, and if we have to spend all morning chasing you around for a one-line quote that should have been provided in your press release we'll remember and not bother in future.

2. London PRs in particular take note: Do not lump everything North of Birmingham together and presume our paper will cover it. Buy a map, then look at it.

3. Make at least some effort to send your email to the right person, please. The internet is full of all sorts of useful information, including contact directories. Mis-spelled names are bad enough, “Dear XXXXX” just proves that it’s a cut and paste mass email.

4. Similarly, don't send your release to every single person at a paper. At best, it’s annoying, at worst it leads to doubling up of work and wasting time, which you won’t be forgiven for.

5. Similarly, don't fill up my inbox with releases you "know will be perfect" for our fashion/pets/problems section. We don't have one, and you clearly haven't done your research.

6. Don't ask to see copy before publication. You KNOW it's not going to happen, so why bother?

7. Don't be surprised when we remove your client's name from the first line of a story and put it further down. Y'know, behind the actual news element. It's a news story, not a free ad.

8. An email is always preferable to a phonecall, no matter what your managers might say. If you are going to ring, be absolutely certain your story is of interest, and that I'm not on deadline.

9. If I say I'm on deadline, that's your cue to get off the phone, not to keep chattering on about your client, who is probably not my number one priority right now I'm afraid.

10. If you're going to start your email with "further to our earlier conversation", or "lovely to speak to you before" - make sure you did actually speak to me. You would be amazed how often this happens.

How to make: Suffolk puffs

2012-02-01T14:30:00.011Z

I love Suffolk puffs (also known as yo yo puffs in America). They're an easy way to make a pretty brooch, are a great embellishment for bags, an easy way to make a pretty scarf by stitching several together and have 101 other uses. Here are just a few ideas...

Headpiece with net and Suffolk puffs by Ark Designs

Christmas puff ball from Maximum Rabbit Designs

Bib necklace with Suffolk puffs from Pom Pom Emporium

The good news is, they genuinely could not be easier to make yourself. Here's how...

You will need: Fabric, thread, needle, scissors, plus embellishments such as cabochons, buttons, ribbon etc.

Step one:

Cut out a circle of fabric approximately twice as large as you would like your finished puff. Tie a knot in the end of your thread, stitch through the fabric a few times to secure, then sew running stitch around the edge of the circle.

Step two:

Gently pull the thread to bring the edges of the circle in together to the centre.

Step three:

Tightly stitch through the fabric in the centre to secure the puff. Embellish with a button or cabachon in the middle, add ribbon for a rosette effect or sew to a plain bag as decoration.

What do you make with your Suffolk puffs? Post your links below and I'll do a blog on the best ones!

How to make: A book page brooch

2012-01-29T21:17:00.008Z

A cute little book page brooch like this gives a literary edge to any outfit - and is really easy to make.

You will need: An old book page, thick card, varnish, craft glue, a brooch pin, superglue.

Step one:

Draw a circle around something the right size onto a piece of thick card and the book page - I used a corkscrew! Cut out carefully.

Step two:

Using the craft glue, stick the circles together. Make sure the glue goes right to the edge, but that it is not too wet or it will show through. Wipe away any excess before sticking together. Leave to dry.

Step three:

Once the glue has dried, apply several layers of varnish to both sides and the edge. You will need to do this over a period of time, allowing each layer to set.

Step four:

Once the varnish is dry, carefully glue a brooch pin to the back with the superglue. And voila! As easy as that!

How to: Wrap a wire loop

2012-01-05T21:17:00.006Z

Wrapping a wire loop is one of the most basic, and the most useful, jewellery making techniques. Wrapped loops look much more professional than simply using looped eyepins, and are also less likely to come apart.

The bad news is they do take a tiny bit of patience to get right. The good news is that the actual technique itself really isn't so hard. All you need is a length of wire, a pair of tweezers and some fine needle nosed pliers. Here goes...

Step One: Use the tweezers to bend the wire to a 90 degree angle approximately 1.5cm from the end - like an upside-down “L” shape.

Step Two: Wrap the bent wire back around the end of your needle nose pliers, crossing over the “stem” once, and making the loop as small as possible.

Step Three: Keeping the pliers inside the loop, take hold of the end of the wire with your fingers or a pair of bent nosed pliers and wrap two or three times around the “stem”.

This is what it looks like if you remove the pliers from the middle of the loop... but don't, just yet:

Keep wrapping...

Step Four: Snip away any excess wire, and slide on a bead.

Step Five: Repeat on the other side until you have a bead with loops on either side.

To make a string of beads: Repeat for the next bead, but on making the second loop, slip the wire through one of the previously made loops on the finished bead just after you have bent it around your needle nosed pliers. You will have to remove your pliers from the loop to do this, so carefully hold it in place when you are wrapping the wire round the “stem” to secure, or else it will lose its shape. This will connect the two beads together.

A very special commission

2012-01-04T20:42:00.001Z

I'm thrilled to say that a friend of mine has asked me to make her wedding jewellery for her. I've done a lot of commissions recently (and if you're interested in me making something for you you can email me at made_with_love (at) rocketmail.com) but this is by far the most nervewracking.

So we pinged messages back and forth and I did a couple of quick sketches and happily she absolutely loved one of them. Now I'm off to order all the materials and start on some proper sketches for her necklace and for a hair comb. I've never done any hair accessories before - eek! Fingers crossed it all works out alright, I'll keep you updated.

An important note about Christmas shopping

2011-12-05T14:42:00.001Z

Please note - the last post for standard parcels is this Friday. This is why it was a bad idea for me to suddenly decide to start packaging items in my very own specially-made pillow boxes this week, wasn't it? So any items bought after Friday will be sent first class large letter, and will include a flat packed gift box for you to assemble yourselves (it's very easy, and only requires a bit of Pritt or double sided sticky tape). So go! Do some Christmas shopping!

More commissions...

2011-12-04T22:29:00.003Z

I've been working on more commissions, and this is one of my favourite so far. Don't forget - if you have old jewellery that you want to be reworked into something new just drop me an email!

Meet... Maram

2011-11-15T08:00:00.005Z

There are so many talented people on Folksy it can sometimes seem like you don't know where to start looking. In the first of a series of blog posts, I'll introduce you to a few - and with Christmas fast approaching, don't forget to shop handmade for the holidays as our American pals would have it!

Today, meet Maram, a trained silversmith who creates gorgeously elegant jewellery.

Name? Mairi Armes aka maramjewellery

Where are you from? Originally Glasgow, now living just outside Edinburgh, in the shadow of The Forth Bridge.

Purple bows necklace

When did you start crafting? Umm, always! Can always remember being arty, trying to knit,sew and so on. Discovered jewellery making at school for a fashion show, never stopped since then!

What made you open your Folksy shop? Everyone asking when I was going to start selling my work combined with a touch of free time when my youngest went to school.

What materials do you work with? Silver mainly, and a lot of beads

Shell blue dropper earrings

Where do you find your inspiration? Sometimes in the beads ands the colours, sometimes in my local environment. We're in the country so at the moment I'm inspired by autumn and the colours of leaves.

Do you have a favourite piece? Why? Tough one. Probably my seaglass bracelets as they are so easy to wear, and give a good jolt of colour to what I'm wearing. I also love the honeybee necklaces as they are a little quirky yet smart enough to wear everyday.

Do you have a day job? Does it influence your work? Not a paid day job at the moment, I'm a full time mum. My two girls do influence me. they love to be crafty and they already have a cracking eye for colour!

Lilac glass silver bracelet

Where do you hope to be in 12 months time? Very, very busy making jewellery full time!

What’s your crafting resolution for the new year? To be more confident in my own work, and to follow up on every opportunity afforded to me.

If you could buy one piece from Folksy as a Christmas present for a loved one, what would it be? Tooo many to choose from. I have a soft spot for PennySpooner Ceramics, so I would probably buy her Lucy Locket bowl for my daughter, although I hope she would be able to make me one specially as it's been sold since I popped it on my favourites!

Photo frolics

2011-11-11T08:00:00.007Z

I feel like my photos need to take a big step forward. Or is that backward? I’m just not really happy with the pictures on my Folksy site at the moment, particularly after I stumbled across this pic, which I love:

I intend to redo quite a lot of them, and I’ve been gathering inspiration via Pinterest - you can see my board by clicking here. Incidentally, I’m becoming a little bit obsessed with Pinterest - there’s so much gorgeous stuff on there it’s nigh on impossible not to spend hours drooling covetously/seething jealously. I’ve also been experimenting with montages. This is something my fellow Boltonians Jamball do brilliantly, but I suspect their shoots must take hours. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained. This is my first, very amateurish attempt, done just with some pics of my Ruffled necklace which I was quite happy with:

Like this? You can buy it by clicking here.

Anyway, I’m off to think about props. I have access to quite a lot of vintage jugs, lanterns, crystal glasses, old books etc so it’ll be fun experimenting this weekend. What are your favourite photo props? Post below...

Press release: Winter Wedding Wonderland

2011-11-10T12:19:00.004Z

Still looking for your something old?
Jewellery designer Kat Dibbits has just launched her winter collection, and as each one-of-a-kind piece uses reworked vintage jewellery it could be the perfect finishing touch to your bridal outfit.
Made With Love jewellery features vintage finds lovingly teamed with semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, ribbon and beautiful chains. each piece is unique and connot be recreated.
The label is the brainchild of Lancashire-based arts journalist Kat Dibbits who draws much of her inspiration from the theatre productions and gallery exhibitions she covers.
“All day I see such pretty images sent to my desk - from ballet dancers at The Lowry to the elegant glamour of the Halle orchestra, and it is impossible not to want to create something that is inspired by that,” she said.
Made With Love jewellery can be bought from http://www.madewithlove.folksy.com. Stock is continually being updated so keep checking the website - and if you see a piece you fall in love with remember as they are all one-offs, when it’s gone, it really is gone.

Notes for journalists: For more information, email made_with_love@rocketmail.com
High-res images are available upon request

Bang bang, kiss kiss

2011-11-09T10:40:00.003Z

I love fireworks. I don't know if I've ever mentioned this to you guys, I probably have, I mention it to everyone. I love them so much I cry if I don't get to see some around Bonfire Night. Luckily this year I did, in the glamorous surroundings of Radcliffe Cricket Club. They were great, though, see:

That was actually my second firework experience of the weekend. The first was a bit of a damp squib thanks to the weather, but at least I spent it with the lovely boy eating hog butties and drinking mulled wine. Anyhow, watching the video back made me think about how I want to make some firework-inspired jewellery. Not just in the colours, although that's a no brainer - they're gorgeous - but also in the shapes I use. Where to start? have any of you seen any lovely firework-inspired jewellery? Share it below if you have, I'll make a blog post about the best ones.

Just for you

2011-11-08T08:45:00.002Z

I get asked to make commissions a lot. Often it's by people who have some jewellery that has been passed down in the family that they don't wear but that they don't want to give away - so they bring it to me to see if I can make something new for them.

Recently, a friend of mine brought me a whole lot of stuff that she wants transforming. I'm slowly working my way through it - I'm going to post some before and after shots in the next few days, but for now here are the two pieces that I've completed.

The "leaves" on these earrings are actually made from the petals on a flower-shaped brooch. The central flower is still in one piece - I'm not sure what I'm going to make with it yet. I turned the metal stems of each of these petals over using needle-nose pliers to form a loop through which I could wrap the wire, then I carefully attached them to 14ct gold-filled chain. The stone at the top is a garnet.

I must admit, when I first saw this chunky silver and purple necklace section I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it. It seemed too big to easily be made into anything, but then I had the idea of making a short necklace with a feature clasp on the side. Freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal and labradorite (that's the grey stone which shimmers when you look at it) embellish the chain, but it didn't seem perfect until I wired a lovely big chunk of amethyst to hang from the bottom.

I hope she likes them!

If you want to get in touch about a commission, email made_with_love@rocketmail.com

We're in style - as if you didn't know that

2011-11-07T11:24:00.006Z

According to this week's Sunday Times Style magazine, "vintage costume jewellery is hot this party season", and who am I to argue?

Everyone loves a bit of vintage as it means you're less likely to see someone else wearing the same thing - and with one of my one-of-a-kind creations I can make that a guarantee.

That's why I think it's a bit of a shame that there are so many high street shops now offering the sort of jewellery I and my fellow Folksy folk make. But remember - for every shop-bought "vintage inspired" bracelet or "fabric corsage" necklace bought for three quid from P*****k there are ten thousand more round the necks and wrists of other people. By buying handmade you are guaranteeing that you are wearing something which has had real love, thought and creativity poured into it. Each piece is unique - and personally that's the way I like it.

Today, by the way, I am wearing this:

Social media, spooky finds and pony clubs

2011-10-25T11:19:00.004+01:00

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.

Win a necklace!

2011-04-15T11:34:00.004+01:00

Easter time is drawing ever-nearer and I'm feeling extra generous. I've been making a gorgeous new newsletter, and to launch it, I'm offering people who sign up the chance to win this necklace:

It's made from a vintage scarf clip teamed with a cute pink Swarovski crystal and an amazing slab of faceted lemon quartz. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is to sign up to the newsletter by clicking this link:

For Email Newsletters you can trust

Everyone who receives the newsletter will also get a 10% discount and free P&P throughout April, even if they don't win the draw.

This is with a new mailing company, so even if you signed up for my old newsletter you need to resubscribe in order to get the discount and be in with a chance of winning!

Sneak preview

2011-04-09T19:57:00.006+01:00

I've spent the evening doing lots and lots of photography so I can list some lovely new items later. But as it takes me so long to list stuff, I thought I would put a sneaky peek on here first. All items are, of course, available to be reserved if you just have to have it now!

Vintage cloisonne beads with 14ct gold chain, hoops and garnet, hanging from freshwater pearl and kyanite

Asymmetric 14ct gold chain, vintage bead, brass swallow, amazonite and coral earrings

Asymmetric vintage marcasite, freshwater pearl and faceted rock crystal earrings

Vintage earrings with amazonite drops and fine 14ct gold chain

Vintage earrings with amethyst, labradorite and rock crystal

Folksy Friday

2011-04-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

I think Folksy Friday is a wonderful idea - unfortunately I'm a bit shabby at remembering to do them. I was feeling very summery yesterday though, and the sunshine was making me think of funfairs - so here are my carousel-themed picks.

What a wonderful selection - my April resolution is to make much more of an effort to do one of these every week. I wonder how long it will last..."

Folksy Forums

2011-03-15T21:14:00.008Z

Oh I'm suddenly feeling very motivated about this whole blogging lark. Perhaps it's the turning weather, perhaps it's because I've started making more items again - who knows?

One thing I have leaned over the last couple of years is that a great place to find new shops and see gorgeous items is through the Folksy forums. Sadly as they are mostly ppulated by sellers, the general public don't get a chance to see some of the treats that are shown off there. This evening I decided I would right that wrong - so here are my favourite items that have been featured and discussed today. Click on each picture to be taken to the shop. If this turns out to be popular I may turn it into a regular feature - so if you like it, make sure you comment below!

Chain Bracelet by Willow Wire Creations

Tax Disc Holder by Lilly's Night Garden

Personalised picture by Clarkie Designs

Flowers brooch and card by Daisy Florence Design

Owl Cushion by Handmade by Emily

...Or maybe not

2011-03-14T15:29:00.008Z

Ohhhhhhhhhhh it's too difficult a choice to make. I like the mobile functionality of WordPress, but when it comes to blogging on an actual computer I far prefer Blogger. What's a girl to do? Any advice would be very gratefully received.

In the meantime, as I may have mentioned once or twice, I have been working on lots of new items. Some of them are in my Folksy shop now, and I'll be taking more photographs tonight so there'll be lots more over the next few days. Just to whet your appetite, here's a wee collage I made of some things that have been inspiring me...

Clockwise from bottom left: Image by Heather James from her recent exhibition at Cornerhouse Manchester, an image from the ballet exhibition at The Lowry, Salford Quays, which finished last week, The King's Speech, Black Swan

And here's a sneak peek of one of my new items which isn't on the website yet - I will be listing it tonight:

A little move

2011-02-22T14:39:00.003Z

So, I've decided to have an experimental move to Wordpress as it seems to work better with my phone, particularly when it comes to posting pictures - as demonstrated by the weird reflection on the picture of this rather suggestive invite to an art exhibition I received yesterday.

So from now on you can read my ramblings at www.thatkatdibbits.wordpress.com. I'd love it if you updated your bookmarks and followed me over there x

Plans are afoot...

2011-02-16T12:25:00.001Z

...for a huge relaunch event March 9th. All very exciting - more details to follow.

On a similar note, I got the pliers out and got making for the first time in months last night. And it felt gooooood

Bedtime reading

2011-02-13T20:06:00.001Z

I watched Faulks on Fiction last night with a very lovely boy. Left me with an overwhelming desire to read this...

Soooooo....

2010-11-06T09:13:00.003Z

So yes, I haven't blogged for a while. This is becoming a regular occurrence. I may have mentioned my horse, Meg, in previous posts, well I have spent most of the summer in and out of the horse hospital (the horspital?) with her trying to get her leg fixed. Sadly it can't be done and she has had to be retired - although she doesn't mind so much, now she gets to eat grass and roll in the mud all day.
However, that's not the end of my competitive dressage career - as there is a new horse on the way! She's called Chirma Van Weltevreden and we have imported her from Holland, the Land of Dressage. Here's some pictures:

Obviously now I have two ponies to pay for I need to make some extra pennies, so I'm offering readers of my blog 10% off in my Folksy shop all this week (until November 12th). Refunds will be issued by Paypal once the item has been bought - just message me on Folksy to let me know you're a blog reader!
I also do have some new stock waiting to be photographed - it's perfect for a romantic Christmas gift so keep your eyes open for when that appears.
click here to visit my Folksy shop.

A return... of sorts

2010-05-28T00:12:00.005+01:00

So yes, I've been away. I made a conscious decision to spend less time doing business stuff and more doing simple things that satisfy my soul. Sales at my Folksy shop have remained pretty spteady, but in the meantime I've been having thoroughly good fun being domestivated. This is what I've been up to...

Folksy Friday Feature

2010-04-20T00:05:00.002+01:00

I've been featured in a lovely Folksy Friday feature over at the Sketch Stitch blog. See!:

Summer lovin'

2010-04-14T16:46:00.003+01:00

I know, I know, it's been a long time. It's not you, it's me. I admit it, I've been seeing other blogs. But now I'm back and I hope you'll forgive me...

To make it up to you, I've picked out some scrumptious summer items to share.

Ruby Spirit's Summer Pudding bracelet looks good enough to eat:

This gorgeous bag from Mad Rose Designs would be the perfect accessory for a pretty dress:

iLEAiYE's lightweight mohair and acrilic shrug is the perfect cover-up for warm spring evenings:

This gorgeous print from Photography by Brideen evokes romantic summer days:

And of course no blog posting would be complete without a little bit of self-promotion. These are from my Folksy shop:

Not Mass Produced

2010-03-10T15:53:00.003Z

I'm so thrilled - my work has been accepted by the website Not Mass Produced.

The apply quite a rigorous selection process, so I'm really chuffed they decided that my work was good enough. They've also been featured in some fantastic places, including:

Cooking and cocktails blog Domestic Sluttery.

The Times Online's alternative Valnetine's Day gift guide.

The Telegraph.

and

The Independent.

You can view my items at Not Mass Produced here.

I Heart Dotty P

2010-02-27T23:44:00.004Z

Ther best thing about being a journalist is receiving the look books at the start pf every season. The ones I've received recently have been pretty uninspiring, but as ever the continually underrated high street darlings Dorothy perkins have once again come up with an adorable new collection.

This fabulously kooky jacket and short combo is well on the edgy side of this season't pretty nude trend.

Ralph Lauren's catwalk was awash with denim in homage to dustbowl America - a fitting inspiration in these tough times. For those who can't afford Lauren's prices I love this oversized denim shirt.

I wish I had long, long legs to be able to wear these brogues. Sigh.

I've been buying a lot of Twenties-style dresses lately. But you can't have too many!

And of course, every summer outfit needs a pair of fabulous sunglasses!

Press releases - a basic guide

2010-02-16T17:06:00.006Z

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 point.

I don't want to read a load of waffling. I want to know why this release should be interesting to me.

3. Include the details.

That's not to say that a couple of lines are enough. Put the hook at the beginning, but then make sure you include all the important details, plus contact details. Don't just put a MySpace or website link and expect the journalist to click through and find additional info for themselves - they won't.

4. Put your release in the body of the email.

Remember, not all computers are compatible with each other. Even different versions of Windows can save differently - we regularly receive attachments in a .docx format that we can't open. And there's no point - why waste time with an attachment, which on an overstretched network can take up to a minute to open, when you can just put it in the email?

5. Spell it properly.

There is nothing more offputting than bad spelling, poor grammar or horrible formatting. Use a spellcheck, and paragraphs. If your spelling isn't great, get someone to check it for you. Mistakes look unprofessional, and mean a busy journalist won't take you seriously.

6. Make sure your pictures are good enough.

There's nothing worse than a decent story accomapnied by blurry, out of focus or simply too small pictures. For print, pics need to be 300dpi - the file size should be 100kb at least. Anything smaller than 50kb is definitely going to be too small to use, and could result in your release being put on the "deal with later" pile... and forgotten about.

7. Be polite.

You would be amazed how many emails come across as demanding, or whingey. They don't get anything, no matter how well written they are. There are hundreds of people out there clamouring for attention - you should make the journalist want to write you, rather than feeling that they couldn't bear to spend five minutes in your company.

To help you see what I mean, here are a few examples. Here's an example of the bad:

For a start, Dave Magilton is the sports editor. Of the Bolton paper, not the Bury one. He certainly doesn't care about grime. I am the entertainment correspondent, and I probably would do. My email address is freely available through the entertainment section of our website, so it's not rocket science to get hold of it.

Secondly, there is no excuse for that spelling and punctuation. How am I to believe that these people are serious about what they're doing if they can't even take the time to run a spell check? I know they're young, but frankly that's no excuse.

But the most unforgiveable thing is that this email had no contact phone number. Despite the horrendous spelling and inability to find the right recipient, it could have been an interesting story. I emailed him using the return address, but never heard back. Big black mark, and into the trash folder it goes.

And the good:

It's polite, enthusiastically written (without dozens of exclamation marks), to the point, to the right person and has all the information I need. We wrote about their event, and I believe it was a great success.

And the winner is...

2010-02-16T00:35:00.004Z

So after slight diversions for Valentine's chocolate souffle making, I managed to list everyone who had entered my win a bracelet competition...

First I wanted to say that I was overwhelmend by how many people entered the competition. I know there were a few people who RTd lots of times and I was really sad that they couldn't all win. However, the final winner was...

Yep, that's @trinket_box. If she could send me her details to made_with_love@rocketmail.com by Friday that would be fab. Huge commiserations to everyone who didn't win. As a consolation prize I am offering a 25% discount off anything in my Folksy shop. Just email me for the discount code so I can check you off against my list of entrants.

Opinions needed

2010-02-07T19:30:00.002Z

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):

Sneak preview and work in progress

2010-02-07T10:02:00.000Z

Here's a cheeky sneaky peek of a new necklace I haven't listed in my Folksy shop yet. It's made from a gorgeous turquoisey-blue vintage brooch teamed with rock crystal, labradorite and amazonite, along with one of the last of my tiny brass swallow charms (if anyone knows where I can restock on these for a reasonable price, can you let me know please? My old supplier has vanished). It is as yet nameless, all suggestions are very welcome:

And here is a little look at a work still in progress. The brooch is one I found in a vintage shop in Harrogate (see my last post for more Yorkshire adventures). I'm going to team it with rock crystal, garnet, amethyst and gold filled wire, but beyond that I haven't really decided yet. I tend to work by making piles of things, messing about with them and waiting for inspiration to strike.

Mmmm... Cupcakes

2010-02-06T21:19:00.000Z

Adorable Boyfriend and I went to Harrogate yesterday and today. We were going to go to Betty's for cake and tea, but the American tourists were queuing round the corner so they could tell their friends they'd done something really English. Luckily we found somewhere just as gorgeous - but much less well-known.

Cupcakes by Charley make amazing glittery, yummy cupcakes in fabulous colours and flavours. I had a "Charley's Angel" - vanilla with pink glitter, while Adorable Boyfriend (his proper name's Steven, incidentally and he's modelling his gorgeous new haircut that it took me months of whingeing for him to get below)had a chocolate Crunchie confection.

Her website's not ready yet, but you can see her Facebook page with lots of lovely pictures here.

Features!

2010-02-02T11:58:00.000Z

I've been featured in some really exciting places recently, and I thought I should share!

First up is Nifty Knits' fabulous blog. Nifty as you might know is the genius behind the knitted meerkats that have become something of a cult phenomenon. The Star Trek meerkats in particular have been featured all over the world and she also has X Men ones, and a cute Valentine's range. As if that's not enough, her blog is also full of brilliant advice for anyone selling on Folksy or Etsy. Thanks Nifty!

Second up is the brilliant blog, Found on Folksy. It's the second time they've featured me in the last few weeks and I'm chuffed to bits to have made it onto their pick of the luxury items. Thanks guys!

Finally, I'm in another magazine! Yep, my stuff is featured in this month's Making Jewellery:

Thanks to everyone who has supported me recently, and of course if you'd like to take a look at my lovely new stock, all you have to do is click here to visit my Folksy shop.

Win a bracelet!

2010-01-24T18:21:00.000Z

It's competition time! Would you like to win a one of a kind bracelet made from a vintage brooch, chunky amazonite nuggets, rock crystal, pretty pink Peruvian opal and Swarovski crystals? One that fastens with a cute heart-shaped toggle clasp? I thought so!

Just to whet your appetite a bit more, here's a couple of pictures:

Because it's nearly Valentine's Day I thought I'd have a bit of a soppy theme. So, to win all you have to do is follow me on Twitter here (if you're not already a follower, if you are you can get retweeting right away) and RT any of my tweets that mention the words "Valentine's", "love", "romance" or "romantic". For each RT you will be entered into the draw (no more than one an hour, though!). For two bonus entries, just blog about Made With Love or this competition.

The competition runs until midnight on February 9th and I will be announcing the winner then via this blog.

Good luck!

Explosion in a jewellery box

2010-01-22T14:23:00.000Z

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?

Two of the best

2010-01-19T12:18:00.000Z

There are some fabulous blogs out there on th'internet - and I've been lucky enough to be featured on two of my favourites recently.

Obviously I'm biased because they like my work, but aside, you really should add both of these to your reading list.

Found on Folksy is a well established blog run by Glassprimitif and Aleximo Croissant, although how they find the time I don't know.

They pick the best of everything from Folksy to showcase, and I was thrilled when I spotted my Pink Sunrise earrings on their latest post. And they're reduced!

Newer to the blogging ranks, but just as hard working is EvieGeorge, who when she's not making her absolutely gorgeous gift tags runs Folksy Weddings.

It's a one-stop guide for brides who want their special day to have that extra-beautiful handmade touch, and (hurray!) she has featured my Wonderland necklace. Thankyou!

Happy snaps

2010-01-12T16:30:00.000Z

It's a bit geeky, I know, but some of the product photography on Folksy just blows me away. So I though rather than picking my favourite items according to a theme I would pick the ones which I think have had most love put into the pictures. Inspirational for us all, I think you'll agree!

William Wordswoof sock dog from Hotdog And Me. I love all of Hotdog's pics and creations, but this one is particularly cute - love they way she's used the snow to create a cool background, and William Wordswoof is at the edge of the frame, almost like a holiday pic.

Ceramic cupcake candleholders by Lauren Cermics. The composition of this picture is so simple - it really suits Lauren's elegant ceramics. Plus they're a bargain.

Shakesperian Valentine hearts by Bookity. I can't imagine how long it took to get everything hanging just right, but it was well worth it.

Set of four owl notecards by Gooseberrymoon. There must have been some contortions to photograph these from that angle, but it's definitely well worth it.

Envy notecards from Hidden Eloise. Fabulous use of props, which is harder than it seems - as a few terrible efforts soon taught me!

GrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrRRR

2010-01-08T16:50:00.000Z

In my job you live in a constant state of fury that the PRs who get paid double your wage often have little or no grasp of how to use the English language. You don't sell over 10,000 tickets, you sell more than 10,000 tickets. And for God's sake, learn to use an apostrophe.

Here's a classic example, which landed in my inbox about five minutes ago. You would think that Topshop would proof read their marketing stuff, but it appears not...

Waste not want not

2010-01-05T12:35:00.000Z

Upcycling, recycling, repurposing - whatever you want to call it people are increasingly loath to throw things away.

There's been a lovely thread on Folksy showcasing people's upcycled items and I thought I'd show you a few of my favourites:

Patchy Pocket by Ellie's Treasures

Measuring tape fancy bow brooch by Lilidrawspictures

Wee Jock Scottie dog by SophieCat

Upcycled map handbound notebook by Toggle

Comic strip tags by Evie George

Saucer candle holder by Loglike

What are your favourites?

When you have eliminated the impossible...

2010-01-04T15:17:00.000Z

...What's left is a fabulous Folksy feature!

Yep, to celebrate the release of the new Sherlock Holmes movie (and the divine Robert Downey Jr) the Folksy folk have put together a Holmes/Victoriana feature... and I'm a featured seller!

You can visit my shop by clicking here

Of course it's not all about me. Here are my favourite of the featured items:

This mini museum by comedaygoday is a bit macabre but I think that's why I love it. You can buy it by clicking here

I love everything Talulahblue does, but this stole is particularly lush. You can buy it by clicking here

Champignons is another shop where I could just buy everything. This reassuring raven is apparently inspired by a book called "The Buddha's law amongst the birds. You can buy it by clicking here

New Year's plans

2010-01-01T20:16:00.000Z

Well I saw in the New Year in the company of my darling boyfriend (who gave me the best ever Christmas present – more below) and a swing band – what could be more glamorous?

So what are my plans for 2010? Business-wise I’ve got one or two new stockists so I’ll be busy, busy, busy, but away from that I’m determined that I’m finally going to take my darling horse Meggie to some dressage to music. I also want either to make some real progress in my career at work or think seriously about setting up the little shop/tea room/art gallery that I keep daydreaming about.

It’s been an amazing year – twelve months ago I would never have believed that my little business would become so successful. Highlights have definitely included the Lancashire Life feature and being included in the Royal Exchange’s Fairytale Christmas exhibition (which closes on the second).

And that present? My boyfriend is a filmmaker and I’ve always been fascinated by the storyboards he makes for each scene. For Christmas I received a framed portion of script and two storyboards from a non-existent film he had made just for me. It’s full of little in jokes and really sweet touches and I had to work quite hard not to cry like a big girl when I opened it. I’m glad I got to kiss him at midnight.

Sorbet flavours

2009-12-26T23:18:00.000Z

This month's Vogue magazine tells me that sorbet colours are going to be HUGE next season - particularly under John Galliano at Christian Dior.

I was thrilled, obviously. Not only is Galliano a huge idol of mine but I have been working on lovely new items in shades of lavender, lilac, lemon, jade and pastel pink.

My new favourites are these new Sparkling Sorbet earrings made from reworked vintage diamante earrings teamed with pale yellow jade and pretty pink rose quartz:

You can buy them here

Also new is a twist on the lace bracelets I've previously featured on this blog which sold less than a day after I'd listed them. Using the same lace, this time I've given it a sherbert twist with lavender and mint fabric and lace rosettes and a sparkling vintage earring. I've called it "Ruffled" and as lace is also a huge new trend I think it ticks all the boxes!

You can buy it here

Sooooooo pretty!

2009-12-25T20:22:00.001Z

Double heart necklace
Originally uploaded by pennydogaccessories

Pennydog makes the most amazing stuff (and she's had a book published which is super-cool). I luuuurve this necklace - having just discovered that my darling boyfriend does on occasion read this blog, consider this a heavy hint.

More mentions

2009-12-15T15:31:00.000Z

Woo hoo! Just found out today that my Christmas romance bracelet has been featured by super-cool shopping blog, Indiespotting.

The fabulous Fairytale Christmas exhibition at the Royal Exchange, which features my work, has also been blogged about over at the Visit Manchester blog

Faerie Enchantment

2009-12-14T14:03:00.001Z

A while ago I posted a picture from a Flickr set called "Vintage Follies" that had inspired my new collection. I sent Lisa who created the pictures a message to tell her how she inspired me and she very kindly offered to put a link on her blog. And what a gorgeous blog it is! A definite must for all lovers of vintage craftiness!

You can visit Lisa's blog, Faerie Enchantment, by clicking here.

The Vintage Follies collection is, of course, available from my Folksy shop.

Earring Aid

2009-12-10T15:33:00.000Z

Earrings make the perfect stocking filler for Christmas.

A well thought out pair of earrings will show how much you care, and earrings can be worn with almost any outfit, whether it's a casual vest top and pair of jeans or a knock-em-dead little black dress.

I've been giving earrings a lot of thought recently. I've got lots of little vintage finds which will make fabulous new pairs that I intend to do lots of work with this weekend. But for now, here are the most recent dangly additions to my shop.

A New Leaf reworked vintage earrings

This Side of Paradise reworked vintage earrings

Forest reworked vintage earrings

Nights at the Circus reworked vintage earrings

I Saw Two Ships Go Sailing By reworked vintage earrings

Nightshade reworked vintage earrings

And bad news for anyone who had their eye on the reworked vintage bracelet and necklace (see my last post) - they both sold about an hour after I listed them. proof, then, that if you have your eye on something you should snap it up - all my pieces are one-of-a-kind so I can never recreate them exactly, even if I wanted to!

In other thrilling news, my Snowflowers necklace was chosen for the Our Designed Life gift guide for women. I love the Our Designed Life blog so I was really chuffed to be included - thanks! x

...And Old Lace

2009-12-09T21:21:00.001Z

Happily no arsenic in these little beauties. A while ago I got some vintage lace in a destash swap. I was at a bit of a loss as to what to do with it until a couple of days ago when just messing around a lightbulb pinged on - here are the results!

Of Love and Shadows bracelet:

The First Dance necklace

Recycling Blog Feature

2009-12-08T12:48:00.000Z

A while ago I did a lovely interview with the fab blog Milomade, which focuses on people who recycle in creative ways. You can (and should!) read it here.

Vintage Follies

2009-12-06T10:46:00.001Z

The Fairytale Boat Follies! My Tinsel Workshop! 2
Originally uploaded by Lisa Kettell

This is one of my absolute favourite Flickr finds,and the picture that's really inspiring the jewellery I'm making at the moment, which I'm calling the "Vintage Follies" collection.

Drew Barrkymore Sock Dog

2009-12-03T15:48:00.001Z

Drew Barrkymore Sock Dog
Originally uploaded by HotdogandMe

Another find from the Made With Love Flickr group. Hotdog and Me is one of my favourite Folksy brands - I love the cute pups and their clever, funny names. You can buy Drew or one of her friends from Hotdog and Me's Folksy shop

Christmas is rushing up...

2009-12-02T09:45:00.000Z

...and I haven't made anywhere near enough stock!

The Royal exchange have requested more earrings, and I know the Wench and Trinkets needs more too, but I've been busy trying to get my Folksy shop back up to reasonable levels. Phew!

I have managed to get some new pieces in my shop, and make sure you keep checking as I have more to list as soon as I get a minute - but with items selling sometimes just hours after they're listed you'd better be quick if there's something you've got your eye on!

Here's a quick peek at three of the new necklaces...

The Paradise Garden reworked vintage necklace

A Garland of Dewdrops reworked vintage necklace

Antoinette reworked vintage necklace

Thrifty shopping tips

2009-11-06T16:36:00.000Z

Some time ago I compiled my top 10 tips for junk shop shopping for Craftier magazine's "Frugal Crafting" issue. For those of you who haven't had a chance to see them, here they are:

1. Get up early

Most car boot sales “officially” start at 8am, but traders get there from 6am (or earlier!) to set up - and professional bargain hunters get there at the same time to make sure they get the best bargains as soon as they are unwrapped.

2. Don’t rush

Charity shops, thrift stores, junk shops and car boots all have one thing in common - if you’re going to find a bargain you have to be patient. Set aside a good amount of time so you can have a proper dig around without feeling you have to rush back to your desk.

3. Learn to haggle

Just because there is a price on a tag doesn’t mean that’s what you have to pay. Go lower than you are willing to pay and hopefully they will meet you in the middle - or even agree to your first offer!>/p>

4. Befriend your charity shop manager - part one

Charity shops get donated all sorts of stuff - some is great and some is rubbish. Broken jewellery would normally be binned - but crafters could give it a new lease of life. Ask the manager if he or she will set broken pieces aside for you to buy at a cheap price - and you’re helping charity!

5. Keep your eyes open

I once found a beautiful but damaged vintage rhinestone brooch in the middle of a field after a horse show. Now it’s a gorgeous new necklace.

6. Do your research

Particularly important if you are buying online - it will help you spot the difference between a real vintage piece and reproduction. Learn which names to look out for, like Coro, Krementz and Sarah Coventry.

7. Don’t let a bit of dirt put you off

What can initially look like a grubby bit of junk could turn out to be a sparkling treasure after a little warm water, washing up liquid and a soft toothbrush.

8.Befriend you charity shop owner - part two

Ask the manager at your local charity shop what days they usually put new stock out on. Then you can be the first to scope out the bargains.

9.Be open minded

Will that horrible looking dress make a quirky cushion? Can you customise that quilted handbag and make it look like Chanel? Always be aware that an initially unpromising item could be reworked into something cool.

10.Be quick

This is particularly true at car boot sales - if you walk away from an item to think about whether you want it be prepared for it not to be there when you go back. Snap up bargains quickly - you can always give them to your local charity shop if they turn out to be no good.

Hurray for the High Street!

2009-11-04T16:12:00.000Z

I am so ridiculously in love with Topshop at the moment. I popped in there this weekend to find something to wear for my Halloween "zombie flapper" outfit (think The Great Gatsby's Daisy Buchanan... as she would look now) and accidentally spent a hundred quid. And that was after I reluctantly left behind the gorgeous vintage-sequinned slouchy blazer, which I know sounds wrong in words but was so very right with my new silk drop waisted dress. They've got some amazing twenties-inspired stuff in at the mo that made me drool a little bit.

I did, however, splash out on a dove grey ruffled bolero, which at the time I thought would be one of those "wear once" items, but it turns out it makes everything in my wardrobe look amazing. It's coming out again this weekend with a trompe d'oeil t-shirt and my skinny jeans - if I can get the mud out of them. Pretending to be in a fashion shoot by wearing your best jeans to turn the horse out in a muddy field may look fabulous at the time, but it has far-reaching consequences, believe me.

This is the item itself - it's the sort of thing worn by people who have terribly romantic adventures. Fingers crossed!

I'm also very excited by the fact that the Royal Exchange's Fairytale Christmas exhibition has opened - featuring my jewellery! Must pop down to have a look this weekend.

The real "More Dash Than Cash"

2009-10-30T11:38:00.001Z

Has anyone seen the November issue of Vogue? The so-called return of "More Dash Than Cash" for the thrifty fashionista? Well what a joke. Their idea of "budget" is items under £150. One of the bracelets they featured was little more than a cowrie shell on some chain - and it blew the whole hundred and fifty quid! I could make one for about three pounds (and some weekend soon when I've finished my Christmas decoration buying spree I intend to do a tutorial showing you how you can too).

They also spent quite a while writing about upcycling, and yet the cost of their "upcycled" items still managed to run into three figures. Are they missing the point or are the editors of Vogue so out of touch with the real world that they think that in a recession we can afford to spend hundred turning an old nightie into a vest top that looks like an old nightie... but with some added sequins.

Gosh I'm furious.

As it happens, I'm currently working ona thrift/craft book that will show people how to be really creative without spending a fortune.

I bet it won't get reviewed in Vogue

Royal Exchange - sneak preview

2009-10-22T20:42:00.001+01:00

I've been hard at work for the last few days making things to go off to the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester as part of their Fairytale Christmas sale in their craft shop.

I've gone a little bit out on a limb as I've been using some fabulous but not-at-all-cheap stones, along with some really beautiful handpicked pieces of vintage jewellery to rework. I've also wired everything together using 14 carat goldfill wire - much nicer than gold plated which I hate and never use. When I saw my bill when I'd finished filling my trolley on the semi precious beads website I nearly had a heart attack - I hope you all think it's worth it!

As ever these are all one of a kind designs, and won't be available in my Folksy shop unless someone specially requests them before Monday. If there is a piece here you've fallen in love with and you want me to set up a listing for you email me at made_with_love@rocketmail.com

Speaking of Christmas, I will also be at the Christmas Festival at The Met in Bury at the beginning of December - it would be lovely if lots of people popped by to say hello!

Anyway, here are the new pieces. I will also be stocking up my Folksy shop this evening so pop by and have a look at what else is new.

Vintage brooch with amethyst, pyrite, smoky quartz, freshwater pearl, Swarovski crystal and ametrine:

Vintage brooch with lemon quartz, rose quartz, smoky quartz and Swarovski crystals:

Vintage brooch with carved roses with rock crystal and Swarovski pearl:

Vintage brooch with lemon quartz, aquamarine and Swarovski crystals and pearl:

Fashionbite

2009-10-18T17:51:00.001+01:00

Fashionbite is currently the coolest fashion blog on the block. It was set up during London fashion Week by Emily Sears, fashion guru at Drapers magazine and guess what? She's featured me in her "Vintage Rocks" feature:

You can read the full article, here

Handmade Christmas - suggestions please!

2009-10-14T12:23:00.000+01:00

I've just done a lovely interview for UK Handmade's blog - you can read it here. I am also going to write a tutorial for the Christmas issue of their magazine.

Initially I was going to do a step by step on reworking a brooch into something new, but as it's Christmas I'm thinking maybe I'll do a "how to" on making Christmas decorations out of vintage stuff instead - what do people think? What would you prefer? Or should I do something else altogether?

As featured!

2009-10-12T15:17:00.000+01:00

Woop! The thousands of press releases I've sent out over the last few weeks seem finally to be working - look at this lovely article on Greenmystyle.com:

All through october anyone who makes a purchase will be entered into a prize draw to win a made With Love goody bag worth £50. Yep £50! What better excuse to start your Christmas shopping early and maybe bag a little pressie for yourself in the bargain!

You can read the whole article, here

Visit my shop here to buy and be in with a chance of winning the fabulous goody bag.

Win a goody bag!

2009-10-03T21:26:00.000+01:00

Yes, after lots of blood, sweat and the occasional tears I have finally officially launched my website - www.madewithlovebykat.com

To celebrate, everyone who buys an item from made With Love in october will be entered into a draw to win a goody bag worth £50! Woohoo!

It's also been a good few months in terms of press coverage - things seem to finally be really taking off. Below are just a few of the lovely articles I've been featured in recently.

Manchester Evening News

Make Jewellery magazine

Lancashire Life

Read all about it!

2009-10-02T10:26:00.000+01:00

Lots of lovely press coverage in the last few weeks in Make Jewellery, the Manchester Evening News and Large Manchester. I've pasted a copy of the Large Manchester feature below - the others will follow when I've worked out how to get electronic copies of them. Unfortunately Large Manchester printed my website address as madewithlovebykat.co.uk, not madewithlovebykat.com but hopefully people will have the sense to Google me if they like what they read. The days are ticking down to the official website launch - hopefully it will all be finished by Saturday. Keep your eyes peeled for a special celebratory competition!

Advice please!

2009-09-24T13:50:00.000+01:00

Just recently I've noticed that another handmade jewellery maker has introduced a line of reconstructed vintage pieces. Fair enough, after all I'm not the only person to do it. But in this particular case the focus on giving broken and unloved items a new lease of life is almost identical to what I do - to the extent that some of the wording used by the other person is pretty much exactly the same as mine.

Coincidence? Perhaps. But when a press release this person put out in June bears a striking resemblance to one I did in May, you have to start wondering. Hmmm...

Blimey!

2009-09-22T13:33:00.000+01:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged for a month! Slack of me I know but I've just been sooooooo busy! On Friday Made With Love was featured in the Greenlife section of the Manchester Evening News - you can read the article here.

I've also been busy, busy, busy creating pieces for the Royal Exchange's Fairytale Christmas sale. They're absolutely lovely items - I'm not sure I can bear to part with them to be honest. And my jewellery is also going to be part of the Christmas market at The Met in Bury - phew!

There's only 93 sleeps until Santa, so you'd best start thinking about your Christmas shopping - I already know what I'm getting my boyfriend (I'm not posting it here though in case he sees!), it's just everyone else I'm stuck on.

Christmas has been on my mind because believe it or not we're already starting work on Christmas features for the newspaper. Ace for me, because I get really excited, but I think it might be starting to grate on some of the more hard-boiled journos.

I've not been finding much time to list new items, but this is a favourite recent addition. It's a charm bracelet made using loads of vintage finds, including parts of earrings and necklaces... I absolutely love it.

You can buy it online here.

Lancashire Life!

2009-08-20T11:55:00.000+01:00

For those of you who I haven't crowed at about this yet, I am in this month's issue of Lancashire Life. The photo of me is a bit unfortunate though, as what was actually sunburn instead looks like I've got huge bags under my eyes.

I much prefer this snap, from Camp Bestival last month. Yes, I am dressed as the Cheshire Cat, if the Cheshire Cat had to wear a cagoule and wellies...

Anyhow, if you want to browse the new items I've listed to keep stock levels up (things have been flying out of the door thanks to Lancs Life), you can of course visit my shop here.

Antoinette Earrings

2009-08-14T11:36:00.001+01:00

Antoinette Earrings
Originally uploaded by meowmongoose

I love Owl On The Sill's jewellery and if I could I would buy everything she makes. These beautiful earrings were added to the Made With Love Flickr group and I just love them.

Incidentally, if my boyfriend is looking for a way to make up for making me late for work this morning, these would do nicely...

See the rest of her lovely items here: http://www.folksy.com/shops/owlonthesill

Folksy Front Page

2009-08-12T14:19:00.000+01:00

Folksy have a lovely new member of staff called Anne who has been working really hard to curate their front pages. She has been working to a theme every week or two and they are looking absolutely fantastic.

So imagine my excitement when I looked today to find that my La Dolce Vita necklace had been featured! It's such an honour - all the featured items are so beautiful and I'm so proud that my jewellery has been chosen.

You can see what the front page looks like below. And if you want to snap the necklace up (it's one of a kind, so once it's gone it's gone!) you can buy it here

Time For Tea!

2009-08-10T13:48:00.000+01:00

What could be more lovely than English afternoon tea, complete with pretty china and cupcakes?

That's the thought that has inspired my first pick of the items added to the Made With Love Flickr group.

First up is this cute card by Messy Jesse . Available in sets of three they're blank so you can use them for birthdays, thankyous and any other occasion!

Next up is this gorgeous creation from Kitty Eden. Kitty makes the most gorgeous fabric brooches in the world in the shape of flowers, rosettes, birds and, of course, cupcakes.

Every good tea party needs a set of pretty teacups, and these badges from Incy Wincy Stitches are absolutely perfect!

Last, but possibly my favourite of all, is this gocco print notebook from Aleximo.There are also matching stickers!

Don't forget, if you have time pop over and have a look at my (nearly finished) new website!

Fairytale Christmas

2009-08-06T14:30:00.000+01:00

I know it's a bit early to be discussing the "C" word, but imaging how excited I was to receive my Royal Exchange craft shop August newsletter today to find that I am mentioned!

My jewellery will be available to buy as part of the Royal Exchange's Fairytale Christmas exhibition, which opens at the beginning of November.

The jewellery on sale will be a special, fairytale-inspired collection created exclusively for the Royal Exchange, and will not have been previously available, although like all my pieces it will feature reworked vintage finds.

Meanwhile, you can see the mention and pic here:

I have also recently been featured on the fabulous blog, A Designed Life. You can read the full feature here. And don't forget to pick up next month's Lancashire Life to see my two-page feature! Woop!

Let me tell you about...

2009-08-05T11:26:00.000+01:00

Owl On The Sill.

A little over a month ago I bought a beautiful pair of earrings from this gorgeous, gorgeous shop. There's so much more that I want to buy, but it appears those mean mortgage people need paying, so no treats for me at the moment!

But doesn't mean that you shouldn't though! Buy things for yourselves! Buy things for your friends! Buy things for me! (Email made_with_love@rocketmail.com for my postal address, all presents happily received.)

Just look at all the gorgeous things you could buy:

Fiery Blue Moon Earrings - £17

Scarlet pendant - £14

Such a gorgeous necklace! If anyone is wondering what I would like for Christmas or, y'know, as a token of affection, this would do very nicely.

Bubblegum Chalcedony and Tourmaline Earrings - £16

I think maybe these are my favourites, although it's so hard to choose.

Purple Petal Hobo Bag - £25

That's right, she makes bags too. This is sooooo sweet.

p.s - I've been usy working on my website which is nearly ready for launch. It's not quite finished yet but you can have a sneak preview at www.madewithlovebykat.com

Dance, dance, dance!

2009-07-31T17:00:00.001+01:00

I'm currently working on a "proper" collection. It will be around 12 pieces created along the theme of the ballet (something that is a constant fascination to me), particularly the Sugar Plum fairy. In fact, the collection is going to be called Sugar Plum. It will be available in about a week though my new website and my Folksy shop. In the meantime, just to whet your appetite, here are some pictures that I have been using as inspiration...

Still Waters Run Deep

2009-07-29T12:36:00.001+01:00

Still Waters Run Deep
Originally uploaded by rachellucie

Another gorgeous find from the Made With Love Flickr group - this beautiful necklace is by rachellucie who makes really, really pretty jewellery in lovely delicate colours.

If you would like your pictures to be considered for this blog, head over to Flickr and search groups for "Made With Love" x

Gertrude

2009-07-14T17:02:00.001+01:00

Gertrude
Originally uploaded by Junky Chicken

Thanks to Junky Chicken for adding this lovely paperweight - the first item added to my Flickr group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/madewithlove/) - isn't she gorgeous!

I will be running regular features on people whose pictures are added to the group, so go and join now!

x

Alfie

2009-07-14T15:32:00.001+01:00

Alfie09
Originally uploaded by little scruffs

Ah look..... so sweet x From the UK Handmade Flickr group

Speckled Sparrow Silver Pendant

2009-07-14T15:24:00.001+01:00

Speckled Sparrow Silver Pendant
Originally uploaded by alibalijewellery

I love bird-themed items, so of course this cute pendant in the I Love Folksy.com Flickr group caught my eye. It's by Ali Bali jewellery and I would like one as an early Christmas present please...

Website

2009-07-12T23:32:00.001+01:00

I'm currently working on building my very own website. Hopefully the frontpage will look something like this...

I'm On Cuteable!

2009-07-09T10:54:00.000+01:00

A little while ago I sent an email to lovely Lynsey at Cuteable, because I had bought some gorgeous bird paintings/embroideries from Natalie's Nook at Folksy and I thought she should know about them.
Not only did she include one of Natalie's lovely creations on her blog, she also featured my mesh rose and onyx necklace. Hurray!

We Love Folksy Flickr Finds

2009-07-01T10:15:00.000+01:00

The We Love Folksy.com Flickr group is a great showcase for all the wonderful talent that can be found on Folksy. Here are some recent favourites:

This pretty necklace reminds me of an ice cream sundae. It is available from Chiyobex.

I love this cheeky squirrel necklace by Aleximo

This pretty necklace is made by casting a vintage button in clay by the incredibly talented Nifty Thrifty

This vintage-looking soap by Soapy Chica would look lovely in my new bathroom. I originally found a duck-egg blue version in the Flickr group pool, but this pink would look even better.

Wedding season

2009-06-30T13:36:00.000+01:00

The sun is out, everyone's feeling romantic and you too can buy wedding jewellery as featured in County Weddings.

Yes, that's right, the lovely people at the posh wedding magazine have featured me on all their websites. Hurrah! Champagne all round!

You can read the article here

How to make a budget craft stall

2009-06-24T12:00:00.000+01:00

Budget? What budget? Here's how to make your craft stall (see my last post) for less than a fiver*.

To make the display board

You will need:

Foam filled board, available from most craft shops. Although for some reason we just had some at home under the bed.

Vintage style fabric - I bought mine for 70p out of the offcuts bin at Nortex Mill on Chorley Old Road in Bolton

A tinfoil roll middle (the bit that looks like a giant loo roll)

A heavy recipe book stand, preferable iron. These are actually quite expensive, but if you can't borrow one you can justify it to yourself because it'll look lovely in your kitchen.

A roll of gaffer tape

Glue or double sided sticky tape

Feathers and paper butterflies to decorate - make your own or cheat by buying them from a craft shop, look in the "make your own cards section"

To make:

Cut the foam filled board into the desired shape. I rounded off the corners, but a big rectangle will be easiest.

Place it on top of your fabric (iron the fabric first if it is crumpled from being in a bargain bin) then pull the fabric round the egdes and fix in place using gaffer tape (it's easiest to get someone to help you with this bit)

Make a fan of feathers and fix behind the top corners with gaffer tape. Attach paper butterflies or other decorations to the front using glue or double sided sticky tape

To make it stand up (this is easiest done on the day), fix the tinfoile roll to the back of the recipe stand using gaffer tape so you have a basic frame. Stand the board on the lip of the recipe stand, leaning against the cardboard roll, and fix in place with (yet more) gaffer tape.

And voila! There is your display board! Fix your jewellery to it using dressmaking pins.

To make the polka dot box display

You will need:

Six shoe boxes

Two rolls of contrasting wrapping paper. I bought my polka dot paper for 98p a roll from Tesco. Supporting the big corporations I know, but it was cute and cheap.

Ribbon, approx 1 1/2 - 2 metres to allow for large bows

To make

Barely needs explaining. Wrap the boxes as if you were wrapping Christmas presents.

Tie a big bow round two of the boxes.

Arrange in a pyramid, and pin your jewellery to each box using dressmaking pins.

To make the bunting

You will need:

A selection of fabric from the bargain bin at your local mill shop

A piece of complementing ribbon approx 3 metres long

Glue

To make

I know, I know, the lovely bunting that you can buy from sites like Folksy is lovingly stitched and double sided, and to decorate your home that's by far the best choice. But for a craft stall that's likely to get rained on or have some horrible child put their dirty mitts on it I don't see why you shouldn't cheat. So...

Draw a triangle template on a piece of paper. Cut it out.

Fold each of your pieces of fabric so you have about eight layers

Draw around the template onto the top layer of fabric. Cut out using sharp scissors. Use pinking shears for a zig zag effect if you want to be fancy.

Leaving a space of about 1/2 metre at the start of the ribbon, glue the triangles in alternating colours along the ribbon (I used Bostick All Purpose). Leave another gap at the end.

Leave to dry and there you have it... lovely bunting!

* Approx, I'm not good at maths.

Look! My craft stall!

2009-06-22T23:29:00.000+01:00

Well the craft market at the Midsummer Festival this weekend didn't go brilliantly for me thanks to the rain, but lots of people did take business cards so hopefully they will go home and order online from the cosiness of their houses. But look how pretty my stall looked! And all made on a budget of about 50p, proving that you don't need to spend a fortune on display things:

Of course, the highlight for me was lovely Thomas, the Clydesdale horse who had his shoes remade (they were huge!) and gave small children rides up and down Churchgate. He was adorable.

Nautical But Nice

2009-06-22T23:12:00.000+01:00

This month's InStyle magazine has a feature about the return of sailor chic (as if it ever went away!) They didn't ask me for my two penn'orth, but if they had I would have suggested this little lovely:

Aptly, it's called Ahoy There!, and it's available to buy now.

On a completely seperate note, for those of you who were wondering about the braised eel.. here it is:

Spooky goings on

2009-06-18T10:17:00.000+01:00

Two days ago my boyfriend and I were doing very late night shopping in Tesco (much more fun than shopping at the usual hour) when he turned to me with a very serious look on his face.

"Kat," he said. "Did you replace the batteries in my clock and set it to the right time?"

I'll admit I was a little bit thrown, having absolutely no idea what he was talking about. Turns out that the clock in his kitchen that hasn't worked for at least a month now is not only ticking away merrily, but has mysteriously been set to the correct time.

Well it wasn't me. I think he's got a personal poltergeist.

We also saw a tin of Japanese braised eel, which I was so pleased by I took a picture of it. I'll post it later, along with photos of what I made last night for my craft stall... bunting's brilliant.

Incidentally today's my birthday. Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me.

Giddy day

2009-06-16T10:56:00.000+01:00

I'm feeling quite giddy today. First off I've dicovered two new blogs that I absolutely adore. The first is the adventured of Widget the sock bunny, chronicled daily at Widget's Year - Diary of a Sock Bunny

But what's this - no updates for the past few days?! C'mon Widget, I NEED to know what you've been up to!

Incidentally you can buy Widget and his pals from The Warren @ Folksy

The second discovery is the Domestic Sluttery blog. As a soon-to-be homeowner, I like their style when they say: "Domestic Sluttery is a new way of life. Written by women who cook, decorate and design (usually with a glass of wine close to hand) without giving up our lives.

"We want to make your home your own, without doing very much at all."

Hell yeah - pretty house, minimum effort? Sounds good to me!

I'm also very excited because I'm going to see the stage show of Quadrophenia with my adorable boyfriend tonight, it's my birthday on Thursday and the Churchgate Midsummer Market on Saturday and Sunday where I will be found selling my jewellery. Hurrah!

Dino-rarrrr

2009-06-12T20:47:00.000+01:00

When I'm not making jewellery I do have a day job - I'm an arts journalist at The Bolton News.

Like most jobs it has its high points and its low ones, but I must say that today was probably one of the most fun days of my life - I spent it filming a baby T-rex. That's right - an actual dinosaur (sort of). See the results below (turn your sound right up for maximum effect...):

Things I have discovered today

2009-06-09T16:58:00.000+01:00

It's been a day of discovery today. I discovered Shop Handmade UK through Twitter (follow me @made_with_love) and signed up to their fabulous directory. I wasn't sure whether to file myself under "jewellery - fashion or "jewellery - designer", but I decided that as my prices are much more reasonable than most "designer" items the former would be best. You can visit shop handmade here:

I also discovered that it's much harder to be interviewed than it is to be an interviewer, although I very much enjoyed talking to the lovely Amanda Griffiths from Lancashire Life. Hopefully the photographer will be able to make me look pretty when she comes (I'm the most unphotogenic person ever, which I find weird as I look nothing like a drunked Quasimodo in real life).

And the last thing I discovered was the Poppy's Pretty Place blog. It's a lovely little account of doing up a house, and like me Poppy is looking for thrifty ways to improve her home. The good news then is that I have a mystery guest writer working away at a fabulous how-to as we speak... Stay posted!

So very excited...

2009-06-09T12:02:00.000+01:00

It's the Lancashire Life interview this afternoon - hopefully after years of interviewing people hopefully I shouldn't be too bashful and inarticulate when it comes to talking about myself.

I was practicing this morning in the shower, and if they ask about my influences I shall talk about the faded glamour of F. Scott Fitzgerald novels, the pictures I get from galleries and theatres in my job - at the moment I'm particularly influenced by the ballet - and pirates. Grown up whimsy, in a nutshell. If they ask about anything else... I'll have to wing it.

Fingers crossed! In the meantime, I thought I'd share this with you:

It's called Wonderland and it's available at http://www.folksy.com/shops/madewithlove

June giveaway!

2009-06-05T11:38:00.000+01:00

Time for the June giveaway! Anyone who makes a purchase throughout June will be entered into a draw to win a lovely set of three luxury handmade feather and button gift tags (pictured in the last post below).

See them here.

Some recent creations...

2009-06-05T10:26:00.000+01:00

... I wanted to share with you...

All available at my Folksy shop now.

Right - off to compile my birthday wishlist!

Homemade Homes

2009-06-02T12:24:00.000+01:00

Three weeks since my last post! It's not laziness I promise - like a real grownup I've been househunting! I've found the most gorgeous little place in Horwich and hopefully I'll be in within a few weeks. However, like most people, I'm scraping around for pennies so I'm looking for thrify hints and tips on how to decorate my house and garden - recycling ideas, dirt cheap suppliers in the North West, that sort of thing. C'mon people, don't let me down, put your ideas in the comment box below...

On a different note, it's only a few weeks now until Bolton's Midsummer Market on June 2oth and 21st, so anyone who will be passing the Bolton area should pop down to Churchgate, have a chat and maybe even treat yourselves. I'll give a 10% discount to anyone who mentions that they read this blog x

I'm on the front page!

2009-05-11T21:56:00.000+01:00

OK, so I know that Folksy front page is supposed to be entirely random, but I still never see myself on there, which riles me as I see some other shops features LOADS of times.

So imagine my excitement when I log on today and see my "The Loving Kind" necklace (hummingbird charm and rock crystal briolette, wrapped with goldfilled wire and hung from a goldfilled chain) right up at the top of the front page!

So I saved the moment for posterity, like the big geek I am:

After feeling smug for a while I refreshed the page to see what other folks were selling... and there I was again! I feel lucky, oh so lucky...

So I refreshed again... and of course I was gone. Which just goes to show that you shoudl never push your luck.

My new favourite shop

2009-04-27T15:51:00.000+01:00

I just have to share my new favourite Folksy shop - BeachShackProject:

Love, love, LOVE this necklace, and her other items which are made from bits and bobs salvaged from the sea - now how romantic is that?

Win win win!

2009-04-22T16:29:00.000+01:00

I have decided to run a wee competition through this blog - you can win a pair of brass swallow and peacock pearl earrings just like these ones which are listed in my shop: http://www.folksy.com/items/30375-The-Mysterious-Gift?shop=yes

All you have to do is sign up for my mailing list and confirm your subscription (sign-up form is to the right on this blog)

Closing date is Friday May 1st - so go and enter quick!

It must be Fete!

2009-04-15T13:03:00.000+01:00

Hurrah! Fete zine, from the lovely Folksy seller Momtazbh is now available to buy, including my ramblings on the subject of nudes vs nakedness.

And it's only a quid - buy a copy here: http://www.momtazbh.folksy.com/

Exhaustion

2009-04-05T00:14:00.000+01:00

I have been photographing and listing jewellery for the last four hours - really pleased with some of the new pics though.

I'm also really excited because this morning I received a huge order of freshwater pearls in lovely colours - from white through peach, pink and lilac to deep peacock purple. I've teamed them up with some antique gold beads to make gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous bracelets for my new "Luxe" line. They're going to be £20 each, which is a little bit more expensive than my usual bracelets, but still much more affordable than SOME I've seen (some of the prices people charge are incredible!). And it's nice to treat yourself sometimes. Pictures and listing details coming soon - when I can bear to part with them!

Let them eat cake

2009-03-30T16:53:00.000+01:00

I absolutely love John Galliano's bonkers reimagining of Marie Antoinette in her chocolate box shepherdess phase at Dior. Just look at them! If I lived in 18th century France I'd build a time machine and ship Galliano back through the centuries to be my personal couturier.

They are, however, somewhat impractical. But inspired by JG's genius I made this little lace and silk rosette brooch:

Pin it to your blazer for a little touch of opulent glamour everyday.

Buy it in the UK from Folksy: http://www.folksy.com/items/20905-Lace-rosette-brooch

But it worldwide from Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22986589

Sneak preview - customised bangle

2009-03-24T15:26:00.001Z

In Pics: Now available in the Wench and Trinkets

2009-03-20T00:18:00.000Z

Just a couple of pictures of two of the new necklaces which are now available in the wench and Trinkets, Bolton.

Busy bee...

2009-03-13T14:27:00.000Z

I've been so busy doing commissions recently that I've had barely any time to make anythng new for the various websites. But I sat up far too late last night finishing a batch of new necklaces for the Wench and Trinkets in Bolton. For the first time I feel that I can really think of them as a "collection" - there's lots of keys, real pearls, ribbon and vintage chandelier drops. Hopefully they'll sell - credit crunch be damned. Got rather giddy though and bought lots of new supplies... so expect pictures of new items very soon. I'll post pics of the new Wench and Trinkets items as soon as I get home.

x

Innocent when you dream

2009-02-21T22:25:00.000Z

Normally the only rosettes I have anything to do are the ones I get showing my horse, but I've been dying for ages to have a go at making rosette ribbon brooches. Anyway, today I sat down with all the bits of ribbon I could find in the house and this is the result:

I'm pretty pleased if I do say so myself! I'll be listing them on Folksy for £2.50 for the large rosettes and £2 for the small ones, plus sets of three for £6. If you're interested in ordering them in particular colours or you want to buy them before they're listed, email me at made_with_love@rocketmail.com

I've recently been reading the collected Tom Waits interviews, Innocent When You Dream, and thinking how much I'd like to open up my own shop selling vintage and handmade goods. Probably not the best time economically to be taking that particular idea to the bank manager, though.

And for those who are wondering what's happening with the My Vintage Charms saga - they've refunded the cost of the items they sent that were wrong, but not the cost of my posting them back to them, which they promised they'd do. Seeing as now they're ignoring my emails I reckon it's a lost cause but for anyone who is thinking about buying from them, think twice - I have never experienced such rudeness and terrible customer service in my life.

That certainly won't happen when I open my shop! Sigh - back to dreaming I guess...

Getting a bit technical

2009-02-06T15:21:00.000Z

I'm trying to feed my blog to twitter, except I'm not even entirely sure what that means. I'll let you all know how it works out...