I opted for Abi’s Custom Styling Packaging, where she worked with me to create the perfect look and feel for my brand taking into consideration my existing brand identity…it was such a pleasure to see someone so multi-talented at work and you can see the results for yourself. I am very pleased indeed.

Abi’s full list of services and portfolio are available to view on her website: www.abibansal.com

The best part of the process for me was that Lorrie really listened to what I wanted and asked me all the right questions. This meant I could provide a clear set of requirements and send her art work that I already had (created for me by the wonderful Jo Askey of Askey Illustration). This really stream-lined the process (which I had originally feared would be long and arduous hence the putting it off for ages), made use of the artwork I already had (cutting down on costs) and meant that I spent very little time actually worrying or thinking about my new website because once Lorrie had everything she needed there was nothing more for me to do!

My brief was that I wanted to stream-line Sakura Jewellery so that everything was under one roof, releasing me from the grind of having to update a blog separate from my website and so forth…essentially I need to save time (don’t we all!). Lorrie delivered exactly what I wanted….a clean, simple, elegant, easy to use website…she also went the extra mile to explain how everything works to ensure that, in the future, I am able to do everything I wish to do to my website….perfect! Lorrie also gave me some great constructive advice as to which aspects of my website I could improve upon, for example, adding some professionally shot images of my products on models and this is where the next bit of my blog post comes in.

I can take decent product shots myself, but I am NOT a stylist and a beautifully styled and shot image is worth its weight in GOLD when you predominantly sell online! Luckily, I am blessed to know the very talented freelance photographer, stylist and all round visual merchandising and branding guru Abi Bansal. If the name sounds familiar it’s because she is also a talented designer, perhaps you’ve seen some of her designs like the Coachella Dress! Anyway, I digress…back to the photography and styling…..

Abi specialises in Brand Communication via design, photography, styling and marketing, essential for all businesses – from large organisations to a workforce of one –  she helps businesses achieve a suitable “tone of voice” that speaks to their target audience. Abi offers tailor made packages that range from a full brand overhaul to a simple product styling so there’s something to suit most budgets making it easy to avail yourself of her wealth of experience working with large high street retailers, online businesses and independents. I have opted for the Custom Styling Package: custom styled product shots on a model.

If you’re not really sure what it is you need/want then drop Abi an email, she’s friendly, helpful and professional and can help you figure out what’s right for you: abi.bansal@gmail.com

I’ll have a sneaky peak of some of the work Abi has done for me a bit later on so watch this space…so excited! (>_<)

No doubt 2012 will have its equal share of surprises and shenanigans but for now here’s wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As well as chatting to tons of amazing designers and browsing a stunning selection of products, I even managed to sell some jewellery which was an extra bonus (^_^). Full write-up on UK Handmade this Thurs so keep an eye out

I love making these, ceramics is so therapeutic and what’s more, when I’m glazing, I get to spend some quality time with my amazing ceramics mentor Lesley McShea. Nothing like a nice cuppa, good company and a bit of ceramics to nourish the soul! (^_^)

Just enter coupon code SAKURA20 into the coupon code box at check out and it will automatically adjust the price (^_^)

Happy Christmas Shopping!

This year will be the first time this event graces Battersea Arts Centre, so it will be an exciting new experience. As always, UK Handmade will have a table displaying the latest issue of the magazine so do come and say hi…(^_^) we are a friendly, approachable bunch and will be in the foyer area.

In my experience, We Make events always go above and beyond the average and this year will be no different with fun workshops where you can learn to make different crafts, a free gift-wrapping service to make your Christmas gift-giving that much easier…hurray, a personal shopping guide explaining who everyone is and a full layout of the venue and a fantastic stage area which will be filled with decorations, cakes, preserves and other goodies to make your handmade Christmas perfect!

If you don’t already know We Make London is run by a hard-working, dedicated team headed up by the amazing Mary Mcdermott. They are all tireless advocates of the handmade cause providing designers with fabulous, affordable opportunities to present their wares to the public.

Hope to see you there!!

I’ve managed to squeeze in some making time myself with several commissions and some stock for fairs which is a good feeling as it means I feel “relatively” well prepared for my participation in Guildford Craftacular on Saturday 26th Nov and 3rd December which makes a change!

I reckon the fact that I am sharing a stall with my rather talented friend Laura of LAM Designs is keeping the sweat from my brow. I’ve always thought that stall-sharing is the way to go, not least because it means you’ve a mate there to chat to and someone to man the stall whilst you dash to the loo (^_-)

In other news, I was approached by the makers of a wonderful film called “Hafu” about the experiences of mixed-Japanese people living in Japan (I am half-japanese and half-english myself if you didn’t already know) to donate a few pieces of jewellery to help them raise the funds to complete post production on the film. It’s a REALLY exciting subject matter which has hardly ever been touched upon by the Japanese media, which is what makes this film so unique, special and NECESSARY! You can check out a little teaser video of it here: http://www.hafufilm.com/#!home

It seems that the pieces I donated (a cherry blossom necklace and bracelet) set a bit of a record and sold out within hours of being posted up on the fundraising website which is always a nice little bit of validation for a designer-maker! I feel really pleased to be able to support a film project so close to my heart. It is a strange experience growing up with a foot in 2 such different cultures, knowing that you might never be fully accepted in either….I hope this film examines issues like that and helps young mixed-Japanese people feel good about their mixed heritage.

One thing I have fallen woefully behind with is my hexi-puffing endeavours and my other knitting *cries*…I shall be contributing a couple of the little blighters to the Beekeeper’s Quilt Prize Competition so my total has fallen back down below 10 I hope to re-immerse myself in the knitty goodness over Christmas break though and will hopefully manage to finish the project I am working on with my Debbie Bliss Paloma stash (^_^) PLUS I bought myself a bundle of lovely vintage wooden knitting needles which I just couldn’t resist so even more excuse to get stuck in. All I want for Christmas is a bit of quiet time with my hexipuffs and wool stash is that too much to ask for? lol

Anyway, heyho back to the grind….no rest for the wicked (^_-) x

It started off just as a little idea in my mind when I first found myself in the warm knitted yarny embrace of the Beekeeper’s Quilt KAL (Knit Along) group on facebook…they are the best! I wanted to channel the amazing power, generosity and warmth of the knitting community into something that would be super fun and also benefit a really worthwhile cause.

After discussing the idea with my partner in crime, Suzanne of jelly, suddenly that little idea has become a reality and someone (sadly not me or Suzanne) WILL win a finished Beekeeper’s Quilt made up from hexipuffs which have winged their way from all corners of the planet! I can’t think of a more amazing prize can you?….better still…just to add that shiny, cherry on top, Stephanie Dosen of Tiny Owl Knits…yes the delectable lady responsible for all our hexipuff addictions herself, will be giving the winner one of her fab knitting patterns as well!

Find out how to enter the competition to win the fabulous quilt and pattern and sign up to donate 2 of your own hexipuffs towards the finished quilt by clicking the image below!

If you’re busy hexipuffing away why not join in and please spread the word! (^_^)

I won’t lie, there have been times when it’s been VERY stressful because working remotely isn’t a walk in the park and managing a large number of people remotely is even harder BUT UK Handmade is a labour of love (well it is for me anyway). It’s something we do because we believe in the handmade community and the design talent that exists in such vast abundance in this country. So, this Winter issue is a celebration of 3 years of ukhandmade goodness. We’ve come a long way and we hope to go a long way further!

Hope you enjoy it! (click the image). Support UK Handmade and purchase a download!