Christmas is coming...

With seven (SEVEN!?!) events in November, its definitely gearing up for Christmas! Popular so far have been these wine glass charms, an evolution from my butterfly jewellery.

Each charm is totally individual. I tend to use the shapes & patterns from nature but change the colourway, often making it more vivid - after all, once your glass has been refilled a few times you still want to recognise which one is yours, without having to squint!

I've even managed to source some good quality gift boxes for them too, meaning less faffing with cellotape in the run up to the Big Day. This weekend I've been working on a commission of a set of charms using British birds, a bit of a challenge but I'm thrilled with how they've turned out, and I'll be quite sad to see them go! 

With three young children, I'm also chock a block with Christmas prep for the family. Last year I did nearly all of my Christmas shopping from artists & crafters and it was so much fun I'll be doing the same again this year. Just this week I got a fab parcel of goodies from the wonderful Seana Doherty art. Obviously I can't share the contents with you yet, but her page is definitely worth a look - just look at these lovely hearts!

Seana Doherty Art

My order books for pre-Christmas delivery will be closing on 30th November, but I will be posting in stock items from my website up until 15th December. I'll update on my Facebook page if I have to change these dates. 

Nursing Necklaces

These necklaces were designed on the basis of my own experiences, nursing my three children. Once they reach a few months old, it can be difficult to get babies to focus, and not pull on your clothes, hair and so on.

These necklaces feature a large, smooth gemstone, which is very tactile and perfectly rounded for little fingers. The leather cord is adjustable using sliding knots so the pendant can be lowered for nursing or raised to suit your neckline or while babywearing.

I've also been lucky enough to make this bespoke nursing necklace using a handmade wood bead the customer was given at her Blessingway. Combined with a smooth Rose Quartz donut that echoes the bead's shape this was finished off with coordinating beads.

My ready-to-post items are available here, but if you'd like to discuss a custom order please feel free to contact me.

New Gift Designs and Upcoming Craft Fayres

I've been working on beaded gifts recently, ready for *whispers* Christmas. I'm doing bag charms and bookmarks this year and I've had pretty good feedback on the ones I've done so far. I've stuck with using gemstones to give the pieces a quality finish, and the uniqueness that is so important to me.

I've also booked a few events to get me back to craft fairs after the birth of my little boy in July. The dates are as follows:

Saturday 26th October - Derby Arts & Crafts Fayre, Derby Market Hall 10am-4pm https://www.facebook.com/derbyartsandcraftsfayre 

Saturday 9th November - Mind, Body & Spirit Event ay Derby Spiritualist Church, Charnwood Street 10am-4pm

Saturday 30th November - Derby Arts & Crafts Fayre, Derby Market Hall 10am-4pm https://www.facebook.com/derbyartsandcraftsfayre 

Saturday 7th December - Christmas Craft & Gift Fair at St Peter's Church, Derby 10.30am-3pm

Hopefully I may see you there!

Remember remember....

One of the trickiest things I found about early days with a newborn baby was keeping track of which side I needed to feed from next. If its not something you have dealt with I can assure you - if you skip one side accidentally it hurts. A lot. Think boulder-boob. Not good!

So when I started thinking about designs to make breastfeeding reminder bracelets were pretty high on my agenda. It had to be something that was very easy to switch from one side to the other, as well as being smooth so baby's head could rest on that part of the arm if necessary.

So far I've come up with two different designs. The first is 'Elephants Never Forget'. I absolutely love this charm, its so adorable!

The second is 'My Heart' with a smaller, more delicate charm.

Both designs are currently available in fluorite and moonstone. Moonstone is reputed to be especially good for breastfeeding as it balances hormonal cycles. Fluorite is meant to be very good for healing as it helps with cell regeneration, perfect for post-birth recuperation.

Check out these and my other designs at www.etsy.com/shop/eriminidesigns

Laura x