Make Time For Tea...

Hi!

We may be nearly half way through the month already but better late than never hey?!

Did you know that March is ovarian cancer awareness month?  I’m hoping to raise awareness  and some money by taking part in The Eve Appeal’s campaign – ‘Make Time For Tea’.

The Eve Appeal raise funds for research into gynaecological cancers - something that has touched my family. The idea of their ‘Make Time For Tea’ campaign is to hold a tea party but I thought I could put my skills to good used and create some limited edition jewellery – with a tea party theme.

I sourced some lovely bracelets and a selection of fabulous beads and charms....

made some bracelets....

and decided on some special packaging.....

I made a few to start with and set myself a little target but after putting the pictures on my facebook page and The Eve Appeal very kindly sharing a picture on their page I was inundated!

The response has been amazing and I am so grateful to everyone for their support. The bracelets are £8.00 each (with FREE postage!) and 30% from every bracelet sold will go to The Eve Appeal. To see the full collection of designs on offer see the album on the Tattered Rose facebook page HERE.  The bracelets will be available throughout March and please feel free to contact me if you’d like one – rachel@tatteredrose.co.uk

Spring Fair 2013

So off I went to the Spring Fair trade show - armed with my heavily researched list of stands to visit, notepad and pen!  I stuck to just a couple of halls – for anyone not familiar with this event, it’s huge! Luckily for me there was a specialist jewellery fair on too next door – bonus!  

I was overwhelmed with all of the things on display! There was so much to look at - with something to see at every turn.  I quickly ticked off the must see stands from my list and then had a wander around the rest of the fair.  I was pleased to time things right and be able to see one of the catwalk shows – a specific accessory trends show.  I was interested to see how accessories would be presented on a catwalk as they are often there to support the main event not to be the stars of the show – I was very impressed and enjoyed seeing lots of beautiful things!  I was even more impressed that they finished the show with a selection of looks that featured pastel shades with a vintage edge, just what I’ve been working on myself!

Oh, and I also managed to listen to a Q & A session with Kirsty Allsopp -  I knew she was at the fair on that day but I didn't think I could make any of the things she featured in due to time - so when I walked around the corner and saw her chatting away I stayed to listen - and very interesting it was too! 

I left the fair with my head bursting with ideas and information, there was so much colour and inspiration everywhere!

Work in progress.........!

I’m well and truly in spring summer mode now! Some beautiful vintage pastel coloured glass beads arrived a while ago and I’ve been trying out some new designs for necklaces and bracelets...

I’ve also been doing a bit of drawing (see above) in preparation for some new stampbord pendants – still in early stages but I’ve made a start!

In between all of this (also looking after a baby/toddler – eek! and poorly husband) I managed to visit a trade show – Spring Fair at the NEC.  I’ve wanted to go for a few years but things have always been against me so this year I feel very lucky I was able to go (thanks Mum!) More of a review on that to come!

Springing/sprung?!

Well right in the middle of all this snow, I’m getting stuck into some spring/summer pieces! It felt rather weird to start with as I’m used to working in the moment, heavily influenced by my surrounding but with having a child comes less working hours and a need to think and work ahead (Christmas in August will be the next challenge!)

Anyhow, I’m rather excited as the experiments I’ve been harping on about are coming together!  There are a few tweaks needed and some road testing to be done but I can’t keep it to myself any longer!

Here is what’s on the work table at the moment...

A beautiful, eclectic mix of fabric, lace and trimmings, combined to make a delicate, lightweight scarf.  Perfect for spring summer, I’m thinking to dress up/pretty up a vest, with a jersey maxi dress or just as a sweet shoulder cover up (with my English rose complexion, I need lots of these on sunny days and holidays!)

After the success of the scarves I ordered in last year I wanted to add to the range.  I’ll still have a range of handpicked bought in items but the handmade collection will hopefully provide something completely unique and exclusive.

I’ll share more when they’re finished and photographed properly.