Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Passionflower Creations

Vashti Mayne from Weston in Bath embodies the artistic spirit of It's darling! and will be at the Guildhall on Saturday and Sunday with her wonderfully inventive jewellery, accessories and fascintators. Don't miss her!

Tell us about what you sell and describe your inspiration.

I make and sell jewellery and accessories, including fascinators. I love making my products and have always been a crafter. I love the unusual and quirky as well as the refined and elegant, so my products are a heady mix. I have a background in sculpture and installation art, which provides a lot of my inspiration, though I also love fringe fashion.

What is your most affordable  item and what is your favourite? 

My cheapest items are my butterfly hairclips at £2.50 each. My favourites have to be the mini-top-hats I make, as they are all so quirky and original.

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/present giving?

It's not how much money you spend on a present that matters, but how well thought out it is. Bearing in mind someone's personality and hobbies/interests try to find something that shows some insight into them.  Many local artisans like myself will create bespoke items specifically tailored to the person, as the gift will have been created especially for them they tend to be treasured by the reciever.

What is most darling about the South West in Winter? 

When the rolling hills are covered in snow.

For more information go to; 

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001748605722  and

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Passionflower-Creations/202244459803168

www.passionflowercreations.co.uk

Meet the stallholders…coffee break with Amy Evans from Blanche and Lola

It’s so flattering when traders travel to sell with us which is why we are very happy Amy Evans from Winchester in Hampshire is back again after her great success at the Christmas and Spring fairs.

Amy Evans on her stall

Hi Amy, tell us what do you make and what is your inspiration?

I handmake one-of-a-kind or limited edition pieces of vintage jewellery and hair accessories created from original vintage treasures.

I love hunting for unloved vintage brooches and forgotten gemstones and being able to turn them into an entirely new creation.  There is so much mass-produced costume jewellery on the high-street; I think it’s so much nicer to invest in a piece which you know has been handmade in the UK, with love, just for you.

My creations are inspired by the vintage pieces I find – I’m always drawn to the cute and the whimsical – particularly animal and pieces inspired by nature – there are a lot of birds, foxes, deers and rabbits in my collections!

Amy loves to include a lot of nature imagery in her work

   

What is your favourite item that you sell and why?

I do a lot of commission pieces and these are probably my favourite thing to make and sell.  It’s so lovely being able to bring someone’s idea to life.

Amy loves making pieces for other people

What would you say your most value-for-money item is and how much is it?

Definitely my handmade button rings which I create using vintage buttons reworked onto adjustable silver or gold plated ring bands.  There is also my collection of wonderland-inspired rings created using handmade miniature teacups, teapots and plates of miniature cakes and biscuits. Both ranges start at just £5!

Blanche and Lola rings start at £5

Have you traded at “It’s darling!” before and if so when?

This will be my third time trading at “It’s Darling” and I’m still as excited as I was the first time! 

Something special for your hair

What do you like best about Bath?

Relaxing in the open-air rooftop pool at the Thermae Spa with its spectacular views over the beautiful city of Bath is one of the loveliest ways to spend an afternoon. 

Get yourself some gorgeous neck candy at It's darling!

Why do you think customers should make “It’s darling!”  their must-visit vintage & handmade fair this Summer?

The “It’s Darling!” fair isn’t your average craft fair; it’s more like a wonderland boutique of all of your favourite handmade and vintage shops all in the same place!  The fairs are really well organised and the stallholders are carefully hand-selected meaning that the fairs showcase only the best in handmade and vintage loveliness and there is always a lovely eclectic mix of beautiful goods to browse and buy.

What would you say is “darling” in your life.

My other half Jamie and our darling cats, Lily and Lola.

Amy's darlings

For more info about the wonderful Blanche and Lola please visit www.blancheandlola.com and www.facebook.com/blancheandlola

Meet the stallholders...a quick cuppa with Amy Evans from Blanche and Lola

Amy first exhibited with us at our Christmas 2010 fair, bringing her lovely handmade jewellery with a vintage twist all the way from Winchester in Hampshire.

Gorgeous Amy from Blanche and Lola

Hi Amy, tell us about your business.


It's called Blanche & Lola. I hand-make one-of-a-kind or limited edition pieces of vintage jewellery and hair accessories, created from genuine original vintage treasures. I have been making jewellery as a hobby for about 10 years now, but the idea for Blanche & Lola came about two years ago when I rediscovered a box of my grandma’s old jewellery and realised how beautiful and wearable it would look if it was restored and given a modern twist. I still work full-time for the civil service at the moment but I hope that one day soon Blanche & Lola can be my full-time job - I absolutely love what I do and it makes me so happy to see people wearing something that I created.


Vintage key necklace

We hope your dream comes true.  What inspires you?

I am mainly inspired by all the gorgeous vintage treasures I find, such as decadent vintage brooches, gorgeous charms, pretty old keys and sparkling pre-loved beads and gemstones. I love seeing my finds given a new lease of life in a completely new and beautiful creation. I am also really inspired by nature and anything cute, whimsical and wonderful….there are a lot of birds and bambis in my collections!

A bambi necklace

Describe your last "It's darling!" fair.

I exhibited at the Christmas “It’s Darling” fair and was absolutely delighted when Becky & Cath announced their dates for 2011. It is a truly fabulous event, featuring some super-talented artisans and fabulous vintage sellers, all with a great ethos of originality and individuality. The event is really well organised and is guaranteed to be a great experience for shoppers and stallholders alike.

Look for the Blanche and Lola stall

Thank you Amy! What do you like most about the fair?

Probably being able to meet so many lovely other stallholders, many of whom I have kept in touch with since and I am looking forward to seeing again at the 2011 events. The atmosphere isn’t competitive, just really supportive and inspiring.

Birdcage necklace

Are you doing anything special with your stall?

I am going to be making lots of my limited edition miniature teacup rings. I only ever make 6 of each design and they’ve been my biggest seller so far! Priced at just £5 each they are a steal too! I’ve also been working on a new range of vintage pocket watch necklaces; they are one-of-a-kind and aren’t on my website yet so will be an exclusive!

Limited edition teacup rings only £5 each

Please finish this sentence: What I love most about Spring is...


The longer days and lighter evenings, sunshine, alfresco lunches, rose wine, daffodils and bluebells and of course, that lovely feeling that summer is just around the corner….

Pocket Watch necklace

And what I need to buy most in Spring is...pretty floral dresses and some fabulous vintage sunglasses.


Finally, what's darling in your life?
My other half Jamie and our darling cats, Lily and Lola!

Lily and Lola - too cute!

For more information about Amy and Blanche and Lola, please go to www.blancheandlola.com, email hello@blancheandlola.com and/or join her Facebook page.

Meet the stallholders...a quick cuppa with Liz Fennings from Elsie Belle Jewellery

Liz Fennings from Bristol is the owner of Elsie Belle Jewellery and is trading with us for the first time this Spring. Let's find out all about her...

Liz (on the right)

Like the name of your business, Liz.

Elsie Belle Jewellery is named after my paternal grandmother! I concentrate on vintage and vintage-inspired designs featuring charms, trinkets and treasures galore! Established in 2004, it all started as a hobby but after launching the web store I received a few wholesale enquiries and it just snowballed from there to quickly became my full time job. We now have a small team working in our Bristol studio and stockists all over the world.

One of Elsie Belle's gorgeous designs

Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from? 

My inspiration comes from everywhere including fashion and vintage trends, books, music and films.  I especially love animals and nature and so flora and fauna are always reoccurring themes at Elsie Belle’s.

Flora and fauna are a recurring theme in her work

Why did you want to be part of “It’s darling!”? 

I met one of the organisers, Rebecca (Purple Sparkle Crafts) at the Vintage Fair in Bristol and we got chatting – I had heard of the "It’s Darling!" Bath Fair before and I was delighted to be able to get involved.

Are you doing anything special with your stall? 

We will be discounting all the jewellery - this will include a large number of pieces from the current collection and lots of extra special one off items!

Elsie Belle earrings

Please finish this sentence: What I love most about Spring is...

Daffodils, lambs, longer days and the promise of summer just around the corner!

Cream Rose Garden necklace

Please finish this sentence too: What I need to buy most in Spring is...

Vintage deck chairs and pretty plants for the garden!  I love getting it all ready for the summer and I am planning a Royal Wedding Garden Party so I need to get it looking spic-and-span.

What’s darling in your life? 

My little kitten Ethel!  She is just the cutest!

Melts our hearts!

For more info go to www.elsiebelle.com or email care@elsiebelle.com

Meet the stallholders..tea and cake with Hannah Daw from Iris Accessories

Hannah was another one of our original stallholders who lives in Gipsy Hill, London. She makes jewellery under the name Iris Accessories. We loved having her and are so pleased she's going to be with us on Saturday 11th.

For those who don't know, please tell us what do you make.

I make vintage button silver bracelets, necklaces and belts from vintage buckles

When and why did you start doing this? 

I started my business in April and was inspired by a course I did at Central St Martin’s and beautiful buttons of course!

Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from? 

I get my ideas from bold designs and colours, whether it be buildings or fabric swatches! I love the 50s

Why did you want to be part of “It’s darling!”? 

"It’s darling!" is an energetic, creative fair where interesting and diverse artists come together, so I love being part of it. I sold in July and loved it, especially the atmosphere.

Are you doing anything special with your stall? 

 I have now started making necklaces which is very exciting and am selling little kid’s bracelets – perfect for stocking fillers!

Describe your ideal Christmas day...

I would be in my new home with my whole family, wearing a glam dress and red lipstick, with a glass of bubbly from the off! There would be lots of drinking and eating with a lovely walk in the park to finish off

What’s your favourite cake? And kind of tea? 

Lemon cupcakes with Earl Grey

What would you say “It’s darling!” about in your life? And can you send a pic if poss? 

Here's my Christmas tree that I have just decorated with the sparkly lights on!

For more about Hannah go to www.irisdesigns.org or email info@irisdesigns.org

Meet the stallholders...tea and cake with Emma Blythe from Blythe Spirit

We are blessed with talented jewellery designers at "It's darling!" and Emma Blythe is no exception. She lives at Staverton Marina and runs her business "Blythe Spirit" in between her job as an air hostess.

Glamour puss Emma

Hello Emma, what’s your favourite cake? And kind of tea? 

Ginger cake and jasmine tea.

 Emma's beautiful work

Please tell us what inspires you...

I made first necklace for my Granny when I was five. I love the organic fluid shapes and strong colours in nature and am inspired by the different shades and shapes to be found in plantlife around the globe.

Tiara anyone? (Model not included)

Why did you want to be part of “It’s darling!”? 

It sounds like a lot of fun and a perfect venue for artisans of Bath to meet and trade.

Heart Necklace

Are you doing anything special with your stall? 

I have been working on a Christmas Collection and will also have tree decorations, there are some glamorous seasonal pieces including some crazy and eclectic hair ornaments for the showgirls  amongst us !!

Emma is inspired by nature

Describe your ideal Christmas day...

I have been lucky to experience Christmas in many different countries. What is essential for my Christmas "Cheer" is a loved one to share a cocktail or two,whether that be on a beach or in a city, in a luxury hotel or a campervan. A fabulous new frock and some impossible to walk on but beautiful to look at shoes.This year my husband and I will be spending Christmas in Thailand and Australia so food will be barbeques and green curries, the dress floaty and cool and the shoes flip flops! I would listen to the Halleluyah chourus from Handels Messiah or failing that Kylie's version of "Santa Baby". My family always has a traditional Christmas Day at my parents home with a roaring fire, too much red wine and turkey, followed by dog walking in Corsham Court, even though it is often not on the 25th! 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without….Love, laughter and kindness.

What would you say “It’s darling!” about in your life? 

My beautiful step daughter Sam who is the inspiration behind my "LouLa Belle" collection and my goreous dog Burleigh.

Emma's darlings - her stepdaughter Sam and her dog Burleigh

To find out more about Emma's work please go to her website www.emmablythe.co.uk or visit her all weekend at the Guildhall

Meet the stallholders...tea and cake with Teri Mayo from Treasured Vintage

One week to go and still so many stallholders to meet! Here's Teri Mayo from Caerphilly in South Wales who makes sparkly, glamorous jewellery and accessories under the banner "Treasured Vintage."

We want one of these!

Hi Teri, tell us more about what you do.


We (my mother and I) make restored, repaired and upcycled vintage jewellery. We will also be bringing some reproduction vintage bags made with lovely Harris tweed and some vintage brooches.

And how did you get into this? I have always loved vintage clothing and jewellery and was always on the hunt for the perfect find. Although the jewellery is beautiful I found many pieces were not very wearable and the pieces I could afford were badly damaged and in need of repair. Therefore I believe I found a lovely little gap which I will beautifully fill. I like my pieces to be affordable and always using the best quality materials and I absolutely adore all my pieces and it pains me to part with them. With help from my mother we have been buying and repairing since July and now are ready to show our makes to the world. Beautifully restored vintage pearl earrings Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from?  I love Art Deco my very first vintage earrings my husband bought from Caernarfon North Wales on a mini break. They were onyx and marcasite with a semi circle bottom and they are hinged so sway with movement. They are stunning and he bought me a mother of pearl set when we returned on honeymoon.  Why did you want to be part of “It’s darling!”?  I discovered "it's Darling!" when a friend suggested it ideal for us to be a part of. We feel "It's darling!" encompasses our ethos perfectly. We feel really privileged to be a part of such a well-organised and special fair. We are very excited. We are happy to have you, as we are all our stallholders. Are you doing anything special with your stall for "It's darling!" by the way?  We will be bringing along a wide selection of our creations perfect to accompany any party dresses for the festive session and beyond. We will also we bring some handmade pieces made from semi precious gemstones and some vintage reproduction bags. Any brides out there need one of these Describe your ideal Christmas day... My ideal Christmas is at home with my husband and two little boys. The house is warm and beautiful decorated and has rich smells coming from the kitchen the children are happy and playing with there new toys and hubby and I are enjoying a glass of buzz’s fizz. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without…. A perfectly decorated tree and twinkley lights. Gosh I am getting so excited ! Teri having a well-earned break Now onto the sugary bit. What’s your favourite cake? And kind of tea?  My mother gave me a recipe for the most amazing carrot cake. It was from a book called Sweet and Simply party cakes and I just have a tatty old photocopy but as far as im considered its worth its weight in gold and as my mother always says don’t forget to soak your raisins! I think im going to coin it as an ancient family recipe. Although I would say I don’t like tea I have never actually tried it. I love black coffee and drink far too much. I'm sure you will spy me with a mug or two on fair day. And what would you say “It’s darling!” about?  My boys are my world. I love them so much and am nothing without them. Find Teri's work at www.treasurevintage.com or on Facebook

Meet the stallholders....tea and cake with Claire Weeks from Random Vintage

Claire Weeks, from Cardiff is the genius behind “Random Vintage” jewellery range. She is one of our original traders who was with us for the very first fair in July and has two collections of handmade trinkets - Random Vintage & Random Vintage Repeatables – and her own real-life shop.

Reindeer decoration

Hello again Claire. Tell us about your favourite tea and cake.

Well, I love baking cakes and I have to say my favourite is one that I make (slightly egotistical me thinks) - an apple and walnut cake with cream cheese icing and caramel frosting - yum. My favourite tea is Earl Grey and they make a mean pot of Earl Grey in ‘The Plan’ café in Cardiff, which very conveniently is directly opposite our shop.

Gorgeous earrings

Delish! So, let’s hear all about your wonderful work.

I have two jewellery collections, Random Vintage & Random Vintage Repeatables. For the Random Vintage collection I make one-off individual pieces using worn and loved vintage items such as brooches, charms, rosarys, religious relics, old lockets and earrings, I mix these with beautiful precious and semi-precious stones, vintage beads and rhinestones to make unique statement pieces. The Random Vintage Repeatables collection uses a mixture of new 'vintage' style items to create fun, quirky, wearable and affordable pieces.

I also make vintage style decorations and headbands.

Beautiful birds

When did you start your business?

Random Vintage started about two and a half years ago. It started as a hobby but now it’s pretty much full time as three friends and I have opened a shop in the centre of Cardiff, called  A Vintage Affair and now I’m constantly making to keep up with the sales in the shop and the website. I’m either making in the shop or making at home, it’s pretty full on at the moment, hence the reason for only doing one Christmas Fair, and it’s going to be a good one!

Time please

Where does your inspiration come from?

My initial inspiration came from a box of  my grandmother’s old broken costume jewellery.  It seemed such a shame to waste them and chuck them away, so I had the idea of making new pieces out of the old damaged jewellery as I wanted to bring them back to life in a modern more wearable style. . The more Random Vintage has developed the more passionate I’ve become about recycling and re-using unwanted or unloved vintage items and giving them a new lease of life.

I visit a lot of antiques fairs and flea markets looking for vintage pieces to incorporate into my work, these shows can be very inspiring, seeing the different colour combinations, different textures, and seeing how jewellery styles have changed over time. I also look at old books and fairy stories and try to create pieces with a theme in mind.

Necklace

Why did you want to be part of “It’s darling!”?

I was lucky enough to have a stall at ‘It’s Darling’ in July and had a brilliant time, Cath and Becky had done such a brilliant job! I had a great day and met lots of lovely people (customers and stallholders) , the selection of stands was eclectic with beautiful products and fab displays, so I can’t wait for the Christmas fair as I plan to get a good bit of Christmas shopping done!

Bracelets

Will you be doing anything special with your stall?

For the stall I’m planning a winter wonderland theme (though on a very small scale) with pewters and whites, some greenery and maybe even a bit of snow. I’ve also got some new decorations that I’m making up and some quirky Christmas wreaths.

Describe your perfect Christmas day...

An ideal Christmas day would be at home with my family, eating and drinking and being very merry whilst wearing my ‘new’ black lace and pink satin 1950’s prom dress, gorgeous.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without . . . a chocolate orange

Pocket watch necklace

Finally, what in your life would you call “It’s darling!”?

My little cousins are pretty darling.

To find out more about Claire visit her website,www.randomvintage.co.uk

Email her -  info@randomvintage.co.uk, ring her on 07711 65 66 40

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Random-Vintage/393614897603

twitter - http://twitter.com/RandomVintage