tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13925718364979432862024-03-05T05:15:25.524+00:00Poppy KWe run PoppyK - a handmade (and sourced) jewellery & gift shop based in Manchester, UK.
Our business was born after being forced out of full time/permanent work due to the chronic illness, lupus.
Our blog is ramblings about our self-employed life running a small business and about our passions such as animals, travel and small, independent business.PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-40492349855142624892020-05-10T11:21:00.000+01:002020-05-10T11:21:58.152+01:00Two Months in Self-Isolation : Working from Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it is now 59 days since we started to self-isolate/shield and start working from home and I have to say, we are quite enjoying it. I have moments of going stir crazy - I really miss my swimming and meeting up with my friends and James is definitely missing his beloved Stockport County Football Club.....but there are some positives. We have, for example, been able to spend time with our pets - we have four cats. I find the innocence and cuteness of animals very calming and I have really enjoyed spending more time with them. I think they are a little fed up of me though......they are torn between liking me here to attend to every whim, but I think would like for me to go away for a few hours every day to give them some peace. I had forgotten how demanding cats can be though.....they, and we, have definitely put on weight! You may recall that I found our 4th cat - a little black and white kitten in Manchester city centre back in September.....well, here she is now, we think about 10 months old and loving her (safely fenced in) garden. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=27176745" target="_blank">Birthstone Bracelets</a></td></tr>
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Another positive about working from home is that we have had more time in the day to think about and evaluate our business. We have been selling the birthstone jewellery for a couple of years now and it is very popular for people to buy as gifts - with the family birthstones on. A few of our customers have said to us that it would have been nice to have had a card or something to say what the stones represent....what a brilliant idea....So, all our birthstone jewellery now comes presented on a special card with all the stones and months.<br />
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We have also uploaded lots of brand new products onto both our <a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns" target="_blank">Etsy</a> & <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/partners/poppyk/products" target="_blank">NotOnTheHighStreet</a>. We have some gorgeous summery trinkets with a strong 'ocean-inspired' theme - such as starfish earrings & bracelets, stingray bracelets, sea life anklets and much more</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/products/sterling-silver-starfish-stud-earrings" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3q7bjjX4tYONSH9ZvqETaEQj_HU2EJG774IVCwwgeRLGxGU1oDtOMGdjk4R9t5Kk6lGq8fEQtbPZlW8wmIwYCMhj8hlUh7atYL46y-uof_EL23A9z7pOBUIuT3WpDYOKt90vDnMLPXHh/s320/2G1A2105.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/products/sterling-silver-starfish-stud-earrings" target="_blank">Sterling Silver Starfish Earrings</a></td></tr>
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<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-40516883739968560572020-04-25T11:30:00.000+01:002020-04-25T11:30:49.776+01:00Getting Used to a New Normal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have been working from home for over a month now. It has certainly been a challenge adapting back to the office being at home. We brought most of our stock and as much of our equipment and machines back from the studio, so we are currently managing to still provide the vast majority of our ranges and so far, so good. </div>
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We were fortunate, timing wise, in that we had just had a photo shoot for some of our latest products just prior to lockdown.....so we have been able to use some of our time to upload our new products to our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykittendesigns" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop, <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/poppyk" target="_blank">Not On The High Street</a> storefront and our own standalone<a href="http://www.poppyk.co.uk/" target="_blank"> website</a>. </div>
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We have massively expanded our sterling silver range this year. We have literally hundreds of gorgeous of pieces of jewellery to show you. Much of our sterling silver range is also available with gold or rose gold plating too. </div>
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Our ankle bracelets have been really popular so far this year. Perfect for summer, anklets add a bit of glamour to those tanned legs. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/collections/sterling-silver-anklets" target="_blank">Sterling Silver Anklets</a></td></tr>
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We have also seen our gift boxed charm bracelets spike in popularity. They are ideal 'letterbox gifts' and perfect for 'thoughtful gifting'. We offer a range of '<a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/collections/morse-code-bracelets" target="_blank">Morse Code</a>' bracelets (presented on a card to explain the message and gift boxed) and special occasion <a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/collections/life-charms-bracelets" target="_blank">charm bracelets</a>. </div>
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We have so much more gorgeousness to show you....so pop over to our website and check out our spring summer range xx</div>
<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-58805885885760966182020-03-20T08:01:00.002+00:002020-03-20T08:01:38.632+00:00Coronavirus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a difference a week makes.......<br />
This time last week we were on holiday in Norway....walking in snow shoes up in the snow covered mountains, looking down at the fjords and admiring the world >>> fast forward a week and things are very different.<br />
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We made the decision, whilst still in Norway, that we would self isolate immediately on our return to the UK. As some of you may know, I suffer from the auto immune disease, lupus (SLE). This means that my immune system doesn't work properly - it over reacts - so I have to take medication to dampen it down - and also reacts in a 'faulty' manner - which means that I pick up infections easily and suffer complications. I am very high risk. Therefore, for us, self-isolating was a no brainer.....but for me to self-isolate, it would mean James had to too.<br />
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As soon as we landed in Manchester, late last Thursday night, we headed straight to our studio in the city centre to bring as much home as we possibly could - our stock, tools, materials, machines - first working from the kitchen table to get all the orders placed whilst we were away out as quickly as possible.....then, we spent the weekend converting our spare room to a make shift studio.<br />
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One side of the room is for 'making' our orders....and the other side is the 'packing' station....with the stock and machines organised around the remaining space.....and our cats are frequent visitors. I think they are loving us being home all day every day to cater to their every demand.<br />
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We are fortunate in the sense that we can work from home. Others aren't in such a fortunate position. We are also blessed by the kindness of others. Our local post office (shout out here - Mellor Road in Cheadle Hulme) as usual, are going above and beyond and the lovely owner is allowing James to drop off our orders first thing, before he opens, to help us to keep going and reduce the chance of James mixing with others and potentially getting infected - and infecting me - with COVID19.<br />
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This is a very worrying time for everybody. From concerns and fears about the health of ourselves and our loved ones......many of us are also worried sick about our jobs and income.....keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table. As with many small, independent businesses, this is our only income and we don't have huge (or even small) reserves of wealth/assets behind us. We are hoping to weather the storm and get through this.<br />
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As humans, we are all at our best when we come together and support each other.....stay safe everyone and we are sending our thoughts, positivity and good wishes to all our customers, followers and friends.<br />
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See you all soon xxxPoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-72499224367620134422020-02-29T11:14:00.000+00:002020-02-29T12:54:10.638+00:00It's February 29th - and ages since I last posted.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well....it is the 29th February today and it's only once every four years that we can say that ;)<br />
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I cannot believe it has been so long since we last wrote a blog post......we were just finishing our 12 week pop up shop at Hatch when I last posted something. That was the beginning of September!<br />
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So much has happened since then and the last few months have been a whirlwind......<br />
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Let's start with the most important news......as some of you may know I am a keen swimmer. I swim at least 3 times a week and find it really helps with the arthritis and joint pain that comes with having lupus. Anyway, last September I was walking from the Aquatics Centre to Manchester Piccadilly station (down Granby Row where the Vimto statue is, if you know Manchester city centre at all) and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a little black and white kitten sitting on the wall miaowing its little heart out....<br />
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....fast forward a few days and Vimto the kitten turned out to be a little girl, about 6-7 weeks old and with the help of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/508486362674789/" target="_blank">Rescue Kitties Manchester</a> we managed to trap her and get her to rescue. She is now vaccinated, neutered and my best little friend. We adopted her and are totally devoted to her. She even comes to the studio with me sometimes....</div>
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Which brings me to our next 'new' thing. After our 12 week pop up, we discovered we quite liked not working from home and having a base in town. PoppyK has grown so much in the last few years (thanks in no small part to all our wonderful customers and supporters) that we no longer have enough space at home. The business took over the whole house....even the downstairs toilet became a store room for boxes of envelopes! Anyway, we found the perfect studio in town - in a beautiful old mill near the university (and near the Aquatics Centre for my swimming) and moved into it in September. I guess climbing the stairs to the third floor every day is good exercise for me too....even though I can't see any physical changes yet ;) </div>
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We also returned to our stall on Manchester Christmas markets for the 4th year in a row. We were lucky enough to have a stall right outside Selfridges and had our best year ever there. Thank you so much to all our wonderful customers - both our loyal regulars and the new face that visited our stall this year. James did most of the work on the stall this year and I was pretty much in the studio from 7am - midnight from late October to Christmas Eve. We had a very busy Christmas online too - we sell on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/partners/poppyk/products" target="_blank">Not On The High Street</a> and <a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/" target="_blank">our own website, PoppyK</a> and it was me who made and sent pretty much all our online orders out in November and December. Again, thank you so much to everyone who chose PoppyK, you absolutely made our Christmas and made 2019 our best year to date. Thank you so, so much. </div>
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So.....that is the last few months of 2019 covered and now we are nearly into the third month of 2020.</div>
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We had the first two weeks of the year off on holiday and now are well and truly back in the swing of things. We have lots of gorgeous new products to show you - some of which have been ready and photographed since October, but we were so busy in the run up to Christmas that we have only just had time to start uploading them all the websites over the last few weeks. We also have a photoshoot booked in March for loads more. We are sooooo excited and cannot wait to launch all our new ideas and see what you guys think......here is a sneak preview of some of our new accessories range......all personalisable (is that even a word?) if you so desire.......</div>
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Hope you love all our new things as much as we do xxx</div>
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<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0Manchester, UK53.4807593 -2.242630553.329540300000005 -2.565354 53.6319783 -1.9199070000000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-13504469829454460812019-08-11T11:35:00.000+01:002019-08-11T11:35:04.045+01:00Hatch - Thursday Trader Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, we are now halfway into our 12 week pop up shop at Hatch on Oxford Road, Manchester and what a fantastic experience it has been so far. We even featured in this week's <a href="https://hatchmcr.com/thursday-trader-talk-poppy-k/?fbclid=IwAR3XH3cJ3A1YAlJ04OphAx-1R43vl0JgutYjS-pbNSFW4-ZgbD4Pr01p_Bg" target="_blank">Thursday Trader Talk</a> where we were asked questions about our business and how we started.<br />
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One of the things we are asked most frequently is how our day is structured. Often, people think that because we are self-employed, we have a lot of 'free; time - when in fact the opposite is true. Being self-employed means that we are never really 'off work'. Even on holidays, we have to be where we have wifi (or pay for wifi packages on cruises) so we can answer customer questions and respond quickly to any issues.<br />
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A typical day for us starts at 6am, where we check all our e mails and Etsy convos and deal with any queries. More often than not, we have e mails from our American customers (who make up about a third of our sales on Etsy). We then make a start on our orders for the day. We have online shops on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?" target="_blank">Etsy</a>. <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/bypoppy" target="_blank">NotOnTheHighStreet</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/PoppyK/dp/B07PXF3ZG6" target="_blank">Amazon Handmade</a> and our own <a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a>. All the orders are packed in the order in which they were placed, unless the customer has selected Express or Next Day Delivery Guaranteed.<br />
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Once we have packed our orders, one of us sets off to open the shop and takes the first batch of post for the day to the Post Office. Our shop opens at 11am every day (except Sundays). At the end of the day in the shop, we come home to the studio and then start again on our orders until about 10pm.<br />
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As well as working in the shop and making and packing our orders, we also have to find time in the day for things like accounting, making and sourcing new products, website/online shop maintenance, product photography and all the other little things that go into running a business.<br />
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It is easy to neglect yourself when you are self-employed so we also have designated 'us' time in the week to try and keep fit. We both walk to the station and to the shop every day, rather than drive and James has Wednesdays off to play football, whilst Anna is a member at the Manchester Aquatics Centre and often pops off during the day to swim. The shop is perfectly located just a couple of minutes walk from the Aquatics Centre - so there is little or no excuse ;)<br />
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xxx<br />
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<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-53775842688125823072019-06-30T18:00:00.000+01:002019-06-30T18:00:24.862+01:00Our 12 Week Pop Up Shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For years we have dreamed of having our very own jewellery and gift shop. We have spent the last 12 years travelling the length and breadth of the country to exhibit at craft shows, country fairs, shopping events & markets. Much as we love the travelling and meeting lots of new people, it has always been a bit of a dream to have our own shop.</div>
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On Saturday 15th June, we opened the doors to our first bricks and mortar (well, it is a shipping container) shop. We will be based here for 12 weeks, maybe even longer.....who knows. Hatch is a place to eat, drink and shop in Manchester. It is a fantastic space, great for chilling out and watching the world go by and is located on Oxford Road in the city centre - right underneath the Mancunian Way. You can read more about Hatch <a href="https://en-gb.facebook.com/HatchMCR/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Our little shop is a converted shipping container....a couple of shops in as you enter on the right hand side. </div>
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We have been open for a couple of weeks now and are loving having our own shop. The ultimate dream would be to have a 'proper' bricks and mortar shop in the city centre (maybe even a few shops one day) - but with the extortionate costs of rent and business rates, this seems a distant dream.<br />
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So far, our shop is stocked with all our scarf designs, (you can also see these on our own <a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> and in our NOTHS storefront) sterling silver and charm bracelets range. We will be introducing our full personalised range this week - starting with the 'Independent's Day' celebrations on Thursday and Friday this week. You will be able to get your own personalised, engraved jewellery while you wait! Starting at just £15 for plated bracelets and necklaces.<br />
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If you aren't based in Manchester, or can't get down to Hatch - you can, as always, find us online on one of sales channels there. Here is the full list : </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?ref=seller-platform-mcnav" target="_blank">PoppyKittenDesigns Etsy shop</a></div>
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<a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/" target="_blank">PoppyK - our standalone website</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/PoppyK/dp/B07PXF3ZG6" target="_blank">PoppyK on Amazon Handmade</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/bypoppy" target="_blank">By Poppy on NotOnTheHighStreet</a></div>
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On that note, seeing as it is our 7th wedding anniversary today, I will sign off and open that bottle of prosecco that has been chilling in the fridge. Time for relaxation, a nice glass of prosecco and some quality time with our three gorgeous kitties in the sunshine xxx</div>
<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-35079455069057308492019-05-01T16:40:00.000+01:002019-05-01T16:40:01.701+01:00.......Aaaaaand We're Back........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good afternoon and hope everyone had a fantastic Easter?</div>
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We have been super busy the last week or so since returning from our Easter break. We had a fantastic fortnight cruising the Western Caribbean with Marella Cruises. We flew out to Jamaica and then visited Grand Cayman, Cuba, Mexico, Hondurus, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico again and back to Jamaica. Of course, it has taken us a week to catch up on all the stuff that built up whilst we were away.....orders (thank you so much to those of you who were so patient and happy to wait for your orders), VAT return (grrrrr) and all the other behind-the-scenes stuff that I won't bore you with. Totally worth it though, we had an absolutely amazing time and am now back, re energised and ready for the summer!</div>
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As you have probably guessed, travelling is one of our many interests and passions. I love experiencing different places, cultures, and of course, the food. I find that I am always super refreshed and revitalised after a holiday - especially if I have been to the sea/beach. Maybe it's a Greek thing, but I feel most at home, relaxed and happy by the sea. I have lots of new designs and pieces to list in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykittendesigns" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop and on our <a href="http://www.poppyk.co.uk/" target="_blank">PoppyK website</a> over the next few weeks. Most of which are travel, summer and sea-inspired/themed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwmifZdHfEFzgWRD1YZZhZXeiM5zhycZp7irXflcij1VqPm2dF1c47n_ig3lxM52lhr00LTR9kzGAUaYFHK3lj59LAqLL4pzQvn0cfJZ1ytzZ23Qhja_RfykKTjB5lwcsYIyL1qSo0nev/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwmifZdHfEFzgWRD1YZZhZXeiM5zhycZp7irXflcij1VqPm2dF1c47n_ig3lxM52lhr00LTR9kzGAUaYFHK3lj59LAqLL4pzQvn0cfJZ1ytzZ23Qhja_RfykKTjB5lwcsYIyL1qSo0nev/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here are two of our latest products (I am wearing the bracelet version myself as I type this) : sterling silver map necklace and bracelet. These are perfect for travel lovers, geographers, students and as graduation or leaving gifts. As always, in the Etsy shop, these can be personalised with hand stamped initials and charms. Check them out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/682078692/sterling-silver-map-necklace-travel?ref=shop_home_active_22" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/681764664/sterling-silver-map-bracelet-travel?ref=shop_home_active_23" target="_blank">here</a>. Hope you like them?<br />
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Anyway, I best get on....it is my swimming club night tonight - another one of my loves and passions....and I have all those Caribbean cocktails to work off.......<br />
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Have a great week, lots of love<br />
Poppy x<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUk3ok8sQWwHbDKhCpfPptFRZI9ehUPE_nHO942iaSXUuIUq84CjrIFqhGiOEWB_dg2ru87Rm5m7wjVKzuBWNM65TgS-u-HNG1KfDRf-cNv9l27Dj6nkyZPo3_kGys0Y0NlMiHTUet1h7/s1600/fullsizeoutput_b03e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="709" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUk3ok8sQWwHbDKhCpfPptFRZI9ehUPE_nHO942iaSXUuIUq84CjrIFqhGiOEWB_dg2ru87Rm5m7wjVKzuBWNM65TgS-u-HNG1KfDRf-cNv9l27Dj6nkyZPo3_kGys0Y0NlMiHTUet1h7/s320/fullsizeoutput_b03e.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-90873884504557400512019-03-10T14:12:00.000+00:002019-03-10T14:12:54.187+00:00Top Seven Mother's Day Gift Ideas<h3 style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGSYN82_kf54O9ODWC3k-of8EZkUq5A-n0CXRTLW0ftuYh7OeF8ELFt16Z9meyI8wrMDKWuqY72IwyAh6Y15gdAe6Dq7H9K10nrV-mE2RauVNmgVujWT3MCaU6Dtlr7yhMc89U6dsXcN6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-03-10+at+12.31.41.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGSYN82_kf54O9ODWC3k-of8EZkUq5A-n0CXRTLW0ftuYh7OeF8ELFt16Z9meyI8wrMDKWuqY72IwyAh6Y15gdAe6Dq7H9K10nrV-mE2RauVNmgVujWT3MCaU6Dtlr7yhMc89U6dsXcN6/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-03-10+at+12.31.41.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Thoughtful & Unique Gifts She Will Love</u></h3>
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Check out our guide to choosing the perfect Mother's Day gift for that special Mum, Nana or lady in your life.....</div>
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1. The Mother Everyone Wishes They Had Gift : 'Mother' in Morse Code Bracelet </h4>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9D3MN-jDemfahof_uO04gjF7GmaeO7XPth5vtiMwa64zWc2ZJzN78okVw0V7cWdYdj7lvnkpKxqrxTCEUaUXOj_1lSUZnwnBn8uaOqL90w9rzKY_6SRyLMHUWmD72cgjCBoAYcooXEPJ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_ac40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mother bracelet" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9D3MN-jDemfahof_uO04gjF7GmaeO7XPth5vtiMwa64zWc2ZJzN78okVw0V7cWdYdj7lvnkpKxqrxTCEUaUXOj_1lSUZnwnBn8uaOqL90w9rzKY_6SRyLMHUWmD72cgjCBoAYcooXEPJ/s320/fullsizeoutput_ac40.jpeg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/collections/life-charms-bracelets/products/mother-in-morse-code-bracelet" target="_blank">Mother Morse Code Bracelet</a><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This gorgeous and unique bracelet features the word 'Mother' in morse code - the code is represented by alternating 'dots' and 'dashes' of silver plated and rose gold plated beads.</span></span><br />
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2. The Dog Lover Mum : The Wife, Mother, Dog Lover Sweatshirt</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxEbrOtzsbBKTe3RVy5WvfOqZCTc0UBoLP4Saxx-G0-sZDPDKa__9ljarVI0KZCXim4FTdfQHZ1cEALbp0Ar2etJ2URh_931_C_KdtrkLaDPWUUF1sGO1uOYQUlohaxQD4b7thnPizIxI/s1600/wife+mother+dog+lover+black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dog lover sweater" border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxEbrOtzsbBKTe3RVy5WvfOqZCTc0UBoLP4Saxx-G0-sZDPDKa__9ljarVI0KZCXim4FTdfQHZ1cEALbp0Ar2etJ2URh_931_C_KdtrkLaDPWUUF1sGO1uOYQUlohaxQD4b7thnPizIxI/s320/wife+mother+dog+lover+black.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A unique gift idea for that dog loving mum. This sweatshirt is available in sizes 8-16 and in black or grey versions. Check it out in the <a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/collections/gifts-for-dog-lovers" target="_blank">Gifts for Dog Lovers</a> collection by PoppyK.</span><br />
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3. The Cat Lover Version : The Wife, Mother, Cat Lover Sweatshirt</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEugtybo4peSN_qN4ny4iDMaPjGV-F1sVXTN8efXFBw4gL8ijN2ZrqCbFM7n99ZHOnq3BuD6mMv0SthT7-vMwjN3IXe7GKviQ9tZBzvzpRKpGyGldcW-CLoZLxQVKlJGIVo05q1WuFj_b/s1600/wife+mother+cat+lover+grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1600" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEugtybo4peSN_qN4ny4iDMaPjGV-F1sVXTN8efXFBw4gL8ijN2ZrqCbFM7n99ZHOnq3BuD6mMv0SthT7-vMwjN3IXe7GKviQ9tZBzvzpRKpGyGldcW-CLoZLxQVKlJGIVo05q1WuFj_b/s320/wife+mother+cat+lover+grey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A unique gift idea for that dog loving mum. This sweatshirt is available in sizes 8-16 and in black or grey versions. Check it out in the </span><a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/collections/gifts-for-cat-lovers" target="_blank">Gifts for Cat Lovers</a><span style="font-size: small;"> collection by PoppyK.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">4. For the Jewellery Loving Mum - Beautiful Sterling Silver</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4qktLw-1yEx7TcD3x_op4B1dRoHFiv5nth1gyydQgmC1xJhLf2Ci1DUDX6Er9ZvOATxkXjuNbh6B5n7Kvf53yhB-PF4-S_5z-rG3MeOJfXJHlhzGrxMOoPF-o7BvdV9WQFSIMRdRqB2j/s1600/Untitled+design-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4qktLw-1yEx7TcD3x_op4B1dRoHFiv5nth1gyydQgmC1xJhLf2Ci1DUDX6Er9ZvOATxkXjuNbh6B5n7Kvf53yhB-PF4-S_5z-rG3MeOJfXJHlhzGrxMOoPF-o7BvdV9WQFSIMRdRqB2j/s320/Untitled+design-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We have an ever-growing range of sterling silver and rose gold jewellery in the <a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/collections/jewellery" target="_blank">Sterling Silver</a> collection on our website. With prices ranging from £8 - £60, there is something beautiful for all budgets. All our sterling silver jewellery is gift-boxed and ready to gift. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">5. For the Scarf Loving Mum - Gorgeous Bee Scarves</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PBELpTnW2eGuf7VXGCGm4ktOhMqEAL8udvqDoxEeHaU2jjGgeu1Khiz9eHkR1_v_wnVpmvzIAjIrcrA1P3dVA28f0jMqxLIPfwMMv6Pp7p9ovB5qHSdpHYnKg3_M6JNCMZ5dsgAi0tZi/s1600/Untitled+design-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PBELpTnW2eGuf7VXGCGm4ktOhMqEAL8udvqDoxEeHaU2jjGgeu1Khiz9eHkR1_v_wnVpmvzIAjIrcrA1P3dVA28f0jMqxLIPfwMMv6Pp7p9ovB5qHSdpHYnKg3_M6JNCMZ5dsgAi0tZi/s320/Untitled+design-8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Scarves make such lovely gifts. These ones are perfect for all seasons and at only £9 each, they are fantastic gifts for under £10. The bee scarves pictured are one of our most popular designs and are available in a range of colours with either silver foil or rose gold foil bee print. Check them out in our <a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/collections/scarves" target="_blank">Scarves</a> collection</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">6. Personalise it for Mum - Choose Your Own Engraved Wording</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHtBoEYZlt1KOk_Wp87KG61SMjLxTb5VD9G47HhUetiKLlwDAcvG71DC2pc3fTJuiQgR6VFJ_3g7PJSW9BdQxcebST8RHzVlwU29OraKqhT9q6v2TYHzYF1zaISa2OiQTwlPVNYNW-5X8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_ab82.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHtBoEYZlt1KOk_Wp87KG61SMjLxTb5VD9G47HhUetiKLlwDAcvG71DC2pc3fTJuiQgR6VFJ_3g7PJSW9BdQxcebST8RHzVlwU29OraKqhT9q6v2TYHzYF1zaISa2OiQTwlPVNYNW-5X8/s320/fullsizeoutput_ab82.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Engrave the word 'Mum', a name of your choice, or even a short phrase on one of our bar bracelets or necklaces. Choose from gold, rose gold or silver plated versions on a variety of chains, slider bracelets and rope slider bracelets. We have so much to choose from in both our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=25443606" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop and on our own, standalone <a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/collections/jewellery-personalised-and-engraved" target="_blank">PoppyK</a> website.</span></span><br />
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7. For the Stressed Out Mum - There's A Chance This is Wine Mug</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGis-q1NGJJE9oATaSMBOcoAKOkbU0MrYdHsmyB09mnje7RSRBxnlbZ1lkKEOH-d1HpJT9lEXvTJ4ccNB5s9uolWwB9Q2yHeG_6kQ70E7v4DUgWqtr4frWhLGGpxpLwbtuP3_49MQ8wag/s1600/chance+wine+pers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGis-q1NGJJE9oATaSMBOcoAKOkbU0MrYdHsmyB09mnje7RSRBxnlbZ1lkKEOH-d1HpJT9lEXvTJ4ccNB5s9uolWwB9Q2yHeG_6kQ70E7v4DUgWqtr4frWhLGGpxpLwbtuP3_49MQ8wag/s320/chance+wine+pers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here is another lovely gift for under £10. We offer this in the 'wine', 'vodka', 'whisky' and 'rum' versions and all our mugs are fully personalisable. Get yours from our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykgifts?section_id=24351214" target="_blank">PoppyK Gifts</a> Etsy shop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">* About PoppyK</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: left;">Here is just a small selection of the jewellery and gifts we offer. We have a wide range of jewellery, a lot of which can be personalised in both our </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykittendesigns" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Poppy Kitten Designs</a><span style="text-align: left;"> Etsy shop and on our standalone website </span><a href="http://www.poppyyk.co.uk/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">PoppyK</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We have been selling on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykittendesigns" target="_blank">Etsy</a> for a few years now and have over 16,000 sales on there. We opened our second shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykgifts" target="_blank">PoppyK Gifts</a> on Etsy in summer 2018 where we sell personalised gifts. Our own, standalone site was launched in October 2018 and combines both our jewellery and personalised gifts and many more exclusive products. We are sure you will find a fantastic range of thoughtful and unique gift ideas for all occasions. </span></div>
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PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-55721145729259254222019-03-08T09:20:00.000+00:002019-03-08T09:20:36.457+00:00The Maker's Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How are we in March already???? The year seems to be flying by so far and it is time for our first shows of the year. Over the years, we have done many fairs around the country. From small, local events to huge events at the NEC, we have pretty much tried most event types. We love getting out and meeting people and introducing new people to our PoppyK range, but over the last few years we have found that the cost of exhibiting has sky rocketed. With the costs of the stall (which can be anything from £300 - £2500), transport, stock etc and then the fact that we are VAT registered and have to give 20% of our turnover to HMRC, we have had to have a serious re think about where we exhibit.<br />
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For 2019 we are still going out and about, but we are being much more selective about the events we are doing and staying nearer to our base in Manchester, rather than travelling the length and breadth of the country. With that in mind, we have our first 2 shows of the year this weekend! On Saturday 9th March, we will be at Stockport Maker's Market in Stockport Market Place in the heart of Stockport's old town. We are really excited to be doing a show in Stockport for the first time, not least because Stockport is our home town and we are based in the suburb of Cheadle Hulme. On Sunday, we will be at the Northern Quarter Maker's Market in Stephenson Square. Let's hope the Mancunian weather doesn't let us down and resists the urge to rain......<br />
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We will not be able to take our full range to the Maker's Markets due to the size of the stall, but we will have a few pieces from all our ranges. We will have scarves, sterling silver jewellery, fashion jewellery and our hand stamped and engraved pieces.<br />
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If you are in Stockport on Saturday or the Northern Quarter on Sunday, please feel free to drop by and say hi......now, fingers crossed for a nice weekend xxx<br />
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<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-58266388420001487732019-02-20T10:49:00.001+00:002019-02-20T10:49:52.934+00:00January Cruising & Back to Reality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it has taken us until 20th February to write our first blog post of 2019! Sorry for the delay but it has been all go behind the scenes here at PoppyK. We started 2019 after the busiest Christmas season on record. Thank you so much to all our lovely customers and friends who supported us in 2018. We cannot thank you enough for your support for our business and dream.<br />
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Following the excitement of our hugely successful Christmas, we were back to reality with a bump in January - the first 2 weeks were consumed with self-assessment and VAT returns. One of our resolutions this year is to keep on top of our self-assessments as we go! Let's see how long that lasts......<br />
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The second half of January was spent enjoying a fantastic cruise holiday in the Caribbean. It has become our 'thing' the last three years.....a Caribbean cruise in January to recharge our batteries and spoil ourselves after the madness of the festive season. This time we cruised with Celebrity Cruises on the Celebrity Silhouette. What an amazing ship and itinerary. We absolutely loved every second with special highlights being St Maarten, St Thomas and seeing sperm whales in Dominica. We had a few days in Fort Lauderdale before returning home and another highlight was a trip to Key West. What a place!<br />
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Anyway, we are now back to reality and looking ahead to 2019. Much as we love our holidays and cruises, we are never too sorry to return home to our three cats and our business. They are our whole lives and we absolutely love what we do at PoppyK.<br />
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We have lots of new designs, ideas and products in the shop and lots more in progress and to come. Brand new on our <a href="https://poppyk.co.uk/" target="_blank">website </a>and in our <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/partners/bypoppy/products" target="_blank">NotOnTheHighStreet </a>store are these 'Secret Message' morse code bracelets. We have long been a stockist of Life Charms bracelets in our NOTHS store and are thrilled to add these gorgeous new designs to our collection. The bracelets feature beads arranged to show messages in morse code. Choose from 'Besties', 'Believe', 'Daughter', 'Family', 'Forever', 'Friend', 'Mother', 'Sister' or 'Soul Sisters'.<br />
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All these bracelets come gift boxed and with the Morse Code alphabet shown on the back of the presentation card along with space to write your own message.<br />
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Aren't they just fabulous? xxPoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-53349959848401024822018-10-13T08:06:00.000+01:002018-10-13T08:06:13.272+01:00Robin Redbreast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Who doesn't love robins? Such beautiful little birds which have long been associated with Christmas. We must admit, we get a little buzz of excitement when we see one in the garden. Not only are they associated with Christmas, but some also believe that they can represent the soul of a loved one watching over you.<br />
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This year, we have created a range of robin-themed products and we are just loving all of them. It is so hard to choose a favourite. We really believe we have a robin-themed product for everyone.<br />
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In keeping with the theme of remembrance and lost loved ones, we have both Christmas decorations and mugs featuring the phrase 'When robins appear, a loved one is near'.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/635294758/robin-decoration-when-robins-appear-a?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Ceramic Christmas Robin Decoration</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/635291200/robin-mug-mug-personalised-mug-robin?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Robin Mug</a></td></tr>
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We also offer some beautiful robin-themed jewellery and accessories. Our robin necklace is sterling silver with a rose gold plated redbreast......and you can get matching earrings to go with it. Last year our robin scarves were one of our bestsellers, both at shows and on our <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/bypoppy" target="_blank">Not On The High Street</a> storefront. We have these available in cream, red, mustard, navy, turquoise, pink....and brand new for this year, green. </div>
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We are also working on some more robin products, such as cushions and pyjamas (these should be available on our website and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykgifts" target="_blank">PoppyK Gifts Etsy store </a>by the end of October). For now, we will leave you with our super cute personalised robin Christmas stocking.......it's sooooooo cute<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/628320660/personalised-christmas-stocking?ref=shop_home_active_18" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhkfpU-r1Wiko7aPurtunrEgyXDnBRcf4jSiE5fePF8UYIvcZvB2iPQ5AeEUj6Q5b2fE_iLtvjyrV4asAeywqT2toPEIJJ7JqaLudBYxU0QtOhdxE23eeFxlrxV_zW5PxXGMJk8uSosXY/s320/Robin+Stocking.png" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/628320660/personalised-christmas-stocking?ref=shop_home_active_18" target="_blank">Robin Christmas Stocking - can be personalised.</a></td></tr>
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PS : We will be at Manchester Christmas Markets from 9th November - 22nd December if you would like to see our products in person. Our 'Poppy Kitten Designs' jewellery stall will be on Exchange Square (outside Selfridges) and our 'Poppy K Gifts' stall will be on Market Street.<br />
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PPS : For our Southern friends, we will be at the Crafts for Christmas event at the South of England Showground, Ardingley from 25th - 28th October.<br />
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PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-52365951842178522482018-09-17T20:18:00.000+01:002018-09-17T20:18:37.529+01:00We're Back in Blogger Land.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOIv-XFhx9x6r_YDcu_8ssf3p0rnSfbybp1b0wQYJBcjkpHL4rjk8beKRsobEW9Vpg0C6YLR-lkoUvIax6Jx7fWV-JOXknOr40bILPdnqPLB-qEOlFayDUkvP5mmwLXDKedFhzW7wnJ0Y/s1600/Christmas+for+Pets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1600" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOIv-XFhx9x6r_YDcu_8ssf3p0rnSfbybp1b0wQYJBcjkpHL4rjk8beKRsobEW9Vpg0C6YLR-lkoUvIax6Jx7fWV-JOXknOr40bILPdnqPLB-qEOlFayDUkvP5mmwLXDKedFhzW7wnJ0Y/s320/Christmas+for+Pets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well good evening to you.<br />
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It has been absolutely ages since we last wrote a blog post. So long, in fact, that we have almost forgotten how to do it.....so, why the radio silence?<br />
It has been a very busy 18 months with the business. James has spent the last 18 months travelling the length and breadth of the country promoting the Poppy K brand. We have expanded our range considerably. Our jewellery is still the main focus and our flagship <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykittendesigns" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop is going from strength to strength and continues to be our pride & joy. Our jewellery still has it's main focus around animals and nature, but we have massively expanded into personalised jewellery, with much more to come in the run up to Christmas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRi12QhhPnVxtV7_98CGxtsK24SrLXEBfEIxofOqdVm1OnTicLwIz7KiVNl3e2ASFJH9-VJjG4689q8W1GRK5-WaCgtBqmYcykFJs-hHmJFsN_MzUyZjqyaGhplzzXIDMwBZVwDDUpA1P/s1600/aqua+inital+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1383" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRi12QhhPnVxtV7_98CGxtsK24SrLXEBfEIxofOqdVm1OnTicLwIz7KiVNl3e2ASFJH9-VJjG4689q8W1GRK5-WaCgtBqmYcykFJs-hHmJFsN_MzUyZjqyaGhplzzXIDMwBZVwDDUpA1P/s320/aqua+inital+bracelet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our jewellery range has also expanded to include an ever-growing range of sterling silver pieces. We are particularly fond, being Mancunians, of our bees :<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCONQg1N9oFJYg6RCN1_iR4adpkhxJPNoTU7K96twzfIn56skJkkx5n4ZzJ2dKuWQiRka4tEvy5cXuxG5rTrnWFDnp4lz8b4eWkr4pyyekthpZSwHH910r8QzfB-KceryMUZONHqKOD65T/s1600/Bee+Necklaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1600" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCONQg1N9oFJYg6RCN1_iR4adpkhxJPNoTU7K96twzfIn56skJkkx5n4ZzJ2dKuWQiRka4tEvy5cXuxG5rTrnWFDnp4lz8b4eWkr4pyyekthpZSwHH910r8QzfB-KceryMUZONHqKOD65T/s320/Bee+Necklaces.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our jewellery is mostly available via our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykittendesigns" target="_blank">Poppy Kitten Designs</a> shop, although we also stock a large range in our <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/bypoppy" target="_blank">Not On The High Street</a> shop : <i>By Poppy. </i>It was via our role as a NotOnTheHighStreet partner that we got into all things personalised. This started as adding personalisation to our jewellery shop and grew into our second Etsy shop : <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykgifts" target="_blank">Poppy K Gifts</a> which we opened at the end of July this year. This shop has a rapidly-expanding range of personalised products and gifts for all occasions. We are particularly excited about out Christmas range. We have stockings, sacks (for pets as well), Christmas jumpers and pyjamas, personalised boxes, advent calendars and much more. </div>
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We are also in the process of launching our brand new website, hopefully at the end of this week, bringing our entire range together under one roof, so to speak. We really hope you love our online shops as much as we do.<br />
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Lots of love<br />
James and Poppy xx<br />
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PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-23489093377440642082017-01-23T09:41:00.000+00:002017-01-23T09:41:18.593+00:00Looking Forward to the Year Ahead : Happy 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our stall on Manchester Christmas Markets - and my Dad who popped down for a visit.</td></tr>
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Well, here we are in 2017 and we are really looking forward to the year ahead. 2016 was a fantastic year for us and our little business. We had our best ever year on Etsy and on our own website, got accepted for Not on the High Street and had a fantastic year of fairs and shows. We were fortunate enough to be invited to have a chalet at Manchester Christmas Markets at the last minute and very enthusiastically snapped up the offer. It was very hard work - 41 days of selling on top of managing our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykittendesigns" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop and our <a href="http://www.poppykittendesigns.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> - but totally worth it. After 2 months of nothing but work and packing orders, we treated ourselves to New Year in the sunshine and went on a Caribbean cruise. It was definitely what we needed and now we are fully refreshed and recharged and full of enthusiasm and new ideas for the year ahead. In fact, we loved it so much that we have already booked to go again this New Year ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rum punch in the Barbadian sunshine </td></tr>
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We have been selling on Etsy for a few years now. Our Etsy products range from assembled gemstone and charm jewellery to hand stamped, personalised pieces and handmade polymer clay and resin jewellery. We have lots of gorgeous things and love making and assembling every piece. It really is a great feeling when someone parts with their hard-earned cash for something we have created. At the moment, we are focusing on developing our hand stamped range further......here is one of our handstamped keyrings, inspired by the episode of Friends where Ross and Rachel first get together. These have been really popular in the last week or so, presumably because they make great Valentine's gifts :<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/278197176/youre-my-lobster-key-chain-gift-for?ga_search_query=lobster&ref=shop_items_search_1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7LwWTsfLbQcqnC-8wsfE2aDyxSfilpUe5CvFgtFyrcN9q2ECKxb7pzDRMde2e28E8xxvjOzCe-uAJekD_7lLPu5Ad-ikjWxTmM6_AhLAblYB0X01zgWZ5rje1KmYIEG4iyD-An_gjEIV/s320/IMG_6555.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handstamped <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/278197176/youre-my-lobster-key-chain-gift-for?ga_search_query=lobster&ref=shop_items_search_1" target="_blank">You're my lobster</a> keyring.</td></tr>
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We also have a lot of assembled gemstone jewellery and with February on the horizon, we are featuring a lot of beautiful amethyst jewellery. Amethyst is February's birthstone, so we thought it appropriate to make lots of new amethyst pieces......such as this lovely raw amethyst necklace :<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR74vPnGzb_iPXOFIezU9epbxPS9Ey3_HIgVKZTuydEuTR3lFeHy6mPzvfDddvpKIiKSUpZI8KGPpKsFkcd3Atn8PLRyKQK4CvG1_hOIIxSyBuY6fXGKAiMgjSDDJ1uJgDr1F4B0gUUYly/s1600/IMG_9446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR74vPnGzb_iPXOFIezU9epbxPS9Ey3_HIgVKZTuydEuTR3lFeHy6mPzvfDddvpKIiKSUpZI8KGPpKsFkcd3Atn8PLRyKQK4CvG1_hOIIxSyBuY6fXGKAiMgjSDDJ1uJgDr1F4B0gUUYly/s320/IMG_9446.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/483847838/amethyst-necklace-raw-amethyst-necklace?ga_search_query=amethyst&ref=shop_items_search_13" target="_blank">amethyst</a> necklace</td></tr>
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It is all looking very exciting for 2017. We have added a lot of new fairs and shows to our diary, including the Great Yorkshire Show and Chatsworth Country Fair - which we are really excited about. We are desperately hoping that 2017 is the year we can both work full time on our business. James is still working his day job, but I have been full time on the business for nearly a year now. I had to give up my career due to illness (lupus) and this little business has been a life saver for me. We are always looking to expand and develop our business further and late last year, we added a range of sourced jewellery and gifts to our collection. Our own website features lots of animal-inspired jewellery and gifts and although the site is still very much a work in progress, there is plenty to see there. Our newest addition to the site are these cute cat watches : <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mGTollCHzPqsQd5d-rcYVRLRTyKt-GLcXHioebxwAtHkG4L41m0uB4PNkN5zQdbFTuO_64KIXLzvspti2-sobO_uKznOHU4Qiwg4fxzoz91JY4Lg_P_9eqsj3hrp5byEd8xmK9p5TtHU/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mGTollCHzPqsQd5d-rcYVRLRTyKt-GLcXHioebxwAtHkG4L41m0uB4PNkN5zQdbFTuO_64KIXLzvspti2-sobO_uKznOHU4Qiwg4fxzoz91JY4Lg_P_9eqsj3hrp5byEd8xmK9p5TtHU/s320/IMG_0875.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute is this <a href="https://poppykittendesigns.co.uk/shop/animal-lover-gifts/cat-watch/" target="_blank">cat watch</a>?</td></tr>
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I am a huge cat lover, so any excuse to involve cats is welcome!</div>
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Anyway, I guess I best swing by <a href="http://www.sumoftheirstories.com/2017/01/handmade-monday-9.html" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> in it's new home and check out what everybody else has been up to lately......and then get on with some more product photography and website updates. </div>
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Have a great day xxx<br /><br />
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PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-91623244913636400192016-10-24T11:10:00.000+01:002016-10-24T11:10:33.440+01:00Getting Ready for Christmas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7bJjFwR_Pa6LF-zkh4gjmsNib50d6sfcJQHI_AMAYw4GSz6bkUM_YsziLXzmu-jB2vVRqpxMyg6_CwZqoqRr96FsBhdMxfZNYctdL1B5gw0_XzgyKYwdX3Y4TmRS8ZAWnM0vT8X4H-_X/s1600/IMG_1017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7bJjFwR_Pa6LF-zkh4gjmsNib50d6sfcJQHI_AMAYw4GSz6bkUM_YsziLXzmu-jB2vVRqpxMyg6_CwZqoqRr96FsBhdMxfZNYctdL1B5gw0_XzgyKYwdX3Y4TmRS8ZAWnM0vT8X4H-_X/s320/IMG_1017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning Christmas Decorations by Ioulia at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ByHandHeart?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=20201685" target="_blank">By Hand Heart</a></td></tr>
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Well, here we are....it is nearly the end of October and I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by! We are getting all geared up for Christmas - it is all go here at Poppy Kitten Designs Towers!<br />
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We have a very busy few weeks coming up. We were invited to have a chalet at the Manchester Christmas Markets and very enthusiastically accepted. We are really excited and a little nervous...it is a great opportunity for our little business and we cannot wait!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-L5RB2vj4qKJgqIJvJ8bwjHNhK3eKGdh11wO8CpmoeIE7nsTfepP_4_epNtE46VPLqtpdwR2nwlGS9aQckOHFrRpq-9hyphenhyphen9GIKDw-eDs0yJ0C0N2mu2ZnumD31dHq33eEsT7qdFlyAXMd/s1600/IMG_1028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-L5RB2vj4qKJgqIJvJ8bwjHNhK3eKGdh11wO8CpmoeIE7nsTfepP_4_epNtE46VPLqtpdwR2nwlGS9aQckOHFrRpq-9hyphenhyphen9GIKDw-eDs0yJ0C0N2mu2ZnumD31dHq33eEsT7qdFlyAXMd/s320/IMG_1028.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ioulia - working from her balcony studio in Athens</td></tr>
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Before all the Christmas madness kicks off, I decided to take a trip to Athens last week - to visit my family and my lovely friend Ioulia. I was very jealous of her gorgeous balcony studio where she can work outdoors nearly all year round, painting her stunning creations. I was particularly taken with how gorgeous her hand painted Christmas decorations are. The main picture at the top is an example of some of her work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.poppykittendesigns.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnt1c0G3AFv_uIawFA1kIFjnhszYM6B1Q-BzPstCF_m96v-CHwz4Pf_RESt9G8TumgXlBHLnxxtBwZaWh9SvipOtUy-MYGrxEh1zijP5WsMEIWPXeyuS1JhT5lstoUf_UmXjrLjJpqJ-2P/s320/IMG_8198.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poppykittendesigns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Paw print earrings</a></td></tr>
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We finally got round to launching our brand new website on Friday night! We are really excited with how it all looks. We will still be primarily selling on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykittendesigns" target="_blank">Etsy</a> but we have also added range of sourced rings and earrings to compliment our existing range - which we are not allowed to sell on Etsy - so here is our brand new site : <a href="http://www.poppykittendesigns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Poppy Kitten Designs</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/473471852/blue-mermaid-keychain-mermaid-keyring?ref=shop_home_active_9" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvKSwdyReDC0jKXfNnmTGFcE7HuS73V3wCTUBgMKPNjDR6gJL7GgSY032nnXmoX6dpk8vDWKc8efYeJ3cchTu9fiMutg_egmA0L6RHviN3bVShzj2GCQ6xNIVfj6CWMqL_wYZlD-3h58t/s320/IMG_8086.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/473471852/blue-mermaid-keychain-mermaid-keyring?ref=shop_home_active_9" target="_blank">Mermaid keyring</a></td></tr>
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We still have so many products to upload to both shops. Our most recent new makes have been these mermaid keyrings. They are perfect for stocking fillers at £5 each and they have been very popular at craft fairs. They are now available in our Etsy shop. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/473471852/blue-mermaid-keychain-mermaid-keyring?ref=shop_home_active_9" target="_blank">Mermaids</a></td></tr>
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Anyway, I best get on with preparing all our stock and getting ready for the Christmas markets....and before that a fair at Harewood House in Leeds. We are both feeling very excited about the next couple of months (and a little scared) but hope this will help our business continue to grow and help make our dreams come true.<br />
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Just going to pop over to see Lucy at <a href="http://www.lucyblossomcrafts.co.uk/single-post/2016/10/23/Handmade-Monday-81" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> and see what others have been up to over the last week or so.PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-1042910736267610162016-09-20T10:04:00.000+01:002016-09-20T10:04:01.418+01:00Autumn Time : Pine Cones and Acorns and Rose Gold Jewellery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here we are and it is now mid September! We really don't know where 2016 has gone....but we are now focusing on the run up to Christmas. We have some fantastic fairs lined up....including a return to Knutsford Christmas markets for the fourth year running.<br />
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Much as we love summer, we are quite fond of autumn too......bonfire night, toffee apples, autumn colours, halloween......the run up to Christmas. There is so much to be excited about! We have developed and expanded our autumn-inspired range of jewellery from last year. We launched our latest designs a couple of weeks ago at the Weald of Kent Craft Show to a great reception.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James on our stall at the Weald of Kent Craft Show<br /></td></tr>
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Much as I love all our designs, I think the rose gold range is my absolute favourite. I love our acorn and pine cone jewellery and I am so thrilled that it has been a success so far. We have been so busy lately that I have barely had time to work on our online presence. I have neglected our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykittendesigns" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop and our own website launch has been put back by a month. This week, working in the shop and preparing the website for launch is absolutely top of my list of priorities.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/479876579/autumn-jewellery-thanksgiving-gift-fall?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Acorn Earrings in gold plated, rose gold plated and silver plated. </a></td></tr>
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As well as rose gold, we also have our autumn-inspired range available in gold plated and silver plated versions. Aren't those little acorns and pine cones just soooooooooo cute?<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2xVLLXP0Mh1QX0iqfRSSjevreQlYUAu2Ms8r7VfpcmfQUhoYUCOt3awtE4xg2Y96JxhfaUkBhyDHuuZnk4h0j5o0nDWOjZrRG9GmklWaLDl93QG_2rBq3JQOereDdibd1ddRWyqnhG12/s1600/998331B2-7140-40AF-9F3D-9BDCBF01A8CA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2xVLLXP0Mh1QX0iqfRSSjevreQlYUAu2Ms8r7VfpcmfQUhoYUCOt3awtE4xg2Y96JxhfaUkBhyDHuuZnk4h0j5o0nDWOjZrRG9GmklWaLDl93QG_2rBq3JQOereDdibd1ddRWyqnhG12/s320/998331B2-7140-40AF-9F3D-9BDCBF01A8CA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I had best get on with photographing and listing our new pieces for Etsy and making our new website look perfect....and of course popping over to <a href="http://www.lucyblossomcrafts.co.uk/blog" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a>.</div>
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PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-39109736893161613742016-09-05T09:15:00.000+01:002016-09-05T09:15:37.391+01:00Full Time and Craft Fairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/bypoppy/product/silver-plated-chocolate-molecule-necklace" target="_blank">Molecular Structure of Chocolate Necklace</a></td></tr>
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Well, it has been absolutely ages since I last blogged - April in fact - and so much has happened since then. I am not sure where to even start after such a long hiatus!</div>
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Unfortunately, I have not had a good year health wise and took the step to take an unpaid career break from my job as of August 1st. I am now working on our little business full time and this is the end of my first month as a full time crafter and seller. It was a really tough decision to take and very scary as I am used to a regular salary.....but I felt ashamed being off on the sick and felt that this would help with my pride and self esteem, and so far things are going really well!</div>
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We got off to a flying start in August by <i>finally</i> being accepted as a Not On The High Street partner. We have been wanting to get in with them for ages and applied several times in the past. We ended up going to their 'Pitch Up' event at their offices in Richmond at the end of July and took a few of our products for feedback and advice. It was totally worth the trip to London and I would recommend to anyone interested in joining NOTHS to go to their next one in October. A lot of our products were declined as the market for jewellery on there is already saturated, but they did like our molecule necklaces and gave us some really good advice on branding and photography......we went home and worked in these and 2 weeks later got accepted!!!! Here is our little shop : <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/bypoppy" target="_blank">By Poppy NOTHS shop</a>. We are sooooooo proud of it and it is doing really well so far *fingers crossed*.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Exhibitor Badge & Show Guide.</td></tr>
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For the third year running, we also had a stall at the Chilterns Craft & Design Show at Henley on Thames. I felt very nervous indeed this year as it is a very expensive fair to do and felt like a bit of a gamble now we are reliant on the income from our business. We took a large 6 metre stall this year as we wanted to keep our spot from last year and they were changing the layout of the marquee.....and also decided to stay in a B&B instead of camping.....so our costs were much higher. I spent the fortnight before panicking and stressing that we wouldn't sell anything and that it would be a disaster, but thankfully we did really well. We had a lot of customers come back to see us from last year and met loads of lovely new people. It has taken me a good week to recover from it.....and now we are doing it all again this weekend at <a href="http://www.thecraftshows.co.uk/kent/autumn/?_ga=1.208688658.1055155218.1468586473" target="_blank">Penshurst Place</a> in Tunbridge! (Only we have a more manageable 4 metre stall this time ;) ) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Stall at the Chilterns Craft Show<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Hopefully we will continue to grow both online in our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppykittendesigns" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop and <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/bypoppy" target="_blank">NOTHS</a>. We are also in the process of totally redoing our website, but it has had to take a bit of a back seat whilst we have been concentrating on the fairs. <div>
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Anyway, I had best get on with making and preparing stock for this weekend and get the weekend's orders prepared and posted out. I am feeling much more positive about the future now and working for myself is doing wonders for my self esteem - I can also plan my day around my energy levels (thanks lupus) and rest when I need to....whilst we are talking about resting, I might just have one more coffee and pop over to Lucy Blossom and <a href="http://www.lucyblossomcrafts.co.uk/blog/handmade-monday-75" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> to see what some of the other ladies have been up to......have a great day xxxx</div>
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PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-17737229363411629362016-04-04T10:15:00.000+01:002016-04-04T10:15:47.522+01:00Metal Stamping and Name Plate Necklaces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/288246219/make-a-wish-bracelet-quote-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Handstamped Copper Wish Bracelet</a></td></tr>
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Good morning....it is a cloudy Monday morning here in Manchester so hope it is a bright and sunny day wherever you are! We have had a busy weekend creating new designs and booking some new shows for later this year. We both love lots of jewellery making genres and have hundreds of half completed ideas and projects about! This weekend we have been concentrating on metal stamping.<br />
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We started learning metal stamping a couple of years ago and have been practising and honing our skills since. Last October we finally felt confidant enough to start selling our metal stamped creations in our Etsy shop. We started off listing handstamped name rings - which have been pretty popular - and have been slowly adding new ideas and pieces ever since. Metal stamping is very popular at the moment and there is a lot pf competition for metal stamped jewellery. We are hoping our pieces are a little different. Here is a selection of new stuff from the last few days :<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDKpG5-LEvl8gP-YIua9WmvUWlI_vfhZG32Def0Do9rhmvcQHWPhyTiRTrn_QdTmqpOWu0wDHTBYthjfvP-Au_YzcIVcmGYGisU6NEEBMBvXEr2hL6DSYtG_U4dtOHbchv8VcsuH_VF0W/s1600/IMG_2332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDKpG5-LEvl8gP-YIua9WmvUWlI_vfhZG32Def0Do9rhmvcQHWPhyTiRTrn_QdTmqpOWu0wDHTBYthjfvP-Au_YzcIVcmGYGisU6NEEBMBvXEr2hL6DSYtG_U4dtOHbchv8VcsuH_VF0W/s320/IMG_2332.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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These cute little name plate necklaces are available in gold plated, silver plated and rose gold plated in your choice of necklace lengths. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/264346690/personalised-necklace-name-plate?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank">Personalised name necklace in silver</a></td></tr>
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Here is a close up of the 'Maisie' necklace in silver plated metal. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/264228455/name-jewelry-personalised-name-plate?ref=shop_home_active_7" target="_blank">Gold Plated or Silver Plated Name Necklaces</a></td></tr>
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We also have the name plates available in the slightly different bar design in gold plated and silver plated metal.<br />
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Fingers crossed our customers like these are much as we do........<br />
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Anyway, we have a few orders from our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop to pack and get into this morning's post.....so going to link up with <a href="http://www.lucyblossomcrafts.co.uk/blog" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> and then get on with our orders. We are now 5 sales away from 3500 sales on Etsy! Hope I haven't jinxed us now by saying that ;) xxx<br />
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<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-76589171165299060862016-03-06T10:53:00.000+00:002016-03-06T10:53:19.157+00:00It's March Already<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC3a3adfXD2Hs0Vt9TOI5eriXVDlydJ_PPcA0UmMg3gI0vHWp85OvqKzMNdvfA7I4pL6TjrzPiRYC4bIma3qbTCgrn5cSKGeTpDi4bog5oGw-LrrFuwDVUcT_fDvwvmwFk2kPPIlPFSsH/s1600/IMG_5596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC3a3adfXD2Hs0Vt9TOI5eriXVDlydJ_PPcA0UmMg3gI0vHWp85OvqKzMNdvfA7I4pL6TjrzPiRYC4bIma3qbTCgrn5cSKGeTpDi4bog5oGw-LrrFuwDVUcT_fDvwvmwFk2kPPIlPFSsH/s320/IMG_5596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, here we are in March already and I really don't know where January and February went! This year seems to be flying by already. Aside from another rotten lupus flare, this year is shaping up to be a pretty good one. We are really making an effort to make the most of our lives in spite of my health letting me down! We went on a city break to Vienna and the end of January and then I took James to Venice for his birthday. I figured he already had pretty much all the stuff he wants and the house is cluttered as it so I thought a city break would be a lovely gift. We were really lucky with our hotel and ended up right by the Rialto bridge with this view from our room! How fabulous.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSw1tMnAROFxe4bJCi5RIf8fGDvdhYTu_SjETXdymI2DNaoMXCu4QRjKzkk_MnVs2B4D5dn8h4PX_z-eZUZODTCLnmIwVKvSGSyYw6IdDMzD3DO3pzL6abnJS5JYv61pt3aw-XDE0dOiQ/s1600/IMG_5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSw1tMnAROFxe4bJCi5RIf8fGDvdhYTu_SjETXdymI2DNaoMXCu4QRjKzkk_MnVs2B4D5dn8h4PX_z-eZUZODTCLnmIwVKvSGSyYw6IdDMzD3DO3pzL6abnJS5JYv61pt3aw-XDE0dOiQ/s320/IMG_5595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We went for three nights and absolutely loved it....would be fantastic to have a little shop there. We took a trip over to Murano and Burano which we loved and also enjoyed many a glass of wine by the canal just admiring the view and relaxing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AOdHGHV3e10mGwnsr93xpMdDZ8nvcWDNx_z8Z3Us0UMbwOAqb2Hbwj4RutJ7v5GKpYsd824xC4ZtZNe0jcTmixC1dshGpoSRlM2rEuaT3a3S1IO1oZk4rxTFkINGzliOx-j43zHMQlFm/s1600/IMG_5694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AOdHGHV3e10mGwnsr93xpMdDZ8nvcWDNx_z8Z3Us0UMbwOAqb2Hbwj4RutJ7v5GKpYsd824xC4ZtZNe0jcTmixC1dshGpoSRlM2rEuaT3a3S1IO1oZk4rxTFkINGzliOx-j43zHMQlFm/s320/IMG_5694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In amongst all this jetting we have been working very hard on our Etsy shop and on our little business. We had an absolutely fantastic couple of months of sales in November and December and were really worried things would totally drop off in January and February. Although we haven't done as well, which is to be expected, we were thrilled to have a fantastic January and February too and have been working very hard on new ideas and designs. We have been developing our metal stamped range behind the scenes and will have lots of new things over the coming weeks. We have also had a delivery of gorgeous gemstones and here are some of our latest additions......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky1cAC8BvCp4XlTgGBtDcTWtA6ch0K7loP4H_MP-ZatXsddVtZQJcUrxUdXF9beLmcdQKAXIVevQCBnXsFWrE4YcZkj-CfmZL5wr8aJfh1OBVsWf0spVrpJMVdyIMeveE-n51Hhe-O3P-/s1600/IMG_0272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky1cAC8BvCp4XlTgGBtDcTWtA6ch0K7loP4H_MP-ZatXsddVtZQJcUrxUdXF9beLmcdQKAXIVevQCBnXsFWrE4YcZkj-CfmZL5wr8aJfh1OBVsWf0spVrpJMVdyIMeveE-n51Hhe-O3P-/s320/IMG_0272.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/270882164/raw-amethyst-necklace-raw-chunky?ref=shop_home_active_11" target="_blank">Silver Raw Amethyst Necklace</a></td></tr>
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Amethyst is February's birthstone and we just had to have some new amethyst in stock to mark February! Here is one of our newest amethyst pieces, raw amethyst chunky necklaces. We have had the gold version in stock for a while now....but now have the silver one too. I just love amethyst, it's so beautiful. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOs1YjRzye-4e30QVQWHcqIkaMrKexmJLHjBv9YmPp7x_3i4ND6eExl-EZAZBHQhJunbZGxQ5SBSDRKsA4VRbJvUuaXi72iD1JUfq127v6-hGxp2-8shyxB93mAElcLgYXZbfcmdAis8J/s1600/IMG_9587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOs1YjRzye-4e30QVQWHcqIkaMrKexmJLHjBv9YmPp7x_3i4ND6eExl-EZAZBHQhJunbZGxQ5SBSDRKsA4VRbJvUuaXi72iD1JUfq127v6-hGxp2-8shyxB93mAElcLgYXZbfcmdAis8J/s320/IMG_9587.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/268584052/blue-geode-necklace-blue-druzy-geode?ref=shop_home_active_8" target="_blank">Blue Druzy Geode Necklace</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Druzy Geode Necklace</td></tr>
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Druzy is very popular at the moment and these cute little druzy geode necklaces are no exception. I just adore these and keep helping myself to them when they arrive. I have a purple one and a green one and think I am going to have to add a blue to my own collection. They really are absolutely stunning.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/270800791/blue-geode-necklace-blue-druzy-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_18" target="_blank">Blue Agate Slice Necklace</a></td></tr>
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Last, but not least are the agate slices. These are a new addition to our shop and I have loads that I really need to make up in to necklaces and photograph them for our shop.<br />
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I guess I should get on with doing the photos and listings....first of course, I will pop over to <a href="http://www.lucyblossomcrafts.co.uk/blog" target="_blank">Lucy Blossom Crafts</a> and join in with Handmade Monday. Have a great week xxxPoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-34466586304221700332016-02-15T10:55:00.000+00:002016-02-15T14:22:31.158+00:00Valentines and Vienna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9axai9do_QydhNLJzYiUHFiUNeC67abcCKyl82WlijWO2tJSZ7wM6rhWOm9AX4WgTYGMtVVZu-P-u0lSKQAq6WohYAfiDi4S13sim8FzM8AKabMdg_luBC6XefULc0HGmMywN25XiXqgS/s1600/IMG_5498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9axai9do_QydhNLJzYiUHFiUNeC67abcCKyl82WlijWO2tJSZ7wM6rhWOm9AX4WgTYGMtVVZu-P-u0lSKQAq6WohYAfiDi4S13sim8FzM8AKabMdg_luBC6XefULc0HGmMywN25XiXqgS/s320/IMG_5498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, it is a cold Monday morning here in Manchester following a lovely weekend. We spent the last week making up more druzy jewellery like these pretty druzy heart necklaces and photographing them for our Etsy shop. We are always trying to add new things to our shop so we end up having mammoth photography sessions with pieces we have made and then adding a few pieces a day for a few days. It is important to keep our shop looking fresh and new as we don't want our customers getting bored......and any excuse to keep buying beads and stones to make new stuff!<br />
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We have been really lucky with our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop and it is continuing to go from strength to strength. We were worried that we would end up having a quiet January and February after an amaaaaaazing few pre Christmas months but thankfully we are still doing well. We have worked really hard on the shop and spend hours on our business every day. Hopefully this will be the year that at least one of us can give up work and do PoppyKittenDesigns full time.....it's a dream for us to be able to both work on our shop full time and have a gorgeous motor home to travel the country doing fairs and shows and meeting people.<br />
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Both of us love travelling and seeing new places. We recently treated ourselves to a long weekend in Vienna.....and the first place we stumbled across was a cat cafe! What an amazing idea. It is run by a Japanese lady who says that cat cafes are all the rage in Japan, particularly Tokyo, as so many people live in flats and cannot have pets. The cat cafes enable people to spend time with the cats and stroke them whilst relaxing over coffee and cake. Perfect! Sadly, I don't there is much call for a cat cafe here in Stockport though.<br />
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We also took a trip to the famous Hotel Sacher and home to the sachertorte. Cake is one of the great simple pleasures in life and we ended up having far too much of it!<br />
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On the last evening we went to the gorgeous St Anna's Church, Annakirche, to listen to a string quartet playing Mozart and Beethoven. I don't really know much about classical music but it really was a lovely setting and the music sounded fantastic. I think I will learn more about it this year as I did find listening to it very relaxing. I absolutely love churches too and always try and light a candle for my Nana when I go into one. St Anna's Church was no exception, absolutely stunning!<br />
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We very much seem to have the travel bug at the moment! It is James's birthday this week and I have treated him to a weekend away in Venice. The house is crammed full of junk so I figured he didn't need any more stuff and went for a city break as a gift instead.......somewhere I wanted to go to myself of course ;) </div>
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Anyway, with holidays on the horizon I really ought to get on with our weekend's orders and get to the Post Office - on foot to try and burn off some of the cake calories. Will just have a quick trip over to <a href="http://www.lucyblossomcrafts.co.uk/blog" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> then time for work! Have a great week xxx</div>
PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-28848694874266939982016-01-17T20:58:00.001+00:002016-01-17T20:58:34.069+00:00Wintery Weather and Rainbow Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuxKgjiFtGvN58vRVksaGE1DKuTulVFSdMZSnEs6sXyl2QdeB2V8-nqndhNpODhm7BGqCAEStxN885cyQNZdxqd9w2aXWOrlkql-gGFW9iE-a2aUv2EZzpiJY6Q7JU7E7Nbmiz0mlyBaG/s1600/IMG_4657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuxKgjiFtGvN58vRVksaGE1DKuTulVFSdMZSnEs6sXyl2QdeB2V8-nqndhNpODhm7BGqCAEStxN885cyQNZdxqd9w2aXWOrlkql-gGFW9iE-a2aUv2EZzpiJY6Q7JU7E7Nbmiz0mlyBaG/s320/IMG_4657.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well it is the second <a href="http://www.lucyblossomcrafts.co.uk/blog/handmade-monday-46" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> of 2016 and it has been a freezing few days here in Manchester. We had a bit of snow last night but most of it seems to have disappeared by this morning. Given the cold, dull January weather I thought I would share some of my colourful creations this week. I made these cute little rainbow cakes over the winter period. They are available as necklaces or key rings and I just loved making them. They are made from polymer clay - one of my great passions and favourite media. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/256576127/rainbow-cake-keyring-polymer-clay-cake?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7hfZRUtSsJh4Jjw4CGYWdbdyM7gIWgWv3NxYFwxBtEfAJlTj-yENLd4Pc7kRfAvf6ags5_EK6B3r0J4fDuWtva-giMdA_a2hB7b0x5XJF9Ju_SwwC-TCOdRi5_Vi6rfCIBIFarVu8tmt/s320/IMG_4658.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/256576127/rainbow-cake-keyring-polymer-clay-cake?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">Rainbow Cake Keyrings </a></td></tr>
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The process of making these little cakes takes ages - from mixing all the colours and preparing the clay, to cutting and texturing the cakes to baking and decorating. These little cakes were pretty much a full day's work. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'decorating' phase. </td></tr>
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Between us, we use a wide range of media to create our pieces. From polymer clay to resin, to beading and metal stamping......we both love learning new techniques and styles. One of the great things about crafting is there is always something new to learn. At the moment we are developing a new range of handstamped metal jewellery. Last week we featured our new name plate necklaces and this week we have added some simple handstamped initial necklaces. Simple, yet stylish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/264224619/initial-necklace-personalised-initial?ref=shop_home_active_12" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-DOa-fD5f8DtDVMA9KWJcTMxKhBeP3Ws3RJTAc4TMYUTMA_LbL0au2Yfvu0Jrlph7xjUUOtZX6eYXB4HVGim36SgNNKlsLE7jdsMhkyzf2JtpGRLqhfFv4ykHV3cXuVjJkNy8Wf9-SKi/s320/IMG_6854.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/264224619/initial-necklace-personalised-initial?ref=shop_home_active_12" target="_blank">Handstamped Initial Necklaces</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/264224619/initial-necklace-personalised-initial?ref=shop_home_active_12" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cYBUoSCy4irOIEADHxgT8x5Z2DmDDlnGJQsLgOYjCcU_M9Gsud2506oCBzk_9EuXl9S3ZVCMmrQCmeBAG6wxYZp6TKY2NTTnThbbnSz6wfoaBPK6-M5B3UvqNafq4C4l7OUx_Dyfup0z/s320/IMG_6859.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/264224619/initial-necklace-personalised-initial?ref=shop_home_active_12" target="_blank">Cute stamped 'S' necklace</a></td></tr>
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<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-36921585173452403672016-01-10T10:43:00.005+00:002016-01-10T23:20:38.689+00:00Happy New Year : 2016 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/262031061/druzy-geode-necklace-pink-druzy-geode?ref=shop_home_active_18" target="_blank">Druzy Geode pendant</a></td></tr>
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Well, it is 2016! Where did 2015 go? Time seems to be flying by......I can hardly believe that this is our 10th year. We did our first craft fair back in October 2006 at the Bankfield Hotel in Bingley, I cannot believe it will be ten years since we started, it certainly doesn't feel like 10 years. Looking back I feel embarrassed about our first designs and stall layouts. We have learned so much and changed so much in that time. When we first started we were creating a lot of beaded jewellery, first of all with semi-precious gemstones and then we added Swarovski crystals, Murano glass and went on from there. We are still very into our semi-precious gemstones but have found that we have had to constantly change and adapt our designs and ranges to keep our stall and Etsy shop looking fresh and interesting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHbrwZf9thgUsCmgd0FDikUrsT_qvyIDrURPfwtuBNTS2i0Yo7HpfUTFJO7sfWIzrNuvh-tgMl-r2FHDOk_xRRjkN5eQtoGKZ1Q814EMMYB5iyW5IZQsuv8IAY3tysyuujkZrqlTwdBnJ/s1600/IMG_6205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHbrwZf9thgUsCmgd0FDikUrsT_qvyIDrURPfwtuBNTS2i0Yo7HpfUTFJO7sfWIzrNuvh-tgMl-r2FHDOk_xRRjkN5eQtoGKZ1Q814EMMYB5iyW5IZQsuv8IAY3tysyuujkZrqlTwdBnJ/s320/IMG_6205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?section_id=13706723&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3" target="_blank">Druzy Necklaces </a></td></tr>
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We seem to have gone completely crazy over druzy the last year and I think it is here to stay for the foreseeable future in our shop. I particularly love the sparkle and 'rawness' of the stones and the fact that each one looks so different. I have always been into my sparkly stuff, in the early days I went crazy on Swarovski crystals and incorporated them into so many of my designs, so I suppose it was a natural progression to move onto druzy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-7MtKR3JNL-p0679L3NYvHfjTLNLwHyUWixewJvi03fjWY2sxGgC21-0fS_0C2Aa9WmJq95rQzZXIypIHWmEaYdtyiQUBbtyERDxClz650Y_Dq1FMseiqIjV9YPM2NKmxpPRU78roGZE/s1600/IMG_6441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-7MtKR3JNL-p0679L3NYvHfjTLNLwHyUWixewJvi03fjWY2sxGgC21-0fS_0C2Aa9WmJq95rQzZXIypIHWmEaYdtyiQUBbtyERDxClz650Y_Dq1FMseiqIjV9YPM2NKmxpPRU78roGZE/s320/IMG_6441.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/262040025/druzy-bracelet-druzy-bangle-silvery?ref=shop_home_active_14" target="_blank">Druzy Bangles</a></td></tr>
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I have said it before and I will say it again : I believe it is really important to constantly evolve and develop your ranges. We have found that a lot of our success has come from continually developing and adding to our skills and ranges. Both James and I love learning new techniques and styles and we spend a lot of time thinking about and planning new ranges and designs. Whether it is gemstones, polymer clay, resin or metal stamping we have spent the last 10 years learning and improving our skills. I personally love jewellery making and love experimenting with all the different fields and specialties that jewellery making offers. I don't think I could ever pick just one medium and stick to it. The latest skill we have been honing is metal stamping. We have been learning and practising over the last year and finally feel ready to introduce some of our creations to the shop. We launched our handstamped, personalised rings and bangles back in October and now have our name plate necklaces and personalised bracelets to add to our collection. Here are the first photos of our new pieces :<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBG8zD4E_bakyPESbw1qp7boAar-6vQm6FB9jinMY7gKZMgMjntIYfVQTUDXeqo84t2TveFJ3jdxZU6JJz8-MolJCno7PCt4NNFAEjFT_Dnz_OWo370TVyG59sEJxaCOdpVfa_9QKZ_Of2/s1600/IMG_6592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBG8zD4E_bakyPESbw1qp7boAar-6vQm6FB9jinMY7gKZMgMjntIYfVQTUDXeqo84t2TveFJ3jdxZU6JJz8-MolJCno7PCt4NNFAEjFT_Dnz_OWo370TVyG59sEJxaCOdpVfa_9QKZ_Of2/s320/IMG_6592.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Name Plate Necklace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handstamped Initial and Hammered Heart Bangle</td></tr>
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We are hoping these will be a huge success. These are just the start of our metal stamping range and we will be creating lots more designs and styles over the coming weeks. I hope they will be popular and as always when launching a new idea, I feel really nervous.<br />
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Anyway, as always it seems that I haven't blogged for ages then pack wayyyyyy too much into one post. I will leave you with another druzy geode photo and pop over to see Lucy Blossom and the other crafters over at the first Handmade Monday of 2016.<br />
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Happy New Year!!!!!!<br />
Poppy xxx<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBELKqxJWpiM5Y9FNlJHfcxuv3RXKRL1A36Iu4UYPrpYKHDSRhWWwfiNHw16HcufMoSbj3XBxB5SLRAwVnMDDeLD3E8id6IlBrZxghdIsuLXb68ZS6R2dwpO2t9_4wO_pV_r7GvlaXc17D/s1600/IMG_6165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBELKqxJWpiM5Y9FNlJHfcxuv3RXKRL1A36Iu4UYPrpYKHDSRhWWwfiNHw16HcufMoSbj3XBxB5SLRAwVnMDDeLD3E8id6IlBrZxghdIsuLXb68ZS6R2dwpO2t9_4wO_pV_r7GvlaXc17D/s320/IMG_6165.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-83897062671790753932015-11-16T08:24:00.000+00:002015-11-16T08:24:57.812+00:00The Run Up to Christmas and Looking to the Future<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeKdcSZw9YhCdac4D4DziqzvcRnID3i97AsMA3OosNp3kf2uk2wZSaGZIBJBGAdtvbhIdoZu2Ydteew09ZAtuRf29JoXDXTYpvyTHP36PgRGNiSkCy-6V_bvg9zGiVmala80Tdg2jhdEV/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeKdcSZw9YhCdac4D4DziqzvcRnID3i97AsMA3OosNp3kf2uk2wZSaGZIBJBGAdtvbhIdoZu2Ydteew09ZAtuRf29JoXDXTYpvyTHP36PgRGNiSkCy-6V_bvg9zGiVmala80Tdg2jhdEV/s320/IMG_3926.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Good morning on this cold November morning!<br />
I have just realised that I haven't blogged since July...July??!!! What have I been doing?<br />
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We recently took a short break to Cornwall to have a bit of fresh air and time to think about our little business. We hired a gorgeous little cottage in Porthallow (which we have totally fallen in love with) and they even let us take our cats! Here is the view we woke up to every day :<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-CvRvpSz7neKn0uZcBI31FLWstawLHlOhyphenhyphen8mTqWwngYxm-1uWVc1Twq4WdeaDytLoruBaQv1FFJ77O7N2rXnfvDp3mTbRfDYiPwCQCTdixd8_RTR7HA-bfIHSXTxzmcviTFj9drBiKCW/s1600/IMG_4946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-CvRvpSz7neKn0uZcBI31FLWstawLHlOhyphenhyphen8mTqWwngYxm-1uWVc1Twq4WdeaDytLoruBaQv1FFJ77O7N2rXnfvDp3mTbRfDYiPwCQCTdixd8_RTR7HA-bfIHSXTxzmcviTFj9drBiKCW/s320/IMG_4946.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We have been very busy this year working on new ranges and learning new skills. Craft fairs took a bit of a back burner as we decided to expand our ranges and improve our jewellery making skills and been really honest with ourselves about what was and was not working in our business. I'm pleased to say that we have had our best year ever over in our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop and it has been keeping us very busy indeed. Unfortunately I, (Poppy) had 4 months off work earlier this year due to a particularly nasty flare of lupus. What energy I had went into improving our online presence and working on our Etsy shop. I spent hours and hours researching SEO for Etsy and taking and re taking photos until I was happy with them, improving tags and titles and it really seems to have paid off. I returned to my day job part time back in August (James also works full time) but I am still struggling with energy levels, frequent flares and the dreaded brain fog that comes with auto immune disease. The plan for now is that James stays working full time and me (Poppy) works part time until the end of May when my current contract ends, then have a go at doing Poppy Designs full time (with locum work to support me). Whilst we were away (I do all my best thinking and creating by the sea) we did a lot of thinking about where to go next and what to do and that's the plan! Cannot wait. Ultimately we would both love to do the business full time an be able to afford a lovely house by the sea and maybe a little shop......</div>
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Our tortoiseshell tabby cat Maisie certainly took to the seaside view. I think she approves of the idea of living by the sea!<br />
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We hate losing momentum in the Etsy shop, so we took a lot of our stock with us so we could still complete orders. I felt very inspired with this view and ended up making lots of new pieces which I am really pleased with. Here are a few of our new pieces and ranges we have added since I last blogged : </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdkKLyEJNwUAroBD9si209Jbv1rV5S0b6-kvFoIGhYwN7DeRKbqraIAzVGENrGfhrYtM7OUKr_d4v0n9OcwugyCzYSmmyaNT_lyT_rQjO7gY54H5_gzz01PRPgsvcJp4P7bFzaC92gFMX/s1600/IMG_4468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdkKLyEJNwUAroBD9si209Jbv1rV5S0b6-kvFoIGhYwN7DeRKbqraIAzVGENrGfhrYtM7OUKr_d4v0n9OcwugyCzYSmmyaNT_lyT_rQjO7gY54H5_gzz01PRPgsvcJp4P7bFzaC92gFMX/s320/IMG_4468.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/255826757/purple-pansy-necklace-pressed-flower?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">Real dried, pressed pansy set in resin</a></td></tr>
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I have been playing with resin and pressed flowers. My own dried and pressed flowers didn't quite turn out as I had hoped, so I bought some dried and pressed by a fellow crafter and here is one of them set in resin. I was really pleased with how this one turned out and think the pearlised background gives a really vintage feel to the piece. <div>
James, on the other hand, is totally addicted to metal stamping at the moment. He has been very busy practising his skills and creating these fabulous pieces below. I think my favourite hand stamped pieces are our personalised rings. I have my own 'Poppy' ring which I wear on my wedding finger. We can stamp names, words, paw prints (lol!) on them and I think they look really good. They are made from stainless steel and we are currently selling them for £10 each and have a range of sizes to choose from. Rings handstamped with childrens names and little hearts seem to be very popular at the moment. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e5I7g_bohVhN91HWM_WKIUl4mbgEgSVEF549AHEV5KYonzrznk3lgG1Bzh0VBHO96wgRALyMw3HXlWi1r-pVER1SBD8BqwOrq7useSHDqJ2g860xOjTMSfpeFYa-vbEQtINtCVlo_8Np/s1600/IMG_4933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e5I7g_bohVhN91HWM_WKIUl4mbgEgSVEF549AHEV5KYonzrznk3lgG1Bzh0VBHO96wgRALyMw3HXlWi1r-pVER1SBD8BqwOrq7useSHDqJ2g860xOjTMSfpeFYa-vbEQtINtCVlo_8Np/s320/IMG_4933.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 'Poppy' handstamped ring. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2mbVehuK2AmnR0dtLkAsdp2amIiH0z1JGNGjYkGKaWO0C-mIh4buGv3dpa_n5-BpUCrq5T7t8i1sjvuhCYiOvYhnvBDY5N-BXkOHt7PS5QUq_a1ySfiwr9eT4rVkOdp0FoGJRvLjxnhz/s1600/IMG_3207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2mbVehuK2AmnR0dtLkAsdp2amIiH0z1JGNGjYkGKaWO0C-mIh4buGv3dpa_n5-BpUCrq5T7t8i1sjvuhCYiOvYhnvBDY5N-BXkOHt7PS5QUq_a1ySfiwr9eT4rVkOdp0FoGJRvLjxnhz/s320/IMG_3207.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/253521772/personalised-ring-handstamped-name-ring?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">hand stamped, personalised rings</a></td></tr>
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He has also done some wonderful <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?section_id=12809157&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6" target="_blank">bracelets and bangles</a> with inspirational quotes like these below. My favourite one is one that says 'Cats leave paw prints on our hearts' with paw prints on too. It looks amazing.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl88a-hcT61tBWzoAkxPH-cFeQ9VyQ_XyoGR3T5ysnSEqECqgKLHRtm71uHQCE62Le_dCTXcoq8uFGWejgOg1yJXcgUJzTtuui0hDJv1IcIoZoSO3tYokpvNbnfNm2AbxQ84_R8Oik3Dk/s320/IMG_3907.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?section_id=12809157&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6" target="_blank">Hand stamped bracelets</a></td></tr>
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Anyway, it seems that I haven't blogged for months and have then rambled on for what seems months worth of posts in one! I think I best sign off and get myself a coffee and then pop over to <a href="http://www.lucyblossomcrafts.co.uk/blog/handmade-monday-40" target="_blank">Lucy Blossom Crafts</a> to catch up with Handmade Monday.<br />
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PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-89448515180911933592015-07-06T19:27:00.001+01:002015-07-06T21:08:43.309+01:00Handmade Monday and Etsy Finds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, we have been loving the lovely hot weather here at Poppy Designs Towers. What a beautiful few days of sunshine we have had. Unfortunately today has been a bit of a downpour here in Manchester but at least it has given us some time to devote to our blog. We have had a really busy few weeks here and as usual, our blog seems to have got a little neglected amongst all the action. We are entering into our busiest time of the year, we have our summer shows and then the run up to (whispers) *Christmas*.....we have been working really hard on some new designs and have got loads more ideas to bring to fruition.<br />
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It really has been a fantastic year for us so far, our online sales have really improved and we are now 21 sales away from 800 sales on Etsy. This is in no small part due to all the effort we have put into improving our online presence and a lot of how to do this has come from other crafters and sellers in various Facebook groups and forums. Other than adding our animal themed ranges, our stock and designs haven't really changed that much, we have just been lucky enough to get great advice from others on how to get our products 'out there'. It is for this reason that this week we have decided to devote our blog post to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/etsymanchester/" target="_blank">Etsy Manchester</a> group as there are some really lovely people there that have given and shared some fantastic advice which we have benefitted from. We also benefitted from having our cat rings featured on <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/floperry/ways-to-subtly-tell-the-world-youre-a-cat-lady#.coRywXyX3" target="_blank">Buzzfeed</a> over the Easter weekend which gave us a huge boost.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpP9nrUMj1pgjuOr1YH5K7EN6fg87F6_RAg2AYZpT8_vC5JbsRMuJR57gbrJvtmTR4alI9uM_8W90j6EHd1MpWtgjxeHSD2tAJXRc4zke9PT1R9G-8zUUpE5iFnLZQDIfhlFVDMcmseMB/s1600/IMG_4815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpP9nrUMj1pgjuOr1YH5K7EN6fg87F6_RAg2AYZpT8_vC5JbsRMuJR57gbrJvtmTR4alI9uM_8W90j6EHd1MpWtgjxeHSD2tAJXRc4zke9PT1R9G-8zUUpE5iFnLZQDIfhlFVDMcmseMB/s320/IMG_4815.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/226038752/cat-ring-kitty-ring-gold-ring-silver?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Cat rings</a></td></tr>
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Therefore, this week we have decided to feature some items from Manchester-based Etsy sellers in our blog, our very own Mancunian 'Etsy Finds'. We decided to go with the theme of 'Animals'.....so here goes.....<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">I have long been an admirer of Adam's shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AdamClarkPhotography?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">AdamClarkPhotography</a> and this photograph of cygnets feeding on a lake has to be one of my favourites. Adam has a lovely selection of prints from nature in his shop and well worth a visit. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/238418342/cygnets-feeding-on-a-lake-wildlife?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovsWJ0ZNmGIsesAUycAFJQrV1nRTEk3VQvSX6mjd1Ldl8TXUThxlDNWqn4IFz1rcbVa2abVlcTa42q2dhuQ0FcuwmbONkX8Z7HZ7RPP5hGVf6BJIO1rkFv-5D_TfzbkGuCipwHUyqegvg/s320/IMG_4208.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/238418342/cygnets-feeding-on-a-lake-wildlife?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Cygnets</a></td></tr>
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<li style="text-align: left;">These absolutely gorgeous little dachshund felt keychains can by found in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MisHelenEous?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank">MisHelenEous</a>. How beautifully made do these look? Just gorgeous. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjEbG6H-9UPJSEP5r83cSasu7RrKJURzLrmaPnd79d0B5iMhI3tya5QG7voJg4jwSraih19Eg4eF6w1Wzh-ZZPdSh9CHRwzYNgRkVj9Qfl912Sq0sWZjY-uiHgNQx7otbuQHusPo4V70p/s1600/IMG_4202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjEbG6H-9UPJSEP5r83cSasu7RrKJURzLrmaPnd79d0B5iMhI3tya5QG7voJg4jwSraih19Eg4eF6w1Wzh-ZZPdSh9CHRwzYNgRkVj9Qfl912Sq0sWZjY-uiHgNQx7otbuQHusPo4V70p/s320/IMG_4202.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/184140768/hand-sewn-dachshund-or-teckel-dog-felt?ref=shop_home_active_20" target="_blank">Gorgeous Dachshund </a></td></tr>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Owls have long been a popular animal as it is easy to see why when there are creations such as this beautiful owl bag available by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CrochetbyChance?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">CrochetByChance</a>. I love owls and I am always blown away with how pretty crocheted items look. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSO-GcGYEKaqSgSjuK7TmfCx3W501qD75R9IOVYb9pqOC2dKHU_wpo7DBhjv1PkZjCa4grqsrobotk5Sw8qTGZg6KzNRtLHoVGIgWEPbye6g3IvXHdb1yGsZVeI_oEd-sfpHZ3bFxtV7Zv/s1600/IMG_4201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSO-GcGYEKaqSgSjuK7TmfCx3W501qD75R9IOVYb9pqOC2dKHU_wpo7DBhjv1PkZjCa4grqsrobotk5Sw8qTGZg6KzNRtLHoVGIgWEPbye6g3IvXHdb1yGsZVeI_oEd-sfpHZ3bFxtV7Zv/s320/IMG_4201.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/236693976/purple-crocheted-owl-shoulder-bag-small?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Crocheted Owl Bag </a></td></tr>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Another favourite shop of mine is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheFabricBadger?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank">The Fabric Badger</a> run by the lovely Molly. She has all sorts of beautiful creations made from vintage fabric but my absolute favourite has to be these cat earrings <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8M-NF3BlSomVzKUhkBg-SLzPMtzQxTqZwnXGDpusBReIfh0201XsciU1f6LBfAN62l7VZ8ZGe17IJ66y1RVRAv-yWWqnBmFJYFNr4syAyzrLLhFNODl0hExWWNKWAOWuO3rZa_E3_5e-/s1600/IMG_4199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8M-NF3BlSomVzKUhkBg-SLzPMtzQxTqZwnXGDpusBReIfh0201XsciU1f6LBfAN62l7VZ8ZGe17IJ66y1RVRAv-yWWqnBmFJYFNr4syAyzrLLhFNODl0hExWWNKWAOWuO3rZa_E3_5e-/s320/IMG_4199.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/238872717/cat-fabric-earrings-cat-earrings-cat?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">Cat earrings </a></td></tr>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Not only does <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/islacoast?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">IslaCoast</a> have some awesome creations, but she has this gorgeous dog modelling the hare print bandanas. This shop is a dog lover's dream with gorgeous dog cards, collars and t-shirts.....but this hare print bandana had to be my favourite, if only for the most adorable little dog modelling it. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5CbSEz-czJW1M9BRgJMRcZvhmMDDbpPezFy5l29Hyqn3v_GSEt-CEKJyO1F2ZxgKuE-zJ_RqOegx1ltta_hODJ0qDrUxJ-qBP5w_CyLCrPTIMkgJ_xUv-8RKKLnJeJlP0r-i0Fe_a4PI/s1600/IMG_4205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5CbSEz-czJW1M9BRgJMRcZvhmMDDbpPezFy5l29Hyqn3v_GSEt-CEKJyO1F2ZxgKuE-zJ_RqOegx1ltta_hODJ0qDrUxJ-qBP5w_CyLCrPTIMkgJ_xUv-8RKKLnJeJlP0r-i0Fe_a4PI/s320/IMG_4205.jpg" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/231037480/hare-print-dog-bandana?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">Hare print bandana</a></td></tr>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Another animal that seems to be very popular at the moment are giraffes. There are lots of lovely giraffe items appearing on Etsy, but my absolute favourite is this watercolour by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/artbymonika?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">ArtByMonika</a>. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSwiUr3s0ZCehtI6-_24zB32vPRDQOowh9QXOYBfDrlDAL_ZL0sWlvVXP-jZ1ji2mP7k95sacAL73ZQe3Q1sSFtEzKkKTi92ZODld1au9-U-tVRhUMKS5UFDn7GJRHag7RAuBbF885izL/s1600/IMG_4206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSwiUr3s0ZCehtI6-_24zB32vPRDQOowh9QXOYBfDrlDAL_ZL0sWlvVXP-jZ1ji2mP7k95sacAL73ZQe3Q1sSFtEzKkKTi92ZODld1au9-U-tVRhUMKS5UFDn7GJRHag7RAuBbF885izL/s320/IMG_4206.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/224918157/cute-baby-giraffe-watercolour-painting?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">Giraffe Watercolour</a></td></tr>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Last, but certainly not least is this Manchester Worker Bee Cup by the very aptly named <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheManchesterBee?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">TheManchesterBee</a>. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWg7M0CvwfGnRl3zp6g4vScI596nO8cuI1TICbcivlXFpdYBJ17UPfn2GAvF3g6jOLP9CSTO4yNUq1lYiNW7xEs_6IjEiSSAH_nZYRk0sxqDNjfB1fS2IvGm-3RYIOOQc7wbSgO-rNhEB/s1600/IMG_4207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWg7M0CvwfGnRl3zp6g4vScI596nO8cuI1TICbcivlXFpdYBJ17UPfn2GAvF3g6jOLP9CSTO4yNUq1lYiNW7xEs_6IjEiSSAH_nZYRk0sxqDNjfB1fS2IvGm-3RYIOOQc7wbSgO-rNhEB/s320/IMG_4207.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/195162358/manchester-worker-bee-mug?ref=pg_view_7" target="_blank">Bee Cup</a></td></tr>
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I could really go on forever, there are so many gorgeous things on Etsy....but for now I am going to finish up and head over to <a href="http://www.lucyblossomcrafts.co.uk/blog/handmade-monday-23" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> over at Lucy Blossom Crafts and see what everyone has been creating over the past week. </div>
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PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-3255656051862125102015-06-13T10:29:00.000+01:002015-06-13T10:29:14.782+01:00Animal Themed Charm Jewellery <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/228546006/rabbit-earrings-bunny-rabbit-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_9" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXHzueNsUCUfRYPCcCgWAfFHsr5XkTfS7ec7qaYIVdxlkc9A7ZYscnhLkhjjkKijv3tdaZA1AWpbDjt_Z1jHVARGTXvC_ShJduceR_O-IOlfQmEDfxP6gu3mblDak_F2ClBEfrIP4jk2p/s320/IMG_6133.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/228546006/rabbit-earrings-bunny-rabbit-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_9" target="_blank">Rabbit earrings and ring.</a></td></tr>
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It has been a busy few weeks since I last wrote a blog post. I am still off work from my day job, thanks to lupus, and still needing lots of rest....but I have been managing to do bits and pieces here and there. We recently added a range of animal themed charm jewellery and gifts to our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">online shop</a> and so far they have been really popular - particularly our cat necklaces and rings. We haven't yet attended any craft fairs yet this year so am hoping they will be just as popular in real life as they have been online.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/228614077/giraffe-necklace-charm-necklace-giraffe?ref=shop_home_active_13" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EjebHwFSABm0IIj8_M87lUEb77rkqFIFF5e5drUl3t7ZWQOp8FyuAChVJEAkpX5obHjHFwwJlCGrUdHg8UeL8_35z71rdWPQvUpSHGsY97OJ9pZhA2Dg3y9JQQlisWe8ze4wi4-Jooe4/s320/IMG_6164.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/228614077/giraffe-necklace-charm-necklace-giraffe?ref=shop_home_active_13" target="_blank">Giraffe necklaces. </a></td></tr>
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Both of us have always been huge animal lovers so I guess it was a natural progression to add animal themed jewellery to our range. The next step on our journey is to start creating animal pendants from polymer clay.....as usual I have loads of ideas but never seem to get around to putting any of them into action.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/229988481/cat-necklace-silver-cat-necklace-gold?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnE5Ey7gMb64dE3IfpNEdk2fZ37bZ74q2WeN2vXP0bWtZO0CImoQkLlnzcUKfXidZdRTzLD7ADgWFApOuJz2Qhtp6uI5pduon63BX-wIFXpoA_zEjU6vIeNvMWaYeEm45lGpFBgeS07IKA/s320/IMG_7250.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/229988481/cat-necklace-silver-cat-necklace-gold?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">Cat necklace.</a></td></tr>
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This is just going to be a quick blog post today as I am struggling with my energy levels and need to pack last night's Etsy orders and get them down to the Post Office. We now have over 600 sales on Etsy and I still cannot believe my eyes every time I look at the stats.<br />
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Have a lovely weekend and thank you for reading xxx<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/233510364/elephant-earrings-animal-earrings-silver?ref=shop_home_active_10" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNML-l9N78F_PBhhx8qw8z0SvS41Sam5YdBVBuDCBkKbqyARt04-IFdC1UeTj4ScCG_us3YIwcpeUbxilBASJKhUYWqZttBHCPrZSlZlbUQwVkCqFKbhmZm1HmhfOH5OAWOFPL7iiX8Al/s320/IMG_3573.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/233510364/elephant-earrings-animal-earrings-silver?ref=shop_home_active_10" target="_blank">Elephant earrings.</a></td></tr>
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<br />PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1392571836497943286.post-5678277744610354112015-05-10T12:49:00.000+01:002015-05-10T12:52:27.761+01:00Crafting, Invisible Illnesses and Animal Lover Gifts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/231900214/druzy-bracelet-druzy-bangle-purple?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQyWgtfv12xrCqacHpNCAi9xe5uyRn5zOZBve88yK8s0ChtYT0kr3X26ig_6ys8lIh3Me_A3jd8WXBd04cFOIEgRUGU-m0YMEpJMPkpPGIVEJiZ7jl52y15x9-tddnzY58B5nEzCfpHBF/s320/IMG_8143.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/231900214/druzy-bracelet-druzy-bangle-purple?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Druzy bangle.</a></td></tr>
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I have just realised that I haven't done a blog post for the whole of April! I was doing so well blogging regularly this year until Easter and then let myself down!<br />
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There are a few reasons why I haven't been so prolific on here over the last month. The main reason is my health. As I have mentioned before (on several occasions I am sure), I suffer from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. I still work full time and do my crafting and my business as most of the time I am quite well. Lately, however, I haven't been as fortunate and have been off work for the last 6 weeks and most likely for a few weeks more too. Thankfully I have my crafting and my jewellery making to help keep me sane and give me something positive to focus on....and I have the company of my three adored cats - who seem to understand that something is wrong. My main issues are joint pain and swelling, skin rashes, disabling fatigue and problems with memory loss, concentrating, focusing and problem solving. My jewellery making and crafting is something that I have found very therapeutic. This is something I hear a lot from other people in similar situations - that they get a great comfort from their crafts and their pets. It is particularly so for people with 'invisible illnesses' such as SLE, MS, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/231533941/druzy-bracelet-druzy-pearl-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4rXyuOf0Ws2GKGqg_N2Rlb6jmIoHUrik4GLwyy-s2XU3ONG_0yt5ksYJRGGFWDvbL1eU4GbAWHV2rDqBQ-B_K0OgufzujhVonXUcSyOaKHjTP4_flK06E4w9ki2358s9bxPASNbgGKg0/s320/IMG_8189.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/231533941/druzy-bracelet-druzy-pearl-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Druzy and pearl bracelet</a></td></tr>
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I would really love to be able to do my business full time and it is something I have thought about a lot more recently. It is my biggest fear that one day I will be unable to hold down full time or even part time work in my chosen career. One day, I might be totally reliant on my income from crafting and selling. My jewellery making gives me the ability to work when I feel well enough and rest when I need to (which at the moment is a lot). Having my own small business has helped me focus on the positives and give me some self respect, at times it has stopped me going crazy with frustration at not being able to do all the things I would like to do. My current situation has made me think a lot about how to move forward with it all and how to improve my sales and range. I think having a wide range of things is very important in order to appeal to as wide a range of people as possible.....but the products should all look cohesive. I knew I wanted to expand, but it was a question of how to do this. I decided what I was going to do was continue with my jewellery making as that is my passion and I love it.....but also to add a range of 'Animal Lover Gifts'. I am an enormous animal lover so I thought this would be a great way of adding to my range and it felt very 'me' also. I cannot possibly create enough products by hand (time wise and health wise) so some of my new products are 'sourced' rather than 'handmade'.....although I have embellished some of the products. I also make it clear which of my products are 'sourced' and which I have made myself as I wouldn't like to mislead people. Here are a few of my new 'Animal Lover' gifts :<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4XsZM6pSvOCsyl62bNlx0C1Tn_n6_VCGHh8clTBxa4hIkSoLv7CK-Y5VLgzhqW2ozGZeaL7izqKwFh5mTVHXQSNARcMtGLoGECngreCrFrA4aMX_AsL0_k_Vng3W0vmP3NMirqwNvjkz/s1600/IMG_8061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4XsZM6pSvOCsyl62bNlx0C1Tn_n6_VCGHh8clTBxa4hIkSoLv7CK-Y5VLgzhqW2ozGZeaL7izqKwFh5mTVHXQSNARcMtGLoGECngreCrFrA4aMX_AsL0_k_Vng3W0vmP3NMirqwNvjkz/s320/IMG_8061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little cat purses </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?section_id=16261518&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguqWEEqUbtYc2axUhZ6ScwBxPX0sIfuiRPH9tCwZdtOq-TJMgLytqAze5q9GkJ1963g262IEdJmHRds-GF_vq0U8AvcdIchggp5y9Wu7k7B_Pc3A1b1s6ZQz-dSanfGKJPF39ZQ_2aczh/s320/IMG_8096.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PoppyKittenDesigns?section_id=16261518&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2" target="_blank">Tuxedo Cat Notebooks </a></td></tr>
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Regular readers might recognise the black and white tuxedo cat on the notebook! He is my rescue cat Dexter. I love this photo of him. I took it last summer when he was sitting amongst the poppies in our garden. We also grew these poppies from seedlings. I have him as my logo now, but loved the picture so much I thought I would add him to my Animal Gifts range in the form of a little notebook! (any excuse to shoehorn my cat into a situation).<br />
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Animal lover stuff aside though, I am still a jewellery maker and have still been creating pieces of jewellery. I realise I have made up for not blogging in April by rambling on today, so I will leave you with a couple of pictures of some of my druzy pieces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/231547756/druzy-crystal-necklace-black-druzy-geode?ref=shop_home_active_15" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujOoUUPqIdTy9vx-9sB4Pj5-5P9EttybPLn3OjFcfaSOz41LuCw0eqIRjz2AXnlTxiCqnfnUR_CP9qsjGxuza4skAtYPyeKmZtIzAmuIGnLQP2dxnRSxJ_O56gHp9R9xAIuH2i2PzqMoA/s320/IMG_3398.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/231547756/druzy-crystal-necklace-black-druzy-geode?ref=shop_home_active_15" target="_blank">Druzy necklace</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/231544040/druzy-earrings-druzy-heart-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKv7oprxsPzlEaAXahbqPNmQkgJW9M9SyVzCfqi0_or7f30o2dwIVAKlJ5eFSn9qlKiDPkMIzUamIBLTfKHhZKy3b8wrYxQ65qiq6E5iX3Nmdsv91eJhqjGRi_8tjwGWoSoDKem9_jbWRg/s320/IMG_8139.JPG" width="303" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/231544040/druzy-earrings-druzy-heart-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">Druzy earrings</a></td></tr>
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PoppyKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08607721302813937220noreply@blogger.com16