The joys (of creativity) are back in town!

Sorry, I couldn't resist the corny title, but then I've always had a soft spot for Thin Lizzy.
Anyway, hope you guys are all OK and the citizens of Penrith whose lives touched mine are not too disheartened by my absence. (For those of you who don't know Penrith, it's a little town in Cumbria with a castle really good for clambering all over and having picnics on). Anyway, the citizens of Penrith may (or may not) be missing me because Eccentric Raven Jewellery is back in Birmingham where it belongs!!!!
Big cheer!!!
I spent an awful awful lot of money at the weekend at Cheltenham Rock'n'Gem'n'Bead show. I had a really lovely time there though, and managed to get most of the things on my list. There were a few little bits that eluded me, though, but I'll hunt 'em down! Luckily none of them were for ongoing orders, so all's well on that front. Speaking of ongoing orders, now is a good time to place orders. Obviously you're a little bit late for Mother's day (unless you're living in Birmingham), but you've got plenty of time for all those other occasions. Time to order your special little gifts for Passover, Easter, and Beltane.
And don't forget to look out for details of upcoming Eccentric Raven events to be held in Birmingham! Get in touch if:

• You're a venue and you want to
• raise awareness of your site
• bring more people into a venue or place or worship
• reach more people- be they potential events customers or potential worshippers
•  add to your calendar
• You're an artist or potential trader
• and you want to test the market and adapt your goods
• established, wanting to reach more clients
• wanting to try your hand at something a bit different
• and you want to see how your work is received before you go into business
• wanting to add to your mailing list/social media following
• wanting to build a name for yourself in the local community

Anyway, got to dash, beads to fiddle with!

Best wishes

ERJ xx

After the Fair!

Hello all!!
Well, ERJ was really pleased with how the Made in Penrith Spring Fair went.
We had a deceptively steady trickle of interested members of the public, and everyone had a really great time. For the student entrepreneurs, it was a fantastic experience and a first 'baby step' into commerce.
I was kept busy all day running around like a headless chicken- organising extra tablecloths, leaflets, change for traders, bags, mailings lists, etc., etc..
And THAT was on top of making jewellery, selling it, and chatting to customers about my products. It's always so great when people are interested in what they're buying, rather than just picking something up because it's pretty. I had all kinds of questions fired at me:
How long does it take you to make these?
Why is this stone that colour?
What's the cultural significance of these bangles?
What kind of crystal is this?
If I wanted something for arthritis, what crystals might I choose?
I think I might have to take my Crystal Bible with me next time, because I can't remember what the healing properties of hemimorphite are off the top of my head!
And, best of all:
How on EARTH did you come up with that idea? I love it!!!
Anyway, I'd best be off
Best wishes
ERJ
PS
I look forward to being back in Penrith soon to see some old friends, Fair customers, and to have a good look at the castle!