Hot on the Highstreet Week 133

For me the little details at Christmas lunch matter immensely… enough roast potatoes, my dad’s delicious creamy cheesy leeks and plenty of crackers to add excitement round the table. We’ve tried ‘make your own’ crackers before, but knowing all the gifts inside slightly taints the surprise. For Christmas 2012 I was delighted to discover my favourite jewellery designers Tatty Devine have brought out a set of ‘make your own jewellery’ deluxe crackers.

The Tatty Devine pack includes six luxury Christmas crackers with everything you need for the ultimate crafty Christmas. Each cracker features a different perspex shape. Pull the crackers to discover chains, jump rings and instructions to make the shapes into six necklaces. Included are jewellery-making pliers to share and jewellery boxes, and of course the traditional party hat and joke!

These handmade crackers will add colour and excitement to any Christmas meal and will bring family and friends together. Although they are pricey (£75 for six), considering the worth of the gifts inside it is well worth the cost. These crackers would be perfect for a girly Christmas dinner… forget the presents and instead pull the Tatty Devine crackers to reveal six easy to make, fun designs to make your very own necklaces.

Buy here: https://www.tattydevine.com/tatty-devine-deluxe-christmas-crackers.html

Hot on the Highstreet Week 128

 

I love any alphabet related fashion… it is an easy way of personalising a gift and a fun way to customise an outfit or room. I have assembled a few of my favourite letter ideas…

www.craftbarrow.com
These pop-art 3D letters are made from cardboard and ideal for arts and crafts customisation. Painted, collaged or just left plain and simple… they will jazz up any room.
£3.27 each

www.jonathanadler.com

Pricey but striking, Jonathan Adler’s hand loomed graphic pillows are made by weavers in Peru associated with Aid to Artisans. You can pick the colour combinations, choose cotton or wool and the team will get to work on your custom creation.
£110 each

www.mariaallenboutique.com
This online boutique sells dozens of personalised, letter inspired jewellery. I found the handmade love letter necklace most intriguing. Featuring a brass envelope locket with a lovely textured surface, inside there is a little wooden insert which is removable, with your choice of words etched onto it.

http://beesbakery.wordpress.com/
This is perhaps my favourite idea… customised Jammie Dodgers! The Bees Bakery team happily create your very own themed biscuits, perfect for parties!
From £1.75 each

www.daisyjewellery.com
These silver and gold plated alphabet rings can be worn alone for a dainty look, or stacked to create a word. I am desperate to own TMM in Daisy rings.
£37 each

www.tattydevine.com
The Tatty Devine name necklaces need no explanation… pick a word, any word and a fabulous necklace is created for you in your choice of coloured plastic. Quirky, cool and super fun.
Currently 20% off, from £27.50

Whether as a treat to yourself or a gift for a friend, personalised presents are thoughtful and fun.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 87

 

“Celebrate the beauty of words, the joy of writing and the art of conversation.”

Selfridges are currently honouring wonderful words, with writers-in-residence, a special collection of letter-inspired jewellery, captivating storytellers and literary themed objects and gifts.

I absolutely love clothing or accessories which use words… my ‘Milly’ version of the famous Carrie necklace is a treasured piece in my jewellery box, as are my old limited edition Luella t-shirts with slogans like ‘Daddy I want a pony!’ On my 18th birthday I received a beautifully simple engraved silver ring from my parents quoting ‘Je vois la vie en rose’ (which loosely translates as the familiar saying ‘I see the world through rose tinted spectacles’). And inside there is a personal message, words that remind me of that important birthday.

I think Selfridges are onto a winner with the words idea. Teaming up with Tatty Devine, they have created an in-store workshop where shoppers can go along and design and customise their very own, entirely unique piece of jewellery. They’ve got everything at hand to decorate your necklace with different chains and charms in store. All the rainbow sheets of plastic are available and someone is on hand to laser cut your piece to perfection. All the jewellery findings are stored in jars attached to shelves by their lids (one twist and you can pick out just what you need). I went along and designed a Thoroughly Modern Milly necklace.

If you’d rather have a ready made piece this fabulous jewellery brand have also created an exclusive range of funky necklaces, with plastic words like ‘OMG’ and ‘Bookworm’ on them.

The Words Words Words programme continues until 1 March: visit the Selfridges website here for more information on all the literary workshops, talks and events.