Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Been awhile!

Wow, it's been ages since my last post!

I have been extremely busy with the facebook community and organising several events for this year.

If you are looking for businesses local to you pop over to our facebook page, you will find over 700 UK businesses all selling wonderful and unique items.
This week is promotion week and every day you will find different products for you to browse and buy. You can see more on our page (linked below)
http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts

I have also been organising craft fairs and events in the Wellingborough, Northamptonshire area, we have a summer and autumn fair and a large fund-raising charity event planned for September in aid of cancer research.
You can find more information for these events on our official facebook group or on our website.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_120110338070261&ap=1
http://www.ourlocalcrafts.co.uk/


We are trying to raise money for 2 charities this year, The Rosie Campaign and Cancer Research, with events and charity raffles, if you would be willing to donate any item for either of these causes please email me at resplendence@live.co.uk.


We will also be looking at organising other craft fairs and charity events around the UK in 2012 however if you have an event planned and would like a craft fair organised I will be more than happy to help.

Monday, 23 May 2011

South West Business Showcase

Looking for businesses local to you? Do you live in the South West? Then this feature is for you. It includes businesses from Our Local Crafts Facebook shout out earlier this week and businesses from previous shout outs to give you a wide range of shops and services in your area.


Lightbox 
Based in the South West you will find a beautiful range of handmade gifts for you and your home. Made using fantastic materials you are sure to spot something you like. Pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/LightboxCrafts


Cardium Design 
Based in the South West you will find a great graphic design service for all your needs. Advertising, graphic and website design is only a small portion of what they provide. Pop over to their page and see what they can do for you.
http://www.facebook.com/cardiumdesign


Cat's Crafty Crafting 
Based in the South West you will find a wonderful collection of handmade wooden gifts, plaques and more. Brightly coloured and well decorated you are sure to find something you like. Pop over to their page and see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cats-Crafty-Crafting/134022233313797


Made By Our Mum 
Based in the South West you will find a beautiful collection of handmade home and gift wares. If you are looking for something special and unique then pop over to their page to see what wonderful items are available.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Made-By-Our-Mum/166750906716081


Nat's nappy Cakes 
Based in the South West you will find beautifully presented nappy cakes, perfect for a baby shower or as a practical gift for a new mum. Pop over to their page and see for themselves what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nats-nappy-Cakes/120063058013140


Simply / Shabby French & Chic Ltd 
Based in the South West you will find gorgeous handmade and hand painted home wares. If you are looking for something special for your home make sure you visit their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/simplyshabbyfrenchandchic


Baby Name Pictures 
Based in the South West you will find beautiful personalised hand painted pieces of art work for children. If you are looking for a great keepsake or room decoration visit their page and see for yourselves these gorgeous items.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baby-Name-Pictures/139538419443416


I hoped you enjoyed visiting these wonderful businesses, if you are not from the South West and would like to see businesses in your area take a look at our other blog postings or visit our facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts




Friday, 20 May 2011

South East Businesses

Looking for businesses local to you? Do you live in the South East? Then this feature is for you. It includes businesses from Our Local Crafts Facebook shout out earlier this week and businesses from previous shout outs to give you a wide range of shops and services in your area.


Stacey's Jewellery Shop 
Based in the South East you will find a beautiful range of fun and bright jewellery at affordable prices. For a wide variety of designs pop over to their page to see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/SJewelleryS


Just Perfect Cards & Gifts 
Based in the South East you will find a great selection of handmade cards and gifts for all occasions. Visit their page for more information on their items and what they do.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Just-Perfect-Cards-Gifts/116940198387992


The Stinky Stuff at Rtfarty Handmade soap and bathroom luxuries 
Based in the South East you will find a fantastic range of handmade soaps, bath confetti, pretty vases and jewellery. The have a great range so pop over to their page to see what else they sell.
http://www.facebook.com/thestinkystuff


The Laughing Dragon Tattoo Studio 
Based in Colchester, Essex you will find a fantastic and professional tattooing service. Visit their page for more information and a great gallery of their work.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Laughing-Dragon-Tattoo-Studio/46985493098


Brannys Boutique 
Based in the South East you will find a gorgeous range of baby and children's clothing, if you are looking for cute and funky clothing for boys and girls then pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/BrannysBoutique


Plaque-tastic 
Based in the South East you will find beautiful handmade personalised door plaques for your children's rooms. Pop over to their page to see what great designs are available.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plaque-tastic/154718631238258


Sarah's Funky Monkeys 
Based in the South East you will find gorgeous handmade soft animals. Made using fantastic materials you are sure to spot something you like. Pop over to their page to see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/SarahsFunkyMonkeys1


The Baby Blankie Company 
Based in the South East you will find a beautiful range of handmade blankets for cots, car seats and prams. Pop over to their page and see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/thebabyblankie


Funky Oranges - The Jewellery Collection (Chic Boutique) 
Based in the South East you will find a wonderful collection of handmade jewellery made from fun and bright materials. If you are looking for something sweet based then pop over to their page and see for yourselves what's on offer. 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Funky-Oranges-The-Jewellery-Collection-Chic-Boutique/198923106815169


Caroline's Creations 
Based in the South East you will find beautiful handmade pampering products including bath melts, bath bombs and more. Pop over to their page and see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carolines-Creations/168138703196382

Chubbie Chique Kiddie Boutique (CCKB) 
Based in West Sussex you will find a very cute range of children's clothing, toys and gifts. Pop over to their page and see for yourselves these gorgeous items.
http://www.facebook.com/CCKB.fanpage

I Heart Baby 
Based in Hampshire you will find cute and funky baby and children's wear. Pop over to their page and see if they have anything you'd love for your little ones.
http://www.facebook.com/iheartbaby

Indi-Panda- Handmade buttons 
Based in Kent you will find gorgeous handmade buttons. If you are looking for something to brighten up an old wardrobe and more then pop over to their page to see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Indi-Panda-Handmade-buttons/184611538249730

Metal Munchiez 
Based in Portsmouth you will find a fantastic range of handmade cakes for your occasions. If you love anything different and a little bit metal then you'll love these. Pop over to their page and see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Metal-Munchiez/196534610361555

Fabbylicious Cakes 
Based in Berkshire you will find a beautiful range of handmade cakes for all occasions. If you are looking for great cakes for your occasion or event pop over to their page and see for yourselves what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fabbylicious-Cakes/180299065339481

Heather's Beads 
Beads in Hampshire you will find a great selection of beads, findings and some gorgeous handmade beaded bracelets. Pop over to their page to see their selection and offers.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heathers-Beads/140164126039093

Cards By Ems 
Based in Oxfordshire you will find gorgeous handmade cards and candles. If you are looking for something special for your loved one or friend then pop over to their page and see what's on offer. 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cards-By-Ems/170355926351354

Batcatz Crafts 
Based in Southsea you will find beautiful and amazingly cute handmade crochet and sewn items. Pop over to their page and see for yourselves their wonderful creations.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Batcatz-Crafts/204251776254004

My Little Paintpot 
Based in Suffolk you will find beautiful hand painted artwork for children and adults alike. Made using fun bright colours and shapes you're sure to find something you like. Pop over to their page and see for yourselves what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/mylittlepaintpot

BEC MAKES SCENTS 
Based in Cambridgeshire you will find a gorgeous range of handmade soap and wax melts. If you are looking for something to pamper yourselves with then pop over to their page to see what fantastic products they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BEC-MAKES-SCENTS/112061288830378

Elixirs of Life 
Based in Essex you will find a fantastic range of handmade, natural and affordable skin and hair care products. If you like natural products or have sensitive skin pop over to their page and see what they are offering.
http://www.facebook.com/elixirsoflife

Dewdrop Beads 
Based in Essex you will find a wonderful range of handmade jewellery. Earrings, bracelets and necklaces all in beautiful colours and designs pop over to their page and see for yourselves what's on offer!
http://www.facebook.com/DewdropBeads

CompliCakes 
Based in the South East you will find beautiful handmade cakes for all occasions. All wonderfully decorated you are sure to find something you like for your special event or occasion. Pop over to their page and see what they can do for you.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CompliCakes/222890651061844

Teeny Tiny Soap Co. 
Based in Chichester you will find a gorgeous range of handmade soaps and creams. If you are looking for brightly coloured and highly scents bath products then pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/TeenyTinySoapCompany

Cazzy's Crafts
Based in Cambridge you will find a beautiful collection of handmade cards, jewellery and candles. If you are looking for the whole gift package then pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cazzys-Crafts/140950689305925

Babysmalls.co.uk 
Based in Oxfordshire you will find fantastic handmade baby and children's clothing. If you are looking for something a little different for your little ones then pop over to their page and see what they have for sale.
http://www.facebook.com/Babysmalls.co.uk

Twisted Trinkets 
Based in the South East you will find a wonderful collection of jewellery and gifts with a unique touch. If you are looking for something different but beautiful then pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/Twisted.Trinkets

HedgeHogHill 
Based in Norwich you will find beautiful handmade wooden items for your home. If you are looking for wonderful and personalised wall plaques or signs then pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/HedgeHogHillWoodenSigns

Ella's Journey to Raise Awareness 
Based in Peterborough they are trying to raise money and awareness for new equipment for hospitals. To find out more information on what they do and who they are stop over their page and read for yourselves their amazing story and how you can help.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ellas-Journey-to-Raise-Awareness/195746520444790

Princess moo 
Based in Portsmouth you will find beautiful gifts for yourselves and your home. Their items are gorgeous and I'm sure you'll find something you love. Pop over to their page and see for yourselves. 
http://www.princess-moo.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Princess-moo/151614321566248


Doodlebags
Based in Kent you will find stunning handmade bags made with a variety of recycled material making them not just beautiful to look at but environment friendly too! Pop over to their page to see these items for yourselves. 
http://www.facebook.com/oneoffs


Sock monkeys and more
Based in the South East you will find a fantastic range of handmade sock animals. Made using fantastic colours and styles your sure to spot something your interested in. They make wonderful gifts.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sock-monkeys-and-more/217104848307072


Sock Toys 4 U 
Based in Portsmouth you will find handmade and custom stuffed animals. Right now they have a gorgeous range for sale for great prices so pop over and have a look. 
http://www.facebook.com/sock.toys4u


Handcrafted - 'Especially for you' 
Based in Milton Keynes you will find gorgeous handmade blankets, sock creatures and gifts. They have a wide variety of items available so pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/handcraftedespeciallyforyou


I hoped you enjoyed visiting these wonderful businesses, if you are not from the South East and would like to see businesses in your area take a look at our other blog postings or visit our facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts

North East Business Showcase

Looking for businesses local to you? Do you live in the North East? Then this feature is for you. It includes businesses from Our Local Crafts Facebook shout out earlier this week and businesses from previous shout outs to give you a wide range of shops and services in your area.


* Smellies by Heidi * 
Based in Hartlepool you will find good quality bath bombs and creams to pamper yourselves with. With a range to suit everyone pop over to their page and see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/smelliesbyheidi


*Purple-sparkle* Hand-Made Jewellery
Based in the North East you will find gorgeous handmade jewellery. Made with a wide variety of materials and available for men and women you are sure to find something you like. Pop over to their page and see for yourselves what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Purple-sparkle-Hand-Made-Jewellery/131468990255860


Activities and Accessories 
Based in the North East you will find a great page filled with wonderful party bag favours, booklets, items for hire and lots more to help you plan for your occasion. Pop over to their page for more information.
http://www.facebook.com/activitiesandaccessories


Thirtle Designs 
Based in Gateshead you will find beautiful handmade and self designed bags. If you are looking for something special and unique then pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thirtle-Designs/187245617976335


Elderberry Arts 
Based in Lincolnshire you will find beautiful handmade jewellery in a wide variety of styles, statements and designs. Pop over to their page and see what amazing pieces they have to offer you.
http://www.facebook.com/Elderberryarts


Lindy's Loops 
Based in the North East you will find beautiful handmade bags, clothing and accessories all made from wonderful material make sure to visit their page to see what's for sale.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindys-Loops/107489712670765


Love Lou la Belle 
Based in the North East you will find stunning jewellery that definitely stands outs. These pieces would are like miniature art pieces and very well made. Pop over to their page and see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/iloveloulabelle


Art by Helen Shaw
Based in the North East you will find a gorgeous range of original art pieces. If you love art and want something beautiful for your wall visit their page for a gallery of works and more information.
http://www.facebook.com/artbyhelenshaw


Handmade Bead Designs
Based in the North East you will find a beautiful range of handmade beaded bracelets and necklaces. With a wonderful variety of designs and made with fantastic materials you are sure to find something you like. Pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Handmade-Bead-Designs/179444745402447


I hoped you enjoyed visiting these wonderful businesses, if you are not from the North East and would like to see businesses in your area take a look at our other blog postings or visit our facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts

Thursday, 19 May 2011

North West Business Showcase

Looking for businesses local to you? Do you live in the North West? Then this feature is for you. It includes businesses from Our Local Crafts Facebook shout out earlier this week and businesses from previous shout outs to give you a wide range of shops and services in your area.


Top That Cards 
Based in the North West you will find beautiful handmade cards, albums and keepsakes. Beautifully designed and well made you are sure to find something you like. Pop over to their page and see what's on offer at the moment.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Top-That-Cards/178898120935


Tinker and Tailor 
Based in the North West you will find wonderful hand crafted personalised decorations and framed orginal art pieces from years gone by. Pop over to their page and see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tinker-and-Tailor/153327391398743


Pretty Plaques 
Based in the North West you will find gorgeous personalised bedroom and stable door plaques. If you are looking for a name plaque for your door or if you have horses and would love a personalised stable door plaque then these are for you.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001883491543


BellaBoos Attic 
Based in Warrington you will find beautiful handmade home decor and other wonderful gifts for yourselves and your home. Pop over to their page and see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BellaBoos-Attic/158836614180700


Loulabee 
Based in the North West you will find a beautiful range of handmade bags, accessories and homewares. Pop over to their page and make sure to check out their wonderful cushions!
http://www.folksy.com/shops/loulabee
http://www.facebook.com/LoulabeeAccessories

Butterfly Crafts 
Based in the North West you will find a wonderful range of gifts for all occasions and ages. Whatever your interests you are sure to find something you like so pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/ButterflyCraftsuk

Sandra Dorney Photographer 
Based in the North West you will find high quality professional photography for your special occasions or family album. Pop over to their page for more information.
http://www.sandradorney.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandra-Dorney-Photographer/102336956488984

Made by Mia's Mum 
Based in the North West you will find a fantastic range of handmade cards and sock creatures. The perfect place to find a gift and card together make sure you visit their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/madebymiasmum

Clips & Glitz 
Based in Cheshire you will find a gorgeous range of handmade hair clips, head bands and bobbles. If you are looking for cute and well made hair accessories then this is the place for you. Pop over to their page and see what they have to offer and if you know someone who would be interested in them please pass along their details.

http://www.facebook.com/ClipsAndGlitz

Precious Memories - Baby Hand and Foot castings
With studio's around the UK you can also find one in the Widnes/Liverpool area. They create 2d and 3d hand and foot prints and castings to make wonderful memories you can treasure. Pop over to their group page and see what's on offer and if you know someone who would be interested please pass along their details. 
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=185795129822


Sutton Soap Handmade Natural and Organic Soap 
Based in Cheshire you will find an amazing range of hand made soaps and other cosmetic items. They have a great collection and you're sure to spot something you like, if you know someone else who would be interested please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/SuttonSoaps


Ever So Pretty Designs 
Based in Blackburn and Bolton you will find a great collection of handmade jewellery. These pieces make great gifts!. You can even find some beautiful handmade cushions and other great items, pop over to their page to see what's on offer and if you know someone who would be interested please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/EverSoPrettyDesigns


Handmade by jojo 
Based in Blackburn you will find a fantastic collection of handmade sock animals, keyrings and nappy cakes. They have some great items at the moment so make sure you pop over to their page and take a look! If you know someone who would be interested please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Handmade-by-jojo/148417798548000



I hoped you enjoyed visiting these wonderful businesses, if you are not from the North West and would like to see businesses in your area take a look at our other blog postings or visit our facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Charity Raffle

Here at Our Local Crafts we have decided to support the Rosie Campaign as our charity this year. 


A couple of months ago I was approached by a very lovely woman called Rachel whose newborn baby, Ella, had been saved by new medical equipment, (Ella is now 1 and doing very well!) she was trying to find businesses around the UK who would kindly donate towards a charity auction she was holding online, I agreed and with mine and a lot of other businesses donations she raised over £800 in one auction, since then Rachel has tirelessly begun raising more money for the Rosie Campaign so that other children can be helped like Ella was.
You can read all about Rachel and Ella and their efforts to raise money here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ellas-Journey-to-Raise-Awareness/195746520444790

So to aid them both and their quest to raise even more money I have decided to have a charity raffle at our Northamptonshire Summer Fete and Autumn Fair. All the money raised from this stall will go to the Rosie Campaign.
To make this a fantastic success I am asking people to kindly donate extra prizes to this raffle. (Don't worry I wouldn't ask you to do it without donating myself!)
Everyone who sends in a item for the raffle will have their item reviewed for the Our Local Craft Review Section and they are also free to post a business card in with the parcel so that the winners can see more of your items. You will also be able to add them to a photo album on the Our Local Crafts Facebook page so that people can see how generous you are (and will act like an advertisement gallery of your work!)



http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts
http://www.ourlocalcrafts.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_120110338070261&ap=1


Let me know if you would love to donate to this cause by emailing me at resplendence@live.co.uk
and I will send details of where to send your item and what'll happen next.

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

What we do!

Hello to all our members, old and new alike! We've grown as a community so I thought it was time again to let everyone know what it is we do :)


Regional Shout Outs:
If you are interested in finding other crafters, businesses and services in your area then this is how we try to make that happen. We post up once a day asking for businesses in a specific area and everyone who comments with their business name gets a special shout-out on our fb wall, then the next day those businesses are added to a showcase blog which acts as a business directory. 


Advertisement Tuesdays:
Every Tuesday we ask businesses to post up on our fb wall with details of an item they would like to sell, a photo and a price for everyone to see and pass along to friends and family who may love it! Then every Friday we have a special shopping blog featuring the businesses who posted on the wall.


Special Feature Blogs:
Every week I will write a special feature blog on different themes or specific articles depending on whether people in our community request one. These blogs feature a wide range of businesses. I will add a post to our facebook wall asking businesses to add their details if they sell anything related to the theme. Any photo's used will be credited to the owner.


Craft Fairs:
We also organise craft fairs. We have an Autumn fair in Wellingborough this October and I am trying to organise a Summer Fair in Wellingborough and a Christmas Fair in Reading.
For more information on our Autumn fair you can visit our official group:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_120110338070261&ap=1
I will also try to find craft fairs around the UK for people interested in their areas and can't find any. I will also post up events on the facebook page as often as possible.
I am also trying to set up a few Crafters Coffee Mornings, where you can meet other crafters in your area and swap tips or just natter and all for the price of a cup of coffee (or tea, hot chocolate or water!!) I will be approaching local cake makers to make us a cake for our mornings too!

Business Directory:
Our website is a very large business directory that keeps growing week by week. If you would like to be included in the directory just contact me, it is free all I ask is that you pass the website along to as many people as possible, the more people know about it the better it is for all our businesses. You can find our website here:
http://www.ourlocalcrafts.co.uk/


So that's what we do, as we grow so will our services and hopefully so will your businesses. Pop over to our facebook page and get involved!
http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts