I know I probably say this time and again but this magazine really is a labour of love by a whole team of people (myself included) so I really hope you enjoy this Summer issue

Lots of gorgeous jubilee-inspired products inside, as well as fab interviews, recipes, gardening tips, events and much much more!

Definitely one to check out if you’re in the vicinity as Zeena’s designs are just gorgeous.  I am already the proud owner of one of her stunning limited edition lambswool lovebird throws (>_<)

She brought back a gift of the season by theater clouds

Blossom Measuring Spoons by Beehive Kitchen Ware

Cherry Blossom Branch Bangle by Hapa Girls

Personalised Recipe Box by Exquisite Inks

Breakfast at Tiffany’s Bouquet by Whether Paperworks

The tapestry below, based on an original screenprint by artist David Noonan, had just been completed and was therefore still on the loom…it literally took my breath away..I am sure you can see why!

Loom 4, Artist: David Noonan, Title: Untitled

Size: 2.0 x 1.63m, Weavers: Emma Sulzer – Cheryl Thornton

Work commenced: October 2011

Established in 1976, the workshop utilises the same weaving techniques employed in Europe since the 15th century. The immensely talented and skilled in-house weavers work in collaboration with artists to produce tapestries which are a million miles away from the image that pops into most people’s minds when one hear’s the word “tapestry”. Famous for their freshness and vigour, vibrancy of colour, technical accomplishment and inventive interpretation, these tapestries will definitely make you look at tapestry in a whole new light! Although the workshop does most of its work to commission some of the tapestries are for sale as well!

It was not I that looked by Angela Brennan 2006

It was fascinating to discover how the workshop’s weavers (who are all trained artists in their own right) interpret and literally mix each colour in the tapestry using a palette of 366 colour yarns made from the finest Australian wool and dyed on site. This means that the tapestries capture the stunning tonal qualities in the original artworks and interpret them into stunning new pieces of work.

The tonal quality to the tapestry achieved by mixing different colour yarns together is just utterly stunning!

Find out more about this amazing place here: http://www.austapestry.com.au/

There’s some utterly gorgeous Spring products in this issue here’s a sneaky peek (^_-)

Enjoy!

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