The story of Daddy's Stash

Modelling shoot with Rhiannon

So I decided three days before I was due to restock the Celtic Manor hotel with my jewellery for the highly anticipated Ryder Cup, that I needed to shoot some fresh jewellery photos, preferably on a model in order to provide the backdrop for my jewellery in the glass cabinets whilst masking the unsightly holes & messy electric cables of the hotel wall behind! But with a budget of say, er zero, I had to call in some favours.
Late in the evenings of many house parties, I tend to get my camera out and pretend I'm a fashion photographer and practice photographing my friends in artistic styles. During our last (of many) New Years Eve parties, I snapped my dear friend Rhiannon, who had a few too many of my infamous Mojito's as she pretended to play my husband's guitar. She looked fab in a silver sequence one shoulder dress, that for the first time, I could see what "they" term as model material. Yes, she is tall, thin and long in all the right places, but there is more to modeling as we found out...
On several occasions I threatened to photograph her donning the jewellery for a model shoot and she showed signs of interest, but nothing concrete. So it was only a matter of time til I would play my wild card.
Three days before I was due to deliver my jewellery, the weather was shockingly miserable, setting the scene for a muddy golf tournament ahead, no doubt. But with news of a short break in the skies, I decided to cash in my wild card ask a huge favour. During our usual school run catch up, we discussed Rhiannon's availability and put her to the test. I advised her that I needed to catch the break in the weather due, er tomorrow! Was she really going to go through with the photo-shoot?
Like a true professional, Rhiannon arrived made-up and on time, whilst I was still wiring some last minute earrings, like any hardcore designer working over deadline. We grabbed the camera and some nic naks for props and headed down the footpath to a quiet green spot nearby.
As the Autumnal sun seemed to beat down along with nosy dog walkers, we got a couple of good shots, but it was clear Rhiannon was getting a little flustered. We took the decision to pack up and head back home and into the junglesque bamboo infested tropical greenery which is, my back garden. There, with the fence shielding any onlookers, I immediately saw a complete change, from a normal women into a model, as Rhiannon relaxed into the role and stepped up to the challenge. All of a sudden, we were snapping shot after quality shot of a model tantalizingly searching through the jungle in Borneo, and made the jewellery come to life. I had clocked over a thousand shots and was amazed at how each scene felt different, even though we were only moving slowly around the garden following the last light of sun as the kids were doing the same screaming and yelping at each other, scoring for our attention.
With a little bit of direction and ad-hock styling from yours truly along with that perfect Sienna light of late afternoon sun seeping through the foliage, Rhiannon really worked it and was, as Tyra Banks says all too often, FIERCE!
Thanx to Rhiannon, it was job well done. Phew!
The above photo is my favourite shot and numerous photos of Rhiannon can be seen around my website and on this blog...

Winter warmer candle

When I was a kid growing up in Sydney, Christmas of course was in the middle of Summer which meant Mum would literally sweat buckets over turkey just to give us the "traditional" family roast Christmas turkey dinner. Being as hot as about 40+ degrees Celsius, you normally wouldn't decorate with candles in the middle of fire season, and every window in the house akimbo, there wasn't much need for ambient scents either. Not to mention, this was long before the candle boom of the eighties.

Here in the UK, the seasonal weather provides the perfect outside ambiance for that idealistic Christmas. So there is a natural calling to fill ones home with scents that conjure cwytchy settings and women, especially go all out for all things Christmasy to build the momentum of festivities, usually overdose their homes with sweet'n spicy sickly scents.

I have been thinking about a winter warmer candle for sometime, but the market is filled with these sweet sickly scents usually incorporating dessert style flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and the sheer thought fills my head with dread and throbbing migraines! By the time you've filled every corner of your lounge with those sweet'n spicy candles and scoffed the half dozen mince pies, you've over-indulged and overloaded your senses to last you the rest of the year. Luckily it's only once a year!

I mentioned my thoughts on blending a winter warmer candle to a good friend of mine, Cathie, who is one of my best testers, and her reaction was clearly in my favour, "oh please, not cinnamon or nutmeg!" she protested, nose firmly to the gods.

Now seeing as I always like to bring the flavours of my routes into my home, I have been wanting to include Sandalwood. Unfortunately due to cost, I had to substitute the best Australian Sandalwood for a cheaper African version and with that, I have put my snobby nose aside even though it's not entirely my first choice, particularly noticeable in the early spicy top note, but still, the lingering base notes very much musky Sandalwood. Now it's within a sensible price range of my other candles, about £14.95,

I am really into the subtle sweetness of Sicilian Bergamot right now which forms the basis of the scent blended with some patouli, lime, palmarose and finally the dulset tones of Sandalwood gives the blend that exotic velvety spice, I know it, but can't put my finger on it, whisper.

No sickly sweet dessert style aromas within cwoffing distance!

Available shortly on my website, after I take some more photos.

Space Invaders

I remember when I was a kid my parents took us to Hawaii in the late 70's and we saw, for the first time, a Space Invaders video game in table top form. We all had a chance to play and the best part was that Dad could place his beer on the top! I can still hear the sound it made.

Sculptured by my very own hands using PMC .999 fine silver, I then soldered the cufflinks on the back at my evening silver-smithing class last night and polished them up this morning. All my class mates thought they were really cool so I thought I ought to make them available to you.

Every time I look at these Space Invader Cufflinks, they make me smile and are now available to purchase on my website and Not On the High Street. They would make a great men's gift for Christmas.

my digital artwork

I've been teaching myself new tricks, in photoshop!

New 2010 A/W Jewellery Collection

New Alphabet beans

My new Alaphabet Beanies were made originally as I had some spare silver clay left over and made one for each of my daughters stamped with their initials for them to wear on holiday. Since then, I have had requests from their friends to have one made for their birthdays and so have become a bit of hit. I am now going to load them on Not On The High Street & my website to see what happens next so watch this space.
Each one is handmade using .999 fine silver and can be personalised with your choice of capital letter stamps, either one or two initials, choice of opalescent leather colours (Pink, Gold, White, Aqua, or black for the boys) and beautifully finished with a lovely high quality tulip hook clasp at the back with a complimenting crystal.
Perfect for young girls jewellery or boys.

Great news & I'm brimming with excitement.......
Finally I have been given the thumbs up to restock the very prestigious Celtic Manor Resort just in time for the Ryder Cup 2010 tournament here in Wales which is due to start on 1st October. I have been stocking the Celtic Manor with my jewellery & working alongside their Retail Manager for the past 3 years and I am so thrilled to be one of only 4 jewellery designers representing Wales during this period, which is apparently the 2nd largest sports event in the world, 2nd only to the Football World Cup! Wow, this really is a hot ticket.
Accordingly to sources, the hotel is completely locked down and no-one without a pass is allowed in or out of the hotel. I will be one of the lucky ones to catch a first glimpse of what's going on over there when I will be delivering my handmade jewellery including the new Best Selling Morocco Collection which features the beautiful Gold Vermeil finish and where my Caviar Collection will be unveiled.
Not, of course, before I publish it here first.

Going to the Polo

I love horses and I'm really getting back into them especially as my eldest child wanted a pony party for her 7th Birthday!
Ever since I moved over to the UK, some 17+ years ago, I have always wanted to see a Polo match and I thought of a great sponsorship concept of watching the polo in the marquee with a glass of champagne whilst enjoying the beautiful aromatics of my INVIGORATING aromatherapy candles.
I called the lovely chap who organises the Polo in Cardiff, Geoff Lloyd, with my sponsorship suggestion and he reminded me about a very valid point when having candles for a marquee event: Health & Safety.
Geoff initially stated that an open flame in a marquee/tent was too risky until I re-leaved his concerns after explaining the candles are presented in a glass container just for this reason. He agreed scented candles would be an interesting and memorable touch to the event so Melinda Mulcahy candles are now sponsoring the St David's Polo in Coopers field this Sunday.
I then proceeded to book some tickets for myself and my special guest/customer/friend Cathie to join me as I knew she had a new/first pair of Louboutins practically jumping out of their un-opened box at a sheer sniff of a social event. Only one problem, our heels would be ruined with the grass!! Hhmmmm. Wedges? Difficult to buy out of session in sandal form...
As always I love to share new finding with my readers and after a little bit of searching, I found this amazing heel stopper (click pic for link) which I have ordered for the day with some spares for future grass events when, no doubt, I will be making the Polo a regular highlight in my calender. Set! Brilliant! Just hoping for good weather.....
If you wish to join Cardiff's not so shiny glitterati, for Polo tickets go to St David's Polo and don't forget to mention you it from me. Kerching.... Cheers!

NEW Personalised Wedding Ring Bowl

There are so many accessories to buy and etiquette details to consider when organising a wedding. So what is the significance of the Ring Bearer and what accessories are required to fulfil the role?

The wedding party is often chosen by the Bride and Groom to show their respect to the ones who mean the most in their lives and make them feel apart of the wedding. Often these duties are filled by friends and/or family and in more formal weddings the Bridal Party is often much larger incorporating extras such as the flower girl or Ring Bearer, both adorable additions to any wedding party as they are often children aged between 3-6. Whilst there is no set number of Bridesmaids or Groomsmen, there is only ONE Ring Bearer.

Since the wedding rings in Western cultures symbolise the eternal love and commitment of the Bride and Groom given within the marriage ceremony, the symbolic wedding ring is usually made of precious metals and plays a significant role in the ceremony itself in terms of blessing and bonding the marriage. The giving of the rings is traditionally highlighted by the Ring Bearer as the rings are tied to a decorative cushion or pillow and is held out in front of the chosen participant to emphasize this significance of the rings as an offering.

The wedding ring bearer dates back from the Roman and Egyptian old traditions when a crude cloth was used to carry silver and gold stones as gifts for the Bride and Groom but become more established in Christian cultures in the early Victorian era with the emergence of middle class wealth to display their riches. Today, a pillow carries the wedding rings, however in recent years, the rings are often replaced by fake rings, and the real rings are entrusted with the Best Man. Even if the ring bearer may just be for display, it is still regarded as an important duty within the day's events.

The ring bearing pillow or cushion is often embellished and embroidered with a personalised message like the date of the wedding, a special saying like “To Have and To Hold”, or even a poem. Varying styles are also available, for instance a colour is often chosen to match the Bridesmaids, the style may reflect the theme of the wedding or season in which the wedding takes place, whilst the Ring Bearer, usually a boy, is dressed to match the Groomsmen in a formal suit or tuxedo.

The latest trend, when the couple don’t have someone to fit the human role of the ring bearer is to incorporate their pet, usually dogs or cats fitted with a harness or strap with which to tie the cushion to the back of the neck for all the wedding guests to see the rings as the animal trots down the aisle. Though not everyone's cup of tea.

The Ring Bearing cushion or pillow, in my opinion is now a little outdated and therefore open to more contemporary concepts. I have introduced a contemporary representation of the cushion which is designed as a delicate souvenir to be cherished as a reminder of a special occasion, including an Anniversary.

With the amazing new product PMC, I created my own interpretation of a ring bearing accessory. This wedding ring bowl in fine silver can be personalised and even imprinted/stamped to reflect the wedding. The wedding ring bowl has 2 holes to thread a ribbon which in turn secures the wedding rings for the event and can also be made into a small loop style handle for the ring bearer to carry down the aisle. The wedding ring bowl is also a very practical wedding keepsake which can later be used on the bedside table of the Groom to not only embrace an item of importance such as wedding ring if he so chooses to take it off, but also remind him of the date of the wedding, so the Groom/Husband has no excuse to forget to celebrate the Anniversary of each special year they share together..

As the wedding ring bowl is handmade with precious metal in a more contemporary style, like the ring bearing cushion, it too can be personalised in line with today's current trends to incorporate sentimental words like the nuptials, a poem or whatever message the Bride/Groom chooses. The personalised wedding ring bowl may even be given by the Mother-of-the-Bride or M-O-T-Groom as an extra gift to show their respect and blessing of the union. It may even been given as an Anniversary present!

A personalised wedding ring bowl hand-sculpted in .999 fine silver is a really lovely memento of two hearts joining to be treasured forever whilst adding a fresh and sophisticated polish befitting more discerning weddings.

Available to order on my handmade jewellery website, ensuring to email details of your special message and can be made with or without holes. Please allow up to 21 days for this item to be handmade.

NEW Morocco

My NEW Morocco Collection of stunning Gemstone handmade jewellery on a choice of Sterling Silver or Gold Vermeil finishes, NOW available to purchase direct from my website and via NotOnTheHighStreet.com.

With Thanks

'Many thank you's for the beautiful jewellery that arrived to-day. I recognised the stones on your websites as a new arrival that has been added to your on-going collection. Well, my love, you've again shown your talent and design skills, by combining the gold earring and two tones of Topaz Gemstone composition in such a sophisticated way. They suit beautifully and I now have the right companion piece to wear with my aquamarine ring.
With Love from your Aunty Kay'

Made it into Christmas Catalogue

My 'Daddies Stash' fine silver bowl made it into the NOTHS Christmas Catalogue for selected for Men's gift ideas! I'm soooo thrilled.
It reads, 'If you pinch these coins there will be nothing left for Sunday ice cream.
Bringing it now.

NEW Personalised Men's Gift Ideas

Personalised Golf Ball Marker, Playing Card Token and Plectrum all available on NotOnTheHighStreet.com or directly on my online boutique of handmade gifts, jewellery and candles.
If you would like me to add your own personalise message, please feel free to email me sales@melindamulcahy.com.

Photography of candles

All works shown on my website, this blog or Not On The High Street has been exclusively designed and handmade by Melinda Mulcahy and is therefore Copyright Melinda Mulcay UK. All photography is by Melinda Mulcahy and pictures are copyright Melinda Mulcahy UK

My shop front

There are loads of NEW designs and scent blends available on Not On The High Street, and still loads more to come, click the pic above to enter the site. Alternatively all of Melinda Mulcahy's NEW handmade jewellery and aromatherapy candles will shortly be available on my own website www.handmadedesignerjewellery.biz
Exciting times!!

Editors Pick

It's official! My divine aromatherapy candles were hand picked by the Not On The High Street Editors as today's What's NEW recommendation as shown below (click pic to go to site)

Not On The High Street

So yeh, now on I'm not on the high street! Well actually I am not on the high street. And not on the high street is a good thing, because I don't want to be on the high street, so everyone wears the same old same old.

So now you can ONLY buy my work on notonthehighstreet.com where you will find there is nothing from the high street! Get it!

Oh, except for my not so high street website which is dedicated to all my handmade designer jewellery creations available to purchase online.

Mxx

There is absolutely no better feeling that starting your event with a knock-out accessory that offers that feel-good confidence factor and one that you know will raise comments. I believe I have achieved that with this NEW Morocco collection, my first collect predominately stars gold vermeil.
Coming very soon to my dedicated website of handmade designer jewellery and currently only available to purchase NOW on notonthehighstreet.com.
All jewellery is limited in edition, so be quick to snap up this lushious collection before it disappears.

There are people who don't have many dreams and continue through life following the same path their forefathers paved.

Then there are those who dream up ideas and revel in them, boasting 'Yep, I've got dreams!' But then pack their dreams in a little box, revisiting them once in a while, making certain those dreams are still there. They may be great dreams, but they never even get out of the box.

It takes an uncommon amount of guts to put your dreams on the line, to hold them up and say, 'How good or how bad am I?' This is where courage comes in. I recall my old boss used to always say that I had courage. I have always tried to bring my dreams alive and have struggled in so many ways with my business. But, I believe there is a change coming and it's all good. No actually, it's great. After years of hard work, dedication and positive thought, after so many knocks, I have always risen above the challenges and I know my time is just around the corner, I can smell it. I intend on grabbing it by the horns and riding the wild wave to a prosperous future.

I am currently working on my NEW very exciting range of handmade jewellery which will shortly be available on Not On The High Street.com

My heavenly scented aromatherapy candles will also be available there too, also available via my own website handmadedesignerjewellery.biz