I had the shock news last week that I was being made redundant! I realised that I could either take this as a positive or negative thing! I decided to opt for the positive!! I have been making jewellery for two years and absolutely love it. I have therefore decided that I am going to focus on this and attempt to make Unique Beaded Gems into a real business rather than just a hobby that I love!

Firstly, I had to come up with a plan of action. The first thing was to get my husband to take some photos of all my creations and finally get this website up to date (something I have not had to time to do for a while!). This is now done and I hope you like what you see!

All of my designs are unique. I will start to grow a range of "limited edition" pieces as well as some "one offs". I also plan to offer a bespoke service where I can take commissions. I have done some of this already and was really chuffed with the response of the clients.

All of my jewellery is made from high quality semi precious gemstone beads and either Bali or Sterling silver. I source all of my supplies from reputational companies in the UK. I like to use the more unusual stones where I can but also have some pieces that contain the more traditional stones such as rose quartz, amethyst and carnelian. I plan over the coming months to source some very unusual stones such as Blue John.

Next, was to decide how I want to sell my jewellery. I have decided to start with craft fairs and jewellery parties. My first craft fair will be at Hartington, Derbyshire on 21st February. I have also been asked to provide some pieces for a boutique called Charmed in Northwood, Middlesex and these will be available from the end of February. I'm going to practice a jewellery party on friends first and see how it goes! So watch this space!!

Not a bad start, considering it's only been a week!

I'm also starting to think that I need to come up with a different name, so if you are reading this and have a "burst of inspiration" please contact me! Any feedback would be welcome. Please have a look at my collection of pieces and let me know what you think.

 9/2/09

Well it's been a busy few days for me! I've been really working on the website and I think it's starting to look better. My husband has done a great job with the photography!!

I've made some more pieces to add to the collections too including a pearl rope that I think is gorgeous!! I've also made another flower stretch bracelet as these designs seem to be really popular at the moment. 

Really starting to think about the spring now and will soon be adding lots more new pieces in spring colours. Also, there's Mothering Sunday just around the corner so I'm starting to think about some new designs for this too!

Will post some pictures on here once these pieces are created!! Watch this space!!

3/3/10

It's been a busy week for me! The craft fair didn't happen because of the snow! We had another three inches in Derbyshire! I've been busy finding some craft fairs to stand at and been quite successful although I've learnt that you need to book early as many of the decent fairs seem to get booked up very quickly! Anyway, I've managed to get several places booked including a stand at Apples and Pears and Crafty Wares on 24th April at Nottingham Arts Centre, the Melton Mowbray County Fair on 27th June and am just waiting for details to book Land Rover Max at Newark showground on 27th July!! Exciting times ahead!!

My next dilemma is whether I rent a credit card machine so that I can take credit card payments at these, need to work out if the cost of doing this will be justified by the increase in sales! Will ponder this one!

Back soon!!