September Newness.....

New in the Mimi Pearl Boutique is this very versatile little number.......

A perfect solution for all those people unsure whether someone will suit a piece, this pretty pendant compliments all colourings and is available in both 16 and 18 inch versions.

Handcrafted with a organically shaped rock crystal centrepiece, surrounded by a cluster of moonstone, pearl, rock crystal and finished with a sterling silver ring detail.....perfect!

Bobby Pins

Recently I have been experiencing SO many problems with my own online boutique.  Despite having lots of traffic, customers and having a good PR ranking - good old Mr Site kept letting me down.  The shop was frustrating slow to load - putting customers off, that's if they did manage to get the shop open, as recently it has been AWOL, last seen somewhere with my email!

So, last week I took the bull by the horns and gave Mr Site the heave ho.  There's only so much a girl can take. 

I will shortly be opening up my new Mimi Pearl Boutique with Big Cartel.  I am just waiting on a few techy things to be sorted before I launch.  In the meantime....here's a couple of my new bobby pins in vintage fabric to share with you (modelled by the lovely Robyn)....

Floral Bobby Pin in Blue Vintage

Floral Bobby Pin in Green Vintage

Great Things.....Tiny Packages

Don't get me wrong - I love my house, but it is small, to the point my mother comments on it's lack of size each time she visits. Like everyone's house - mine is a work in progress, all of the time, you finish one job and there's another shouting you at to be started! 


These days there always seems to be an emphasis on where you work, and if you work from home - do you have an office, a studio, a workshop?  Let's cut to the chase here - I live in a three bedroomed end terrace, with two children, a husband (who does have a workshop - but far too cold and messy for me to work in, I tried), and no spare room and no room to swing a hamster, let alone a cat.  Dreams of a studio in the garden keep being put on hold for one reason or another.....

So, sick of working at my kitchen table, I decided to get create my own space on our landing (I can hear the laughter from here).  I do cheat from time to time and do all my sewing downstairs and any messy jewellery projects - like Silver Art Clay, but for the most part, I work at my little wooden school desk, surrounded by my tools, semi precious stones, admin, and books filled with cuttings and photos of things that inspire me, action lists and wish lists. I've even got space for my much loved hammock - my place for chilling out with a cuppa and a book.  And do you know what?  It works and I have that mantra - great things come in tiny packages.......

Being the optimist that I am, I am waiting patiently for work on my studio to start.  The space is cleared, swing set sold, David has drawn up some rough plans, permission has been asked from the adjoining neighbours, I have collected two sets of drawers for storage (awaiting me spraying them) and purchased a welcome sign.......all I need now is David to find some time!

New addition....

The colour of this pendant is so pretty, the semi precious Rose quartz centrepiece stone has a translucent quality, surrounded by a cluster of shimmery moonstone and freshwater pearls.  I adore working with soft colours and this pendant with its romantic feel, fits right in with the Blush Collection.....

Home: Leggy Peggy

If you know me, you'll know I love a bit of vintage, charity shop chic and junk shop finds. Something that has a  story, a little kooky, upside down or back to front.  It's a running joke that I can't pass up a charity shop.


Don't get me wrong, over the years I have bought wonderful pieces like my Edwardian dresser, my oak kitchen table, period wardrobes and vintage blackboards, but I have also hoarded lots of cheap and cheerful finds.


I found the legs (Leggy Peggy as we call her) on a holiday to Cornwall, David lovingly carried her back to the car, took one of her legs off - stuffed this in his canoe on the roof and her other leg and arse came in the car with me and the kids.  Leggy Peggy shared the main bedroom in the caravan we were staying in with my friend who had popped in for a visit, much to her amusement as she's a Debenhams kind of girl.

Leggy Peggy loves her new home, and came to life when I sprayed her gold - she changes pants from time to time.  She's partial to polka dots, leopard print, the odd French knicker and NEVER sports a thong *shudders*.


Peggy is waiting on the arrival of her friend - Headless Edna - who currently resides in sunny Cleethorpes, and is being cared for by my Nan, due to arrive sometime this summer.

Peek Into My Week.......

Monday - saw me finally get back into action after over two weeks of illness and frustration! Started work on my own personal project of a simple quilt from Cath Kidstons book.  Purchased some of her floral fabric at the weekend, along with other florals and set to work.  The quilt will be for my bed - so king size - and will feature birds, hearts (CK design) and wordplay from me to make personal.  Finshed the day off with yoga session with the fantastic Kirstie who runs  http://www.kaliyoga.co.uk/ .

Tuesday - on a roll today, started off with home session of yoga, making jewellery, hairpins and French Lavender scenters for stockists in the most scrummy fabric from Amy Butler.  Spent an hour or so photographing my new bag design, boudoir bags and scenters.  Made a few minor alterations to my online boutique http://www.mimipearl.co.uk/, and took in a delivery of stunning amethyst and rock crystal stones.

Scenters by Mimi Pearl filled with French Lavender

Wednesday - meeting first thing with a client for a commissioned necklace, spent some time sourcing semi precious stones, completed delivery for Maisies Boutique in South Queensferry - day has flown in!

Thursday - The Line Gallery in Linlithgow is opening a new exhibition on Saturday entitled Blue.  Blue isn't a colour I work in for jewellery designs (I veer more to muted soft colours) but made a very pretty blue boudoir bag in vintage fabric, scenters and hairpins to compliment my jewellery already on display there.  Had an evening meeting with potential wedding clients for jewellery, always honoured to create pieces for someone's special day.  

Boudoir Bag in Blue Floral Fabric

Friday - delivered stock to The Line Gallery first thing, had a quick chat with Gail the co-owner, pleased to hear my pieces have been selling well!  Laundered and ironed vintage fabrics, in preparation for making more boudoir bags.  My cold that I thought I had battered into retreat, has reared its ugly head again - feel rubbish, don't want it scunnering my plans for the weekend so retreat to a friends and enjoy vege stew and chilli dumplings, with ice cold beer, followed by an early night.

Saturday - new plans for newsletter are going slow, coming up with errors with Mailchimp, so threw in the towel and emailed them for support.  Spent a few hours doing admin then clocked off for the day.  Celebrated in style at night for a friends birthday by shaking my thang at Dancing Queen at the Festival Theatre.  Fell into bed at midnight, woozy on champagne.......

Amethyst Creating a Statement......

This stunning necklace has been created using semi precious stones in amethyst, rock crystal, ametrine and sterling silver.  I love creating one of a kind pieces and this one was particularly special as I was commissioned to make a necklace for a fellow designer, Lynn Wilkins of www.wee-treasures.co.uk , who makes fabulous jewellery wraps (I wonder whether she will make herself a special one for this?).

Lynn has THE most stunning blue eyes and great bone structure, so I wanted to do something that wouldn't detract away from her features too much, I wanted her to wear the necklace, not it wear her.  Lynn wanted amethysts to feature somewhere, purple can be a strong colour, but with chunky rock crystal at the centre of the piece, married with ametrine (beautifully translucent) and delicate stunning amethyst facetted beads - the effect is stunning.  

Bespoke jewellery does not have to cost the earth, to find out more contact teresa@mimipearl.co.uk

A Glittery Glimpse......

For ages now I have wanted a useful little bag that would transcend from day to night, fit all of the junk I tend to carry around with me (tissues, purse, mobile, notepad and pen for ideas, camera, lipgloss, keys, action lists....) and most of all be easy to carry about and not either dangle about like a spare part or be clutched to my side in case I drop......

Last week I put my pattern making skills to good use and came up with bag design. 

I have been amazed at how many people have admired my bag already (does 8 in one day count as good?).  Unfortunately I only had enough of this fabric to make one bag, so the search is on for the perfect fabric to make more.....

Yoga Eye Pillows.....

Yoga Eye Pillow in Lavender Gingham

I'm partial to a spot of yoga, but after all that hard work - what better way to completely chill out at the end of a session?

These eye pillows are handmade using soft cotton gingham (trimmed on one side with lace and ribbon) and filled with organic wheat and French Lavender which releases the most wonderful aroma. Lavender helps to aid relaxtion - and these pillows are great for aiding sore eyes, soothing headaches - not just for use after yoga. Complete bliss......

Available at Not Mass Produced http://www.notmassproduced.com/product/6369643d36267069643d31373338/yoga-eye-pillow.htm

Giveway!!

Being the tube that I am......I have only just added the "Follow Me" section to my blog. Whilst I know loads of you regularly read it, up until now, you have been unable to receive updates. Yes - I know - say it - I'm stupid.........but in light of my faux par, I am giving away this very pretty pendant (italian glass, freshwater pearls, moonstone & sterling silver) to a random follower (yes, that could be you!) once I reach 50 followers!

To be in in with a chance, all you have to do is follow me.......simple as ....... well .......ME!!

Floral Boudoir Bag....

Vintage Boudoir Bag in Black and Red Floral

New listing for today at Mimi Pearl - is this stunning bag made from re-worked vintage fabric, lined with calico and finished with black lace drawstring to close.

These bags have been very popular and are great for travelling, adding a touch of vintage glamour to your home, for lingerie, pyjamas, make up, toiletries ansd whatever else takes your fancy!!!!

Happy Birthday to The Line Gallery!

One of our long time stockists - The Line Gallery in Linlithgow, is celebrating their 15th birthday tomorrow with the opening of a new exhibition A Winters Tale.

This exhibition will feature work from jeweller Caroline Temple (I am the proud owner of one of her bird pendants from a few years back), ceramic pieces by Helen Kemp and linocut artwork by Linda Farquharson.

Work from other artisans (including Mimi Pearl of course!) will compliment the exhibition.

Exhibition runs from 23rd January until 16th February. For more details contact the Line Gallery on 01506 670268.

Exclusive to Not Mass Produced......

One of a Kind Pearl & Rock Crystal Necklace

Just listed this unqiue necklace with my shop at Not Mass Produced

http://www.notmassproduced.com

A pretty and versatile piece, that would transcend through the ages and lend itself to many an outfit! I always love the delicate blush colour of these pearls, they whisper glamour and suit most colourings.

Dates for your Diary.....

Mimi Pearl will be exhibiting with Edinburgh Craft Fairs at St Georges West, Shandwick Place, Edinburgh from 11.00 until 5.00 pm on Saturday 19th December. See you there for last minute presents and Christmas Cheer!

Last day for placing orders online is 17th December in order to ensure delivery for Christmas.

Not Mass Produced

Not Mass Produced are an online company specialising in finding you unique, handmade and yes....you've guessed it....Not Mass Produced products that are sure to delight.

Mimi Pearl are extremely proud to announce that our products are now featured with Not Mass Produced. Our selection will include some of our products that are featured on our boutique but also some that will be exclusive to them.

As always Mimi Pearl products purchased through http://www.notmassproduced.com
will include Free postage and jewellery will come in its own jewellery pouch for storage.

At Not Mass Produced you can purchase everything from jewellery, to handmade soap, to stationary......

Here's a litte preview of some of my favourites....

Mans Cuffllinks £85.00

Bird Bath £180.00

Daisy Soap £3.99

Happy shopping!!!

Mimi Pearl has been blogged.....

Mimi Pearl was mentioned today:-

http://ukhandmade.blogspot.com/2009/11/finds-crystal-clear.html

on the UK Handmade Blog, featuring our Deluxe Pixie Pendant in Aqua. UK Handmade is an online magazine dedicated to UK talent, designers, crafters and is an essential resource.

To download UK Handmade Magazine visit http://ukhandmade.co.uk/main

Christmas Event

Last week saw my first Christmas Event for Edinburgh Academy. There I met some lovely people, fellow stallholders, drank champagne, nibbled on canapes, bought presents, made great sales, couldn't stop admiring the gold embossed roses on the ceiling.....

The Mimi Pearl stall looked great - shame I forgot my camera....with lace, fresh roses, vintage props for display (someone wanted to purchase my vintage vanity mirror!), Bendicks, shimmering pearls, semi precious rocks, boudoir bags and lots of love!

A huge thank you to all the customers and Jane, Claire and everyone else for making the event a success!

Meet Anna Lavezzo......

A little background on Mimi Pearl.....for those of you who don't know, Mimi Pearl was founded in 2007 after my love of creating. Named Mimi (my daughters petname) and Pearl due to my love of pearls and the vintage string of pearls I started with - that has inspired so many of my designs.


When I was a little girl, my Nanna (pictured) was a dressmaker and a huge inspiration to me. My first pocket money was made unpicking garments that needed alterating. The "front room" where she worked from, was filled with fabric, buttons, threads, headless Edna (tailors dummy!) and invited in a stream of customers. It was here and then that I fell in love with creating. My Nan always used to say - if she had been a little younger we would have set up shop together.


When I was deciding on a logo, it seemed adpt that I use on of my favourite photos of a remarkable, wonderful and huge role model to me. Black and white photography plays a huge part getting my ideas flowing - this image was taken at a function in Tripoli, in the original, she is flanked either side by my late Grandad and some other dashing gentleman. Claiming she wasn't smoking - just "holding" the cigarette for someone - Anna Lavezzo sums up the Mimi Pearl ethos - whimsical, vintage inspired with feminine and pretty edge.

Bespoke Onyx & Pearl Slip On Necklace

Here at Mimi Pearl - I have been busy creating bespoke pieces, including wedding jewellery, thank you gifts and just general old - go on...treat yourselves! (see one such creation above).
In addition to that, that dreaded C word...yes Christmas - dare it say it - is closer than you think and I have been preparing for stalls and events. I always look forward to these events as not only do I get to meet so many nice people, I get to have sneaky shop myself. Handcrafted gifts are always far nicer than those mass produced, and it is great to support other small business and designers. See bottom of blog for where you can meet me......

Stealing Warmth at The Line.....

Stealing Warmth From Each Other is the new exhibition at the Line Gallery Linlithgow, featuring photography by Siljes Elisabet Thorin and Keith Ingram. In this exhibition, two photographers, each with their own distinct interests and experiences, bring images to which they feel themselves drawn. Keith's sewing threads and Elisabet's decaying buildings each speak to us directly - and steal a little warmth from us all. Contact The Line on 01506 670268.

To compliment Elisabet's amazing photography I have created a range of Jewellery, Hairpins and Scenters all in muted soft colours from £5.00 - £49.00.