Thursday 25 September 2008

In the news

I was asked yesterday to comment on Catherine Zeta Jones style V's Carla Bruni!

Here is the article link which made the front cover of today's Western Mail newspaper

Of course there can be only one, and in my opinion, CJZ wins hands down.

Thursday 18 September 2008

New Gold

Yellow Gold is certainly on trend right now and seeing as my choice has been Silver for over 17 years, I think it's time for a change.



I have decided to introduce a Yellow Gold line and I hope to progress this throughout some other collections so that I can please those staunch yellow gold lovers with my little treasures. Make sure to check into the website or this blog for more details.


Above: Keishi Pearl Hearts, Gold Plated Solid Silver Hearts & Swarovski Crystal Hearts extra long necklace, earrings and bracelet.

But don't worry Silver lovers, I have no intention of going over to the other side full time!


Bracelet of Keishi Star Pearls & Swarovski Hearts on fine Yellow Gold chain

Stars

I am thrilled to finally announce that my new season's collection will be available shortly on my website and via stockists named "Constellations"featuring stars.



Since YSL introduced their mega-star glass necklace in Spring, editors of fashion mags have been featuring stars at every opportunity, but, as stars are so hard to find in precious jewellery, editors have even been specifically requesting them from designers like me!

I have been searching high and low for star shaped Pearls and I have finally got my hands on them! Known in the trade as "Stellation" it was a real challenge to find good quality AND a good size, like these new Keishi Pearls just in.



Of course High Street brands have already mass produced dress jewellery featuring stars, but always edging on the side of caution, the precious jewellery market hasn't yet featured them, because I certainly didn't see any traders at the IJL (Int Jewellery London trade fair) with these gorgeous pearls as part of their Christmas collections.



One particular stockist of mine has been chomping at the bit to get her hands on these little twinklers and I will be dropping the new collection in to Bryl's Boutique, Barry, later today!

If you can't wait until they get loaded on my website, call the studio for more info on 01656 651527

My New Therapeutic Candles



They really do smell even better than they look! Enjoy them before you light them, they smell devine. But when you do finally light them, just sit back and let these beautiful scents take you away to paradise.


I hope you like them as much as I do..

Monday 15 September 2008

Exotic princess



The Frangipani or Plumeria flower..... Devine, simple, perfect.

Known to evoke love! Perhaps that's why when I just look at a picture of a frangipani, my stomach flips with excitement, and why beauty companies tend to use these flowers in their marketing material.

Found around the world, in tropical regions, these flowers are used as offerings in Buddhist temples, planted in cemeteries to honor the dead, used in Chinese herbal medicine to assist in restoring peace and harmony, in beauty as a deep cleanser, found in high grade perfumes, and strung to make leis for greeting visitors to Pacific islands. They have been the inspiration for legends of lost loves and tales of dashing princes. To smell a plumeria is to understand why.

Whilst I have been working on developing my candles, I have meticulously studied the Frangipani, and unfortunately it's aromatherapy grade oil is one of THE most expensive on the market, which is why it is rarely found in aromatherapy candles. If it is used, it's usually only the "fragrance" and not essential oil and so normally wouldn't boast theraputic qualities. But believe me, this stunner is certainly worth the cost, and soon, I hope to bring you the TRUE fragrance of the tropics.

Wednesday 10 September 2008

Relaxed Christmas Shopping with Friends

Taking Christmas bookings already!!!
Some of you may not know that I do also offer a Private Viewing Service for jewellery lovers.
I came across one of my customers today wanting to place her Christmas list order with me (already) which prompted me to blog this....
By late November last year, I unfortunately had to let some customers down as I couldn't fit in any more bookings, because they left it too late. From mid November until Christmas, it's the busiest time of year for me, and especially if you want jewellery to sport at your Christmas function, you will certainly have to get your ice-skates on!
Of course, customers can always purchase my jewellery via the website, but a Private Viewing is a fab way to enjoy a relaxed shopping experience with all your mates over a glass a wine. This way, YOU get exactly what you want for Christmas, nicely packaged and you don't have to pay for delivery either!
I'm also buzzing to showcase my Aromatherapy Candles, which sit beautifully alongside my jewellery, and will certainly make reasonably priced luxury gifts (from £14) that friends will really appreciate. With these new additions, this will no doubt be the busiest year yet!
So to avoid disappointment, please do ensure you contact me shortly. Just work some date options out with 10 or more friends/family (who preferably love jewellery andor luxury scented candles) and contact me as soon as possible to arrange a booking.
It's the most relaxing Christmas Shopping experience you will ever have!
The Studio: 01656 651527
Email: sales@melindamulcahy.com

Monday 8 September 2008

My New Candles

As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to create my very own scents to remind me of tropical holidays and living in Australia. It's almost like bottling my childhood in the sun.
After years of dreaming about what makes an exotic scent and my love of candles, I decided to learn about aromatherapy and candle making, so that I could combine the two. I have extensively researched and as always I strive for the best possible quality. In doing so, I now fully understand my need to do this, so that I could not only enjoy them, but also heal.
For some it's drugs and others it's a new car, but after suffering postnatal depression, my mind, body and soul was calling out for nature to help, in the form of essential oils, and so came my need once again to create.
The power of essential oils are awesome, they can change a mood, inspire and even aid ailments.
After months of testing, these little luxuries are ready to market, and I am now just working on the packaging and such before making them available on my website.
I have decided to release the first two or three scents which are:
"Relax" featuring Rosewood, Geranium and Lavender, "Invigorate" with Lemongrass & Ylang Ylang and "Spirit" with Ginger, Lime and Lemongrass. I am holding back the frangipani for a little later.
I am so excited about these new candles, I simply can't wait to get them in the shops! And judging from the responses of those who have received samples and burnt them, it all appears very positive.
Watch this space for more news....

My Jewellery Buddy

Since meeting Jayne Wade (a fellow designer) 18months ago at a trade fair, we have kept in touch via emails ever since and recently met up at the IJL (International Jewellery London) to see what's happening in the industry and compare notes.

Like me, Jayne started her jewellery business around the same time as me, based in Chester, and has progressed to where she has approx 35 stockists and recently opened a shop. Although Jayne's jewellery is my competition, I always like to spread the word and help her too, because, like me, Jayne is offering a different choice for customers, for without designers like us, everyone would all be walking around in exactly the same accessories.


What has been interesting and at times, reassuring, is the paralells in which we are both travelling in the jewellery industry, both of us struggling just to keep our businesses going, the never ending battles of getting our jewellery known in the market, the stresses and strains of owning our own businesses, not to mention the lonliness of working from home.


There is no doubt most retailers are suffering as a result of the current economic climate and from walking around the trade fair, the manufacturers are too. It was amazing how many big names in the industry who tried to hit the market running with large marketing budgets, but who are not longer around. Reassuring for both Jayne and I who are building our businesses slowly and, although we don't exhibit, we both hope to be around a while yet.

There wasn't really much to report, from the trade fair from a design point of view either, but one thing was certain, diamond beaded necklaces, like mine, were being snapped up from Indian suppliers!

Jayne has her own label of beautiful and contemporary jewellery design collection available to purchase in her new shop (pictured above) and online at www.jaynewade.com and will soon be stocking some of my jewellery and new candle collection available in store from October.
If you are in the area, this is one shop you definitely wouldn't want to miss!

May I wish Jayne the very bestest of luck in her new and exciting venture.....


Jayne Wade's NEW shop address is: The Cross, High street, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8QX
Tel: 01948 861219