A Festive Message From Santa!

We are closing in on our last order dates for Christmas delivery and wrapping lots and lots of gifts, but I'd like to take a moment to show you this video (made by my good friend, Santa) thanking all of our artisans for their support this year.  It's been a tough year for everyone, with the economy as it is - but we are going to keep on at it and have lots of new things planned for the New Year!

Thank you to all our artisans and to all our customers for supporting UK craft and UK taxpaying business!

Take care,
Rebecca

http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/

Lots More to Come at The Handmade Emporium!

We are excited to announce that very soon The Handmade Emporium will be re-launching with a brand new website, more features and loads of new, gorgeous hand made treats - all made in the UK!

To celebrate, we've got a little bit of a clear-out sale on - if you've had your eye on something special from our online shop then grab it now before it is gone forever!

Visit : http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/ for more and to shop in our secure on-line webstore.

Still lots of lovely handmade gifts available!

There are loads of new gifts to come on the : http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/ website
 all handmade here in the UK with delivery to your door.

This month our front page is on a "Blue Skies Ahead!" theme, using our gorgeous blue products!

This blue purse by Rosehip has a wonderfully Summery feel!

If course, there are plenty of other colours available on the site, so if you are looking for a unique gift for someone special, visit The Handmade Emporium today. http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/

New In - Sea Glass Necklaces by Fyne Silver!

We listened to your feedback and now Lynne of Fyne Silver has created two new necklaces for us - both of these are the only ones in existence and completely unique!

 Lynne creates beautful pieces from her small studio on the picturesque shores of Loch Fyne, Argyll, Scotland. All the pieces are either made using sterling silver, sea glass, pebbles, ceramic and shells that she finds on the shore or are inspired by the shapes, colours and textures of the shore and the loch.

Above : A one of a kind piece, featuring three pieces of Scottish sea glass surrounded by a 3 mm sterling silver bezel and set in clear cold enamel which protects and enhances the translucency. They hang on a 20 inch light sterling silver chain and catch the light beautifully. Wonderful paired with our blue sea glass earrings or bracelets for a truly unique gift.

Above : This Sea Drops pendant is an eye catching and gorgeous piece. 

Each piece of sea glass is carefully enamelled then mounted on sterling silver, hung so that the light passes through and the gorgeous blues shine.

For more pieces by Lynne, or for more unique jewellery by UK artisans, please visit our secure website at : http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/

Kitsch Creations - Fun and Affordable Handmade Jewellery

Here at The Emporium there is nothing we love more than something a little bit different! We source the most unique of UK crafters and showcase them on our website - http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/, allowing you to purchase a one of a kind present or treat for yourself securely without leaving the comfort of your own home!

Kitsch Creations, or Jaye, began her crafting journey in March of 2012 with a late night impulsive buy of the most amazing fimo beads -  in what can only be described as a complete paradigm shift from her usual freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystal!

Once her obsessive tendency to group beads into rainbow ordered designs had been imposed on the collection of flowers she realised that this was a fantastic opportunity to inexpensively inject some vibrant colour into the dullest of austere credit crunch days, and, like a child with a new pack of crayons, she eagerly set about designing her floral, fruit and candy themed collections of whimsical polymer clay jewellery.

Jaye believes that less costly components can still look amazing when manufactured using the same exacting standard of perfectionism and colour-matching that she uses in her high end jewellery designs and thoroughly enjoys the liberation of working with such fun components, whilst still lovingly handcrafting every item to the highest of standards.

The only difference is of course, the cost. Why not let a kitsch creation wend it's way to your home and brighten up your day?

To see more of Jayes work, click on any of the images above or visit : 

http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/

to shop in our secure online webstore.

Sensational Summer Showcase Spots!

Very excited to announce that not one, but two of our amazing artisans have been featured in the UK Handmade Summer Showcase! 

This showcases the very best of UK craft and a spot in the list is extremely sought-after, so I am very proud indeed of the both of them!

First up is Liz of Rosehip with her gorgeous new 'British Summer' collection of handmade accessories, including sewing cases, purses, bags and pinnies. 

Next is Ceri of Oakwood Soaperie with her gorgeous bath milks and melts - perfect for a cosy bath on these dreary wet days!

 To see what all the fuss is about, why not visit their pages at The Handmade Emporium and perhaps even treat yourself with a special handmade gift in our secure online webstore by clicking on any of the images or going to : http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/

Rainy Day Treats

Gosh, it's grim isn't it? Here at Emporium HQ we are snuggled up in our dressing gowns and slippers, feeling rather cross and chilly - what happened to our lovely weather?

To beat the blues, we've compiled a list of lovely UK handmade treats from our website - all bright, fun and reminding you it'll be Summer soon!

The gorgeous little shell stud earrings are lovely for Summer and wonderful for light wearing in the holidays! Made of tiny shells beachcombed from the shores of Loch Fyne, Scotland, then carefully enammelled (to protect them) and mounted on sterling silver settings.

Our Natural Honey Gift Set is perfect for giving yourself or someone special a little bit of a lift - each eco-friendly jute gift bag contains a handmade beeswax candle, a heather honey handmade bath bomb and a gorgeous piece of Oakwood Soaperie's Hadrians Wall Honey handmade soap - packed full of real British honey. This set smells absolutely amazing!

Speaking of bees, how about this lovely little handmade card? Each of our cards by The Mosaic Garden features a little hand-painted magnet, which can be removed from the card and place on any magnetic surface. This cheery little bee is certain to make someone's day!

Finally, brighten up your bag with one of our new handmade purses by Liz of Rosehip! Each purse is completely unique, made with vintage fabrics in one of a kind designs. These cheery purses are light but very sturdy and are really helping us get into a Summery mood!

If you'd like to treat yourself or a special someone with one of our handmade gifts, or wish to learn more about The Handmade Emporium or any of our featured items then please click on any of the images above or visit our secure website at : http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/

Spring Is In The Air!

We are cautiously packing away our thermal undies here at the Handmade Emporium and getting ready for a wonderfully warm season (touch wood!).

We have lots of fantastic handmade gifts and treats perfect for the warmer weather and excellent for unique birthday gifts - with each piece on the site completely one of a kind you won't suffer the perils of the "Same Present Nightmare!"


Above : Gorgeous, stylish and practical, these lovely little purses are on-trend and handmade in the UK by Rosehip as part of her new "French Vintage" collection with the finest in vintage style fabrics. Fully lined and sturdy, yet gorgeously feminine with the Parisian theme, they make a wonderful and unique gift (or a treat for yourself!).


Above - "Bee Mine" Earrings by Caroline of Chain of Daisies.

Petite bumble bees in antiqued silver plate hang below pretty faceted topaz fire polished glass beads, which are linked to long sterling silver ear wires.
Handmade by Caroline of Chain of Daisies.

These earrings are adorable and make a wonderful little gift.


These handmade bubble bars are gorgeously scented in spring cherry blossom and make a wonderful treat on those chilling spring evenings!
We have a wonderful selection of bath treats by Ceri of Oakwood Soaperie, all made with care here in the UK.



All of our earrings are mounted on Sterling Silver, which means they won't irritate or discolour ears.
We believe in using the very best materials in all of our creations, to achieve a gift that will last and be treasured.



This English Oak clock has been handmade by Andy Driscoll, with the oak laquered beautifully, which emphasises the wonderful contrast between the natural, warm wood and the black clock hands - which makes reading the time very easy.

Please click on any of the images above or visit : thehandmadeemporium.com to shop securely online for these exclusive handmade items by UK artisans!

Wedding Favour Candles - A Unique Memento of Your Special Day for Guests!

Crafted by hand from start to finish, these wedding favour candles are created using the purest wax blends and finest scent oils to create a crisp, clean burning candle with unique fragrances.

Handmade in very limited amounts in Oundle, a market town in the East of England, each candle contains UK-made ingredients, from the wax blends (mixed to create the cleanest and most eco-friendly burn) to the wicks (cotton to minimise smoke) luxury scent oils and vivid colours.

Best of all, you can choose the exact colours and scents of your wedding favours to match them to your wedding theme - from a classic white favour in a crisp clean linen scent, to a dazzling red in vibrant cherry


Each favour comes with a custom label featuring the names of the couple and the date of the wedding, embellished with a simple illustration to match the theme of the wedding or whatever you desire - for example hearts, flowers or vintage scrollwork. This makes them a lovely memento for your guests.



Finally, they are placed in a satin cord organza bag in matching colours and a little tag (which can either feature the name of the couple and date or the name of the intended recipient) - ready to gift to your guest.

To find our more about our handmade candle wedding favours, please visit : http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/handmade-wedding-favours/

or click any of the photos to go directly to our secure website.

Stunning New Pieces by Fyne Silver - Limited Stock for Mother's Day!

Catch them while you can - our new pieces by Lynne have arrived and are more gorgeous than ever. Each piece is made completely by hand using sterling silver and beachcombed treasures from the shores of Loch Fyne and each piece is completely one of a kind.

We have a wonderful selection of her new range available at The Handmade Emporium, but be quick - we always sell out of her amazing artisan jewellery in no time at all.


Lynne creates beautful pieces from her small studio on the picturesque shores of Loch Fyne, Argyll, Scotland.

All the pieces are either made using sterling silver, sea glass, pebbles, ceramic and shells that she finds on the shore
or are inspired by the shapes, colours and textures of the shore and the loch.

Each creation is completely one of a kind due to the natural, beachcombed treasures from which they are made.


Beautiful iridescent white shells found on the shores of Loch Fyne. Although not symmetrical, these little shells are 12mm in diameter and dangle delicatedly from the ears.
They shimmer with a range of gorgeous pinks and greens.


Simple and elegant, this silver bangle features a piece of blue sea glass, carefully protected by clear cold enamel and mounted
in a sterling silver bezel.
It can be gently bent to fit your wrist.


Her sea ceramic pieces are truly one of a kind - with lovely delicate painted patterns, carefully enamelled and then mounted in sterling silver.
Light and easy to wear, these earrings are a wonderful and unique.

Please click on any of the images above or visit : thehandmadeemporium.com to shop securely online for these exclusive handmade items by Lynne of Fyne Silver!

Gorgeous Vintage Style Gift Ideas

About Rosehip

Rosehip designs are created in my studio and workshop in Cambridgeshire where I design and make seasonal ranges of bags and accessories. I live close to a busy city in a ‘vintage’ house with a large garden, beautiful flowers and trees and a small flock of chickens. Hubby has a studio there where he prints and paints.


This new collection reflects my love of all things French; I married into a French family and this cultural influence inspires my design work.
The ‘Belle Epoque’ is the inspiration for the style and colours of the bags and accessories; the gorgeously rich colours and floral motifs of this era have been translated into practical items with hand printed embellishments.

I have used 100% linen as the main fabric, this is an eco-friendly fabric with a crisp feel and is typically French in origin; my trademark appliqué hearts are found on many items and all the bag designs are my original creations.


Above : Keep your keys safe in style with these beautiful French Vintage keyfobs.

These one of a kind pieces are created with 100% linen in a hand-printed and appliqued design, with fabric from "French General" by Moda and is finished with a vintage button, a ribbon loop and a vintage effect split ring with an antiqued Paris Eiffel Tower charm.


Stylish Purses
Gorgeous, stylish and practical, these lovely little purses are on-trend and handmade in the UK by Rosehip as part of her new "French Vintage" collection with the finest in vintage style fabrics. Fully lined and sturdy, yet gorgeously feminine with the Parisian theme, they make a wonderful and unique gift (or a treat for yourself!)


Useful and Chic Notebooks
Fantastic for your handbag or case, this cute little plain paper notebook is snugly fitted in a French vintage-style handmade case, with elastic strap, ribbon tie and little pocket to slip in your favourite pen or pencil (with pencil included!).



Beautiful Make-Up Bags
These one of a kind pieces are created with a 100% linen outer in a hand-printed and appliqued design, a vintage button and a lace trim. The zipper fastening is sturdy, plus the inside is fully lined with 100% cottom vintage style print lining.

Please click on any of the images above or visit : thehandmadeemporium.com to shop securely online for these exclusive handmade items by Rosehip!

Featured in Popular Crafts!

The fantastic Popular Crafts has featured us on their News page as a hot story!

This months issue is Valentines themed and features over 20 step-by-step craft projects to make and covers over 15 crafts!

For Valentine’s sew yourself a romantic dress and compliment this with a silver clay heart pendant and don’t forget to send your message of love with one of their Valentine’s cards or a cross stitch heart pocket. The even have a special section on Brides who say I DIY with all the wows to help you say your vows including a floral umbrella and resin heart favours.

Great for artists and artisans, this month they have special feature on how to approach galleries to sell your art.

In addition they have loads of projects, competitions, stories and more - it's a great read and available at WHSmiths or any leading newsagents.

January Sale!

We've had a fantastic festive season here at The Handmade Emporium, but still have a few pieces left in stock that we'd love you to try!

All the items on our sale page are at a drastically reduced price, with some of our handmade cold-process soaps starting at just £3 each, and our bath treats from just £1 each!


Luxurious soaps by Ceri of Oakwood Soaperie - this handmade artisan poppy seed and rose soap is a wonderful treat.

In addition, we have gorgeous notebooks, bath bubble bars, candles, cards, gift sets and more - many of them great for saving for Valentines or Mothers' Day if you are feeling particularly organised!


Our unique, completely handmade notebook. Each one is one of a kind and makes a lovely gift.

We will have a whole new range of lovely UK Handmade gift ideas arriving soon, with unique Valentines and Mothers' Day ideas, too!
Keep an eye on our website for more details, this blog, facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/EmporiumOundle or Twitter at @emporiumoundle.

In addition, you can sign up for our newsletter for exclusive first looks and limited edition offers and items by putting your email address into the newsletter sign up box on the left sidebar on our main site : http://www.thehandmadeemporium.com/

To go grab a handmade treasure in our sale, click on any of the photos or here to visit our secure online webstore.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from everyone at The Handmade Emporium!

What a year the last has been! We have:

• Added some amazing new UK artisans to the site, creating so many more wonderful UK Handmade gift ideas.
• Grown the site from just a handful of treats to hundreds!
• Been picked by BBC Dragons' Den Star Theo Paphitis as his 'Small Business Sunday' Pick!
• Had features in loads of magazines and papers across the UK.
• Grown by over 500% sales-wise!

But best of all we've had the most wonderful feedback from our customers. Thank you to everyone who has emailed us or got in contact just to say how much you love your orders from us - it's just fantastic to hear how pleased everyone is.

Here's to an even bigger and better 2012! Let's keep on supporting UK Handmade!