New exhibitors for Easter!

We have 2 new exhibitors, Hilary, who already exhibits at Gloucester Arts & Crafts Centre, near Gloucester Cathedral, and Justina Design.  I have no pictures of Justina's work yet, but keep an eye on our Twitter stream (@ By_Local) and Facebook page - I'll post some as soon as I can! In the mean time, check out her web site  http://www.justinadesign.co.uk/   to see her amazing patchwork upholstery - or better still, visit the shop, and sit in one of chairs! 

Hilary was born in Leeds, raised in Cheshire and is now living in the Cotswolds, in the beautiful spa town of Cheltenham, with her husband Jeff, children Chris and Ellen and their golden Cocker Spaniel, Charlie.

For many years she have had a keen interest in photography, calligraphy, flower arranging and, of course, jewellery.  Her main interests have now developed into jewellery design, beads, silver wirework and lampworked glass.

Read more about Hilary, and see more of her work on her web site :

http://www.spatownbeads.co.uk/

Spring weddings with a unique element!

Spring is very much a traditional time to get married - originally it was about taking advantage of tax breaks at the start of the tax year, but what better time to start married life? To begin a new identity as a couple with the summer to share is great!  Here at By Local, we have lots of touches to make your special day even more awesome, from tiaras to favours, Mother of the Bride's headgear to gifts for the new home!

Kate Michelle Jewllery makes this adorable, knitted wire coronets to keep your veil anchored - how could you not feel like a real Princess wearing one of these!  She also makes extremely wearable silver wire hearts, as necklaces and brooches, ideal both as gifts for bridesmaids to wear on the day & keep, and for a romantic touch for any guest to top of their outfit - and wear again & again, as they are a very elegant way to gift a smart touch to any outfit.

There are hearts in many forms in the shop, and many would make ideal favours for guests that they will be delighted to keep in their homes and enjoy for many years - an ongoing reminder of a happy occassion!

These romantic hangers are by Kath Cooper, who also has practical plates, cake stands and other items adorned with hearts, the larger items might make a good present for a couple you know, perhaps?

And talking presents, how about something practical, like these lustrous pots by Jane Vernon?

Or this more dainty work from Taena Pottery? I covet one of those big cups & saucers for my morning coffee - and perhaps full of soup on chilly day, like those we're dealing with at the moment!

Back on the romantic theme, how about this brilliant idea from Tara Davidson? Not just a charming dish, but a way of sending a message, too - that's a special pen on the right, you can write on the dish and it can then be wiped off, and either just used as a practical dish, for dainty sandwiches or whatever, or you can use it for sending each other loving messages! Much nicer than a post it note!

Of course, not all female guests are going to look good in a hat, but anyone, even with really short hair, can look good in a suitable fascinator!  Kez Kurg has a lovely range, of unique, delicate headgear to suit the most picky!

At the same time, Kez also has the most spectacular 'occassion' jewellery, to turn the simplest style of gown into a jaw dropping statement! She also has tiny felt hearts and brooches, which would make ideal gifts for guests and bridesmaids.  The shop has a wealth of potential presents, each unique and special, to help a special couple embark a new, joint life.

Perhaps the prefect present might be a unique clock, to measure the years as they grow closer together?! Do come in and see if we can inspire you to have a wedding, and a new, married life like no other!

Meeting the need!

With only 3 or 4 shoping days left, I thought some of you more desperate gift buyers might like some inspiration for unique gifts, that won't break the bank!

How about this stylish but homely tea pot, by Taena Pottery, for a tea drinker? Just right for 1 or 2 mugs!

Or this tiny original painting by Trudi Hayden? Give them a White Christmas for all the years to come!

Or perhaps you know a stylish man, who (like so many men!) is difficult to buy for? These sparklingly discreet cuff links may be the answer. This is just a glimpse of Fran Harding's hand made glass jewellery range.

Men often like to have somewhere to empty their pockets of all the 'stuff' we women keep in handbags, a fellow craftsman would perhaps like this? Or it would make a fine fruit bowl for a single person, perhaps. John Jacques, our wood turner, has a range of bowls, clocks & barometers, which are popular with our male customers. Not to mention earring stands, pendant watches and other goodies for ladies, too!

Thes little dishes by Tara Davidson would serve a similar purpose, for men or women - we all have little 'bits' that need to be kept somewhere safe! Single earrings, paperclips, etc, or they would be ideal for all those 'nibbles' at parties.

We have, of course, many makers of costume jewellery to choose from, this is a kniited and beaded silver wire heart, by Kate Michelle Jewellery - and she does classes in knitting wire jewellery, so if you have a crafty person to buy for, perhaps booking a place on one of those would make their eyes light up?

Hope I've given you lots of ideas, to make your task less burden some!  A very happy Christmas, and a properous 2012 to all of you, from all of us!