Category: Artisans blogs

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Why Handmade Greeting Cards Mean So Much More

The Timeless Beauty of Handmade Greeting Cards
By Lucy Designs

In today’s fast-moving digital world, there’s something truly special about receiving a card through the post. Not just any card, but a handmade one—carefully created, beautifully finished, and chosen with love. Handmade greeting cards have a way of slowing us down, reminding us of the joy in thoughtful gestures and the delight of opening something made by hand.

For me, making cards is more than a craft—it’s a way of sharing a little piece of happiness. Every design starts with inspiration from nature, colours, or a simple idea that blossoms into something unique. 

What makes a handmade card so different from a shop-bought one is its individuality. No two cards are ever exactly the same, which means the person receiving it holds something truly one-of-a-kind. That element of surprise, of knowing someone took the time to pick a card crafted by hand, makes the gesture even more meaningful.

I also believe in keeping my cards as versatile as possible. Most of my designs are left blank inside so they can be used for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday, a heartfelt thank you, or simply a note to brighten someone’s day. And if words don’t come easily, I’m always happy to handwrite a message on your behalf, at no extra cost, so the card arrives ready to give.

Sustainability matters too. All my cards are created using responsibly sourced card and paper, making them a thoughtful choice not only for your loved ones but also for the planet.

A handmade card is more than just a piece of stationery. It’s a keepsake, a token of care, and a small work of art. In a world of quick messages and fleeting texts, it carries weight and meaning. That’s why I love what I do—and why I hope my cards bring joy to both the sender and the receiver.

So next time you want to say thank you, happy birthday, or just because, consider choosing handmade. Because the little things we do with love often mean the most.

 

Handmade with love,
Lucy x

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Hello From A Newcomer

Chunky crochet pom pom hat, soft and cosy, sizes from newborn to large adult

As I busy myself stocking up my new shop, I wanted to take a moment to say ‘Hello’ and introduce myself.

I’m a newcomer to this platform, but I’ve had some experience selling on other platforms, and I’ve included a few of the reviews from satisfied customers.

I find immense joy hooking and twisting yarn, where I create handcrafted crochet baby booties, hats, and cardigans. It’s not just a craft; it’s my happy place.

https://staging.thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk/product/daisy-crochet-baby-beanie-hat-letterbox-size-gift/

Most of the items in my shop are made to order, and you can find the processing times in each listing. I believe in putting time and care into each piece.

I’m excited to share more of my creations as my shop grows, so stay tuned for updates and new listings!

Why not grab a cuppa and pop over into my shop for a browse!

https://staging.thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk/shop/twistedbythesea/

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In the beginning……. Bumblebee Glass

A question I’m often asked in workshops is how I got into glass. Like many creative journeys it’s been a long road with much learning and many mistakes along the way.

I’d always wanted to try stained glass, but work and other training qualifications seemed to get in the way until I was bought a stained glass experience for my birthday and that was it, hooked!

I started making sun catchers at home until my skills improved and I loved trying to create animals and little Christmas decorations. Eventually I was tempted to try a microwave kiln, just to create small holly berries and eyes for my animals. Once that had grown into fused glass jewellery and Christmas decorations I knew it was time to save up for a kiln (and get some essential training on how to use it safely)!

 

The rest, as they say, is history. Bumblebee Glass was born from small beginnings at craft fairs and shows, to bricks and mortar shops and eventually online. Designing and hand creating both stained and fused glass gifts and eventually running workshops so others can enjoy glass too.

But then Covid hit and while I could still enjoy glass myself, I couldn’t host any workshops and so the make at home fused glass kits were born and still going strong. No kiln needed and great fun. Now families, friends and anyone who fancies trying fused glass can do so safely at home following simple instructions. This year I’m looking to add to the choices with some smaller mini kits to make fusing affordable for everyone. Fancy trying one?

 

Happy fusing everyone!

Sarah

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Meet the Maker – Laura Llewellyn Design

Laura Llewellyn designer and jeweller

Laura Llewellyn – Meet the Maker

I initially started making jewellery whilst studying for my Foundation Degree in Art and Design; having always been creative this was a fantastic course to do. When I first started the course I thought I would go on to study graphics or photography at university as these were 2 of my A level subjects.  After a few weeks one of my tutors suggested trying jewellery making; I signed up for an evening class and the rest is history!

Amethyst gemstone necklace handmade in sterling silverI went on to study at the University for Creative Arts in Rochester and my degree is in Silversmithing, Goldsmithing and Jewellery Design.  Once I finished studying I worked in the jewellery industry in various roles including retail, wholesale, designing, manufacturing and managing a shop. I’ve always worked for small independent companies so my responsibilities were always varied giving me a great overview of the industry.

After a few years I also began to teach at our local college
in the evenings eventually going on to take over the course I had initially began my jewellery journey on! After a few years of juggling jobs I decided to go completely self employed in 2016 and set up Hampshire School of Jewellery which I still run now.

Green Chrysocolla Malachite gemstone set in a sterling silver handmade necklaceHaving always designed and made jewellery for friends and family I set up Laura Llewellyn Design in 2017.  I work mainly in silver but do on occasion use gold and platinum. I love to search for beautiful gemstones to set in my pieces; I tend to only purchase one (or two for earrings) of each gemstone so you really are getting a one off unique piece of jewellery.

My work doesn’t have a set style; I love to work in different mediums exploring materials and making jewellery that I would love to wear myself.   It can be hard to part with the one off gemstone pieces I make!  I use a mixture of sterling and fine silver in my pieces and combine traditional silversmithing techniques with the more modern way of using silver clay depending on what I want to create. Each element of my designs is handmade including the individual stone settings.

If you see something you like but you would like it altered please get in touch to enquire from changing a chain length or sourcing a different gemstone I will always do my best to help.  I also work on bespoke commissions if you have a particular design in mind and I will work with you to create this.

I am proud to be a member of the British Society of
Jewellers and in the summer of 2020 I passed my Accredited Jewellery Professional Diploma with the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA)

I was thrilled to be chosen as a winner of Small Business Sunday by Theo Paphitis in August 2021.

My hallmark is registered with the London Assay Office and any work requiring hallmarking is sent here to be checked.  Please see my hallmarking blog for more information.

My other interests include baking, travelling, sewing and mixing cocktails. My hubby and I dance ballroom and latin.  We compete around the country at various competitions and in July 2024 won our couples category at the Blackpool finals. I am also addicted to nail varnish which is highly impractical for a jeweller!

Thank you for taking the time to visit my shop and read my blog.  You can stay up to date with my
latest creations by following me on social media.

 Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions at all

Laura x

 

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FAQs

How long does it take to dispatch my order?

Ready Made Orders: We endeavour to dispatch ready made items within 1-3 working days of purchase.

Please note this will not apply to the dispatch of any Made to Order items or items that require Hallmarking, as they need to be made and/or hallmarked first. Please See below.

Made To Order: We endeavour to get items made as efficiently as possible, and aim to dispatch within 1-5 working days of purchase. Handmade items can take many hours to create. 

If an item needs to be hallmarked then this can add another additional week into the process. Please see the hallmarking page for more information.

Thank you for your understanding. 

What is the delivery service?

We use tracked Royal Mail services to ship within the UK. This will be 24 or 48 hour delivery.

Royal Mail also handles our international deliveries, and their delivery time can vary but is estimated at  1-2 weeks (this does not account for any customs delays or other service delays in the recipient country). Any international customs duties, taxes or charges are the customer’s sole responsibility. 

Will my jewellery be hallmarked?

See information on hallmarking here.

What packaging do you use?

Your piece(s) will come in a beautiful custom made box with the gorgeous Relic logo embossed on the top. It will be tied up with a lovely recycled sari silk ribbon in a neutral colour.

We are proud to use eco-friendly packaging as much as possible. The jewellery boxes are FSC certified and recyclable (except for the insert). We also use biodegradable and recyclable postal boxes, as well as eco-friendly filling to keep your items safe while being transported. Any cards or paper items included with your order are printed on recycled and recyclable paper. Read more about Sustainability here.

 

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🌸 The Benefits of Resin Memorial Jewellery

ashes blank for resin

When it comes to memorial jewellery there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people are drawn to the depth and luminosity of glass, while others prefer the look and qualities of resin. Both materials offer their own unique benefits, and ultimately the right choice comes down to personal preference.

 

In this blog, I’ll share some of the reasons why many people choose resin memorial jewellery.

✨ 1. A Perfect, Polished Look

Resin jewellery often starts with machine-made blanks — ready-made rings, pendants, or other settings that include a space designed to hold resin. When ashes are added to the resin and set within these blanks, the result is very polished and uniform.

For some people, this “machine perfect” finish is exactly what they want: sleek, smooth, and flawless in appearance. Handmade jewellery — like ashes in glass pieces — carries the subtle character of being crafted by hand. Neither is better or worse; it’s simply a matter of whether you prefer the perfect uniformity of resin jewellery or the individual personality of handmade pieces.

🎨 2. Clear, Customisable, and Inclusive

Resin can be crystal clear, allowing ashes and other inclusions to be visible in a very distinct way. It also allows for decorative touches such as colour, glitter, petals, or even hair, because resin does not require heat. This means anything combustible can be included, whereas materials like hair or delicate plant matter would be destroyed in a kiln. Many people enjoy this versatility and the creative possibilities resin offers.

💎 3. Consistent, Flawless Appearance

Because resin is added into precision-made blanks, it results in a very consistent and flawless look. The smooth finish gives the jewellery a sleek appearance that many people find appealing, especially if they value a neat and uniform style.

💷 4. Affordability (Though Not Always)

Resin jewellery is often more affordable than glass or other handmade options, particularly when created using ready-made blanks. This can make it a great choice if you’re working with a tighter budget.

That said, some resin pieces, especially from established makers or with intricate designs, can be expensive. Prices vary depending on materials, brand, and design.

🛍 5. Wide-Ranging Styles

Resin is widely used in jewellery making, so there is a large variety of styles available, from simple to elaborate. This makes it easier to find something that matches personal taste and style.

🌿 Choosing What Feels Right

At the end of the day, resin memorial jewellery has many benefits — from its polished, uniform appearance to its versatility, ability to include delicate items like hair, and wide range of styles.

For me, I specialise in ashes in glass jewellery because I love the luminosity, depth, and permanence it offers, and I handcraft every silver setting myself. But whether you choose resin or glass, what matters most is that your jewellery brings you comfort, meaning, and a lasting connection to your loved one.

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Welcome to Zara Katrina Illustrates-The Last of the Summer Days?

Hello! Welcome to Zara Katrina Illustrates. In my shop you will find a range of my original illustrated gifts. All of these images are created by hand using a mixed media approach. I often start my illustrations with a simple sketch (from an idea I have) and then I make many more sketch studies, before I begin using to produce my illustrations. I use mostly use gouache paint (as I love the thick, vibrant colours it produces) and I also work with colour pencils and inks. 

My illustrations are inspired by my love of nature. Growing up on the South coast I love nothing more than going out for a beach walk with my family and my dog Marple. I also love the woods too. I was once a Forest School Teacher (and before that a Primary School teacher for over twenty years). I love to sketch outdoors too and use this as inspiration for my work.

I am also inspired by my childhood experiences and travelling-having lived overseas in three different countries. My illustrations are in a ‘picture book’ style and celebrate nature, nostalgia and the simple joys in life. But I am a homebody too and love to cosy up and paint at home, or read a book beside the fire with Marple.

If you’d like to find out more about my work I have several social media sites where you can see more of my work and learn more about my inspiration. I post my work regularly on instagram @zarakatrina_illustrates.com

I also have a website, which contains a portfolio of my illustrations, details about my shop, my art process and importantly how to commission me!  Please see below:

https://www.zarakatrinaillustrates.com/  

And, I particularly the Autumnal season  with all it’s orange, browns and yellow hues. Who else loves the Autumn? It feels like a slowing down after busy summer holidays, a time to carve pumpkins, cook pumpkin cakes and create autumnal inspired creations. 

I have recently joined The British Craft House after applying, and have found it to be such a warm, welcoming platform. It has such an array of skilled crafts people on board I am honoured to be here. It feels like you are walking into a high shop with beautifully displayed hand made arts and crafts. The type of shop where you always receive a warm welcome (albeit an online one).

I am so happy you’ve decided to visit my shop- thank you so much! I have an array of illustrated gifts and I also am happy to work with you on bespoke, personalised illustrated commissions. Please have a good look around my shop (and website). And please don’t hesistate to message me if you have something in mind you’d like illustrated, I’d love to hear from you .. 

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🌟 5 Reasons to Choose Glass Over Resin for Memorial Jewellery

When it comes to memorial jewellery, many people don’t realise that ashes can be set in different materials. While resin is often used, I choose to work with glass — and here’s why I believe it makes the most meaningful, lasting choice for your jewellery.

1. ✨ Luminosity and Depth

Glass naturally catches the light in a way resin cannot. It has a luminous quality, almost like looking into a gemstone, giving the ashes a beautiful depth and glow.

2. 🔥 Permanence

When ashes are fused into glass in the kiln, they become part of the material itself. Resin, on the other hand, is a type of plastic that may yellow, scratch, or deteriorate over time. Glass is stable, permanent, and built to last.

3. 🌿 A Natural Material

Glass is made from natural elements, while resin is a synthetic product. For me, using glass feels more respectful and in tune with the idea of creating something meaningful and enduring.

4. 🛠 Handcrafted Uniqueness

Every glass jewel I create is slightly different. The way the ashes react in the kiln creates a one-of-a-kind pattern, meaning no two pieces are ever the same. Resin often looks uniform and can be poured into standard moulds, but glass offers true individuality.

5. 💎 Timeless Beauty

Glass has been used in jewellery for thousands of years. Its clarity and beauty don’t fade — instead, it becomes a timeless keepsake you can treasure forever.

Choosing glass over resin means choosing a material that honours your loved one with lasting beauty, strength, and light. Every piece of ashes-in-glass jewellery I make is handcrafted with care, so you can carry your memories with you always.

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✨ How I Make Your Ashes Jewellery

ashes kit

Creating ashes jewellery is a deeply personal and meaningful process, and I treat every piece with the greatest care and respect. Each jewel is carefully handcrafted in my UK studio — no two pieces are ever the same. Here’s how I make your memorial jewellery:

🕊 Step 1: Sending Your Ashes

When you place your order, I send you an ashes collection kit. Inside, you’ll find a small tin where you place a tiny amount of your loved one’s ashes. This ensures they are kept safe and secure on their way to me.

✨ Step 2: Preparing the Ashes

Once they arrive, I carefully clean and prepare the ashes. They are gently sprinkled onto kiln paper, ready for the glass to be placed on top.

🔥 Step 3: Fusing with Glass

The ashes and glass are then fired in the kiln. This process permanently bonds the ashes with the glass, capturing them in a way that brings out light and depth. Unlike resin — which is a form of plastic — glass has a natural luminosity that reflects the spirit and beauty of your loved one.

💍 Step 4: Handcrafted Silver Setting

I create the jewellery setting in sterling silver, entirely by hand. I don’t use prefabricated blanks or mass-produced bases. Instead, I fabricate each setting myself, ensuring it perfectly complements the glass jewel.

🌿 A Unique Keepsake

Once the glass jewel is set into the silver, your piece of jewellery is complete — a unique and lasting keepsake that holds your loved one close.

Every step of this process is done with respect, care, and intention. By choosing handmade glass and silver, I can create jewellery that is not only beautiful but also meaningful, designed to last for years to come.