Shopping Special

Welcome to this weeks special 'shopping' feature.
If you are looking for fantastic items to buy from around the UK then every week we will give you a great selection of businesses for you to browse and buy from.
Here are this weeks shops;

Gillyflower Designs

If you are looking for a wonderful collection of handmade  jewellery, artwork and clothing then make sure to visit these. There ranges vary from cute to very classy and if you are looking for something that stands out then you won't have to look far. Visit their facebook page to see a full gallery of works.

http://www.facebook.com/GillyflowerDesigns

TLC Nappy Cakes

Looking for that special gift for both mum's to be or new mums but want it to be practical too? Then why not visit these, they have a wonderful range of handmade nappy cakes for both boys and girls that are both practical and wonderfully designed and packaged. Visit their website and facebook page for more information and a gallery of works.

http://www.tlcnappycakes.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/tlcnappycakes

Pearlies 4 Girlies

With fantastic handmade pearl jewellery for children, teens and adults what better gift to give, keep or receive. These wonderfully made pieces of jewellery are bright, fun, classy and affordable. They have a wide range of styles so make sure to visit their page for a full gallery of their works.

http://www.facebook.com/pearlies4girlies

Crafty Days

Are you looking for something, handmade, gorgeous and soft? Then take a look at these, they have wonderful blankets, soft toys, cushions and bags made with great materials and bright colours. They would make great gifts for someone. Visit their facebook page for more information and a gallery of works.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crafty-Days/222703361079049

Cathy's Keepsakes

Do you want something made from your babies first clothing? Then these are for you, they will make wonderful handmade items using your precious clothing to make keepsakes you can enjoy. Pop over to their facebook page for more information and a full gallery of their work.

http://www.facebook.com/CathysCratfts

Handmade by Jodie

Are you looking for something handmade, soft and cute? Then take a look at these, using beautiful fabrics and materials you will find handmade blankets, toys, comforters and bags for sale at great prices. Visit their website and facebook page for a full gallery of their works.

http://www.handmadebyjodie.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/handmadebyjodie

Areebie Crafts

Do you want beautiful handmade jewellery? Then you can find it here, made using great materials you will find a wide range of styles and colours to suit. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more are available. Visit their facebook page for more details and a full gallery of their work.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Areebie-Crafts/141456442594497

Nancy's Gems

If you are looking for high quality jewellery in bright and funky designs then these are for you. With a wide variety of designs, styles and colours you're sure to find something you love. Whether its a gift for yourselves or for someone else you won't be disappointed. Visit their website and facebook page for a full gallery of their work.

http://www.nancysgems.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancys-Gems/191576640882032

Metal Munchiez 

Do you want something different, fun, edible and maybe a little bit metal? Then why not try one of these wonderful cakes. They look different and delicious and have been handmade and hand decorated. Visit their facebook page for more information and a full gallery of their works.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Metal-Munchiez/196534610361555

Willow Crafts

Do you want unique handmade jewellery and accessories? Then take a look at these. Handmade using a variety of fantastic materials you will find something for every taste at great prices. They make wonderful gifts and you are sure to find something you like. Visit their facebook page for a full gallery of their work.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Willow-Crafts/177512139296

Wax Teddies

Why not treat yourselves to something unique and wonderful smelling! Fantastic handmade dolls and soft toys carefully dipped in scented wax to use as a great way to fragrance your room. Visit their website and facebook page for more information and a gallery of their work.

http://www.waxteddies.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wax-Teddies/134832249919741

Babygifts4you

If you want fantastic handmade hair accessories for both babies and children then look no further. They have a wonderful collection of summer designs in a wide range of hair accessory products at fantastic prices too. Visit their facebook page for more information and a gallery of their work.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Babygifts4you/146606758738478

Gaia's Gifts

If you are looking for handmade pagan gifts then these are for you. With a beautiful range of gemstone jewellery and a wide variety of pagan and wiccan jewellery and accessories you won't be disappointed with what's on offer. And if you are interested in tarot then your in luck as you can also have you tarot read for you at great prices. Visit their website and facebook page for more information and a gallery of their work.

http://www.gaiasgiftscrystals.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gaias-Gifts/117744608307852

Kate's Treasures

Looking for gifts for all occasions, for both the young and old and even for people with and without a sweet tooth? Then take a look at these, great gifts, wonderfully made and presented with such a wide variety you could be browsing all day! Visit their website and facebook page for more information and a gallery of their work.

http://www.katestreasures.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/KatesTreasures

From Nibs 2 Necks

If you are looking for great handmade jewellery and pens then these are for you. With a fantastic range of jewellery, wine charms and pens made with great materials and handmade with great care and attention. Visit their facebook page for more information and a full gallery of their work.

http://www.facebook.com/FromNibs2Necks

There you have it, I hoped you enjoyed your online shopping trip and the wonderful products on sale but if you want more you can always pop over to our website and facebook page where you can find over 400 wonderful businesses and services in the UK.

http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts

http://www.ourlocalcrafts.co.uk/

So You've Found A Craft Fair...

So you've found your first craft fair... congratulations but what do you do now?


It isn't easy to know what to expect on your first ever craft fair or market so with help from a few wonderful people over on our facebook page I have compiled a list of hints and tips to help you through get through it without cracking up! 

• Make sure you plan ahead what you will be taking to the fair, taking into account what you may sell before hand, don't leave it to the last minute to decide.
• Is there a table provided? If there is make sure to take a very nice cover or sheet to put over it, you never know what condition it will be in.
• Setting up your own table can be a nightmare in and of itself, make sure you know how to put it up, don't spend all morning faffing around with it!
• Dress for the occasion, don't forget its not just your items that are on sale, you are selling yourself as the face of the business... also dress for the weather, take a coat, there is nothing worse than a frozen stall holder.
• Dress your table. Add covered tiered boxes for height and depth to your products, give your customers chance to see your items in all their glory and not just thrown on the table before them.
• Take change. Lots of change. Customers will most likely pay with notes. If possible take at least £20's worth of change in £1 coins, 50p, 20p, 10p and 1s and 2s.
• Take food and drink. You will get hungry and you will end up sending someone to grab you an expensive sandwich or worse. 
• Take hand wipes, food can be sticky and no one wants sugared coins as change.
• Business cards are a must! People may have come only to look but if you give them a card they will remember you when they have some money to spend.
• Chat to the other stall holders, they are a very valuable source of information and will also make great friends when trade slacks a bit. Plus they will mind your stall when you need to go for that all important toilet trip.
• Know where the toilets are, no good spending all day wandering around lost, not at your stall because you have no idea how to a) get to the toilets or b) get back!
• Smile!
• Don't be too put off if you don't make a lot of money, especially if the market is regular and you are new, people take a bit of getting used to the new stall and it may also be that people don't have the money to spend that week/month. (Now is the time to hand the card over!)
• Chat to the customers, making sure that you take notice of other customers around your stall who are looking to buy something there and then rather than chat.
• Do you customise your items? Tell the customer!
• Have a good time, it isn't all about the selling, you have to get something out of it too!

There you have it, some helpful and handy hints and tips for your first craft fair. Don't forget these aren't rules just helpful tips... take a deep breath and breathe, you'll be fine!

A big thank you to; Jeeberella's Craft Castle for helping with the hints and tips.

http://www.facebook.com/Jeeberella

Visit our facebook page for more information on what we do!

http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts

Summer Fashion Special

This last weeks weather has been fantastic, the majority of the UK saw clear skies and beautiful sunshine and we are only in April! If this weather continues right through to June then summer is going to be fantastic.
But what to wear?
We can all find a pretty summer dress or a great pair of shorts but what about accessories? Bags, Jewellery... Shoes?
There are so many great accessories out there that's it's easy to lose track of something you've found or to just get swamped completely. 
And if you're looking for something special or handmade, where do you go? How can you find what you're looking for no matter your budget?
Our Local Crafts has put together a wonderful list of fantastic businesses offering handmade summer fashion accessories all in one place, so sit down, relax and get ready to browse this years summer fashion special.


Designer Shoes Not Designer Prices - Delivers within the UK

Used with permission from Designer Shoes Not Designer Prices

If you are looking for some fabulous shoes this summer then look no further. Beautiful designer shoes at affordable prices. They also provide mother of the bride shoes and matching handbags so if you are planning a summer wedding then this could be you one and only stop for beautiful shoes. If you have the perfect dress then you'll need the perfect shoes, visit their website for all the latest in footwear fashion.
http://www.designershoesnotdesignerprices.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/designershoesnotdesignerprices


Debi Designs - Delivers within the UK


If you are looking for pretty and bright handmade jewellery to match your summer clothing then your sure to find something you like here. Made using bright, fun and colourful materials, there are a wide range of items for you to look through. If you are planning a summer wedding then make sure to check out there tiaras especially if you are looking for something different. Visit their website to see a full gallery of their designs.
http://www.debidesigns.co.uk/Tiaras-and-Hair-accessories.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Debi-Designs/116936888359690


Pretty Lil Things - Delivers within the UK


Are you a fan of brightly coloured handmade floral jewellery? If so then you can find a wonderful range of them and other designs here. You will find wonderful designs in a variety of bright colours in bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Visit their page to see a full gallery of their works.
http://www.facebook.com/Pretty.Lil.Things.1


Luvlii - Delivers within the UK


If you are looking for great handmade bags and clothing then look no further, handmade with wonderfully bright and fun fabric, they have a wonderful collection of clothing, bags and scarves. They have some truly beautiful items for summer and a fabrics section to help you find the designs that suit you. Visit their page for a full gallery of their designs.
http://www.folksy.com/shops/luvlii
http://www.facebook.com/LuvliiBags

Lindy's Loops - Delivers within the UK


Are you looking for retro inspired bags and dresses? Then you can find them here. Handmade using wonderful fabrics you will find fantastic bags and dresses coming soon perfect for a retro feel summer day. Visit their page for their gallery and visit their blog for updates on up and coming items.
http://www.folksy.com/shops/LindysLoops
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindys-Loops/107489712670765
http://lindysloopsuk.blogspot.com/

Millie's Bags - Delivers within the UK

Used with permission from Millie's Bags

If you are looking for fantastically made knitted bags for summer then look no further. Made from a variety of great colours and finished beautifully you won't be disappointed this summer for lack of bags! As well as bags you can find a great collection of other summer accessories from headbands to scarves. Visit their page for a fully gallery of their work.
http://www.folksy.com/shops/MilliesBags
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Millies-Bags/111696598850879

Summer accessories don't have to be only for adults. You will find some gorgeous hair accessories and bags for children and young adults here:


Nelly & Jack - Delivers within the UK

Used with permission from Nelly&Jack

If you are looking for wonderfully cute handmade hair accessories then you will find them here. Using sweet pastel colours, these accessories will stand out and make any summer dress sweeter than usual. You can also find fantastic drawstring bags perfect for a variety of summer activities. Visit their page for a full gallery of their designs.
http://www.folksy.com/shops/NellyandJack
http://www.facebook.com/pages/NellyJack/113291562066778

Charlotte's Gifts - Delivers within the UK

Used with permission from Charlotte's Gifts

Are you looking for pretty handmade headbands for your toddler? Then look no further, handmade using bright summer colours and pretty floral and butterfly designs. With a variety of colours this great you are sure to find something you are looking for. Visit their page for a full gallery of their designs.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlottes-gifts/192823737413442

There you have it, a wonderful collection of items and accessories for summer, if you are looking for something specific that isn't on here why not visit our website or our facebook page where you will find over 300 fantastic handmade crafting businesses from around the UK.
http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts
http://www.ourlocalcrafts.co.uk/

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!