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Keeping Memories Close: Handmade Pet Replicas & Memorial Jewellery That Last a Lifetime

There are some bonds in life that never truly leave us.

Whether it’s the soft pitter-patter of paws around the house, the comfort of a familiar presence, or the unconditional love only a pet can give — those memories stay with us forever. And when the time comes to say goodbye, finding a way to hold onto that connection can mean everything.

That’s where my work began.

I’m the maker behind Willow-Shea | Forever In Fur, a small UK-based business dedicated to creating deeply personal keepsakes — from lifelike pet replicas to memorial jewellery designed to keep your loved ones close, always.


🐾 Pet Replicas – More Than Just a Memory

Each pet replica I create is carefully handmade using needle felting techniques, designed to capture the unique look, character, and soul of your pet.

These aren’t mass-produced items — they are crafted from your photos, with attention to the tiniest details:

  • The tilt of their head
  • The colour variations in their fur
  • Their expression — the part that makes them them

For many of my customers, these pieces become a comforting presence in their home. A way to still feel close, even after loss — or simply a beautiful way to celebrate a beloved pet who is still very much part of the family.


💍 Memorial Jewellery – Forever Close

Alongside pet replicas, I also create memorial jewellery under my Forever Close collection.

These pieces are designed to hold:

  • Ashes
  • Fur
  • Hair
  • Even whiskers

Carefully set into resin and preserved forever inside elegant jewellery designs.

Each piece is handcrafted with care, sensitivity, and respect — because I know these aren’t just materials… they are part of someone deeply loved.

From subtle pearlescent finishes to designs inspired by night skies, sand, or soft natural tones, every piece is made to reflect your story.


🖤 Handmade With Meaning

In a world full of fast, factory-made products, there is something incredibly powerful about owning something handmade — especially when it holds such personal meaning.

Every order I receive is treated with the utmost care and compassion. I understand the trust placed in me when creating memorial pieces, and I never take that lightly.


🌿 Why People Choose Handmade Keepsakes

Many of my customers come to me during emotional times — and what they’re really looking for isn’t just a product.

They’re looking for:

  • Comfort
  • Connection
  • Something that feels personal and real

Handmade keepsakes offer something truly special:

  • No two pieces are ever the same
  • Every detail is considered
  • Every piece tells a story

✨ A Piece of Them, Always With You

Whether it’s a small pendant worn close to your heart, or a lifelike replica sitting proudly in your home, these keepsakes are a way to keep those we love close — every single day.


🛍️ Explore My Work

You can browse my handmade creations here on The British Craft House, where each piece is made to order with care, love, and attention to detail.

If you’re looking for something truly personal — something that goes beyond ordinary jewellery or décor — I’d be honoured to create a piece just for you.

Because some memories deserve to be held onto forever.

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When Dame Joanna Lumley Discovered Freak Like Me

Dame Joanna Lumley wearing Natural Baltic Amber black leather bracelet made by Freak Like Me Bristol, at the opening of The House of Vintage as part of the Five Valleys Shopping Centre Stroud

Yesterday was one of those moments you don’t quite expect.AJ and I were at Sandersons Department Store in Stroud, in the newly completed Five Valleys Shopping Centre, where the official opening was being led by none other than actress, presenter, author, campaigner and absolutely fabulous  Dame Joanna Lumley OBE. We have a jewellery stand in Sandersons and as she made her way through the store, she stopped at our cabinet. She spent time looking through the pieces before choosing one of our leather and gemstone cuffs – from our new Slim Classic  Collection – a black leather and Baltic Amber piece which suited her so beautifully. Baltic Amber is fossilised tree resin dating back 30 – 50 million years and it has been used in jewellery and amulets since ancient times, particularly in Greek and Roman cultures. What made it even more special was that Amber is often associated with Taurus ( which is her star sign). Amber is soothing, calming stress and overwhelm. It is grounding, warm, and connected to the earth. It suited her perfectly. Effortless. Understated. Personal.She put the bracelet on… and kept it on.For the rest of her visit. Through the conversations, the photos, and the official opening itself. Through a video recording for Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday. That’s the thing about these pieces.They’re not just jewellery you try on and take off.They become part of you.

On the way home, AJ and I were talking in the car and asking each other ‘did this just happen’?  Did we really speak to her, did we share a hug, did she walk away wearing one of our Freak Like Me bracelets…It truly was one of those days that stays with you forever. Because you rarely get the chance to meet your heroes, and even more rare is when they turn out to be as beautiful, warm, empathetic and kind human beings in person as they seem on screen. Dame Joanna Lumley was everything we’ve ever imagined and more, and we absolutely love that a piece made with our hands went home with her. 

 

AJ & Mila x

 

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Freak Like Me Arrives at Sandersons Department Store, Stroud

A photo of the display of Freak Like Me in Sandersons department store Stroud

There’s something special about seeing your work in a space that values craftsmanship, individuality and considered design. That’s exactly why we’re so pleased to share that Freak Like Me jewellery is now available at Sandersons Department Store in Stroud.

Set within one of Stroud’s most loved independent stores, our collection sits among a carefully curated mix of brands that celebrate quality, creativity and originality – values that have always been at the heart of Freak Like Me.


Jewellery That’s Designed to Be Personal

Freak Like Me was created with a simple idea:

no two people are the same – so why should their jewellery be?

Each piece in the collection features a handcrafted leather cuff paired with a natural gemstone centre. Every stone is completely unique, shaped by nature, with its own colours, patterns and character.

What makes the collection different is the interchangeable design.

The gemstone can be removed and paired with different leather straps, allowing you to change the look depending on your style, your outfit, or simply how you feel that day.

It’s jewellery that evolves with you.


Discover the Collections In Store

At Sandersons, you’ll find two distinct collections:

The Unique Collection

Bold, statement pieces featuring larger natural gemstones.
Each one is designed to stand out – expressive, individual and impossible to replicate.

The Slim Classic Collection

A more refined, understated take on the same concept.
Smaller stones, slimmer cuffs – perfect for those who prefer something subtle but still distinctive.


A Cabinet of One-of-a-Kind Pieces

The display at Sandersons has been designed to reflect the nature of the jewellery itself.

Each bracelet is presented individually, allowing the stone to take centre stage. From vibrant turquoise to softly patterned agates, every piece offers something different – a colour, a texture, a detail that catches your eye.

It’s less about choosing a product, and more about finding the piece that speaks to you.


Why Sandersons

Stroud has long been known for its independent spirit, creative community and appreciation for craftsmanship. Sandersons reflects that perfectly – a space where customers come to discover something a little different.

Being part of that environment feels like a natural fit for Freak Like Me.


Come and Find Your Piece

If you’re local to Stroud, we’d love you to visit Sandersons and experience the collection in person.

There’s something about seeing the stones up close – the depth of colour, the natural patterns, the individuality of each piece – that can’t quite be captured online.

Because in the end, this isn’t just about jewellery.

It’s about finding something that feels like you.


 

Mila x

Freak Like Me – Unique Like You

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Welcome to Sand & Spirit – Ocean-Inspired Resin Jewellery & Coastal Gifts

Welcome to Sand & Spirit – Ocean-Inspired Resin Jewellery & Coastal Gifts

There’s something about the sea that stays with you.

The shifting colours, the movement of the tide, the way light dances across the water — it has a quiet kind of magic. At Sand & Spirit, that feeling is at the heart of everything I make.

Every piece in my shop is inspired by the beauty of the coastline: soft sandy beaches, rolling waves, and the calming blues and greens of the ocean. Using resin as my medium, I create jewellery, gifts, and homeware designed to capture those moments and bring a little piece of the coast into everyday life.

Handmade, One Piece at a Time

Unlike mass-produced accessories you’ll find on the high street, each item from Sand & Spirit is handmade in small batches. That means every necklace, pair of cufflinks, coaster, or decorative piece has its own unique character.

Resin allows colours to flow and blend naturally, creating patterns that can never be perfectly repeated. No two pieces are exactly the same — so when you choose something from my shop, you’re getting something truly individual.

Jewellery That Feels Like the Sea

If you love the ocean, beach walks, or coastal holidays, these designs are made for you.

My resin jewellery often features:

– Deep ocean blues and turquoise tones 
– Soft sandy textures 
– Shimmering wave effects 
– Natural shells and coastal details 

They’re designed to be easy to wear every day while still feeling a little special — whether you’re heading out for the day or just want a reminder of the sea wherever you are.



Coastal Gifts & Homeware

Alongside jewellery, I also create ocean-inspired gifts and homeware pieces.

These are perfect if you’re looking for something thoughtful and different — a present that feels personal rather than something picked off a shelf. From decorative pieces to practical items for the home, each design carries the same coastal inspiration.

They also make lovely gifts for:

– Birthdays 
– Housewarmings 
– Weddings or anniversaries 
– Anyone who loves the sea


Why Shop Small?

When you buy from a small handmade business, you’re not just buying a product.

You’re supporting creativity, craftsmanship, and the time spent designing and making something special. Every order placed with Sand & Spirit here at The British Craft House directly supports a small independent maker — and that means a lot.

It also means you get something made with care and attention, rather than something mass-produced.

Bring the Coast Home

Whether you’re looking for ocean-inspired jewellery, a unique gift, or something beautiful for your home, Sand & Spirit is all about bringing the feeling of the coast into everyday life.

If you love the sea as much as I do, I’d love you to take a look around the shop and find something that speaks to you.

Browse the collection and discover your own little piece of the ocean.

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About Jude Webster-Handcrafted Silver Jewellery Inspired by the Yorkshire Countryside

A poster with images of Jude Webster and Jude Webster Jewellery. The jewellery includes Sterling silver stars and universe pendant plus some commission pieces (a chunky ring with a charm attached, a bangle with a flower charm and a chain bracelet with moonstones. There are some fun facts about Jude webster, her passions and inspiration.

Hi, my name is Jude Webster and I’m the designer and maker behind Jude Webster Jewellery.

I create handcrafted silver jewellery inspired by the beautiful Yorkshire countryside that surrounds me. Every piece is made with care from recycled silver, combining traditional silversmithing techniques with a love of nature and the outdoors.

I love walking in the countryside and hiking on the North York Moors where I find inspiration in the textures, patterns and shapes of the natural world and beyond. My jewellery reflects that connection-simple, timeless designs that tell a story of nature, landscape, craftmanship and respect for the environment.

A few fun facts about me! 

  • Mum of three beautiful girls
  • I work as an Embryologist for my day job
  • Dog lover
  • Piano player
  • I’m a farmers daughter with a deep love for rural life.

Each item I make is one-of-a-kind, designed to be worn and cherished for years to come-jewellery that feels personal, meaningful and rooted in Yorkshire.

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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.