Welcome from Orchy Design

Welcome from Orchy Design

Tuesday, 27 April 2010

£467 raised! Thanks to everyone involved!

Thank you to everyone that donated an item and everyone that supported the auction by bidding and promoting we have raised a fabulously, fantastic
£467
FOR THE MSRC

If you have won your item you should have received an e-mail with details on how to pay for your item.  You can check if you were the highest bidder below each lot. 
Payment is due within the next 7 days direct to the MSRC.
If for any reason you have not received your e-mail please contact me at orchydesign@googlemail.com

Once payment has cleared your item will be dispatched.

THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE INVOLVED FOR MAKING THIS EVENT SUCH A SUCCESS :)

LOT 1

Dichroic glass and sterling silver pendant, earring and bracelet set.  This is our contribution to the auction!  This is a vibrant metallic blue with hints of turquoise, which will be presented in a pretty gift box, all fittings are hallmarked sterling silver.  The pendant is on an 18" sterling silver chain and the bracelet is approx 7 1/2", if you require these lengths adjusted please let us know.

  
This is one of our most popular colours and is much more vibrant in real life as dichroic glass is very difficult to photograph.  You are bidding on all 3 items.
To see more of our jewellery including our funky cufflinks please visit us at Orchy Design here.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  PAMELA M
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £40

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LOT 2

This limited edition handmade fused glass mobile has been kindly donated by Becky at Aspect GlassIt is an abstract multicoloured stripe design. Looks great hung near a window to catch and reflect sunlight.



As well as fused glassware, Becky makes Tiffany-style (otherwise known as copper-foil method) lampshades and decorative panels to commission, as well as one-off pieces for general sale and check out her funky recycled bottles here

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  NIC H
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £30

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LOT 3

This pretty sterling silver three leaf drop pendant has been donated by Moira of Moira Findlay Bespoke Jewellery Design. It is on 16 inch silver snake chain which can be changed to silver cable if preferred.



Moira produces an eclectic mix of styles - from traditional delicate necklaces here.
incorporating swarovski crystals for women to chunky modern rings in silver
and rubber for men jewellery. Check out her online store which also offers a bespoke design service.  Visit her website

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  KATE G
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £30

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LOT 4

This lot is made up of 2 lovely items.

The first item is this gorgeous sky blue cushion which has an applique design of a bird with heart and motif "Love is Real" and has been free hand embroidered.  The cushion has been donated by Anna of Rosita Handmade.  It also has mother of pearl button decoration and measures about 30cmsq.

Anna loves to illustrate everyday things that make her smile like cakes and birds. Her designs can grace canvas bags, aprons, tea towels and wall-hangings.  Visit her online shop here.

The second item is this lovely limited edition gift bag made using hand-dyed fabric from Ghana. It contains 4 gorgeous butterfly cards that have been hand crafted using recycled materials. The butterflies are hand painted and then decorated with glitter and gems and each card is different. Each card comes with a recycled envelope in a clear bio-degradable bag. This gift really stands out as a unique buy! These cards were donated by Lynne at Greetings from Leith.


Lynne makes beautiful recycled greeting cards as well as many other forms of environmentally friendly crafts.  She also runs a social enterprise with environmental initiatives within the arts and crafts community in Leith.  Visit her website here.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  RAY R
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £16
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LOT 5

This eye-catching hematite and swarovski disco ball crystal set has been donated by Donna of DMS Designs.  The set includes a necklace with a pretty heart chain catch, a stretchy bracelet to fit all sizes and sparkly disco ball earrings which all come in a pretty gift box.


Donna designs a range of jewellery using materials such as swarovski crystallized beads and pearls, fresh water pearls, semi precious stones and murano glass beads. Her online shop also features a wedding collection, you can visit her site here. 

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  JENNY G
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £25

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LOT 6

This fantastic framed and signed print is a stylish and quirky aerial view of giraffes playing basketball!  Kindly donated by the artist, Michael of Michael Murray Art.  It is a digital photographic collage, printed on Kodak lustre print with a double white mount. It has been professionally framed in a deep dark brown wooden frame and measures 40cm x 40cm. It is also signed and titled.



Michael specialises in commission work and creating exciting original pieces of digital art, including stylish photographic collages to highly complex digital mixed media aerial scenes.  To view his gallery and online shop click here.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  MARGARET C
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £75

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LOT 7

This beautiful and stunning byzantine style chainmaille bracelet is made from sterling silver with a toggle clasp.  The design is named 'Freya' and has been donated by
Mia of Jewellery by Mia.


Mia creates custom made jewellery, unique in design and construction including pandora style bracelets, jewellery sets and a bridal collection.  View her designs and online shop by clicking here.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  GEORGI G
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £45

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LOT 8

Due to the popularity of her bracelet in the lot above, Mia from Jewellery by Mia has very kindly donated this second bracelet. It is a sterling silver handmade swarovski heart charm bracelet with swarovski and silver hearts.  The design is called 'Nicolett' and it is available in the following sizes 17cm, 25cm, 21cm.

Mia creates custom made jewellery, unique in design and construction including pandora style bracelets, jewellery sets and a bridal collection. View her designs and matching items in her online shop by clicking here.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT 

LEADING BID NAME: SUSAN B
LEADING BID AMOUNT: £20.00

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LOT 9


In this lot you will be bidding for 2 items that I think go really well together.

The first item is this stylish red beret which should bring a touch of Paris to your life! It is hand knitted from an unbelievably soft cotton blend yarn, with a slight sheen to it. The open vine lace pattern is perfect for warmer weather. One size should fit all women. The beret is machine washable in cool water on the gentle cycle, and is best to either tumble dry on a low heat or lay flat to dry.  This is one of 2 items donated by
Karyn of Charliesue.


Karyn is still in the process of developing her website but can be contacted at info@charliesue.com.  You can also view the pretty purse she has donated further down the lots.


The second item in this lot is this flower shaped brooch in red. Handcut from vegetable tanned quality leather. Hand tooled, dyed, finished and set with a Swarovski crystal.  This striking brooch was donated by
CJ of Curious Cat Creative.



CJ designs a variety of items from leather by cutting the shape, tooling the design, through to the application of a dye and finish.  You can view her work and order online here.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  LAURA D
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £40

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LOT 10

This gorgeous necklace features a hammered sterling silver heart on string of soft pink freshwater pearls, the necklace has a silver extender chain and is about 18 inches long.  It has been donated by
Jackie of Five for Silver.



Jackie designs and makes jewellery using sterling silver, semi precious stones, crystals and handcrafted lampwork beads.  You can visit her shop here.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  MARTIN A
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £30

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LOT 11

This lot is for all you dog and chocolate lovers!  Again this is a lot featuring 2 items that I think work well together.

The first item is this stylish handmade designer dog collar.  100% heavy cotton fabric that is lined with high quality webbing and/or interfacing for structure and durability. Side release contoured buckles for comfort following the natural curve of your dogs neck.  Heavy duty welded D-Ring.  Durable, comfortable and stylish!  You will be able to choose from 3 sizes.  Small: 10" to 15", Medium: 13" to 19" or Large: 15" to 24".
 
This lovely collar has been donated by
Frances of Designed by Frances


Frances is also a jewellery designer specialising in sterling silver and many pieces are enhanced by the use of colourful semi-precious gemstones, beads, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and Miyuki glass seed beadsYou can visit her online shop here.
Frances has also designed a beautiful sterling silver necklace with all the proceeds from sales being donated to Macmillan Nurses you can purchase this pendant and find out why she is supporting this cause by visiting here.

The second item in this lot is perfect after walking the dog in rainy weather!  It is this colourful tartan mug with Scotland on the handle containing hand flaked Belgian chocolate mmmm!  There are instructions included and the item comes wrapped if you would like to give it as a gift.  It has been donated by
Kathleen of Crymble's Confectionery.



Kathleen's shop is full of tasty delights including Scottish tablet, chocolate lollipops, white mice, fudge and macaroon.  She also offers gift boxes for special occasions and wedding favours, just click here for her online shop.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  ROBERT W
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £20

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LOT 12

This lovely necklace has been donated by Claire of Handmade Costume Jewellery and Accessories by Claire Hannah.  It is made up of small and large hematite love heart beads, with pretty pink and blue cat's eye beads.  There is a large hematite bead in the centre  and a silver plated clasp fitting.  The necklace is approx 24" in length and comes in a presentation gift box.


Claire makes and sells a variety of affordable costume jewellery including necklaces, earrings, bracelets and her popular liquorice allsorts and dolly mixture ranges.  View her online shop here.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  LIZZIE F
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £12

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LOT 13

Again this a lot that features 2 pretty items that will appeal to fabric lovers!

The first item is this beautiful bird shaped door stop in a fantastic flower style material featuring pink stitching. Scented with vanilla oil the bird measures 44cm from beak to tail.  This item has been donated by Charlie of Crafty Chics. 



Charlie's website features everything from cards to hair accessories and home items to jewellery, in fact everything you need in one place!  Visit her online shop here.

The second item is the second donation by Karyn of Charliesue.  A handy clasp purse with a pretty blue floral and bird cotton fabric outer, plain golden yellow polyester lining. Antique looking frame - overall width is about 8cm. Frame is hand stitched to fabric - no glue used. This means that you can even gently hand wash this purse without worrying that the glue will perish. A cute purse that will definitely brighten up any day!



Karyn is still in the process of developing her website but can be contacted at info@charliesue.com. You can also view the knitted beret she has donated further up the lots.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  SIAN C
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £20

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LOT 14

In this lot you are bidding on 2 items, a necklace and earrings which are lovely individually but I also think would work well together.

The first item is this classic long blue goldstone chip necklace with sterling silver bolt ring clasp and finding bits which means it can be worn long or doubled up.  This item has been donated by Marie.




Marie kindly makes jewellery to raise funds for the Japanese Akita Welfare Trust and you can find her items for sale on their website here.  She can also be contacted by e-mail if you would like her to make something special for you at mafric@lycos.co.


The second item in this lot are these handmade silver earrings. They are made with ‘precious metal clay’ which turns into ‘pure fine silver – 99.9%’ when fired. These earrings are in a handformed ‘diamond’ shape with cute little holes!  They have sterling silver earposts.  The earrings have been donated by
Vicky of Venus Jewellery.



Vicky has a variety of handcrafted jewellery in her online shop which includes materials such as semi-precious gemstones, 'Lampwork' and 'Murano' glass,Swarovski and natural crystals and Abalone shell.  You can visit her shop here. 

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  SARA H
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £15

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LOT 15

This lot is for mummies and daddies and friends of mummies and daddies!  We have 3 items in this lot, perfect for putting by for birthday and Christmas presents!

The first item is this cute children's pink fairtrade apron with pink gingham checked heart shaped pocket.  It says Mummy's Little Helper and can be personalised with any name.  It comes in a size medium, 46 x 56cm and has an adjustable fastening.  The apron has been donated by


 

Never Forget offers a range of personalised embroidered gifts for home and family. Whatever the occasion, a newborn baby, birthday, engagement, wedding or anniversary, christening or naming day they can offer something that is lovely to give or to receive, visit their shop here.


The second item is this lovely hand crocheted muff and scarf suitable for a 5/6 year old.  The muff is fully lined in white cotton, I personally think every girl should have one!  This set has been donated by
Carol from Rhyme or Reason.



Carol is crafter of long standing, having worked at many types of craft, you can follow her blog here.

The third items in this lot are two personalised art hangers for children.  The designs will be made up as required by the winning bidder and with the wording they choose added.
They are designed for pegging up children’s artwork, giving their mini masterpieces pride of place; however, they can also be used by an adult, and can have wording such as “recipes”, “important stuff”, “don’t forget”, etc. They are also ideal for displaying a child’s artwork at a grandparent’s house too.  They have been donated by
Wendy at 1st Unique Gifts.

Wendy makes unique and special gifts and accessories which are hand-painted and hand-lettered by her, which means you can specify any name, virtually any message and even ask for special designs and colours.  Visit her website here.

Please note that if you win this lot, I will contact you for the details you wish added to the personalised items.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  ALLIE T
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £18

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LOT 16

In this lot you are bidding for the following 2 funky and stylish items.

The first item is this gorgeous pure white purse made from duchess satin with organza ribbon detailing and sparkly diamante button. It has a magnetic brass fasten and is fully lined.  The design is 'UK Pride' and it is approx 15cm x 8cm in size.  It has been donated by
 Diane of Zukie Style. 


ZukieStyle is a small independent business offering quality and bespoke handmade handbags and accessories.  Each one is individual and commissions are welcome, visit the website here.


The second item is this stylish bracelet made from glass and ceramic beads in various shades of pink and purple. It's approx 21.5cm in length, including catches. The bracelet has been donated by



Lynne makes jewellery from broken things, old necklaces, bits of electrical items, etc. that she recycles into something new. Hence the name, 'Squinty', everything is handmade and probably nowhere near perfect, no two items are alike.  To find out more visit here.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME:  EMILY B
LEADING BID AMOUNT:  £16

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LOT 17

This lot has been added slighty later than the others so please place a bid and help it catch up with the other lots that had a head start!  You are bidding on 2 items in this lot both kindly donated by

The first item is this lovely, colourful crochet scarf in turquoise, purple and white stripes with a pretty bobble trim.


The second item in this lot is this beautiful white cotton crochet purse.  It would make a lovely gift and could be used as a summer evening clutch, a bridal gift or even a make-up purse.


Christine crochets a variety of beautiful items including baby clothes, bags, cardigans and scarves.  If you are interested in her work you can e-mail her at fluffy73@fsmail.net.

EMAIL ORCHYDESIGN@GOOGLEMAIL.COM TO BID ON THIS LOT

LEADING BID NAME: ELLIE B
LEADING BID AMOUNT: £15

Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Handmade Charity Auction

I am really excited to tell you about the online charity auction that we will be holding shortly.  The idea came after reading about another group of crafters that pulled their talents together and donated an item each to raise funds for the Haiti disaster.  They held an online auction and managed to raise an impressive £823, talk about power in numbers!

When I found out my school friend Georgina was running the London marathon to raise £6000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre charity I was extremely impressed, as after all we used to actively avoid running and could instead be found lurking in the bushes trying to find a short cut to the finish line!  I knew that her motivation to do this must be something huge and felt that I wanted to support her in my own small way.

The centre provides not only support in the UK for MS sufferers but also provides a worldwide telephone support service.  You can visit Georgi's giving page at http://www.justgiving.co.uk/georgigill to find out why she is running for this particular charity but in her own words she says
"Training for the London Marathon is one of the biggest challenges I have ever set myself but the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre is well worth the effort - the information and support they offer to people affected by MS is invaluable. They've certainly helped me through a couple of wobbly times and inspired me to maintain fitness and humour in the face of potential relapses."

***Quick update to say a big WELL DONE to Georgi who succesfully completed the marathon***

So, I have pulled out my little black contact book and put round my begging bowl and asked some other people if they would be prepared to donate a handmade item which we could put up for auction and I'm delighted that people have generously come forward to support the idea.  Individually, this is a small gesture, but when grouped together it all adds up, look at the Haiti example I mentioned, not something you could do alone.

Very soon we will have our auction lots listed and that's when everyone becomes a winner.  Crafters can promote their goods, buyers can bid on something really nice (ideal for unusual birthday or Christmas presents), Georgi gets nearer her fundraising target of £6000, the charity gets 100% of the money raised and most importantly everyone involved can feel good about helping out in their own way.

Below is a list of very generous and kind people that have already offered to donate something.  I hope this list grows over the coming days and if you would like to donate something please e-mail orchydesign@googlemail.com.  You can donate from anywhere in the world as all I need is an image and description to post on the auction, after all this is a charity that offers worldwide support.

PREVIEW OF LOTS WILL COMMENCE ON TUESDAY 27TH APRIL, BIDDING WILL OPEN ON WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL AND CLOSE ON FRIDAY 7TH MAY.

ACCEPT OUR INVITE ON FACEBOOK AND INVITE YOUR FRIENDS ALONG BY CLICKING HERE


CRAFT DONATIONS CAN STILL BE MADE UP UNTIL THE AUCTION STARTS ON WEDNESDAY


Kind People so far!

Susan         http://www.dreamscotland.com/

Becky        http://www.aspectglass.co.uk/

Lynne        http://www.greetingsfromleith.info/

Anna         http://www.Rositahandmade.co.uk/

Kirsten      http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweethopefarm

Karyn        http://www.charliesue.com/

Mia           http://www.jewellerybymia.com/

Carol         http://www.carol-rhymeorreason.blogspot.com/

Charlie      http://craftychics.weebly.com/index.html

Moira        http://www.designunit.org.uk/

Ellie          http://www.neverforget.co.uk/index.php

CJ            http://www.curiouscatcreative.co.uk/

Donna      http://www.dmsdesignsstore.co.uk/

Claire       http://www.clairehannahjewellery.co.uk/

Kathleen  http://www.crymblesconfectionery.co.uk/

Lynne      http://www.facebook.com/pages/Squinty-Jewellery/312834668985?ref=ts

Marie      http://www.jawt.co.uk/forum/the-playground/50306-jewellery-and-prices.html#50306

Jackie    http://www.folksy.com/shops/Fiveforsilver

Frances  http://www.designedbyfrances.co.uk/index.html

Michael  http://www.michaelmurrayart.com/

Vicky     http://www.venusjewellery.co.uk/

Wendy   http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/

Dee       http://www.zukiestyle.co.uk/


Please help us add to this list and add this blog to your favourites for auction updates :)

Wednesday, 14 April 2010

New Clip On Earrings

At Orchy Design we listen to what you want and when we can we put those ideas into practice.  On a regular basis we are asked about clip on earrings.  Since we started we have offered stud and drop earrings for pierced ears only, quite simply because we didn't think there would be enough demand for clip ons.
We should have known better, after all I only had my ears pierced a few years ago and my mum had hers done shortly after.  Part of this decision was due to the fact that we couldn't buy all the pretty earrings we liked as they were only for pierced ears.  So, like I said, we should have known better!

At almost every event we attend we meet at least one person who asks for clip ons.  For whatever reason (scared of needles, too old, never got around to it etc etc) there are a surprising amount of people with non-pierced ears.  We felt that it was a shame our customers were buying other items of jewellery but couldn't have earrings to match.  So, we investigated the practicalities and are pleased to say that we now stock clip on earrings!  You can even buy them right now from our online store for only £8 including postage!


Our new range of clip on earrings available to purchase now

Normally we only attach sterling silver fittings to our jewellery, however we felt that due to the current cost of silver fittings we would have to put the prices of our clip ons above that of our pierced stud earrings.  So, we decided to ask if people would rather pay less for a silver or gold plated fitting or more for the sterling silver clip.  The general consensus was that people would be happier to pay less and compromise on the fitting, so that's why our online earrings have plated fittings.  We realise that due to allergies or preference you may rather have a sterling silver clip and we would be happy to make these on request, simply contact us with your colour choice and we will provide a costing.

Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated and listened to.  We always encourage feedback and when possible we make the changes that you have asked for as we value your custom and in return we want to provide you with the best service possible.

Susanne x