Prosecco & Rubies

Yes, I need to get my phone’s microphone fixed! 😫 In the grand scheme of things, it can wait 😅

Next in my #marchmeetthemaker catch-up list is #marketing 😳 This is something that I’ve been learning about from scratch and as someone who is naturally quite shy and doesn’t like to disturb people, I actually find this rather difficult! Thanks to @jewellersacademy I’m pushing myself to learn more and try more, and one of the major areas that I want to work on is #emailmarketing 📧💖 I do have an email list and I’m trying to send out a monthly update with news and details of up...coming events, plus any special news such as new collection launches, new blog posts and just sparkly loveliness. I also offer 10% off your first order when you sign up, so if I’ve tempted you to join the family (as I like to call it), all you have to do is go to my website and wait for about 30 seconds or scroll to the bottom of any page 😁💖 #emaillist #jointhefamily #newsletter #getthenewsfirst #digitalmarketing #comfortzone #handmade #handmadeuk #handmadejewellery #handmadejewelleryuk #instasmithy #smallbizuk #smallbusinessuk #smallbusinessmarketing #creativebizuk #creativebusiness #creativebusinessuk #mumsinbusiness #mumsinbiz #mumpreneur #mumpreneuruk #yarm #teessidebusiness #proseccoandrubies
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Hello my lovelies! I hope you’re all keeping safe and well 💖 Happy Earth Day! In the spirit of “silver linings” I’ve been thinking about all the little changes that we’ve made recently that are steps towards a more sustainable way of life. I’ve certainly been cooking from scratch more and trying to be inventive with the leftovers in my fridge, and I haven’t used my car in over three weeks 😱 I’ve also spent more time in my garden (which is why you’re getting photos of my camel...lias 🤣) and I’m hoping to be able to get back to “growing my own” as the summer progresses. How about you? Have you made any changes that you want to keep up? xxx #earthday #earthday2020 #sustainableliving #sustainability #sustainablefashion #silverlinings #handmadejewellery #handmadejewelleryuk #changeforbetter #camellias #happyearthday #inspiration #lockdownlife #lockdownlessonsforlife #gratitude #positiveenergy #positivevibes #yarm #proseccoandrubies
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The next prompt from #marchmeetthemaker is #packaging and here is one of my makes just before it got wrapped off and delivered to its new owner 😁 All my packaging is recycled and recyclable except for the ribbon (I’m working on that!) I always include a care guide, but I’m thinking of including a polishing cloth soon as well 🎁😃💖 #packaging #recycled #recycledmaterials #recycledpackaging #recyclable #recyclablepackaging #everylittlehelps #gift #giftideas #handmadejewellery #handmadejewelleryuk #sustainabledesign #sustainablefashion #sustainablebusiness #yarm #proseccoandrubies

Here’s my next belated #marchmeetthemaker post with the theme of #technique 😁 There are lots of different techniques involved in making jewellery, some of which I use every time I make something, some I’ve experimented with but don’t use regularly and some on my “to try” list! My favourite so far is stone-setting 😍 I just find it so satisfying when I catch the stone with the metal and the piece is finally finished! #stonesetting #stonesetter #satisfying #tubesetting #jewellerymaking #handmadejewellery #handmadejewelleryuk #lovegemstones #yarm #proseccoandrubies

Happy belated Easter 🐣🌷🌼 I spent it in the time-honoured tradition of “sorting the garden out”, had grand plans for a barbecue that never happened and have an armful of scratches from the roses that fought back 😂 At least the camellias are behaving themselves, so here’s a flower from one of them - I think they’re my favourite flower and one day I might even make jewellery inspired by them 😍 #happyeaster #camellias #gardening #gettingreadyforsummer #inspiration #selfcare #garden #jewelleryinspiration #yarm #proseccoandrubies

Yes, I know I’ve posted these before, but this is the “glamour shot” 🤣 Next instalment of #marchmeetthemaker catch-up is #proudof and I’m definitely proud of these cufflinks. They are completely handmade including the chain links, I tube-set four stones in the ends of the tubes and did lots of soldering joints close to each other ALL with hard solder 💪 These cufflinks make me feel like I can finally call myself a silversmith (even though I’ve been silversmithing for a while n...ow 🙄). They also mean that I’m not afraid to try even tricky projects a go - I might not get them right first time, but I’m now confident that I can and will get there, and I’ll learn a lot in the process 😁 #confidence #ivemadeit #madeit #progress #progressnotperfection #silversmith #silversmithing #bringiton #cufflinks #handmadecufflinks #silvercufflinks #genstonecufflinks #weddingjewellery #weddingcufflinks #groomsmenstyle #groomsmengifts #yarm #proseccoandrubies
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I’m still here if you need me xxx

Carrying on with #marchmeetthemaker and the prompt #selfcare ... This one is a bit difficult because my usual outlet for self care is currently enjoying the new spring grass but not his usual carrots from me 😢 I have Custard on loan at my local riding centre, but he’s on full livery so I can’t go to see him whilst we’re on lockdown. I know he’s being well cared for at the yard and he’s swishing tails with his friends, but I miss him and I’m really looking forward to being abl...e to give him a proper brush down and tell him all my worries when we’re finally allowed out for more than a run. I am managing to find other ways for self-care at the moment though - I’ll share those next week in my stories 😁 #horsesofinstagram #myhorse #palamino #palomino #palominohorse #missyou #seeyousoon #lockdown #lockdownlife #donteattoomuch #yarm #proseccoandrubies
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Ok, I know it’s April and I’ve completely missed #marchmeetthemaker but I reckon better late than never, so I’ll keep following the prompts. I left off at #help and here are my two biggest sources of support. First up is the fabulous community that is @jewellersacademy 💖 Without the generous support, encouragement and advice from the team and the lovely membership, I simply wouldn’t have a business. My other big supporter my wonderful family, especially my husband and my little boy 💖💖💖 Thank you so much for helping me make my dreams come true! #family #community #jewellersacademy #jewellersacademymembership #thankyou #support #handmadewithlove #handmadesilverjewelleryuk #handmadejewellery #handmadejewelleryuk #yarm #proseccoandrubies

Hello my lovelies! I’m back from my “social media sabbatical” and feeling a bit more like myself. We seem to be settling into some sort of new routine and we’ve done some of those “when I get round to it” jobs in the house which has definitely helped with feeling more positive. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to get into my shed to get some making done, but that will happen soon, I’m sure. I have managed to come up with a plan for the next few weeks, however, starting with fin...ishing my website overhaul 😂 I hope you are all well and managing to stay healthy - easier for some than for others, I know! I will leave you with these gorgeous blossom pink mini-hoop earrings that I made before the world got crazier than normal! Lots of love xxx #backtobusiness #backinthesaddle #findinganewnormal #minihoopearrings #blossompinkquartz #minihoops #handmadejewelleryuk #staysafe #stayhome #mentalhealthmatters #yarm #proseccoandrubies
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Hi my lovelies! It’s been a bit of a whirlwind over the past few days, hasn’t it? My head is spinning and I’m trying to make sense of what has happened, so I’ve decided to take a little break from social media for a week or two whilst I get used to this “new normal”. I will pick up where I left off soon, but in the meantime I’m going to put my family and myself first. I’m also going to lock myself away in my shed for a bit of making as well 😉 See you soon xxx #takingabreak #takingabreakfromsocialmedia #selfcare #seeyousoon #proseccoandrubies

Here’s my first video of the @jewellersacademy video challenge 😁 This is where it all began, although it’s difficult to pinpoint as I’ve loved jewellery, gemstones and making things for as long as I can remember 😂

So, #marchmeetthemaker went out of the window last week with all the changes happening here and the world at large. I’ll pick up where I left off with the current project prompt. This is the first mock up of a large ring that I’m making as a special commission - it’s a good starting point, but I’m going to make a second mock up where the band under the finger is thinner and not flared as I think this will be more comfortable for my client. I may even try a third design depending on how version 2 goes! Once we’re happy, I’ll be making this in silver 😍 #statementring #currentproject #mockup #flaredring #longring #tubering #loveachallenge #copperring #yarm #teesside #makersgonnamake #proseccoandrubies