Peace Collection - Poppy Sparkles!

Poppy Sparkles has launched a new collection of Christian themed charm jewellery.  Featuring Christian signs and symbols, including angels, doves and crosses. The new collection is ideal for christening or confirmation gifts, as well as those who wish to celebrate their faith and bear witness with jewellery.

Combining Sterling silver with Freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystal, Viv Smith, the designer-maker and owner of Poppy Sparkles has created a contemporary range of jewellery to celebrate faith and provide beautiful keepsake pieces for baptism or other religious occasions, such as First Communion and Confirmation.  The Peace Collection has a range of complimentary necklace, earring and bracelet designs and uses a palette of colours synonymous with purity.  With ivory Freshwater pearls, Swarovski White opal and Crystal Clear crystals, the Peace Collection designs are perfect to wear for a First Communion or Confirmation, as well as being neutral for everyday wear.
Speaking about the new Peace Collection, designer Viv says, “As a mum myself, I know how lovely it is to receive quality keepsake gifts for your child’s christening. I wanted to create pieces that were wearable and had long-lasting appeal, jewellery that will be treasured for many years”.

Viv has ensured that the necklaces are indeed a keepsake, by employing the Poppy Sparkles Charm system, allowing each charm to be easily removed.  The charm system is ideal for younger wearers when they need to upgrade to a longer necklace, but it also allows for the charms to be mixed and matched, providing numerous design opportunities.

The Peace Collection is available from £18- check out the Poppy Sparkles website!

Guest Post - Handmade for illness

Judging by the facebook status updates of most of my friends, it would seem that once again illness is doing the rounds, and as I am guest posting to help Kelly out whilst sickness reigns in her household, it seemed appropriate to use that as my theme. 

For those that follow my own blog or twitter, you’ll know how I like to support and promote UK Designer Makers, so I’m going to share a few handmade comforts and toys, sure to help you nurse you and your little ones through illness.

Cream Rainbow Blanket from Rocket and Bear £55

Whilst duvets reign supreme in this modern age, I don’t think you can beat a snuggle under a soft, hand-knitted or crocheted blanket.  The soft, tactile nature of blankets and the way they drap cannot be surpassed.  

Rocket Hot Water Bottle Cover by Nickynackynoo Designs £15

For extra snuggability a hottie is a must! To help hold its warmth for longer and provide a huggable source of warmth, a hot water bottle cover is a must – who wants to cuddle a hunk of rubber?!

Children’s Travel Art Pad by Little Daydreamers £13

You know when your little one is really poorly when they’re not running round the house.  So, for when they need some entertainment, but are too poorly to leave the sofa, this crayon roll is ideal.  And, when they’re better it’s a great travelling drawing centre.

Personalised Cereal Bowl by Purple Glaze £20

And for the chicken soup, or whatever is the cure food in your household, you’ll need a special bowl to make your little patient feel extra special.

Viv Smith is the designer-maker owner of  Poppy Sparkles – creating celebration charm jewellery with sterling silver, Swarovski crystal and Freshwater pearls.  She also loves showcasing handmade talent on her blog.

A massive thank you to Viv for her post!

Love Gifts

All things love

A few items I have found that I thought I would share with Valentines approaching!

 

Mummy Necklaces from Poppy Sparkles

Poppy Sparkles was founded in March 2010 by Viv Smith and specialises in Swarovski Crystal Birthstone jewellery with the unique Poppy Sparkles charm system. Their jewelery is gorgeous and I am more than happy for you to hear more about their lovely 'Mummy Necklaces' here!

Poppy Sparkles have just added Swarovski crystal heart designs to their collection just in time for Mother’s Day. Offering a unique and sparkly way to celebrate your child(ren), using Swarovski birthstone crystals to represent those special people either side of a large heart – the symbol of love.  Poppy Sparkles offers the modern mother a contemporary and fresh take on traditional charm jewellery, whilst still retaining everlasting appeal.

“I love to give and receive gifts with meaning  that can be kept and treasured for years. It is this that inspires my jewellery designs and led me to creating birthstone jewellery.” Says Poppy Sparkles’ designer-maker, Viv. “And, as a mum myself, developing a range of jewellery for mums to celebrate and cherish their children was a natural step”.

Although Mummy Necklaces are a lovely gift for mum, they also have value for the children represented; a lesson Viv learnt herself recently.  Her toddler was very taken with mummy's new necklace and listened as each charm was explained – the ruby crystal marked him with his July birthday, Topaz for his sister and her November birth and the big heart was for all the love mummy had for them both.  A smile beamed across his face, but as you might expect, he soon got bored.  The following day he was once again fascinated and took great joy in picking out his and his sister’s crystals, then the big heart, that was for “all the love” he said, as he flung his arms around in a big hug.

[Viv] "I knew how much mummies valued their necklaces as a means to cherish and remember their little ones, but I’d not thought about my jewellery beyond the wearer. My little boy, in his toddler’s innocence, taught me a valuable lesson.  Children love to feel valued and this is just another way to say ‘I love you’, by wearing something pretty."

Mummy Necklaces are available from £23 and make a lovely gift for a mum or Grandmother. Personalised with your choice of birthstone or Freshwater pearl charms.

Pink!

Christmas Is Coming!

 

As you have seen this week we have introduced our Christmas cards to the Piddley Pix site, yes, yes we know it is only October and we should be getting bonfire night out the way first but it seems a lot of people are trying to spread the cost this year, and are starting to prepare for Christmas early!

Now I have to make a confession, we started our Christmas shopping in August, we saw a bargain that we just had to have it and the idea to spread the cost was far too tempting to resist! Where are we now? Well for our children (2.5 yr old and a 6 month old) we have nearly finished, but for the rest of the family well that's another story, let's just say some are more fussy than others!

So now for a little plug; if you are starting your Christmas shopping check out Piddley Pix we have perfect pressies for children of any age, you can buy a 'friend in a frame' straight from the site or you could get something a little bit more special by talking to us about a commission (more info about these coming tomorrow on the blog!)

You can also find us on Kiddiebase along with many other awesome products for families with Bump - 12 years old. Here you will find our one-off prints, these are unique and you would be the only owner of the picture (with a certificate of authenticity).

So, to finish off we would like to give a small shout out to some other places you may find perfect Christmas gifts for the family.

Baby Signing Mummy - A place to start your little ones journey with Baby Signing, we particularly like the Old Lady Complete set - It is on our daughter's Christmas list!

Poppy Sparkles - Check out their facebook page for their Handcrafted Charm Jewellery- really beautiful dainty pieces!

Little Silver Touches - Bespoke Fingerprint Jewellery ; check out the 'perfect for dads' cufflinks

Silver Birch Crafts - Many gifts suitable for the whole family - we love the Soft Baby Books

All About The Boys - If you are looking for that fab new outfit for your Children (girls and boys) to wear for Christmas this is the place, have a look at this Ralph Lauren outfit!

There are so many other places to check out, so keep your eyes peeled for more guest posts, reviews and more on this blog for ideas, also pop back tomorrow for our giveaway!