Christmas shopping dates

I promised myself I wouldn't mention it until November, and I think I did pretty well. But I do need to let you know about Christmas shopping cut off dates.

This year one of my lovely cousins is getting married on the 21st December, so I thought that was a pretty good reason to make sure my shop was shut up and all orders were shipped well before then.

International orders - USA, Australia, and some Europe (please check) - 30th November
Most of Europe (France, Spain, Portugal, Germany - contact me for more info) 7th December

UK - 10th December

If you have something custom in mind, please do get in touch sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

It's just me here doing, so if things get too busy, my shops will have to close earlier to enable me to get all of the items made to the high standard you all expect. So if you have your heart set on something in particular, please (please) do get your order in early.

Gift guide for men

As promised, my latest handmade gift guide is for the men in your life. I find the men on my list so tricky to buy for. My husband doesn't like "stuff" and I think (but might be wrong), that it's a fairly typical male trait.

Sterling silver cufflinks - Becky Pearce Designs

I spent years when we moved in together persuading R that cushions are essentials for a comfy sofa and not just unnecessary soft things that clutter up the living room. Seriously.

So, with that kind of tricky male psyche in mind, I enlisted some help from the wonderful Folksy sellers, and came up with this list of goodies that would go down pretty well with all of the men-folk of my family.

All are practical as well as beautifully made and designed. With the exception of the lab print, which can't really be called practical, but IS Man's Best Friend? And it's gorgeous.








1 - Recycled football journal 2 -  Ipad sleeve 3 - Charcoal scarf
4 - Specs case 5 - Leather sketchbook 6 - Chocolate lab print
Of course, some gorgeous silver never goes amiss either. The silver bark cufflinks at the top of the page are always a big hit. Practical, subtle and gorgeous. 

Silver ring - Becky Pearce Designs

This chunky sterling silver ring is also a bit hit. Understated but meaningful. I've had people stamp a special date on the inside. This ring can be personalised with letters or numbers.

Last order dates for Chrismtas

As I sat here working on Christmas pressies, it occurred to me that I hadn't actually let you know my last order dates for Christmas this year (or...ahem.... actually decided them myself).

So, after a quick scan of the calendar I figured out that the last dates to order from my folksy, etsy, Becky Pearce Designs shops are:

• AUSTRALIA - 27th November (eek - today!!!!)
• USA and WESTERN EUROPE - 6th December
• UK - 16th December

I often close my shops at this point, so that people don't order "just in case" and then get disappointed. But this year I will leave the shops open throughout the Christmas period.

The five reasons I buy handmade.

Regular readers of this blog (or my facebook page) will know that I am a bit of a handmade junkie.

And I get particularly excited about the handmade world at this time of year. I love a bit of gift hunting. Obviously, I could make everyone I know some jewellery, but I think they might just get a little tired of that after a while. So instead I go browsing. Usually online,  from the comfort of my old sofa, with a nice glass of wine in hand.

Labradorite earrings - Becky Pearce Designs

There are so many reasons to buy handmade, especially at Christmas... and here are my top 5!

1 The items are generally much higher quality - each item has been given 100% individual attention, and has been finished and quality checked by a real person. Even the materials are sourced individually. The maker wants their items to last, and takes pride in their quality and longevity - there's not that " how quickly/ cheaply can we make it" mentality. No maker is going to let a substandard piece go out of the studio with their name on it.

2. Each item is individual. There won't be anyone else who has an item exactly like that. And usually there'll be lots of "wow, where did you find that it's perfect" comments flying around.

Messenger bag by Sail

3. Speaking of "perfect" another top reason is that you can often have your item customised or even commission a custom item  That means getting just the right size, colour, material, shape. Most makers are people you can contact directly to discuss getting your item made to your specification.

4. Buying handmade is more ethical and environmentally friendly. Your items won't be made in a wasteful factory and flown half way around the word, with the huge carbon footprint that brings. And you won't find child labour involved. Though my littlest is a very keen helper, given half the chance - hmm.

Handmade items are made with limited waste, and are much more eco friendly. Buying handmade means you support local artists, designers, craft people, makers. You support them, and that helps their local economy, and community. And we all know that supporting and buying local is a good thing. Who needs things shipped over from China, when we have such a fabulous supply of handmade wonderfulness on our doorstep?

Set of 4 stoneware bowls by Stoneware Studio UK

5. As well as that there is that connection you have with the maker, and the item being made. I often post work in progress pictures on my facebook page, which I really love to do, and I also love it when other makers do it. I don't know about you, but I think there is something really amazing about seeing your own items being made.

6. You get more value! You don’t have to pay the person at the till, the supervisor, manager, and the supplier and the designer and the manufacturer, because just one person is all those things! Your items may not be cheaper, but they have have that intrinsic value because of all the above reasons.

Okay, okay, there are six reasons not five. But there are just so many reasons to support handmade that I really couldn't stop at five!

I would encourage everyone to go out and buy handmade this Christmas. Go to a local craft fair, or gallery. Go online at wonderful market places like Folksy and Etsy and have a browse around. There are hundreds of fantastic makers and hundreds of thousands of perfect items - just waiting to be matched up to the lucky recipient.

Gift guide - Teens and tweens

Gifts for teenagers

Tweens and teens are so tricky to buy for at Christmas. They're often too old for toys, and everyone else will be stuck for inspiration too, so will get vouchers - so what else is there?

In my mission to spread the word about handmade goodness here's some of my top handmade picks that would make perfect gifts for teenagers (and tweens) this Christmas.  

1 - Upcycled postage stamp notebook2 -  Girls chalkboard3 - Smiley emoticon cushion
4 - Fairytale Zines5 - iphone cover6 - Football girl box
Of course, I've got some rather lovely pieces of jewellery that would be perfect for teenagers too. Often schools allow girls to wear earrings as long as they're discreet and small. These fine silver stars are a great option. 

Fine silver stars

 My birthstone rings range are also a lovely option. Choose their birthstone for a gift with extra meaning, or their favourite colour. My soon to be 10 year old has requested one for her birthday in a couple of weeks.

Turquoise birthstone ring

These delicate vintage glass necklaces are something a little bit special, and something no-one else will have. The monochrome colouring is a teen favourite.

Vintage glass pendant

I'd love to know what you think of these; and if you have any other great ideas to share please put them in a comment below. 

Gift Guide - Teens

The perfect gifts for those hard to buy for nieces, daughters, god-daughters...all sorted. I promise you, they do not need any One Direction make up!

My top 5 are...

The number one favourite - teeny tiny hearts. These are handcrafted out of fine silver, with a sterling earwire. Textured to bounce the light, and a perfect 5mm size. Just beautiful everyday wear.

These vintage glass cabochons are set in silver, with sterling silver earwires. I also have these in green and blue. Pretty, but not too pretty! These are a dainty 10 x 8mm.

Number three on the hotlist - these copper stars have a sterling silver earwire so no nasty irritation for those with delicate ears. These are nice and dainty too - just 5mm. Textured to let the light bounce.

Every girl should have some pearls. This pendant holds a creamy pearl with a facetted moss aquamarine, wrapped in sterling silver and with a sterling silver snake chain.

And last but not least...

This edgy little pendant with a tourmalinated quartz - little black shards floating in a facetted quartz stone. Really unusual, delicate and beautiful. 

Christmas Goodies

Wow - I have been stunned, amazed, and chuffed to bits by the overwhelming support from my customers over the last few weeks. I don't think I've ever had so many sales and I'm LOVING it.

It's especially gratifying when customers come back for repeat orders. What a confidence boost!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.... and I do hope all the recipients of the goodies are pleased with their gifts. I honestly think there is something really special about receiving something that has been handmade, rather than churned out in a factory. And handmade jewellery is an especially lovely gift (but then, I would say that wouldn't I?).

Remember all of my handmade jewellery is sent gift wrapped, and ready to give (but lovely to keep!). Most items come in white recycled card gift boxes, padded with tissue paper, and tied with red ribbon.

I'm at the post office every day at the moment, and send all of my parcels first class recorded post.

But we're nearing the end of the Christmas period, so I thought I'd better give you a heads up of my last order dates for Christmas presents.

I'm closing shop for a the festive period at the end of Tuesday 18th December.

I'll be back again, freshly stocked and ready for action in 2013. (crikey - 2013!) My Valentines range is already being planned.

Christmas Postage Dates

Well it's that time again. I've already started panicking about Christmas approaching way too quickly. Since having the kids, gone are the days when a last minute dash on Christmas Eve cuts it (or is even logistically possible). So I thought it was also about time I let you all know about postage dates.

Just think how good it'll be to get those Christmas gifts done and dusted? And how gorgeously smug you will feel.

If you're in the UK you need to get your order in by 19th December. If it's a custom order, such as fingerprint jewellery you will ideally need to get your order in by 28th November - eek that's next Monday!! Remember I post out first class recorded for most packages, and Special Delivery for custom goodies, or those costing above £30.

For my lovely customers in the US your order needs to be with me by 8th December. And if you're buying from right on the other side of the world in Australia, you'll need to order by 4th December.

After the chaos caused by the snow and certain customs centres (you know who you are NY!) to deliveries last year my advice is get it ordered early!!

Good luck - and happy shopping!

Ho ho ho

Well, the food has pretty much polished off (just a few kilo of cheese left), Father Christmas has been, the pressies have been opened (and Chloe's lego house has finally been made - now that is a really addictive toy!!). The bubbly has been drunken, yum. Panto has been seen (oh yes it has).
And crikey those gingerbread houses are trickier to put together than they look... (hence the sepia tint ahem).

What a wonderful Christmas - and the fun bit is, the holiday goes on.

But, the shops have re-opened, and I've got lots of exciting plans for 2011 (more of which later).

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas, and wish you all the very best for the New Year.

Your wish is.....

..now available on Amazon.

Did you know you can now add any website to your amazon wishlist. That's right - any website... even mine!!

It just takes a click to set up, and you end up with a handy little button on your toolbar.
Thanks very much to Paula who showed me the light - can't wait to get filling my list right now.

Click here to set up your amazon wish list

Last Order Dates for Christmas

 Well the Christmas shopping season is in full swing, so it's about time I mentioned last shipping dates.

Obviously I'll keep on shipping out after these dates, right up until Christmas, but these are the ones to aim for, to get your items for the big day!

For people in Eastern Europe, Canada, and USA last date for ordering is Thursday 9th December (yes that's THIS Thursday!! Panic.... no, no don't panic, it'll be fine)

For Western Europe last order date is Sunday 12th December (so I can get it in the post first thing on the Monday!)

For UK customers, you can relax a little, you have until 17th December to get your order in.

Happy shopping folks!

Are you brave enough?

If you're more the head in the sand type, you might want to turn away now... brave hearts read on.

It's that time of year again, the nights are drawing in, it's getting chilly, the leaves are pretty much all off the trees now (and all over our lawn...grr) -  it's that lead up to Christmas. I just wanted to let you know that the last order date for Christmas 2010 is the 17th December, but for customers outside of the UK, you will need to order by 9th December!! eeek

Also remember, you can get free shipping on everything in the etsy and folksy shops - just put FREE SHIPPING in the message to buyer section on paypal, and I'll refund it right back to you.

Shhhhhhhhhhh don't mention you know what

Sorry to mention it, and yes I do know it's only October, but did you know some organised folk are already thinking about.... you know what....

(gift tags by craftypagan on etsy)

I am now officially an organised person. I bought this little lovely.....

And now I have my first of the season done and dusted, I can forget about the rest for a while. Hey, I am still in the organised category dammit.

Anyway, in an effort to get you lesser organised beings (hee hee - sorry), I'm going to be offering FREE SHIPPING for every item on my Folksy and Etsy shops for people who follow the blog, or who are a Red Bird Jewellery facebook fan.

Yep you heard me.... FREE SHIPPING.... on everything - just for you (and a few others). Just put the words "FREE SHIPPING" in the message to buyer in paypal, and I'll refund it right back.

Free shipping will end on 17th December!