I want to share some of my recent handcrafted jewellery creations, all made by me, here in Northern Ireland. These two items were specifically created for Jennifer Kelly Image Studios in Bangor, Co Down. Jennifer requested the items to be created with a fine brown wire, and I used a “gold” coloured frame for the [...]

For almost 3 years now have been creating my handcrafted jewellery and started  my business www.janmarydesigns.com. If you had told me even 5 years ago I would be doing this I would not have believed you! I have always loved creating things with my hands. As a child I arranged flowers with my Mum – [...]

It has now been one week since I returned from my trip to Atlanta. I was fortunate to be selected by Lisburn City Council as one of the small local businesses to represent our city on a civic and trade mission to the Atlanta Metropolitan area. I met with gift retailers and bridal shops in [...]

I have had most of these beautiful beads in my stash for a while, and was working on designing a necklace that would do them justice. Being a double-up necklace, this versatile necklace can be worn in several ways – in a double layer, as shown in this photo, or as a long single chain [...]

A customer in Northern Ireland has requested a custom order for her sister. I love the shades of green, blue and teal swarovski crystals mixed with a variety of crystals from other sources.  Each crystal is attached to fine silverplated wire, then the fun of crocheting begins.   I created some matching earrings with fine [...]

One of the parts of my jewellery business that I love, and it a change from my usual solitary creation of my designs (usually just me and the BBC iplayer) is taking a crafty bead party. Whether adults, teens or tweens, it is lovely to see their reaction on seeing the beads, selecting their charms [...]

When a friend heard that I would be selling my jewellery at a charity fair in Ballyclare at the end of June, she got in touch to say that her mum might call in to see me. Her mum arrived, with her beautiful outfit for a wedding in a bag, seeking a custom set of [...]

Tis the season for rings it seems!  Not sure if it is the summer weather, the wedding invites or just the latest trend, but my ring orders have certainly increased. Here are a few recent creations/orders…..   The rings are adjustable, and made with a nickel-free silver plated base and pins. Even customers who would [...]

One of the benefits of running your own business, is that you can organise events that are not only fun, but also raise money for worthwhile causes. This chosen charity for my latest coffee morning was thewww.waddle.co.uk The aim of Waddle is to raise awareness of the daily challenges children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus [...]

The lovely Mary Murphy, lingerie designer from Sioda Lingerie in Belfast ordered a pearl knitted cuff to compliment her outfit for a family wedding. “Your pearl cuff went down so well at the wedding. The fact that it is knitted was a concept even the men got. A true example of beauty in a simple thing.” As well [...]