Jewellery By Shalini

It is our Livelihood, it is our Business, it is what helps to pay the bills! Yes, this one's going to be a bit of a rant! One of my artisan friends recently mentioned her experience at a (fairly large) Christmas craft market where a lady spent a lot of time looking at her work and then said "Hmmm Nice Hobby" and walked off. And then I saw this on facebook "Well you must have a lot of time - you obviously don't work!" on a page called Kirsty Elson Designs - another crafter. Probably not spoken by the same person but  it's this attitude from a lot of people that really gets to me sometimes! It's not just a hobby! In my case it is a part time business, but its a part time business that keeps my dogs fed and pays my monthly utility bills! And occasionally allows me to go to the pub and have a drink with my friends.  I work hard for it and I earn it!... AND pay my taxes on what I earn! [UPDATE 01 October 2014: It is now my full time job! So al...

How nice to see some coverage of the Oakham Castle Craft Fair in the Stamford Mercury on the day they did a front page feature titled "Shop locally this Christmas" All of us at the Stamford Artisans Guild started the Shop Handmade - Shop Local campaign with our Bull Hotel Christmas Fair back in October. Hope people are still listening and supporting their local small businesses, local traders and craftsmen . It would be fantastic to see the people of Stamford come out to support the Handmade Christmas Market at the Stamford Arts Centre and Newages Social Club on 4th December . All artisans work very hard to create new and unique items for our customers which would make fantastic Christmas presents. Give us a chance to show you that 1) beautiful things don't always have to cost the earth and 2) Christmas presents don't all live on the shelves of Tesco, New Look et al! They can be found in little independent shops AND local Christmas...

As its my Happy Birthday soon :-) I thought I will offer some special discounts on selected goodies in my online showroom. There will be a minimum £5.00 Off selected jewellery and wire trees. If you are looking for a unique Christmas present for yourself or someone special in your life have a browse and grab yourself a bargain! WEEKLY SPECIAL OFFERS! 'via Blog this'

Haycock Hotel Christmas Fair Pictures on Stamford Artisans Guild website : 'via Blog this'

Having a lovely day at Oakham. It's been really busy and some lovely people have visited us today!

Really looking forward to it! The fair, a day spent in the company of some of the nicest crafty people in the world, and freshly made French pancakes from Crepe Monsieur.

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More pictures Some pictures from the Wedding Fayre at Haycock Hotel : Mandy you are so clever! Love the bright colours in these arrangements :-) 'via Blog this'

Christmas Craft Fairs From Stamford Artisans Guild : Oakham Castle on 12 November and  Haycock Hotel on 13 November ! I will be at both of them :-) 'via Blog this'