Archive for August, 2010

Swanky Maison Seller Spotlight – Designer Cushions by La La Loop

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

In our latest Swanky Seller Spotlight we catch up with Lorraine McCue, textile designer and creator of La La Loop knitted accessories. The fresh and funky La La Loop collection includes designer cushions and handcrafted hot water bottle covers.

SM: How did you start you business and what led you to this career path?

LLL: I studied Textile and Fashion design at university and it wasn’t until my final year that I really started to get into knitted textiles. I felt that there was so much more that I could learn so I decided to do a Masters Degree in Knitted Textile Design. At my degree show and at New Designers in London I sold my work and had so much enquiries that I thought ‘hey … I could actually do this as a business’. (more…)

Brighten up your home this summer with our fabulous handmade home accessories.

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

With summer now in full swing it’s a great time to give your home quick face lift. Don’t worry if you haven’t got the time or money for a full overhaul – it’s all about the accessories! Here are our favourite ways to spruce up your home for the summer season. (more…)

Swanky Maison Seller Spotlight – Handmade Jewellery by Emma Hadley

Friday, August 6th, 2010

 Emma Hadley’s collection of exquisite handmade jewellery is lovingly handcrafted with high quality 99.9% pure fine silver combined with beautiful gemstones. Today we chat to Emma and find out more about her ideas, inspirations and what’s coming next!

SM: How did you start you business and what led you to this career path?

EH: Design and crafts, fashion and jewellery, always have been a massive part of my life.  I had an exciting career, as a Fashion Buyer, following university.  But when I got made redundant I decided to take the skills I had learnt and make a positive change to build something of my own.   And so I turned to jewellery design.  As soon as I started a course I fell in love and dedicated every moment to fine tuning my skills.  I realised my little dream of starting my own brand could come true when I found people wanted to buy my jewellery. (more…)