Later this week will be the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and according to Celtic traditions it is a time to celebrate Imbolc, a stirring of life beneath the frosty earth. Imbolc is celebrated around February 1st and 2nd and marks the gentle transition from winter's slumber to the promise of spring.
As the days get gradually longer I encourage you immerse yourself in nature, take a mindful walk in a park, woodland or forest, breath in the changing air and observe the awakening of new life. Small shoots emerging through the frosted earth and the birds busying themselves in preparation of spring.
As well as going for walks and taking in nature as it starts to awaken I will be busy preparing and planning for this coming year and all that entails. Busy both within my business as well as home and a lot of garden preparation! Preparing the soil, sowing seeds, de-cluttering my home, giving myself time and space to learn and grow in my business as well as planning future events. Spending more time in outside in nature and in my studio to allow myself to be inspired and creative for the coming year.
Imbolc, deeply rooted in Gaelic history, intertwines with the ancient celebration of Brigid, the Celtic goddess of hearth, poetry, and healing. As the wheel of the year turns, Imbolc heralds the waning of winter and the impending arrival of spring. In Celtic lore, Brigid embodies the maiden aspect of the triple goddess—a symbol of youthful potential, inspiration, and fertility.
Historically, Imbolc marked a time of preparation for the agricultural season, as the ancient Gaelic people cleansed and purified their homes to welcome the growing light. The festival's association with ewes and lactation emphasised the imminent birth of lambs and the promise of abundance. Fire played a pivotal role, symbolising Brigid's sacred flame and the returning vitality to the land.
Pagan communities engaged in rituals to invoke Brigid's blessings, seeking her guidance in matters of creativity, healing, and protection. The lighting of candles and bonfires served as beacons, inviting Brigid's presence into homes and hearts.
This has always been my weaker side.... i just love making shiny things and definitely find the admin side of running a business harder. So I have signed up to do the Jewellers business academy this year and also have this as a starting list of to dos;
So.. lots to get on with, but look I've started with the first blog of the year ^^
]]>There has definitely been some highs and lows over the last couple of years in my personal life but on the plus side I have been consistently overwhelmed with joy at the support and love I receive from friends, family and complete strangers for my jewellery.
Lots has been going on here at Kasasagi, especially the last few months - we have been building a brand new studio in our garden! Its a major upgrade from working in the cold badly lit garage! Plus! I will be offering lessons very soon, either one to one or in small groups. I am super excited to be using my knowledge from my teacher training course from many moons ago along side my passion for silversmithing.
Check out my instagram for more pictures and for updates as to when the lessons will be live!
https://www.instagram.com/kasasagi.jewellery/
]]>I have started having stalls at markets, including Tobacco factory in Bristol as well as going to the huge evet that is UKGE this year! It has been amazing, busy but amazing!
I am continuing to sign up to different markets and events now that lockdown has completely eased. I am always so excited to set up my stall and be ready to meet new people, and try not to spend too much at other stalls! Always my downfall especially when being surrounded by so many amazing creative people.
I have a number of orders I am working on at the moment, then I hope to work on more new designs and ideas, including more engagement and wedding rings!
Right better get to work on these orders, I will try not to leave it so long next time.
]]>I've been running a live zoom shop again for this event, it has been quieter then the Bath artisan market on Zoom but a lot more busy on my website! Maybe people are just nervous about video or chatting online... But that's ok I've still kept busy posting and updating website.
Keep safe everyone x
Claire form Kasasagi
]]>So hop online on Saturday 2nd May for a whole day of live activity from Bath Artisan makers. Think of it as an online artisan festival, with different activities happening in different areas of the internet.
Follow them www.instagram.com/bathartisan/ and watch their Stories between 2pm and 6pm where they will be featuring lots of lovely products and promotions from our Bath Artisan Traders.
Make sure you are a member of their Facebook page, our Virtual Market Group and please follow us on Instagram.
Full details of activity on our website including links to live virtual stalls coming to you using video conferencing, so you can meet and talk to the traders in their workshops and homes. www.bathartisanmarket.com
So just wanted to make note of why this is happening, strange times indeed! With COVID-19 causing the UK and other countries to lock-down, people are being advised to stay at home unless absolutely necessary. I hope you and your loved ones are keeping safe and well during these difficult times.
Positive things to come out of this though is invention like this live market and appreciation for our loved ones and all our key workers who maybe get neglected sometimes.
I hope to be able to bring a bit of fun and sparkly shiny things to people in these tricky times. See you all tomorrow!
]]>Had an amazing time at Bristol Fashion show last weekend! It was so lovely to see my Jewellery on so many different models and combined with some amazing outfits from other designers! Thank you all who organised, modelled, photographed etc! I cant wait to see all the photos from this lovely event.
]]>Now I am having abit of post fair blues, (probably just means I should book more!), maybe not blues.... more worry and panic as so much to do! More things to make and prepare and plan! Must book to go to more fairs have more stalls!
So I have booked to show a range of my Jewellery at Bristol Fashion Show at Ashton Court Mansion! This should be an interesting experience, to see what people in the fashion industry think of some of my work. So watch this space!
Bristol Fashion Show Sat 23rd and Sun 24th November from 7.30pm and 6.30pm respectively.
Other forthcoming stalls:
Dragonmeet- Saturday 30th November @ Novotel London West 9am-11pm
Christmas school fair - Friday 6th Decembet 5-7pm @ Round hill primary school, Bath
]]>So excited about this! The lovely guys at Excelsior were excited to see my stock go in last Tuesday 22nd October. I hope their customers are excited too! I now have all my fingers and toes crossed people will be looking for presents for gamers and may like some of my Jewellery :)
]]>So this coming Saturday I am booked to have a stall at Arnos Vale, Bristol I am so excited but also so nervous! It's the first stall I am holding that is not at a table top gaming themed event.
So instead of relying on my board game/dice /meeple range of jewellery I will be showing my other jewellery. Animal print etching, skeleton animal pendants, interlocking circle necklaces and others.....I really hope people will like them as much as the board game community like my 'play's range!
Please wish me luck!
]]>So I thought I would post some things I have learnt about having a stall at this amazing event.
First of all, make all the lists! Here is my list of things to take to a show;
Some things I think would of been good- rubber matting for at least behind stand as all the standing really hurt my feet and my shoulders weirdly. I will be looking into some kind of mounting for my iPad and card reader too.
Probably lots of other things that I am not remembering right now....
It was so great to see people looking at my jewellery and smiling, it makes me so happy to think I have made someone's day :) squee!
I also realised I really should of brought along more of my other work to show as people were interested in these too :)
Also I am now working on my next ideas for my 'PLAY' collection, some of which came from requests from people at the show, others I have been planning to do anyway;
So now to investigate / plan next show! watch this space!
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Any way I wanted to just drop in and say hi and let you all know what I've been working on.
Loads and loads of tiny sterling silver dice and Meeples ready for the UK GAMES EXPO in Birmingham at the end of May. I am super excited to be showing there!
So last few month have entailed alot of research and planning, thinking of all the things I may need for the show and how best to display my jewellery etc etc. And of course shed loads of making stock! Here's a few pictures of the process so far, will try to keep you up to date.
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Its interesting as it made me think a lot about whether we really should 'need' a specified day to celebrate our loved ones. But similarly to Christmas I think that it is a good opportunity to remind ourselves to cherish the people we love and care about and maybe give them something to show this.
This helps them remember they are loved when there are times that we all get too busy to say it.
I really like the iconography of the arrow through the heart and all the symbolism and meaning behind it. Being struck by cupids arrow, being head over heels in love with someone is such a wonderful feeling. But as relationships age this feeling can fade into a strong steady bond, Valentines day can be your excuse to recapture those heightened emotions between you and celebrate the love you had, have and will continue to give each other.
]]>Lots more to make and send off, and need to try and fit in making some Christmas presents for my friend and family as well as shopping! Hope everyone enjoys this festive season and doesn't get too stressed, remember it's all about spending time with people you love. X
]]>They 're such a fantastic charity and I am thrilled to be able to help them in any way I can. Go check them out! www.swallowcharity.org
These beautiful swallow pendants are now up for sale on my website.
]]>It felt so strange putting things out on display, almost like putting myself on display to be looked at and judged! I think it is different from having my things for sale on here as I could see people going and looking at my display. I just hope everyone will like my work and maybe get some inspiration from it too!
]]>Running a giveaway of one of these pretties on my Facebook page;
https://www.facebook.com/KasasagiJewellery/
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I hope this prize goes down well!
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https://youtu.be/R5NHHr_O_9Y
How to get rid of hair from a necklace that has become completely entangled? Use hair removal cream to dissolve the hair whilst not risking damaging the chain, then clean it up and amazing good as new!
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I usually take most of my product photos myself but I am lucky enough to know and have a talented friend who is a photographer. We spent an afternoon earlier this week playing around with different objects to take more photos of my pieces whilst sharing creative inspiration and ideas. Thank you Camille! Please follow her on instagram @_crypt_creeper_
]]>Super exciting day - my sample packaging arrived! I love them so much!
All now ordered in various shapes and sizes ready to pack up beautiful jewellery. I hope you all like the design as much as I do. I designed the Kasasagi logo myself and simplified it to work for printing.
Just postal packaging to organise. Boxes to put the boxes in... soon I I will be surrounded in boxes of boxes in boxes!
]]>This last few weeks have been a whirlwind! From the moment I decided that I was definitely going to set up this business my mind has been full of all the different to do; insurance, stationary, packaging, brand design, website design, eCommerce, how all these things may make my customers feel and of course new jewellery ideas. Hectic doesn't begin to cover it!
Good news is I think its nearly there. I have stationary and packaging on order and the website is nearly done. I just need to change some pictures that I am not happy with.
On top of all that I’ve been reorganising my studio space. The biggest job has been converting my old table into a jewellers bench; tricky but invaluable and I am pleased with how it has come out. Now to make make make!
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