chambers beau and me

We have moved!

2011-07-30T00:54:00.000-07:00

To all the lovely chums of Chambers & Beau who have visited over the years, we have now moved. We have just launched our new website and the blog is now attached to that so all under one virtual roof!

Please come see us here for all the latest news.

Farewell blogspot xxx

Luxe Leather Available NOW!

2011-06-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

Luxe Leather Friendship Wraps

These gorgeous Chambers & Beau Italian leather bracelets are perfect arm candy.

Simply wrap around the wrist a couple of times and fasten with a C&B stainless steel skinny buckle.

Adorn with either the sterling silver mini or maxi ID plaque and customize with words that mean something special to you.

Alternatively add some C&B charms for a touch of rock chic or create extra impact and layer up with similar styles for a tougher edge.

Available in gold, pewter and bronze.

Stay Gold

2011-05-23T04:29:00.000-07:00

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature's first green is gold
Her hardest hue to hold
Her early leaf's a flower
But only so an hour
Then leaf subsides to leaf
So Eden sank to grief
So dawn goes down to day
Nothing gold can stay
(Robert Frost)

Did you ever see The Outsiders? I loved that film so much. The poem brings a tear just thinking about it.

I am all over gold at the moment.
Love it and am even thinking about doing a small range of C&B in gold rather than silver.
On the weekend, these beauties arrived much to MR C&B's horror. He reckons old ladies wearing velour tracksuits in Miami would wear these. I took no notice and haven't taken them off since. Granted, they are a tad on the shiny side. But a few more beach walks to sandblast them and they will look fabulous.

And, they match my new luxe leather gold wrap to perfection!

Bracelets available soon in the eboutique!

What do you reckon - a major fashion mistake or very cool (even in miami pensioner stylie)?

Father's Day ♥....

2011-05-16T05:14:00.000-07:00

..... already.

It comes around so fast no?

In case you are not all ready organised, Father's day falls on Sunday 19th June so only a few weeks away.

A busy time here at Chambers & Beau, busier surprisingly than Mother's Day. Reckon it must be the fact that we ladies are so much better at buying gifts and not leaving it till the last minute *hint hint*

A few new goodies have just been added to the eboutique - perfect gifts for any special gents in your life!

Personalised Money Clip - A stylish alternative to a bulky wallet!

Personalised Bookmark - A gorgeous keepsake that can be personalised with text and vintage ribbon on your choice.

And some best selling faves all still available in the eboutique under gifts for men.

Keyrings and Collar Stays....

.... and friendship bracelets. Personalise with dates, location coordinates or a simple message.

For any bespoke orders for father's day please feel free to get in touch.

Hope you all have a good week

xxx

A sneaky summer peak

2011-05-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Luxe Leather Friendship Wraps

Coming soon.....

Hermes Love

2011-05-05T13:42:00.001-07:00

Hermes are so damn good at jewellery design.

I have been lusting after one of their leather bracelets for a long long time.

The hardware is just so brilliant, they are like little works of art!

I love the double wrap look so much it inspired me to design a Chambers & Beau version.

It has taken a while to get it all together - how does one choose just 3 leathers (so many gorgeous colours, finishes and textures)?

The samples are here finally and have been whizzed off to the photographer so hopefully next week I will be able to share. Stock will not be available until mid June but I reckon they are gonna be seriously worth the wait.

Chambers & Beau Luxe leather friendship wraps coming very soon - watch this space x

A Royal Wedding

2011-05-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

I love a wedding.

I kidded myself all last week that I wasn't really interested in the whole royal affair but sure enough at 8am on Friday I got completely sucked in and almost thought I might shed a tear.

Suprisingly Kate and the bridesmaids were not wearing any Chambers & Beau jewellery. Shocking considering how many perfect wedding treats are available in the eboutique.

Sentimental keepsakes perfect for the full wedding party!

Younger bridesmaids

Peep Beau Love Letter necklace - £40

Teenage & Older Bridesmaids

I am Loved Friendship bracelet - £60

Clover Love Charm Bracelet - £125

Gifts for The Bride

Forever Love Classic Necklace - £140

Love Letter Classic Necklace - £105

Gifts for the Groom

Shirt Collar Stiffeners - £80

Initial & Date Cufflinks - £85

For any bespoke wedding jewellery please do get in touch - enquiries@chambersandbeau.com

Gift of The Year Award?

2011-04-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

I am so excited.

I or rather C&B has been nominated and then shortlisted for Not On the High Street.com Gift of the Year Award 2011. Shortlisted out of all of their products to just 5.

I am amazed and rather proud. C&B has never won anything before so I am a tad giddy. The winners will be announced in June and will get to attend some swanky awards do - omg what to wear *sorry getting ahead of myself*.....

I can't think for a second that we might win but just to get this far is quite fabulous.

Our super popular friendship bracelets are the items in the running and up against some stiff competition.

If you like them and are a fan of C&B a little vote would be very much appreciated.

Mwah x

Whilst I am blowing the old trumpet thought I would share our latest press. Grazia's fashion charts - number 2 as well.

So funny to be sharing the page with the likes of Prada and Moschino!

You can find the 'oh so fashionable dahrlink' Circle of Life bangles here in the eboutique!

Happy Easter my sweets ♥

Winter press

2011-04-01T01:55:00.000-07:00

Some exciting things going on at C&B HQ.

Nothing I can quite share at the moment - sorry.
New product, new website and fingers crossed plenty of editorial coming our way :)

Velocity - the city jet journal - Feb 2011

Flybe Uncovered magazine - March/April 2011

Exeter Living - February 2011

Looking forward to sharing properly with you very soon.
TGIF
xxx

And the winners are.....

2011-02-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

......... Hang on a minute!
Before I tell you who the lucky winners are I thought I would share my latest press.

Friendship bracelets in the Jan/Feb issue of You & Your Wedding.

An interview with moi in trade magazine Gift Focus - have had lots of calls thanks to this which is great as I would rather like more coverage on the high street.

And, the friendship bracelets again in last weeks Now magazine.

Not bad eh?!

Moving on to the giveaway. Thanks to all of you lovelies that entered and shared with others. I decided in the end that I would choose one winner from Twitter, one from the comments left here and one from the Facebook page.
They should all have been chosen using the random number generator but in the end I only used this for here and Facebook. I chose the winner from Twitter as I felt that she well and truly deserves it. All who follow her will know where I am coming from...

So, the True Love bracelet (red) goes to Katie Joyce over at FB.
The Truly Madly Deeply (purple) goes to Natasha Mellor who commented on this ere blog.
And the Loved bracelet (pink) goes to Sucy Purcell over at Twitsville.

Yay, congratulations all. Please get in touch and let me know what you would like on your bracelets.

Thanks again for all the entries and watch this space for another giveaway soon.
♥♥♥

Forever Love

2011-01-20T04:02:00.000-08:00

Exclusive personalised jewellery that

comes from the heart

♥♥♥

The new Forever Love collection is now available to pre order via the eboutique.

Stunning new bangles, necklaces and bracelets ready to be despatched 1st Feb.

Order before the end of January and receive a 10% discount.

(Use discount code luvvers11)

Beautifully packaged, gorgeous to give and a thrill to open.

All available to order from the eBoutique NOW at www.chambersandbeau.com

Last order date for guaranteed Valentines delivery is 7th February.

Free delivery and beautiful packaging as standard

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY LUVVERS

♥♥♥

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway from the last post - you still have until then end of Jan x

Perfect prizes

2011-01-10T05:43:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish all chums of C&B a very happy and healthy, successful and generally fabulous New Year.

2010 was amazing for C&B and to celebrate I thought it was time for some prizes.

I will be giving away one of each of these new friendship bracelets (soon to be added to the eboutique along with some other super goodies).

To enter all you need to do is leave a comment here at the blog, on facebook (become a fan while you are there) or twitter (@chambersandbeau) stating what you love about Chambers & Beau. If you share the giveaway on your blog or on your facebook page, add the link and you will be entered again.

I will announce the winners at the end of the month, simples!

Good luck

♥

A home birth

2010-12-09T04:35:00.000-08:00

It is manic here at C&B HQ. I cannot even spare the time to fart (which of course I would never do anyway) let alone really be here on the much neglected blog.

But, there is something I must share with you.

One of my customers has just has her fifth (OMG) child. She asked another of my customers (a very talented photographer) to capture the birth in stills.

The results are beautiful.

Emma wore nothing during the labour but her Chambers & Beau necklace.

More of the images can be seen at Sarah's fab blog here. Don't worry, it is all gorgeously tasteful (nothing down the business end)!

Even the midwife present has now been in touch (she is called Cheryl Cole - imagine my initial excitement).

The parents are popping over tomorrow to get an extra charm for the necklace and bringing the new arrival with them. This lovely story has really lifted my spirits. Almost given me a touch of wet eye ♥

Neglect

2010-10-27T12:30:00.001-07:00

I have written in the past about losing my blogging mojo.

This time it has gone well and truly or had you not noticed?

To make matters worse I was skimming through my posts a few days ago and cringed at the things I had written. I mean, seriously, who cares that I had a crush on Bill from True Blood (who has now been replaced by Don Draper of Madmen fame)!

I am happy however to keep you up to date with the goings on of Chambers & Beau.

A great response to the latest collections (find them here) with a bit of press and lots of orders.

Christmas ideas in trade jewellery mag The Jeweller.

Another Christmas gift guide but this time in inflight Flybe's Uncovered mag.

And, saving the best till last, another mention in Grazia's fashion charts.
This makes me very happy!

My only other news is that I have gifted Samantha Cameron. I thought she would be a good choice what with being the most photographed woman in the UK at present. No news yet but am hoping that a little thankyou note for her Family Classic necklace might plop on my doormat sometime soon.
Promise to be back soon
xxx

Peep Beau

2010-09-24T05:42:00.001-07:00

Peep Beau - the new collection of personalised jewellery for your little peeps.

I got asked so often if I did childrens jewellery that I decided to take my charms and attach them to teeny tiny little bracelets and necklaces - simples and soooo cute.

Prices starting from £40 and all available from 1st October - just in time for Chrimbo.

Both this collection and the new 'We Are Family' are available to pre order now from the eboutique.

For all pre orders use code FAMILY for a 10% discount.

How kind am I?

♥

Lifestyle

2010-09-16T06:34:00.001-07:00

I have been given some advice about my photography. Apparently jewellery sells better online if the images are lifestyle rather than cutouts (like I normally have).

Luckily for me my photographer is fab at both. Really pleased with the results but not sure which I prefer.

What do you reckon?

Coming soon....

2010-09-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Family Collection

New charms, new fonts and twinkling brilliant cut diamonds for some added seasonal sparkle.

Available from the eboutique in a couple of weeks time.

Like?

Birthday

2010-08-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

The most amazing birthday weekend.

Brilliant friends

Fab presents

One hell of a party

Way too much fizz

A very cool card from my lovely sister

But, the best prize?

The safe return of my camera husband from Afghanistan.

Christmas sparkle in August?

2010-08-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

I know no-one wants to hear the C word this early on but truth be told I am actually running rather late. Magazines are working on their gift guides and I still have not got all my samples together - Arghhh. Bit worried I am going to miss the boat but there is nothing that can be done about it so will just have to keep everything crossed that the editors and stylists love it enough to squeeze it in.
Photography is happening next weekend but I am so excited with the new bits that I wanted to give you a sneaky preview. I am waiting on new fonts for the text so this is still a work in progress.

Family Tree Classic

Its got diamonds and everything!!

Do you like?

My feeble reason for being so behind with all that is festive is due to the rather fab press I have received of late.

The Wish List in The Daily Mail

Grazia via the very lovely Polly Vernon

and Candis (no, I hadn't heard of it either)!

More Xmas goodies to come soon I promise

xxx

The Enchanted Wood

2010-07-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Today we discovered a magical place just 5 minutes from our front door on the moor.

The perfect place to take the kids over the coming weeks of school holiday hell (can you tell how much I am looking forward to it)?

Got a bit carried away with the fab hipstamatic app.... but the sepia tones and the sunlight work so well.

Good luck with your school holiday plans. Any tips on how to keep a grumpy 6yr old and a 'stuck to my ankles' 2yr old happy would be much appreciated.

xxx

Gurgle

2010-07-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

We have linked up with the lovely people over at Gurgle again for a competition.

The prize - one of our amour love knot friendship bracelets.

So sign up here and cross those fingers!

Good luck and lots of happy weekend wishes.

xxx

News in Brief

2010-06-10T05:39:00.001-07:00

I am super busy *yawn* so am going to have to keep this quick. I have not had a chance to visit many of my fave blogs recently so apologies, don't think me rude - I will return once father's day is over.

Mr C&B celebrated his birthday at the weekend by running as many miles as he was old (nearly)! Totally nuts idea in my opinion - a 32 mile uber marathon across Dartmoor with no flat bits - no thanks.

We were all so terribly proud. He raised over £600 for Alzheimer's and crossed the finish line in under six hours with Sam (I did shed a tear)!

Half way through the race, Sam discovered his first wobbly tooth and kept shouting out to Daddy. Whatever happened to my little boy - can't believe his teeth are ready to come out. Wondering how much the tooth fairy leaves these days too - any ideas?

The hard work seems to be paying off this week with a few bits of press.

OK online mag feature C&B in their Father's Day gift guide - some really cool ideas over there. Loving the Polaroid camera!

The pitter patter range in this seasons edition of I'm Pregnant.

The Love Knot friendship Bracelets in the Summer edition of Angels & Urchins.

Also the first ever TV appearance for Chambers & Beau. The editor of Gurgle was interviewed on GMTV this week sporting her C&B necklace.

A few people emailed to let me know - thanks ♥

See you the other side of Father's Day x

A little R&R and a giveaway

2010-05-31T11:18:00.001-07:00

So, this has been my view for the last couple of weeks!

We had a lovely couple of weeks in the sunshine (and rain grrrrr), recharged our batteries and even managed to read books (2 in 2 weeks - what bliss). The little poppets had the time of their lives living on bread, chips and ice cream, wearing next to nothing and not having a mummy whose default line is 'not right now, I'm just.....'

Of course the workload I have come home to is rather large. I knew it would be hard taking 2 weeks out and I guess doing it a few weeks before Father's Day may not have been the best plan!

My tan is literally falling off as I stamp collar stiffener after collar stiffener and by the time I get to escape from my studio I shall be back to a blue white with the possible remnants of a holiday cold sore - nice!

Father's Day falls on Sunday 20th June.

With lots of original gifts over at the eboutique you can give something that is as individual as he is.

Also, if you fancy a little discount use the code LOVEYOUDADDY at the checkout for 10% off.

And finally a little giveaway. Over at Facebook I will be giving away one of my new friendship bracelets (men's versions above). Once the fan base hits 500 someone will be chosen at random.

Now this might take a while, I am aiming high with 500. So tell your FB chums, spread the word and a winner will be announced before we know it.

Good luck x

My (not so) lovely lady lumps

2010-05-08T00:53:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning (after deciding to keep this a strictly business blog) to write a post about my latest feature in Devon Life magazine (read it here) and the exciting news of my first overseas stockist with a big order going out to Bahrain (C&B goes global baby) BUT I have more pressing things that I just need to get off (or, in my dreams on) my rather lacking chest.

I have been obsessing the last few weeks with finding the perfect bikini. What with holiday season fast approaching and the fact that I always struggle with swimwear, I started my search early. There are so many lovely ones around, but unfortunately for me you need some sort of 'lady lumps' to carry them off.

When I was in my early teens and beginning to grow my little bee stings my family called me sprout. Since breast feeding my two delightful (grrrr) children I am surprised that this nick name has not reared its ugly head. Suffice it to say that i am seriously lacking in this department.

We all have one area (at least) that we are not happy with and my little raisins are my problem area. When discussing this with my hairdresser the other day, she told me 'to go topless - its all about confidence'. OHMYGOD! I find it hard enough to get them out at home let alone to the whole world. Advice from my hairdresser should possible by avoided though - in the next breath she suggested I use 'ass-hole cream' on my mouth wrinkles. WTF!

One thing she mentioned though which did make me feel better was that the perfect breast should measure 21cm from the dip at the bottom of the neck to the middle of the nipple. Well, I measure 20cm so things could be worse. If I ever get round to having surgery they will be so high up I might look like Posh!

I think I have now found the best bikini shape for me. The bandeau - so it looks a little like a sports bandage but at least the cups don't stay inverted after being touched. And, before you ask, I shall not be posting any pictures of me in said bikini - haremgate was painful enough!

Now all we need is a little sunshine!

Happy Holidays ♥

All bikinis available here x

Summer Lovin'

2010-04-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

Its here, isn't it?

Glorious sunshine all the last week, longer evenings, smells of sausages on the bbq and I even bought a pair of crocs today (not for me I assure you) so summer must have arrived.

My Love Knot Friendship Bracelets (nearly went for Posh Knot but Love Knot won out in the end) are then perfectly timed.

A flash of colour in the form of waxed cotton cord mixed with Chambers & Beau sterling silver personalised charms make for the perfect summer cocktail.

A pretty addition to any outfit. For real impact, choose a few colours from the array available and layer up.

Choose red for passion, olive for peace, pink for love, aqua for tranquility, purple for romance, navy for power, brown for stability, white for purity, green for luck, grey for balance and black for mystery.

Alternatively stack on the charms to make your statement.

Each piece comes with a spare waxed cotton cord and instructions on how to 'do it yourself' creating a friendship bracelet for life.

Prices start at only £35.00

I'm really pleased with how they turned out in the end after the headache they caused. Quite liking the loop closure.

Happy too, to have another item for the men in our lives. Mr C&B is not a jewellery man in any sense (just about keeps his wedding ring on) but even he has been sporting one of these ID versions as a wearer trial. I think he will be keeping it for good!

A good option for a Father's Day gift?

Available to order now from the eboutique for delivery beginning of May. Pre-order yours before 1st May using discount code 'welovesummer' and receive 10% off.

♥♥♥

Fame At Last?

2010-04-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Er not quite, but after 35 years (shhhh) I have finally made it into the local paper. Here I am heading up the business pages of The Western Morning News.

You go girlfriend!

Can't believe they took the shot from my bad side. Will remedy that for my next appearance......

Some coverage as well from Spain's El Mundo national paper. Not sure what it says exactly but am sure it is all good. The orders that have come in from Spain since have been slightly tricky - I seem to recall getting kicked out of Spanish classes in sixth form!

And, some more PR in the form of a regional glossy.

The only other topic featuring heavily in the C&B world at present is the dreaded friendship bracelet. How could something so simple create so much stress?

They have today however gone off to London for photography FOR THE SECOND TIME!!

(nothing to do with my photographers skills but my current inability to make a decision).

Hopefully they will be available in all their gorgeous colourful glory from the eboutique by this time next week.

Prices starting from £35 which will include a spare cord and instructions on how to do it yourself for when you fancy a new colour.

Watch this space

xxx

Sleepless Nights

2010-03-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

(no, not over the Harem pants - see previous post)!

This week I have been trawling the internet for suppliers of rattail (lets call it satin cord - sounds so much nicer doesn't it).

I finally found a good quality supplier who sell on a wholesale basis and samples arrived the next day.

Such lovely vibrant colours - perfect for the summer months no?

Then I started working on the little friendship bracelets that i will hopefully add to the shop in a couple of weeks time.

.

An ID bar to be personalised Chambers & Beau stylie, one of my heart charms and the C&B logo tag.

Do I add a coloured stone too or is this overkill?

Who would have known that I could lose sleep over slipknots (the little feckers (slip knots) have been driving me insane, but I have finally got the hang of it).

So, what do you think of them - a cute colourful addition to the range?

If satin cord bracelets are good enough for Cartier they are certainly good enough for Chambers & Beau.

A final thought - what to call them. Friendship bracelet is a bit naff isn't it?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated x

Huge apologies for the terrible, terrible photography. Blame Iphone. You may have noticed that I have been cameraless for a good 6 months. My writing is not the best (no seriously), I am all about the pictures so blogging has been a bit tricky. It will eventually come back from Olympus and i will have to come up with another excuse for my poor blogging habits!

TGIF (nearly) - Happy weekend peeps ♥

Can't touch this!

2010-03-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a lovely few hours to myself to hit the shops. I was full of it when I came home with my new purchases. Mr C&B was not quite so pleased.

When I showed him my new beige, but lets call them mink, harem trousers, aka MC Hammer pants or elephants arse trousers (as he has now renamed them) he told me had never seen me wear anything so vile.

They are the most comfortable thing ever and there I was thinking they looked pretty sweet.

Tell me, have I lost my way in the style stakes or should I wear them and be proud?

Will the elephants arse trousers go back to Topshop?

You decide!

Marisa - you do not need to comment - I can hear you laughing already!

Happy Mother's Day......

2010-03-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

....... to me!

Bloody hard work being a mum right?

What a surprise that turned out to be.

Have had the perfect day with the whole family and now wondering if I can finish it off in perfect style by gifting myself one of these swatch watches.

Who would have thought that swatch would become so cool again.

I can't decide between the black and brown....

..... oh, and I do already have the gold.

Like I said, it is hard work.

Surely I deserve it?

Hope you all had lovely days ♥

Highs & Lows

2010-03-04T02:02:00.000-08:00

At the start of this week I was unceremoniously dumped by one of my stockists. All because I refused to go into one of their shops. This refusal was due to the fact that I already sell in a far superior jewellery gallery in the same town but also because this shop sells modern, bought off the shelf Thai style jewellery (they call it designer) that does not sit so well with my 'handcrafted with love' Chambers & Beau.

They were very nasty to me and although I had been desperate to stop selling with them for some time, it still left a horrible taste in my mouth (I am not so good with confrontation)! She told me (despite the day previous desperately trying to convince me to sell in their other store) that 'they had decided to drop Chambers & Beau as the quality was not up to scratch and not good enough for their designer stores'.

Hmmmmm!

Then last night I was having a little look at the website of the company I designed for, for nearly a decade. I occasionally have a little look just to see if they are producing anything as good since I left (but of course not) and to check that they are not doing anything similar to me.

Well, surprise, surprise. They have just launched a collection of engravable jewellery, personalised by you. Hearts and discs and little charms which are laser etched with words of your choice.

Now, I am well aware that I didn't come up with this concept and that lots of people are doing similar stuff but surely this is a little blatant.

I am feeling somewhat cross and wondering how small businesses can ever survive when the biggies come along with their £100,000 advertising campaigns and jump on the bandwagon.

Fortunately their collection is SHITE (she shouts at the top of her voice). I am desperately fighting the overwhelming urge to disclose these nasties but that would not be nice and nice is something I do rather well....

B A S T A R D S

(sorry mum for my language)

and

B R E A T H E

Happily this bad news has been followed by a small flurry of press and lovely testimonials.

My cufflinks for city slickers in Square Mile magazine.

Acceptance by the fash pack (maybe) in Grazia.

Cufflinks in Wedding Venues magazine.
(I also designed the ones below for someone else - cosmic)

There is no honour in this game, but I am hopeful that the personal service as well as the product will help me to stand out in the crowd. x

Mums The Word

2010-02-24T05:24:00.001-08:00

Surprise mum with the perfect gift this Mothering Sunday

(14th March)

Chambers & Beau is amongst other things a celebration of motherhood and we would like to help you celebrate this lovely day by offering a 10% discount off all lines (including the new expressions collection).

Simply use the discount code WELOVEMUM at the eboutique for your 10% discount.

(Offer ends midnight 29th Feb)

Free delivery and beautiful packaging as standard ♥♥♥

A little pick me up please!

2010-02-22T03:30:00.000-08:00

After Christmas I had a couple of very welcome weeks off. Then I waited for things to pick up again and it hasn't really happened yet. I mean, it is way busier than this time last year when it all first began but nothing crazy. Valentines came and went with little excitement and mother's day is just around the corner but nothing much happening there either.

I think I enjoyed working under so much pressure pre Christmas and now I have lost all the spark I had left and generally feel bloody bored and can't really be arsed to get on with the work I have got to do.

I know I shouldn't feel this way, that I am being terribly ungrateful, especially when all this is going on....

Photoshoot for a double page spread for Devon Life magazine. A profile of Chambers & Beau in our local glossy in April. Friend Claire Tregaskis managed to make us all look great with her amazing camera skills....

My cufflinks featured in You & Your Wedding magazine.

My Pitter Patter necklace featured in Baby Surrey, Baby Hampshire and Baby London.

This feels like one almighty comedown after a month-long drug induced Christmas extravaganza (I am imagining as obviously I wouldn't know being the respectable mother of two that I am).

I'm needing some work related excitement in my life.

I can't be bored of Chambers & Beau already can I?

Is this just all part of the rollercoaster?

Can anyone suggest some sort of pick me up?

My Sweet Valentine.....

2010-02-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

... bought me a teapot, a toblerone, a single red rose and two cards, one from him and one from the kids.
Who says romance dies after having the little critters?
He is rather a dish too!

Oh, by the way, I picked a winner for the Valentine giveaway.

Can you just about make out the winner?

Hope all you loverlies had a fabulous day x

l♥ve is in the air

2010-02-03T06:38:00.000-08:00

I'm lusting after these gorgeous Valentine inspired prints and pictures at the moment. Hung on my wall they would be like a little mantra to calm me every time I am cross with Mr C&B (obviously that is hardly ever if you are to believe this perfect world that the Chambers, beau and me blog somehow creates). Lol!

All above products available from Not On The Highstreet.

I love this poem and have grand ideas to create my own picture using it (if time allows).

If the likelihood of receiving anything like the above, or any other kind of delicious valentine treat is somewhat slim ('fancy an early night love' is all i am expecting) then don't forget to enter the giveaway from the previous post. Then you might receive something fabulous for Valentines without any involvement from the other half!

Buckets of love, thanks and appreciation to all the lovely peeps for the comments on the previous post ♥

C&B Giveaway

2010-01-21T05:12:00.001-08:00

Free jewellery - did that catch your attention?

Yay - a fabulous piece of jewellery of your choice from the Chambers & Beau new collection (up to the value of £150) could be yours by taking these very simple steps.

If you are a fellow blogger just mention the giveaway on your blog and leave a link in my comments and you will be entered.

If you do not have a blog, you can still take part. Simply follow the C&B blog (by clicking the follow button at the right hand side) and leave me a comment telling me your most favourite piece from the collection.

Easy peasy!

I will choose a winner (using a random number generator) on valentine's day ♥

Spread the love and good luck

xxx

Express Yourself

2010-01-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

Finally, the new collection has arrived (I'm knackered before it has even begun). Images are all uploaded, stock is in and I'm ready to make up orders. Christmas is long gone (sob), so with valentines and mother's day looming isn't it time for a little retail therapy?

The Wish Classic is my favourite, which is yours?

EXPRESSIONS

2010-01-13T02:59:00.001-08:00

EXPRESSIONS

'Choose your key moments. Customise your jewellery. Wear your story.'

A little taster of what is to come.

Cute new charms and motif stamps fusing sentiment and style.

I will be adding lots of new charms and some gorgeous charm bracelets over the weekend (so that will end up being early next week).

Do you like?

10% Discount ♥

2010-01-11T05:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry but the giveaway post is going to have to wait a few days.
I figured I should have something from the new collection as the prize - launching in the next few days so watch this space.....
Instead hopefully this little discount offer in Country Living (out today - Feb issue) will bring a smile to a few faces. This magazine would never feature jewellery on their editorial pages but I reckon that my jewellery will appeal to the Country Living demographic so doing a reader offer is the next best thing. Fingers crossed, I might even get another little sales rush, especially with Valentines Day looming.
10% off the new collection too so might be worth waiting a few days to see what delights I have come up with this time round! x

Remember me?

2010-01-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm finally back after a much longer than planned break. Its fair to say that the Christmas rush was a bit of a shock to the system. I mean, I hoped to be busy and complained often in October when it was quiet but then when the orders did start coming in, they came in thick and fast and I was seriously not prepared for it.
I am totally amazed that Chambers & Beau has done so well. Feels like my little baby has properly taken off, much more than the little hobby I imagined, and I am feeling very excited and hopeful about this coming year.
Here are a few mentions from the past couple of weeks that has helped it on its way.

Wed Devon magazine.

Sunday Times Style magazine (get me)!

Baby Hampshire/Surrey

The Christmas break has been wonderful. I normally find the build up is the best bit and then the big day a bit of a let down but this year was ace. A well earned rest surrounded by my fab family, the new wood burner and some amazing presents and parties have made for one of the best holidays ever.

My sister came up trumps (as ever) with her gorgeous gifts for Molly, Mr C&B and I (check out her blog here).

Super cute robins for moi....

....beautiful owl cushion for Molly moo...

... and a lovely big chest for all of Mr C&B's camera equipment (so sick of seeing the stuff all over the house - now he has no excuse).

I bought a couple of these CUTE 'strap- ons' (cute and strap- on in the same sentence - lol) for my nephew and daughter. Get yours here - handmade in Cornwall!

And, this fantastic picture entitled 'Mulcrone Cowboys' (mulcrone is my married name) for my husband. Check out our friend Tom Wood's incredible works here.

Finally, that lovely Mr C&B, who will leave his camera gear all over the house no more, commissioned a Sarah Bowman painting for me (gulp).
OMG!
How lucky am I? When i mentioned that i would like one of her paintings on a previous post I never thought for a second that he would actually take any notice. It was a Christmas/I'm so proud of you present and it made my cry (especially as she has become a very good friend who makes me laugh more than anyone I have ever met).

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas too and I look forward to having some time now to start dropping in on you again from time to time.
Here's to 2010
xxx

P.S Was thinking about a little New Year give away. What do you reckon, a good idea for the next post?

Totally nuts

2009-11-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

........ is my life at the moment.

I have no time for anything.

I don't know my arse from my elbow.

Christmas orders have gone CERAZY, I don't know if I can keep up.

Mr C&B leaves for a 2 week trip to Afghanistan on Sunday (gulp).

I have no time for my blog (sob) and I so desperately wanted to tell you how incredibly shit (with a capital S) the Designer Baby Show was.

I will return once I get on top of this heap of orders.

Missing you already ♥

Red.........

2009-11-08T06:14:00.001-08:00

....... is not just my favourite colour!

This months Red magazine is pretty hard to beat.

Not only is there a great Chambers & Beau product placement (buy yours here) in the Christmas gift guide, the lovely Jools Oliver is the cover girl. Looking amazing just weeks after baby number 3 and sounding her usual down to earth self in the interview. I have a slightly heightened interest in her as I am currently making up a necklace for her. She chose the Billy Classic with an extra sequin with the names of her girls, Poppy, Daisyboo and Petal (sooo cute)stamped on it.

I am hoping that she will totally love it and share the C&B name with all her fellow yummy mummy friends and celebrity chums.

Red's icing on the cake is an interview with Stephen Swoon Moyer of True Blood. Am I too old to stick this picture on my studio wall?

I have also been featured in the Nov/Dec issue of You and Your Wedding. A hot 50 perfect gift list feature and the Molly Classic necklace comes in at number 5 - Woohoo!

I am hoping that these little bits of press editorial are going to kick start my Christmas rush. It is slowly starting to build up mostly due to my presence in the Not On The High Street catalogue. Slightly bored with making shirt collar stiffeners already, if only they had featured one of the necklaces (sigh).

The cufflinks have been a big hit in their first week with the editors of both GQ (very cool chap apparently) and Square Mile magazine requesting pairs with their own personalisation.

Finally, I will be exhibiting for the first time next Sunday at The Designer Baby Show. I am currently totally unprepared but will hopefully pull it all together just in time. Come along if you can for 10% discount off everything in the range and to enter a FREE prize draw. I just need to work out what the prize should be - any suggestions?

So, that's all folks. Wish me luck and hope to see you there x

BOO

2009-11-01T01:16:00.000-07:00

Mr C&B grew up in the States. He was slightly disappointed by the trick or treating. It is fair to say that Ashburton didn't really embrace Halloween. But, the little poppets dressed up (any opportunity) and we knocked on a few doors.

Sam held out a fake poo and said 'trick or treat' in the smallest scared voice possible. He told everyone he was Draclia and they came home with a little stash of goodies.

I took our pumpkin out the window when our treat supplies were getting low, snuggled up on the sofa and finished them off myself.

A thoroughly enjoyable affair!

Could only have been better if Bill (of True Blood) could have joined me - SWOON♥

♥ on your sleeve

2009-10-28T07:02:00.001-07:00

I have finally pulled my finger out and gotten round to adding cufflinks to my collection. Really it was an obvious thing to add, the perfect gift for any special men in ones life, but they involve soldering and I was being a little lazy. No matter, they are here now and are available to purchase immediatement.

You might notice that I also now have a new size of font just to mix it up a little. The possibilities are endless as you can see just from the few featured below.

I also have new motif stamps and combinations of new charms for Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. But I will save those for another post.

Hope you like x

Dear Readers,

2009-10-21T02:33:00.000-07:00

I feel an apology is in order. I am terribly sorry to have been so neglectful of late. Just so many other things to do! I suddenly realised too how annoying for all of you who keep dropping by (humour me please) to be faced with that big fat arse each time (see previous post)!

So, here I am, back for now although hopefully things are going to be busy for the next few weeks so my posts might be a tad sporadic!

One of the things that has been keeping me busy is online Christmas shopping. Figured I should start early in case things get too hectic. Unsurprisingly I have managed to come across a few things for myself.

I love these carved wood angel wings - perfect for my bedroom wall

(I so hope Mr C&B reads this post - I couldn't make it an easier for him right?).

Anything from the talent that is my sister and brother in law will always make me very happy indeed.

And, finally, what I am aching to get is a painting from my lovely friend Lu, aka Sarah Bowman, aka The artist of Ashburton!

Her work is wonderful. I have worked out exactly what I would like in my still life, colours and all and I know exactly where it will hang in the house.

I realise that this is way too much to expect for Christmas but if I manage to sell enough of my jewellery then I am going to treat myself . So please feel free to help my cause and get shopping my lovelies ♥

In other news - I have been contemplating a fringe and then I saw this gorgeous image and my mind was made up.

I was going to post a photo of me with my new look but the similarity was just so uncanny that I didn't bother! (NOT).

Enjoy the rest of your weeks x♥x

Today...

2009-10-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

....is day five of my refined sugar ban.

It was getting really silly.

I mean eating cooking chocolate chocolate chips in desperation silly.

I decided that if I tried to sort out this crazy chocolate/cake/biscuit addiction and get off my fat arse and do some exercise, there is a (faint) possibility that I could look like this....

Via Daisy Chain - image by Rosie Hardy

Otherwise I fear I might end up looking like this....

Via my fashionable girly crush

Happy Weekend ♥

What are the chances?

2009-10-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

A conversation I had today with a man trying to order a necklace.........

Tom - I cannot pay by paypal as it is my wife's account and I want it to be a surprise.

Me - No problem. If there is no rush you could send a cheque?

Tom - I don't have a cheque book.

Me - Actually, I just noticed your phone number is local. Are you in Newton Abbot?

Tom - Yes.

Me - Well I am only in Ashburton!

Tom - Really (surprised). Great, so I could come and collect it and pay you then?

Me - Perfect!

Tom - My wife has a friend who has one of your necklaces.

Me - I wonder if I might know her.

Tom - Maybe, her name is Charlotte Smith.

Me - And, who are you?

Tom - Tom Smith

Me - Did you go to school locally?

Tom - Yes

Me - I think I went to school with you.

Tom - Who are you?

Me - Amy Elson.

Tom - OMG!

Me - I was going to say, didn't I snog you when we were at school?

Both - Lots of (slightly embarrassed) laughter.

He is coming to collect it later this week. Will start working on the outfit now, must look my best!

Small world huh?

Names have been changed. Wouldn't want to upset the misses!

This week

2009-10-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

MONDAY - bumped into The Hon Kirstie Allsopp in my home town and had a little chat with her. Celebrity spotting in Ashburton is pretty much unheard of so there was much excitement. She later tweeted that she was looking at the C&B website and thought it all looked totally gorgeous - Woo hoo!

TUESDAY - received copies of Wedding ideas and I'm pregnant magazines - small features but any press is better than nothing. Getting lots of interest from brides to be at the moment which is exciting - a whole new avenue that I have not explored yet.

WEDNESDAY - made sloe gin with my lovely girl friends. Was great fun but am thinking that the pre Christmas tasting night will be even better.

THURSDAY - had some stock called in to amazingly gorgeous boutique Anna's . 6 stores across London - will be thrilled if they place an order - fingers crossed.

FRIDAY - Stressing. The Not on the High Street Christmas catalogue comes out in a few days. Over 400,000 copies get sent out. My shirt collar stiffeners are being featured and I have 100 pairs in stock. Thinking that out of 400,000 people maybe more than 100 of them will be buying a pair (or not). OMG - is that enough? If not, how many to order? Remember I have never done this before!

SATURDAY/SUNDAY - .... and relax

I L♥VE Christmas. this year I feel more excited than ever. My first Christmas in business - I wonder how it will go. As well as all the press I have organised I have also signed up to exhibit at The Designer Baby Show in November. Need to get my head round stand design now as well as everything else. So much to think about and am completely behind with my orders but Xfactor is calling.

No one will mind waiting one more day will they?

Happily Ever After

2009-09-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Gillian got married to Travis. She bought him a Chambers & Beau keyring as a wedding gift and also bought a necklace to wear on the big day. It was personalised with their names and the wedding date. I think she hopes to add more charms in the future when they start a family.
I hope they had a wonderfully special day. They were kind enough to ask the official photographer to send this image.

Shame we don't get to see the rest of the outfit but I am sure she looked amazing.
Don't I just get the sweetest customers?

Molly Mooooooo

2009-09-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Check out my little poppet rocking her new leg warmers. Am thinking this is going to be the look for her second winter.

Am I scarring her for life?

Do you reckon she will ever forgive me?

Missing Mojo

2009-09-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

It just disappeared out the front door this time last week. I am completely lacking in motivation, inspiration and I certainly have nothing of interest to write about on this here blog.

I'm hoping it will return again shortly but if anyone comes across it in the meantime I am willing to sort out some kind of reward.

I will be back soon - sorry peeps, I'm just not feeling it.

Image via this is glamorous. Hmmm, unfortunately this is not my front door. Would die for a hallway like this!

Heirloom Indeed

2009-09-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

A sweet story sent to me by a sweet friend......

Went in to give L a kiss goodnight and she starts fiddling with my C&B necklace in an attempt to put off going to sleep.

L: "Mummy, can I look at your necklace?"
Me: "No sweetie, it's time for bed."
L: "Will you wear it tomorrow?"
Me: "Probably, as it's my favourite."
L: "Will you wear it every day until you die?"
Me: "Probably."
L: "Will you wear it after you die?"
Me: "Well you or D may want to have it when I die."
L cheers : "Yay!"

So now I know, she loves your necklace more than me.

Pregnancy & Birth

2009-09-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

I picked up the latest issue of Pregnancy & Birth today (not just by chance I must add) and there was my new ID bracelet slap bang in the middle of the P&B Hotlist.
Looks cute no?

Support...

2009-09-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

...... SOS Children through the purchase of one of my new Chambers & Beau ID bracelets. Through your support they will be able to give more orphaned and abandoned children a home, an education and a family for life.
Chambers & Beau, partnering with SOS Children's Villages - the worlds largest orphan charity.
Help me give something back by buying a gorgeous personalised bracelet here, here or even here.
xxx

9/11

2009-09-07T11:58:00.001-07:00

Last night I watched 'The phone calls from the twin towers' doco. I knew it would leave me blubbing but I couldn't not watch it. It left a really strong message with me to cherish every moment - life is so precious and you never know when it may end.

It got me trying to remember the quote/poem 'Love like you have never been hurt, dance like no-one is watching......... Does anyone know the full original version?

At the end of the program I vowed to myself to try and live like every day might be the last. To appreciate everything and everyone more (I am seriously lucky to have such amazing friends and family around me).

This (I realise by about 7am) is going to be really hard. Sam was shouting at me in one ear and Molly was doing a wee on the floor in the corner whilst I was trying to tweet (getting my priorities right straight away). I swiftly forgot all appreciation.

The only way I am going to remember is to have it tattooed on my forehead unless of course you have any better ideas...................... x

(image via this is glamorous)

I surprise myself!

2009-09-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Finally, Molly has stopped crying. Even if I leave the room for more than 10 seconds, she still doesn't cry. Sam is being very polite and really quite lovely, thanks to the Ben 10 sticker chart we have been working on over the last couple of weeks.

I feel like a peace, of sorts, has descended on the C&B household and I feel sad that tomorrow Sam starts school again (omg, did I really just write that)?

Amazing right? I can hardly believe it myself. So, maybe my kids are rather nice little poppets after all. This means that perhaps I am doing a better job than I thought a few weeks back (see A Mother's Rant).

Earth mother? Maybe not.

Nice mummy who isn't shouting so much? You betcha!

Didn't we have a lovely time...

2009-09-01T05:38:00.001-07:00

.... the day we went to London town. (Well actually the day we went to London was really quite shit. Someone selfishly decided to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge onto the motorway so we got stuck for hours). I digress, we stayed with beautiful friends for the long bank holiday weekend and they made it totally worth the miserable journey!

I want that one!

2009-08-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

I used to spend hours pouring over jewellery and fashion magazines and websites looking for inspiration for the next collection to be designed. Now, with most of my energies going into my lovely new project (chambers & beau) I don't get much chance for such indulgence.

Unless I have a particular design brief for a client I rarely bother which is a shame as I love working on inspiration mood boards....

.... particluarly when I come across something I really like.

This YSL cuff is another addition to my ever increasing wish list. I totally LOVE it. Maybe its the simplicity or maybe its the branding - I mean I wouldn't be quite so desperate for it if the address was engraved to Primani!

Another YSL cuff.

Mock croc on jewellery always works for me.

And these Hermes (I think) leather bracelets are just fabulous.

I will have one of each please, thank you very much.

Have a feeling I will be wanting for a rather long time.

Keep on coming

2009-08-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

with the birthday treats. How long can I milk this for?

Lovely cupcake card from Laura - you know me so well with the red and white polka dots x

Gorgeous beach hut picture made by my very clever big sister x

Notice all the cake and chocolate - birthday treat to myself - slendertone belt!

Happy birthday to me :)

I'm gunna be....

2009-08-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

35 tomorrow - Gaahhhhh.

My lovely friends gave me a gorgeous birthday brunch this morning.

I am a very lucky girl!

(excuse terrible photos taken with iphone)

I LOVE celebrities

2009-08-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Omg, my NBF gets everywhere doesn't she? Nothing like celebrity endorsement for a bit of press - The Daily Mail (online) no less.

Get me!Will try not to post about her again else she might think I am turning into a stalker. Because obviously she reads my blog everyday.

A mother's rant

2009-08-13T10:44:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately I am the type of person who worries when they realise that they are not worried about anything. Currently my main worry is that I do not have enough time to do all the things I should/want/need to be doing. The list seems sendless - blogging (not just the writing but looking at others and commenting), working (building my own business and designing for others), tweeting (why did I think it would be fun to get so addicted to another activity), housework (which always comes last) and of course the kids.

I feel so frustrated that I do not have time to do all of the above that it is probably having a negative effect on the little critters - omg, something else to worry about!

Sam (5) is behaving like a moody teenager although unfortunately not one who stays in bed late in the morning and Molly (20 months) just follows me around the house crying ALL THE TIME. She is so cross and I don't know why. I should have realised this when she was much younger...

These feelings will soon pass I am sure and things will quickly look brighter again. I just want to know how everyone else seems to be able to juggle so much stuff (so well) and seem so calm with such happy families.

Are you feeling my pain?

Is 6pm too early to open the red wine?

How long is it ok to not clean your bathroom for?

You get the picture x

Weekend wishing

2009-08-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

Loving these Pierre Hardy boots for Gap. But which ones to choose? They come in navy too - hmmmmmm. Available mid September from Gap stores.

Thinking that I might have to get a slendertone belt. Have been following Bea of Dulwich mum on twitter - omg she makes me laugh so much. Her tweets about her exercise regime - popping on the belt and pouring herself a G&T seriously make me chuckle. The thought of creating a six pack whilst making a few necklaces each day seems like heaven to me.

Lazy - moi?

And finally my dream car of the moment. Way too cute. I'll have it in baby blue with the soft top and maybe a stripe down the middle. Not very practical maybe but I can handle travelling light if it's in one of these. Anyway once the slendertone starts working we will all be able to squeeze in easy!

Name the cat

2009-08-08T23:38:00.000-07:00

Somehow this week we went out for a little stroll and ended up coming home with a new cat. The picture above is not of said cat as she will not come out of hiding from under the bed but she looks pretty much like this. Really, really pretty, dark grey and green eyes. She is lame so doesn't walk too well and she is very scared (guessing she must have had a tough time before she arrived chez C&B). We are struggling to come up with a name for her so if anyone has any good suggestions.........................

P.S - apologies for lack of posts and comments. Kids school holidays really mucks up the schedule huh!

Birthday Treat

2009-08-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

Mr C&B took me away for an early birthday treat on the weekend. It was totally and utterly super amazingly lush! He surprised me with a lovely stay in the Veuve Clicquot room at Hotel Du Vin in Bristol. We ate beautiful food all weekend and drank champagne in our double baths. He took me for a mega shopping trip, I was soooo spoilt. We felt like we did before Sam and Moo came along and I think we fell in love a little bit more.

I will not be complaining about him for ages after this divine weekend. I feel so relaxed, rejuvenated and happy. He will certainly be in my good books for oooh two weeks at least I reckon.

'For god sake, can you put that bloody bin out - how many times do I have to ask?'

Well, a good few hours anyway!

WIN WIN WIN

2009-07-31T05:23:00.000-07:00

For a chance to win one of my lovely necklaces visit popular parenting website Gurgle. Login, enter and cross your fingers.
Good luck and happy weekend my lovelies x

Escape

2009-07-29T04:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend while we waited for Mr C&B's callout to Afghanistan (he finally left yesterday) we managed to spend some time with lovely friends we don't get to see often enough. They helped ease the stresses that we had been feeling not only due to the big trip to a WAR ZONE but also the fact that everything in our lives seems to be breaking down - car, boiler, oven and finally my mobile. I thought bad things were supposed to come in threes!
Anyhoo, to escape all the crap at home we visited friends Tom and Hanna who I have posted about before. Their son, Alex, is now 4 months old - he is growing so fast and is totally adorable. Didn't hear a peep out of him all weekend.

In between cooing over Alex and enjoying their home grown food (they have a veggie patch/field to die for) we admired Tom's new sculptures in their garden. Check out his clever, clever work here and here.

We then made our way to Howard and Laura's (clever lady of Cloudfishing fame) aka 'The Bungalow' for an amazing bbq feast. The kids played together brilliantly, tearing round the huge stretch of sand at Westward Ho, dodging the jelly fish with faces caked in sand and ice cream.

The sea air and wonderful friends blew away our dark moods very quickly and we had such a fab time.
Finally Laura suprised me with some super cute bunting she made for the nippers. It is hanging in their rooms and I would love to post a picture but would you believe it, the fecking camera has decided to jam.
I do not have a picture of me in tears but Molly looks an awful lot like me in times of crisis - you get the idea!
Things can only get better x

It's worth it!

2009-07-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

All the hard work that is. Your kind words after receiving your jewellery makes it all totally worth it. It makes me happy and therefore the people around me happy too.

'Wow! Necklace arrived this morning. Absolutely gorgeous. She will be over the moon, I can't wait to give it to her' - Matt, London.

'Just wanted to say how very pleased I am with my "Carpe Diem" necklace, I underwent a bone marrow transplant 18 months ago to treat leaukaemia, and thanks to an anonymous donor I am still here today and hold the moto "Carpe Diem" very close to my heart. You have done a fantastic job in producing a lovely piece of jewelry that I will wear daily, just to remind me to "Seize the day and put no trust in tomorrow"' - Catherine.

'Amy, parcel has arrived safely and looks beautiful.......but I am not allowed to wear it until my birthday! Thanks for all your help. I will be sure to tell everyone about your wonderful and unique items when they admire mine' - Jayne.

'What can I say? OMG … No wonder everyone raves about them.. my necklace is gorgeous!

Thankyou so much .. I won’t take it off' - Sharon

'Just wanted to let you know that I've received my necklace - it's absolutely beautiful. I am so pleased with it and I know my Father would have thought it was wonderful too. Thanks Amy' - Hannah

'Just cycled round to the post office to pick up my parcel from you - it is so beautiful - I was sort of cringing to myself incase I had built it up too much in my mind - but do you know what- it is a million times better than i ever imagined

I absolutely love it - infact I could cry its so lovely

thanks so much' - Liz

Just a few of the lovely messages I have received to pick me up when things seem a bit shitty. And finally, from my NBF, who I think I can now officially call a fan after a couple more orders.....

'Its totally gorgeous' - Charlotte (Church that is)!!!

Celebrity Spot

2009-07-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

The gorgeous and amazingly talented singer/presenter/chat show host and mum of two, Charlotte Church bought one of my necklaces this week. She bought the Harry Classic for a friend, but seeing as I originally made the Ruby Maxi necklace with her in mind (her children are Dexter and Ruby), I offered it to her as a gift. She accepted immediately and asked to add a charm with her partners name (rugby star - Gavin Henson).
Very exciting. I am now waiting to hear back from her - I hope she loves it and spreads the word amoungst her (no doubt) yummy mummy friends. Never know, she might even get papped wearing it. Bring it on!
Happy weekend
xxx
P.S - Don't forget to become a fan on facebook to be in with a chance of winning a necklace.

Necklace giveaway

2009-07-05T00:57:00.001-07:00

I set up a Facebook page for Chambers & Beau a while back but have never got round to doing anything with it. Well, I figure I should start sending out updates via Facebook now too. To increase my followers I am going to give away a super popular Talulah Classic Necklace to a lucky winner once the fan base reaches 100. So, become a fan here or here, tell your friends and spread the C&B love - simple as that x

Breaking the rules

2009-07-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a very special occasion - Sam's 5th birthday. His (unofficial) god parents were visiting from NYC, who he rarely sees, so playing hooky from school seemed ok on this occasion.

We had a great day, eating seafood at The Winking Prawn in Salcombe, playing in the sun on Bantham beach and a barbeque finale back home. I think he had an amazing day. The tears at bedtime because he didn't want it to end was proof enough.

I am completely and utterly exhausted. Like, I can't string a sentance together, think I'm gunna cry tired and I still have the birthday party to go yet. Twenty screaming kids, high on E numbers (see previous post) and a bouncy castle.
Wish me luck.
xxx

Bikini can wait

2009-06-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

A hectic weekend celebrating family birthdays has taken it's toll. Mr C&B is away "working" at Glastonbury (lucky git) while I hold the fort. As I have been home alone I took the opportunity to lose a few pounds by doing a juicing detox. Was feeling really quite slim on Friday but now realise that detoxes and birthdays do not go well together. Hoping I haven't undone all my hard work.

To make matters worse, am now surrounded by this..

.... while I put together party bags for Sam's upcoming birthday party.

Not sure I can hold out much longer....

.... once I start I just can't stop. SHIT.

Those skinny jeans, bikini, in fact anything figure hugging is just gunna have to wait.

Do you feel my pain?

xxx

Twice as nice

2009-06-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I was playing around with ideas and I decided to add another version of my ID bracelet. Perfect for those who prefer something a little chunkier or have too many words/names to go on a single bar. I'm really pleased with how the double ID turned out. Both items are being sent off for photography this weekend and hopefully the finished shots will do them far more justice than my shoddy camera work does.

And, most importantly of course, 10% of the sales of this version will also go to SOS children's villages.

xxx

Sending out an SOS

2009-06-23T04:18:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Katie ordered three necklaces from me - one for each of her children (what a lovely idea). I noticed at the bottom of her email that she was involved in a charity so I followed the link to the website. The night before I had watched a documentary about the orphaned children in Burma and after seeing the SOS website I decided I would like to try and do a little something to help.

I have decided to launch a cute little ID bracelet (available late summer) with 10% of the sales going to SOS. I am delighted to support SOS Children's Villages - the world’s largest orphan charity.

SOS Children's Villages provides a family home for life for children who have lost their parents through conflict, famine, disease and poverty. Over 70,000 orphaned or abandoned children are cared for by SOS mums in family homes in more than 470 unique children's villages, in 123 countries around the world. A quarter of a million at risk children in the community benefit from SOS Children's outreach support which includes education, vocational training, medical care and development programmes. SOS Children also provides emergency relief in situations of crisis and disaster, and continues to support families in earthquake and tsunami-affected countries.

If you would like to find out more about the charity or would like to sponsor a child please click on the link below.

Make a difference today, sponser a child here to give them a family for life.

I LOVE Lulu

2009-06-18T06:02:00.001-07:00

Clare (of Lulu Carter lovelyness) and I arranged a swop a couple of weeks ago. She wanted one of my necklaces and I just couldn't choose what to have as everything she makes is so adorable. I asked for a surprise, and boy, did she surprise me. It was so exciting opening the parcel, my treats were packaged so beautifully.

My goodness, I wasn't expecting all this.

The lovely pirate bunny is going to be mine, all mine. He is now sitting on the shelf in my bedroom.

The amazing dream catcher hangs in Molly's room. She can't take her eyes off it.

And, in my opinion, the piece de resistance, the gorgeous Lulu doll. She is going to sit in my cupboard until Molly will appreciate her just a little bit more. Her second birthday is in December so Lulu will come out of hiding then.
I completely LOVE her.

Thanks Clare, you are super talented and all the little details make your products so much more special. These will be treasured by all the family.
xxx

I'm pregnant

2009-06-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Ah (sharp intake of breath)! Chilax, I'm not pregnant, much better news, I am in this summer's edition of I'm Pregnant magazine (out next week). I have never been much of a reader of baby magazines but this relatively new glossy looks great.
The orders are currently flying in thanks to the mention in Angels and Urchins so I am hoping this Chambers & Beau Molly necklace on the maternity fashion pages will have a similar effect. Yay, bring it on x

Slipper heaven

2009-06-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

The day didn't begin awfully well. Maybe I just got out of bed on the wrong side or maybe the pile of Father's Day orders (everyone seems to be loving the shirt collar stiffeners) is stressing me out a little. An email from Clare of Lulu Carter fame didn't help my mood. I sent her a necklace and stamped her sons name as Harry. He is in fact called Henry! I was so cross with myself.

But then the post arrived and suddenly everything was ok again. The parcel with matching his and hers slippers inside was just what i needed. LLBean must have been looking down on me.

They are truly the most comfortable things I have ever had on my feet and I will never buy slippers from anywhere else again. Ok, so they don't look so hot with the footless tights but Matt is the only one who gets to see that ensemble (in the flesh) - what a lucky, lucky man! They made me feel so much better I even managed a little mumsy jig to Basement Jaxx.

Pump up the volume

2009-06-09T01:51:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful day at the beach on Sunday this played on the radio on our way home. Have not heard it for ages and now I have it on repeat. Talk about a song to brighten even the darkest mood.

TURN IT UP LOUD LADIEEEEEEEES xxx

name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X_n1FHX3mBw&hl=en&fs=1&">

LOOK

2009-06-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

Not a camel's hoof in sight. Am no good at 'working it' for the camera but thought I would show that perhaps I haven't gone completely mad choosing to wear these. So comfy I am not sure I will ever take them off.

So impressed with myself that I resisted the very strong temptation to add someone else's head and stretch myself out Kate Winslet stylie!

Happy, happy weekend xxx

This week....

2009-06-04T12:06:00.001-07:00

I have spent some time............

1... waiting for the Mulberry bag to arrive.

2... in fact, way too much time, checking out my sister's new blog, sixtyone A. Check out her lovely boats, cards and handmade loveliness there, or here at Folksy. Wonders will never cease. She has finally 'gotten down with the kids' and gone techno crazy with folksy, a blog, even facebook god damn it!

3.... buying and trying on leggings. Can't work out whether they look quite cool or a bit 'mutton dressed as lamb'. Please note that I am not planning on wearing them with a crop top and stilettos!

4.... looking for our cat, Woody, who has disappeared. Been gone for over a week now so I don't really hold out much hope.

5.... lazing around hippo stylie (maybe the leggings are not such a good idea after all) in the lovely sunshine in the back garden/yard.
Btw, I do not let my daughter drink lager, she just happened upon a can (full, unopened) and it kept her amused for a while......

The view if you look up (lying on the hammock/sunbed, glass of wine in hand) is stunning.

6... making lots of necklaces for it has been a busy week. Have started selling at Babes with Babies online boutique. Also in the process of designing an exclusive line especially for them. Quite exciting as it is such a beautiful store with the most stylish collection of mother and baby gifts.

7... worrying. I have spent too much time doing all these other things that now on the eve of Matt's birthday I am worried that I have not done enough for his birthday celebrations. Not sure that the potato peeler and oven mitt are gunna cut it somehow.

Angels & Urchins

2009-06-01T04:46:00.000-07:00

The summer edition plopped onto my doormat this morning. Very exciting that they have featured Chambers & Beau on their pregnancy news pages.

The magazine is a London based glossy parents guide. If you don't however live in the big smoke you can always visit them here.

I heart Mulberry

2009-05-28T13:01:00.001-07:00

Cannot believe that this morning I had in my hands an invite to a Mulberry sample sale. OMG, how exciting. The messenger bag I have been hankering after for so long would be there with big reductions. Minor problem though. Sale was situated in a basement on Bond Street.

So, there are some disadvantages of living in this gorgeous part of the world, like, NOT BEING ABLE TO POP INTO THE WEST END WHEN I LIKE. Grrrr.

Lucky for me that Keren, my brother's girlfriend happily went along for me and bought me one which she will send down - Yay, yay, yay.

Hurry Mr Postie, I need it now x

My recipe...

2009-05-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

for the perfect weekend..............

100gm Shergills
100gm Mulcrone/Elsons
75gm Lovely bright sunshine
50ml booze - any description
25gm South Hams beach
a very generous sprinkling of laughter x

Lovely Lulu

2009-05-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

So, the good start to the week has given the last few days a great vibe. Thought it would be an appropriate time to add this wicked little video which makes me smile (and wierdly, sometimes cry). I first spotted it over at the lovely Lulu Carter blog. Clare of Lulu Carter just so happened to get in touch after I had left her a comment as she had been lusting after one of my Molly necklaces for a while. Am hoping that we will be able to come to some sort of arrangement as I completely heart her gorgeous dream catchers and soft toys.
Oh, so pretty x

2009-05-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

Monday Blues

2009-05-18T05:13:00.001-07:00

I think not! If my week is going to start like this then I have a pretty good feeling about it. Hope your week is off to a good start too x

TGIF.....

2009-05-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

2009-05-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

Kids in bed, oyster bay poured, dinner on, what could top that? A beautiful bouquet of flowers from the lovely Laura, that's what. They are so lovely, thank you. The photo montage was truly enough but this was a wonderful surprise. Anyone who gets a free necklace now has a LOT to live up to in the thanking department.
Happy weekend x

Don't forget........

2009-05-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

2009-05-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

My new luxury gifts for the special men in our lives are now available here. Sterling silver keyrings adorned with my signature personalised charms or hallmarked silver shirt collar stiffeners hand stamped with names, dates or messages for a truly unique present.

Party time

2009-05-10T05:57:00.000-07:00

2009-05-10T05:43:00.001-07:00

Nothing like an early morning walk through the woods to clear a fuzzy head. Recovering from the most fantastic party last night. Amanda was 40 and the theme was 1969. I felt like a man in drag but could get quite used to the backcombed look and Matt's costume was definitely the best there. He fashioned his own space helmet out of wire and clingfilm - bloody genius.
Do you reckon I could sell them on etsy?

Shine

2009-05-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

2009-05-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today, in my home town of Ashburton, on the edge of Dartmoor there is a little craft fair called Shine, set up by my good friend Justine. It has been a huge success and looks so pretty with loads of bunting, balloons and cupcakes. Not to mention all the fab artists selling their wares. My favourite work on display is that of Kirsty Elson. She just happens to be my very best friend in the whole wide world ever and everything. Not so amazing that she happens to have the same surname as me as she is also my big sister.
I love her work, she is super dooper talented and I want her beautiful things all over my home. The cushions and beach huts picture is on my wish list for my birthday, but can I wait that long? Unfortunately she has no website or blog as yet but hopefully soon maybe you will find her lovely things on folksy (watch this space).
If you would like to get in touch for a list of stockists or for more information you can email her at kirstyelsondesigns@live.co.uk

Lock up your daughters.........

2009-05-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

....... Alex has arrived!

Meeting friends' new babies is always a lovely experience but today we met someone, who at times, I thought would never arrive. Tom and Hanna have been trying for a family for a long old time now. The journey has been a very long, painful one but about six weeks ago a call came from America to tell them that the mother, who had chosen them to adopt her son, had gone into labour.

They immediately flew to Florida and amazingly made it just in time for Tom to cut the cord. After a stressful month in the States going through the motions of adoption they have finally returned home with beautiful baby Alexander.

Meeting him today was truly special. Tom and Hanna now have their missing piece and their home feels so complete.

Sam made the new family a wonderful card featuring Super Sam and Super Alex.

And of course, I couldn't resist the oportunity to make a keepsake for Hanna.

Beautiful baby Alex was well worth the wait - Congratulations Tom and Hanna, Mummy and Daddy. Watch out though, I reckon you have a heartbreaker on your hands x

Treats for the boys

2009-04-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

I have the most lovely neighbour. Yume not only puts up with me and the kids peering over the fence quite regularly, she also allows me to use her lovely workshop. For Yume is also a jewellery designer - what are the chances of that? I don't mean a 'jewellery designer' who threads beads on leather, but a proper, got a blow torch, polisher, all the kit, type of jewellery designer.

I often hear her tapping away, planishing metal out the back and sometimes secretly watch her work from Molly's bedroom window. Her jewels are all made by her own fair hands, even down to the smallest jump ring. This equates to very sore fingers and buckets of patience but it is so worth it, for the results are simply divine. Enter her world here.

Last night I got to spend some time in Yume's magical nook in the back garden, making a few new pieces. My sudden realisation that Father's Day is fast approaching (June 11th I think) made me bring some of my gift ideas for Christmas forward a few months.
Sterling silver keyrings adorned with my charms and collar stiffeners with personal messages will be available to buy in the next few weeks. So now Daddys get to carry their little ones close by at all times too x

I wish...........

2009-04-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

............ the only spots Molly was wearing were these, so that my happy girl would come back to me and I could spend more time here!

My Molly Brooch

2009-04-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of days I have become increasingly irritated by my youngest child. The whining, the tears and general unhappiness were really beginning to grate, and then, I saw it. An angry red nasty spot which I am sure will be the first of many. Poor old Molly Moo and poor old me, for I will no doubt be wearing her like a living brooch for the next few days. Good job she looks so damn cute (although they haven't made it to her face as yet). Don't think I could really ask for a prettier corsage x

2009-04-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

Best thank you ever

2009-04-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

Do you think she is pleased with her prize? This has to be the most gorgeous way anyone has ever thanked me for anything. I want to frame and hang it above my desk to soothe and calm me when it all feels too much like hard work.

A huge thank you to Laura, you brightened my day too x

Drum roll....... and the winner is

2009-04-14T06:32:00.001-07:00

My first ever post, which was just a few weeks ago, didn't really go quite as planned. I naively thought that the offer of a free necklace would get the crowds in but quickly realised that no-one would even know there was a freebie on offer. So, the competition to win a Darcey Classic necklace was only entered by a very, very small few. Also, all of them were my friends!

One of these friends, Laura, is the person I must thank for getting me obsessed by this whole blog malarkey. Not only did she explain what a blog was (duh) but also told me about the benefits to my new business. Since I started writing, which I have enjoyed immensely, she also has helped explain the basics (particularly at those moments when the computer was very close to being thrown out the window) and put up with my terrible language!

Therefore, Laura is my first winner. She WILL accept the prize because otherwise I shall be offended. I will stamp the names of her beautiful children, Hector and Rosa and get it in the post immediately.

Watch this space for another giveaway which will hopefully be slightly more successful (no offence to Laura)! x