Handmade by Bethany

Rubbish.com!

2011-02-15T03:14:00.000-08:00

Has it really been that long since I've been on here. Yikes! I'm very sorry. How rubbish am I!?

I clearly am not a very good multi-tasker!

I've just come on to let you all know that I'm feeling a tad generous today and so I'm having a sale in one of my Folksy shops...

50% off everything! Yes everything, until midnight tomorrow!

The difference will be refunded via paypal once an item is bought.

So all you need to do is visit...

http://www.beth.folksy.com/

Happy Shopping!

Poppies...

2010-10-29T05:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick blog post to let you know that I've listed some organza poppy brooches over on my Folksy shop.

So if you fancy a handmade poppy this year head on over for a look.

http://www.bethany.folksy.com

£1 from each poppy sold will go to the British Legion

Lots to tell...

2010-10-21T02:47:00.000-07:00

... I really am rubbish at keeping this blog up to date.

From now on I will try my very best to keep on top of it!

Well where do I start...

Back in July we went on an amazing holiday to France the weather was fab, the scenery beautiful and the wine too easy to drink! We spent two weeks chilling out and didn't want to return home. The time came though when we had to pack our bags and head back to rainy England.

On my return I was told that the part time job I had to support my own business was to close.

AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

What do I do! I didn't want an office job I'd worked in a pub for 7 years so really didn't want to go back.

I had two options:

1. I search for a job that I would be happy with full or part time.

2. I really push my own business and see how it goes.

I wanted to go for option 2 but with a house to keep running etc there was a part of me that said I really shouldn't...

The searching continued but I wasn't getting anywhere.

The end on July was approaching, I only had 3 weeks left to find a job! Panic set in.

Whilst still searching a friend told me they had a space above their hair salon that was empty and would I like to have a look at it? Ok I thought know harm in looking...

Four weeks later I opened a shop!

Handmade by...

I sell my own jewellery and accessories as well as other handmade items.

It's brilliant, so glad I did it! Ok so I have quiet days and I don't really get days off but it's what I've always wanted to do and now I'm doing it!

I'm in Congleton, Cheshire. If you're in the area do pop in!

http://www.handmade-by.com/

Open Studios & Craft Fair

2010-06-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

Victoria Mill Arts Centre is a brilliant new venture for Congleton.
The Mill has been open for a while now but with the climate how it was a few of the businesses within the mill unfortunatly had to go. Leaving three huge spaces to fill.

Stella from Colours & Crafts and Bob from Weavercraft framers (both businesses still in the mill) came up with the idea of creating a creative space for artists and crafts people to work.
From there the VMA was born! The mill now houses 17 artists in individual studios and has an amazing room upstairs for exhibitions, craft fairs and workshops.

The project is still in it's early stages but is showing great potentional.
Most of the mill is open to the public all the time but the studios by appointment only.
Once at month we have started to hold open days, the studios are open for the public to wonder round and there is a craft fair upstairs.

This months takes place next weekend, Sunday June 27th 11am - 4pm, and this time we are trying something new. We are having a craft buffet! Suitable for all ages, you can come along and be creative yourself.

As well as our open days the room upstairs is also avaliable to rent out for all sorts of different activities.

The mill is definitly worth a visit and with a cafe in there too you can come for a morning coffee or lunch.

If you are interested in any of the events at the mill why not get in touch.
If you go to the website the contact details are on there.

http://www.victoriamillartcentre.com

You can find us here:

Victoria Mill Arts Centre
Foundry Bank
Congleton
Cheshire
CW12 1EE

I've Shabby Blogged my blog!

2010-06-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

I've been admiring various blog templates and backgrounds for a while but me being as dizzy as I am never realised that I could also have a fabulous blog background by clicking on the 'shabby blog' link in the top left of the blog page!
After getting rather excited about the idea of 'tarting' up my very plain blog I set out to explore the delights of Shabby Blogs.
Well I was like a kid in a sweet shop! Why had I not discovered this sooner!

I had a play around, and it's not quite finished yet but here is my new look blog, courtesy of ShabbyBlogs.com.

Where to find me...

2010-04-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've got a few craft fairs coming up in May so thought I'd list them here.

If anyone's free and in the area please pop in and say hello!

Saturday May 15th: Astbury May Day, Astbury Village Hall, Nr. Congleton. 12.30pm-4.30pm

Wednesday May 19th: Marton Ladies Evening, Marton School, Marton, Nr. Congleton

Sunday May 23rd: Arts and Crafts at The Mill, Victoria Mill, Congleton. 11am-4pm

If you want to find me at any other time I have a studio in Victoria Mill, Congleton.

Address: Studio J

Victoria Mill Arts Centre,

Foundry Bank

Congleton

CW12 1EE

Recent work...

2010-04-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

... Again I'm sorry it's been ages! Time just flies!!

In my last post I mentioned about a big wedding commission I'd been working on.

Well here it is...

Organza flower cake topper

Brides fascinator and birdcage

Above: Bridesmaids hair band

Below: Bridesmaids dress accessory

Brides bouquet close up

I added a brooch given to the bride as her something old and blue lace for her something blue.

Brides and Bridesmaids bouquet

As well as the above I made four button holes for the ladies of the wedding party and an earring and necklace set for the bridesmaid.

I had the most amazing time making these. It was a challenge but a really fun one! Loved every minute of it.

If you would like anymore information about commissions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

It's been far too long...

2010-02-24T05:59:00.001-08:00

... I do apologise! It's been over a month since I've been here! So much has been happening the time has just flown by.

Where do I start...

Well I now have my own studio in an Arts Centre in Congleton. Very exciting stuff, it's only small but for what I need it for it's perfect! The launch was on Saturday night and was a great success.

Above are photos of my little studio and below are some shots from the launch exhibition...

Take a look at the Arts Centre Facebook Page . Here you'll find a link to the website and much more!

I took part in the Folksy Heart Swap for Valentines Day. I recieved a fab pin cushion heart from Monstermash . I'll post a photo asap!

I sent my heart to Sharon aka Bliss Knits , who kindly blogged about them...

http://blissknits13.blogspot.com

I've also been featured on the Folksy Weddings Blog. Under the 'Something' tab you'll find my something blue bracelets. Anna is doing an amazing job, this blog is just fab!

http://folksyweddings.blogspot.com

On Saturday I had my first craft fair of the year. It was a Vintage and Craft Fair in Didsbury. Brilliant do! An amazing mix of old and new. I met some lovely people and made a few contacts for some more fairs coming up. So i'll keep you posted of my where abouts!

As well as all this I've had a few wedding orders too.
I've done some flowers for a brides hair.

The Bride had her dress made for her so I used the same fabric to make the flowers.

Photography by www.3poppiesphotography.co.uk

I'm also working on a bit order for some fabric bouquets and a birdcage veil fascinator so i'll keep you updated with how that goes.

Right, I think that's everything! I need to make a big big effort to keep you all up to date now.

NEW YEAR SALE...

2010-01-03T03:28:00.000-08:00

...Yup as promised I have 25% off selected items in both my Folksy shops. Including craft kits and button bracelets.

Oh and of course A HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all. Lets hope 2010 is a fabulous year for all things hand made.

It's Christmas time...

2009-12-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

So my craft fairs are over. I've got a bit of stock left which next year I will put in a January sale.

For now though I've listed some Christmas Baubles on Folksy with FREE P&P :)

http://www.folksy.com/items/139470--Tangled-Christmas-Bauble?shop=yes

My goodness it's been a while!

2009-11-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it was September the last time I blogged! Bad me!

Well life if good, busy making. I've had three craft fairs this week, one more to go on Tuesday night and then that's me done for the year, at least for the moment! Just orders to contend with :)

I've listed a few more goodies in my shops since we last spoke and there is still free shipping on my craft kits a perfect present for that crafty so and so!

I'll be doing a Christmasy give away after Tuesday, so watch this space.

I also plan to have a January sale in the new year, so that's something to look forward to!

For now it's back to making for Tuesday Night's fair.

Ta ta for now :)

Craft Kits...

2009-09-28T09:32:00.001-07:00

I've just added some Craft Kits to my Folksy Shop...

They contain everything you need to make a button brooch or of course you could let your creativity take over and create what ever you like!

http://www.bethany.folksy.com

Moved in, Married and back to normal...

2009-08-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

... Last month was a busy one! We moved into our new house :) Then two weeks later we got married :)

We had the most amazing day, despite the car taking me to church breaking down on the way!! After the initial shock and panic it was all fine, I arrived to church in a Volvo Estate but hey it was better than walking! lol

Apart from the bumpy start everything else was amazing and the weather was kind to us too!

Now though it's life as normal, back to work we go :(

Feather panic...

2009-07-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

... I've done quite well really, all the orders I've had for fascinators I've managed to find the right colour feathers with ease. Then my luck run out, and panic set in as I knew the time had come where I was going to have to dye my own. For some this may not have been a problem but knowing how bad I was at dying material at uni I was a tad nervous! I ordered the dye and the plain white feathers, they arrived, it was D-Day. Printed some instructions off the internet set out all materials needed. Heart beating wildly I began.... the verdict.... actually it was quite easy and the results were good. The only problem was the colour wasn't vibrant enough because I wasn't brave enough to put enough powder in, but one more dunk in some fresh dye and wa-la :) I was pretty pleased with the results, and here they are...

I didn't think to take any pictures of the process as I was faffing too much, but I'm about to dye my second lot so I will take some photos of that :)

Wedding favours...

2009-06-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

... With 7 weeks to go I set out on a mission this week to get a big chunk of weddingy bits out of the way.

Monday was spent making little tags for all the cups, sorting out place names and the like. Here's what I got up to in picture form...

We have spent about a year going to car boot sales and charity shops collecting cups and saucers.

The little tags are calico and I just used t-shirt transfer paper to apply the image and text.

Then I've made some card heart to slot on the side of the tea cups to remind guest that they are welcome to take them home :)

Yup I was very pleased with my days work! Just got to sort out the seating plan now!

Something new...

2009-05-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

... I thought I'd try something new, so here they are. Two handmade felt bags...

This one is a petrol and purple mix with a detachable flower corsage...

... and this one brown with a detachable corsage in rusts, greens and brown.

The brown one is currently listed in my Folksy shop http://www.bethany.folksy.com

I may add the petrol one later.

Folksy Favourites... Summer...

2009-05-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've picked out some of my favourites from Folksy and as the weather is so bad at the moment I thought I'd cheer myself up with a 'summer' search. So here is what I found...

This beautiful Summer Collage Brooch by Zoe-est is the perfect accessory for a summer outfit.

A Alicia's shop is full of gorgeous felt accessories, this Summer Love Hair accessory is scrumptious!

I love this cute skirt by Milk and Jam, it's a shame they are only in diddy sizes.

This Summer Pudding Bracelet by Ruby Spirit Designs
is amazing and bound to add a bit of sparkle to any outfit this summer, rain or shine!

New pieces...

2009-05-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

... Today I've been working on some more chunky pieces of jewellery, here's a necklace and bracelet which I may add to my Folksy shop...

Front page!

2009-04-29T03:22:00.001-07:00

:) I got all excited when I saw my earrings on the front page of Folksy. My new shop is just over a day old and one of my items is on the front page already :). yipeeeee...

New Collection in my new shop...

2009-04-29T02:21:00.000-07:00

... Well I'm starting to list more items in my new Folksy shop now. Today I've listed some of my new collection 'Daisy'...

This is my blue daisy necklace, finished with pearls...

... and this a cameo brooch.

I'd love to know what you think of my new shop and creations, all comments welcome :)

Cheers, Beth x

New Folksy shop...

2009-04-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

... I was starting to feel that my folksy shop was getting a little cluttered so I've decided to open a new shop just for my felt and enamel pieces.

www.bethany.folksy.com

My other shop is still open too, but that's now just my more traditional jewellery.

Go take a look :)

Busy times...

2009-04-13T06:04:00.000-07:00

... Well it feels like a while since I've written on here. There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day or days in the week anymore!

I just thought I'd share with you what I've been up to the past couple of weeks...

... I've been in a show called the Pajama Game (American, hence the spelling!) I played a ditsy character called Poopsie and every night I had to have my hair back combed and curled (ouch for my hair).

It was loads of fun, but I'm still trying to recover, I'm soooo sleepy!

After all the clips we taken out of my hair, this was the result!!

It was also the grand opening of Seventh Heaven Bridal last Saturday, which was an amazing day.

I've got a selection of my jewellery and fascinators on display in the shop.

Then in between all this we have finally made our wedding invitations and I'm also getting ready for a craft fair at Shugborough Hall in a couple of weeks! It's all go!!

7th Heaven Bridal...

2009-03-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

.. Are you getting married or know anyone who's getting married?

... There is one week to go until the grand opening of 7th Heaven Bridal. The shop is looking amazing and Helen has boxes of goodies everywhere eagerly awaiting their unveilings.

The website is now up and running, and looking amazing. Go check it out...

http://www.7thheavenbridal.co.uk/

Here's a sneak peak...

... On there you'll find info about the designers, accessories, jewellery and lots more.

Also if you follow the link to facebook on the website, you can join 7th Heavens business page to receive regular updates.

Dotty Egg...

2009-03-24T05:21:00.001-07:00

... Easter is coming so I thought I'd get in the mood and start making little treats.

Here is my first instalment...

... First of all I covered the little polystyrene egg with blue wool, using a needle felting technique...

... I then started to add some bright pink dots...

... Done, but i didn't think it look quite right..

... So around the pink dots I added another colour, there's green, blue and purple.

... Here it is done, I'm just going to add a ribbon so it can be hung around the house...

Paper tea cups...

2009-03-24T05:04:00.000-07:00

... I've gone a bit tea cup mad this past year. We decided to have a vintage tea party theme for our wedding reception, so have been scouring charity shops and car boots for old tea cups, as a result I have two huge boxes full and they are all AMAZING!!

Vintage Town in one of my favourite shops on folksy, her work is beautiful! Very quirky, just amazing, and I was very excited when this appeared in Vintage Towns shop...

... Yes it's made out of paper!! How ace is that!

All things shabby...

2009-03-23T03:23:00.000-07:00

... Yes I have a thing for shabby chic, so I thought I would share with you some of my favourites from Folksy.

First of all is this quirky little tag by Trashy Princess up a card, present or just use it as a decoration! (I have a thing for cupcakes too!)

Then we have this yummy purse by Natalie Farrell. Natalie's shop is full of these gorgeous purses. I found it difficult to decide which one to show on my blog!

Finally this beautiful cameo style Rose Necklace by Paisley Chainsaw.

All the shops have loads more goodies in, so why not take a look.

Also before I go, Dan Jackson who started off the Great Folksy Blog Circle has also started a blog called Folksy Finds.

It's full of blog posts by Folksy users about the shops they love. Hop over and take a look.

Memorable facebook address...

2009-03-18T04:49:00.000-07:00

... Just a quick post today.

I finally managed to set up my memorable facebook business page address yesterday.

Here it is...

http://artist.to/bethanyallen/

Go take a look :)

Pin Cushions and Clip on Earrings...

2009-03-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

... Yes today I have finished off two new projects.

One is a pin cushion, never attempted one before but was asked to make one for Seventh Heaven Bridal.

So here it is....

It is a needle felted heart, stuffed with a large amount of wadding...

... It's finished with an elastic ribbon, so it can be slip over then hand and worn on the wrist.

The second was a pair of clip on earrings. I've done quite a few pairs of earrings now but never clip ons.

Here they are...

Pretty shoes...

2009-03-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

... Whilst having a break from making my orders I thought I'd browse the net for my wedding shoes. Some are HORRIBLE, old fashioned yuck, so are pretty but just not what I'm looking for, others are ok but the heal just a tad too high, then I spot these...

The buttercup shoe by Diane Hassal, so pretty, made to order, just perfect, yum, love them. Apart from one small detail... The price tag! £185 ! If I start saving now perhaps....

Jewellery parties and workshops...

2009-03-08T05:33:00.001-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I had my first jewellery party last week, which was a huge success.
If anyone would like to hold a jewellery party/jewellery morning at their house or even place of work let me know and I shall see what I can do.

I'm also going to start doing felt making workshops, perfect for most ages.
All materials will be supplied and you can choose whether you would like to learn needle felting* or wet felting.
*Please note: Needle felting uses extremely sharp needles so is unsuitable for children's workshops.

Thank you,

Beth :)

What a good day...

2009-03-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

... Yesterday I had my first open house jewellery party.

I had such a good day, it was lots of fun, much more relaxed than a craft fair. I made some sales and custom orders too!

If you read my interview with Nifty Knits, I explained that my favourite piece was a necklace that I just couldn't take a good photo of... well the necklace on the left of the stand at the back is that necklace.

Here's a close up, ish...

If anyone lives in the Cheshire area and would like to have a jewellery party at their house just give me a shout.

I'm also available for felt making workshops, both needle felting and wet felting.

My newest creation part two...

2009-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

... But what do I make it in to!?

So here is my newest creation. A mix of wire, pearls and crystals. I made it with weddings in mind so I'm thinking a hair piece, but do I add to it and make it into a tiara...

... or do I leave it simple like this and just add a little clip to it?

mmm decisions decisions!

First blog interview...

2009-02-23T06:51:00.000-08:00

Well I've just had my first blog interview.

Heather aka Nifty Knits has kindly posted about me on her blog, check it out here

Ta Daaaaaa...

2009-02-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

My first garter...

Took me quite a while, had a few hic-ups to start with, but.... I think it turned out quite well! More to come soon :)

Garters, fascinators and all things lacy...

2009-02-10T03:35:00.000-08:00

My plan today is to make a start on items for my sister-in-laws bridal shop.

I'm going to try some garters, so off into town to get some materials.

If I get any done today I shall post them on here later, so watch this space...

My newest creation...

2009-02-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a few things for a wedding fair I've got coming up, here's my newest creation...

The Great Folksy Blog Circle part 2...

2009-02-07T06:19:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd blog about another one of my favourite shops on Folksy and that is Ali Bali Jewellery.

I think this piece is my favourite!

Alison's shop is full to the brim with gorgeous delights which she hand makes herself at her home in Edinburgh.

Materials used include sterling silver, semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, lamp-work beads and silver art clay.

As valentine's day is just around the corner I thought I'd show you some of her pieces with this in mind...

There are so many more lovely pieces in Alison's shop, don't just take my word for it, go take a look for yourself!

Etsy Treasury...

2009-02-04T01:50:00.000-08:00

I've just had an email to say I'm in a treasury on Etsy! Exciting stuff! Been in three now but never thought to write about it until now!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=37490

Weddings...

2009-02-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

So it's come to that time of year again when people are planning their weddings for the summer. Me included!

I've got a wedding fair coming up in March so I'm busy working away making fascinators and the like.

Here are a couple of my recent creations...

A bead shop...

2009-02-02T16:34:00.001-08:00

So I've been trying for a long time now to find another job that doesn't involve running round like a headless chicken serving people food and drink. As it stands I've not had much luck.

For ages now it's been a dream of mine to open a craft shop or gallery or bead shop, but lack of money was holding me back. I still have no money but as there are just no jobs out there I'm thinking it's my best option!

Has anyone else got a craft shop or bead shop?

Good idea/bad idea?

All comments welcome, any advice would be marvellous! :)

Become a fan...

2009-01-26T03:23:00.001-08:00

Like what you see? ... Then become a fan!

I've got a business page on facebook, lots of pictures, notes about events etc.

Go take a look...

... Well it doesn't look like the picture wants to download! I hate computers! Anyway I suppose you can see the real thing if you click on the link above.

Struck down...

2009-01-25T05:34:00.000-08:00

... with yet another cold!

I thought I'd got away with it, everyone around me has a cold and for once I thought I'd managed to escape the sniffles! But I was wrong, I am now surrounded by tissues, lemsips and the trusty Olbas Oil.

Gah I hate them, the sneezing the constant run

ny nose and if it's not running it's so blocked up that you just can't breath!

Fingers crossed it calms down for my interview tomorrow!

The Great Folksy Blog Circle...

2009-01-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

So us crafty folk over at Folksy have been writing in a forum about a blog circle. A genius idea thought up by Dan Jackson, where you blog about the last person to post in the forum.

I've just looked and the last person was gemheaven, having been one of my favourite shops since I joined folksy I thought I've just got to feature her work.

Jo creates the most beautiful jewellery, using a mix of sterling, hill tribe or bali silver, along with, gemstones, lampwork beads and even sea glass.

Living in Cornwall she gets a lot of inspiration from her surroundings.

Her work is just magical, the shop has an elegant mix of necklaces, earrings and bracelets...

Gem Heaven is most definitely worth a visit if you are after something special, so go take a look.

Valentines...

2009-01-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

Yes valentines day is creeping up. Some people love the day some people hate it.

I've started listing some items in my shops, here's a few examples...

I've had so much trouble getting into craft fairs because I'm a 'jeweller' that I've started doing decorations and am also developing some felt wall hangings/pictures, so watch this space!

This is a felt and enamel brooch

This a needle felted heart brooch

Another decoration, this time a little bit funky! (I love this one) :)

Last but not least another needle felted heart brooch.

More buttons...

2009-01-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

I was having picture problems yesterday, but all sorted now!

Following on from my button obsession I must just mention one more person...

PaperFish

Her shop is a featured shop on Folksy at the moment and I couldn't resist buying these two items...

These big buttons are AMAZING! Lots of different shapes and colours. Yum! ...

...and this gorgeous pin cushion is just the cutest!

If you haven't seen her shop already I would definitely recommend a visit!

Folksy Favourites... Buttons...

2009-01-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

So I have a slight obsession with buttons! So much so I've started to make my own. But I'm not here to talk about me, I'm here to talk about some scrumptious finds...

First of all this amazing brooch by lovely pigeon

Then these really cute button earrings by Romilly Norman

Let's get down to business...

2009-01-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

... So for those of you who don't know who I am, I'm Beth and I make jewellery and accessories.

From beads and buttons, to felt, fabric and enamel, you name it, if I love it I will use it to make something out of!

I also make fascinators for those fancy occasions.

At the moment I sell my work on Folksy and Etsy

Go take a look let me know what you think :)

Starting a fresh...

2009-01-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

So my blog perhaps isn't up to the standard I want it to be. I'm not into all this coding business so have no real idea how to make this page my own.

For the time being this will do.

All posts deleted...

2009-01-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

Ok so I've just about got over the fact that at the beginning of the year I stupidly deleted all my posts! Luckily I hadn't really given my blog address out to anyone but it was still very very annoying.