Irish Business Showcase

Looking for businesses local to you? Do you live in Ireland? 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.


From Nibs 2 Necks 
Based in Northern Ireland you will find beautiful handmade pens and jewellery, if you are looking for a fantastic gift for yourselves or others then pop over to their page to see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/FromNibs2Necks


Heathers Truly madly baby/child Co Down 
Based in Northern Ireland you will find gorgeous clothing, accessories and toys for babies and young children. Pop over to their page and see what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heathers-Truly-madly-babychild-Co-Down/109186419166689


Custom Cakes 
Based in Co Louth, Ireland, you will find gorgeous handmade cakes for all your occasions. If you are looking for the perfect cake for your event then pop over to their page and see for yourselves what they do.
http://www.facebook.com/customcakesdrogheda


Snug as a bug 
Based in Northern Ireland they provide custom hand made baby blankets and more. Using gorgeous fabrics and being beautifully made these items are well worth a look at. Pop over to their page to see these beautiful creations for yourselves and if you know someone who would love one please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/nickys.snug.as.a.bug


One crafty mummy
Based in Northern Ireland they make and sell beautiful hand made jewellery and very sweet hand made sock animals. If you are looking for something special for yourselves or for your loved ones then pop on over and take a look at their items. If you know someone who would also like their item please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/onecraftymummy


Luvlii Handmade Bags 
Based in Northern Ireland they make and sell gorgeous hand made bags, aprons, skirts and other wonderful items. Pop over to their page and see for yourselves what they have on offer and if you know someone who would love their items please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/LuvliiBags


Kate's Treasures 
Based in Northern Ireland they make and sell wonderful and unique gifts for all occasions. If you are looking for something a little different for your loved ones then they have them. Pop over to their page and see what gifts they can offer and if you know someone who would love these then please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kates-Treasures/304574928664


Our Events NI
Based in Northern Ireland, they organize events and shows in the area including ladies nights, wedding shows and family fun events. Have a look at the events they are advertising and if you know someone who would be interested in them please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/OurEventsNI


I hoped you enjoyed visiting these wonderful businesses, if you are not from Ireland 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

Welsh Business Showcase

Looking for businesses local to you? Do you live in Wales? 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.


Happy Plants 
Based in Swansea you will find a fantastic collection of vintage, home wares and beautiful plants. If you are looking for a great gift for someone pop over to their page and see for yourselves what they have to offer.
http://www.facebook.com/HappyPlants


Sofairy Cakes 
Based in Swansea you will find gorgeous looking handmade cakes for all occasions. If you are looking for something sweet, gorgeous looking and a little unique pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sofairy-Cakes/120998094643166


Clydach produce and craft market 
If you are looking for a craft fair in Swansea then look no further. Pop over to their page to see what's happening and when, I'm sure you'll find some great stalls and items there.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=103506819686664


The Little Treasure Company 
Based in Swansea you will find fantastic handmade and hand painted toy boxes, clocks and gifts. If you are looking for great items as a gift then pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Little-Treasure-Company/125926897482556


Petal-works.co.uk 
Based in Swansea you will find a wonderful range of handmade felt craft items. Hair clips, corsages, pieces of art and more are available. Pop over to their page and see for yourselves what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/Petalworks


Mamas home baking
Based in Swansea you will find fantastic looking home baked cakes for all occasions. Pop over to their page and see for yourselves what's on offer and where you can find them.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=149123571787338


Stitching Dreams 
Based in Wales you will find beautifully designed cross stitch charts in a wide variety of different styles. If you like cross stitching pop over to their page and see what's on offer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stitching-Dreams/126274297402607


I hoped you enjoyed visiting these wonderful businesses, if you are not from Wales 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

Occasion Cakes and Chocolates

Finding the right cake for the occasion can be difficult to say the least. One of the biggest questions is where to go, now there is anything wrong with shop bought I'm sure they are practical and quick but where's the choice, the personality and importantly where's the love? 
Occasion cakes need love and attention, they also need to be flexible, some people just don't like raspberry jam and why should you compromise when it's your occasion.
If you're anything like me making them is out of the question, my cakes are only good as a cheap pudding when  I've run out of ice cream and as for decorating them.. well lets just forget that nightmare right now. There is no way I'm going to volunteer or be asked to make a special occasion cake for anyone!


So where do you go?
To help you decide here are some excellent small businesses that hand make and lovingly create the perfect cakes for your occasions.


Sweet Moments (Cakes By Aly) - Wirral/ Liverpool/ Ellesmere Port and surrounding areas.

Used with permission from Sweet Moments (Cakes by Aly)

Beautiful cakes and chocolates all handmade by a pastry chef with over 20 years experience. Concentrating on celebration cakes and desserts you will find some amazing creations for all occasions with no two cakes ever being the same. Prices are based on individual orders.
You will find photographs of their work on their facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/sweetmomentscake


Rachel's Cake Studio - Based in Dartford, Kent, and deliver to most of the South East - cakes can also be collected.

Used with permission from Rachel's Cake Studio

Fantastic cakes lovingly created for all occasions. Made with the finest ingredients and wherever possible organic too. Each cake is well designed and painstakingly decorated. Full gallery of previous work can be seen on their facebook page. Prices are based on individual orders.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachels-Cake-Studio/184125234943727

Delicious Catering and Cupcakes - Leicestershire Area, Cake pops and cupcake truffles can be delivered throughout England, Wales and Scotland.

Used with permission from Delicious Catering and Cupcakes - Leicester.

Beautiful cakes stunningly decorated for all occasions. They use fresh, local, free range and organic ingredients to make your cakes even more special. Beautifully presented you're sure to find the cake you want. A gallery of their work can be seen on both their website and facebook. Prices for larger cakes are based on individual orders.
http://www.deliciouscatering.moonfruit.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delicious-Catering-and-Cupcakes-Leicester/151173138260416


The Ginger Baker Scotland - Glasgow, collection in person also available.

Used with permission from The Ginger Baker Scotland

Fantastic bespoke cakes for all occasions. With many different flavours and decorations to the highest quality you will find cakes full of flavour, with lots of sprinkles and glitter. You can find a gallery of their work on their facebook page. Prices are based on individual orders.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ginger-Baker-Scotland/180973581946659


Tracy's Cupcake Creations - Based in Norwich, Norfolk

Used with permission from Tracy's Cupcake Creations

Beautiful cakes for all occasions. From classic to modern designs, sizes and shapes you are sure to find the perfect cake. Stunningly made and well presented these cakes will make your day even more memorable. For a full gallery of their work visit their facebook page. Prices for fruit and sponge cakes are from £20 and cupcakes are from £1 each.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracys-Cupcake-Creations/167888356603480


There you have it, some wonderful cakes from around the UK. Bespoke handmade cakes can make an occasion and with this collection the only problem you will have now is choice!
If there isn't a listing for handmade cakes in your area send me a comment and I will chase some up for you, I hope you find this blog useful, please feel free to pass this along so that others can see the great cake makers featured!