Feature in Make Jewellery Magazine

I've been keeping quiet about this until I bought a copy and could see for myself, but now I can show you! Leigh Shepherd Designs is the blog of the month in the January 2011 issue of Make Jewellery Magazine

The features editor contacted me a little while ago so I wasn't sure which issue it would be in. They even used my photos, I'm really pleased about this as I've worked really hard at taking product pics. Photography is not my strong point - digital cameras are a real blessing! I take hundreds of pics to get a handful of images :/ So its good to know they are up to scratch!

Christmas Treats

After a very busy run up to Christmas, at times blighted by illness and the weather we are enjoying a few days relaxing at home together. I'm not complaining about the weather, really I'm not, it has been beautiful and the low temperatures have prevented the snow turning to slush so the village has looked extra Christmassy and magical. The only down side has been the effect of the snow on getting orders out to customers. This year I've been at least three times busier than last year. Coping with the increase in sales and wholesale work has meant that I've had to change my workroom around, and generally get myself more organised. By Christmas Eve I'm happy to report that as far as I know all of my customer orders made it to their destinations. The only problem I have had is a missing re-order for the Sheffield Millenium Galleries Christmas Crackers Exhibition and of course it was a sizable order. Hopefully it will turn up in the next few days.
But back to the good stuff! I had a lovely surprise last week. See the gorgeous earrings in the pic below? They arrived in the post - a lovely gift from the very talented Jo from Glassprimitif

One of the companies I order supplies from sells glass and they often include samples in my orders. I pass these on to Jo when I see her and she turned one of these samples into these beautiful earrings. I love the way they reflect the light - just lovely! You can find out more about Jo and the many things she does to promote handmade by clicking here

Its been lovely writing this this morning curled up with a coffee while the children play with their new toys its probably best to glaze over the fact that they got up at 5.30 on Boxing Day...

I intended to take a photo of this before it was snaffled but I just wasn't quick enough. The camera didn't pick up the sprinkle of edible glitter dusting the top of the cake. I'm developing a bit of an obsession with this stuff, I've baked three cakes and they have all benefitted from a sprinkle I've managed to hold back from tarting up the sprouts on Christmas Day:)

Wishing you a very Happy New Year! xxx

Saturday Shopping!

This will be my last craft event of 2010 and one I'm really looking forward to. As its been a very busy run up to Christmas it will also be a chance for me to do some shopping too! The venue is the lovely Victoria Hall in Saltaire - Saturday 18th December 10 til 4Please pop along and say hello!