The First Workshop

Last night was a pretty momentous occasion for Nora's...

 

We held our very first workshop!

 

After over 2 years of 'we really should do a workshop' talk we finally got things organised and with the help of the wonderful Libby Jubb we hosted a Jewellery Demonstration and Workshop here at the shop last night.



 

 

There were just 6 places available on this workshop and thanks to the girls at Approach PR the Ilkley Gazette kindly mentioned the workshop in the paper last week and we sold out within a few days! 

 

 

Libby is based in Ilkley and we have been selling her very distinctive and feminine pieces at Nora's for over 2 years now.  Ever popular, we were thrilled when she agreed to hold the workshop with us!

 

So, after much discussion we decided that her 'crochet' range would make a great beginners project and was something that could be completed in a 2 hour period. 

 

 

 

Using a combination of sterling silver wire and semi precious stones, the ladies had a choice of making either a pair of drop earrings (as shown above) or a bracelet.

 

 

5 out of the 6 chose to do a bracelet and one lady made a pair of earrings.  So after a demonstration from Libby and with the help of some delicious 'nibbles' (thanks mum!) and a couple of glasses of 'vino' they got cracking!

 

 

 

Here they are busy making (look at the concentration on their faces!)

 

 

'VOILA'

Here are the finished products -

 

Terri's Earrings featuring Turquoise Howlite

 

Fiona's Hematite Bracelet

Janet's Amythest and Blue Lace Agate Bracelet

 

Sue's Tones of Green Bracelet

 

Helen's Blue Lace Agate Bracelet

 

Katie's Hematite Bracelet

 

 

In the words of Brucie - 'DIDN'T THEY DO WELL?!?'

 

 

Stay tuned for details of our next workshop - why not sign up to Nora's News and be the first to know?



 



MayDay Mayhem!

So, for those of you who aren't too familar with Ilkley and its traditions; Mayday Bank Holiday Monday is 'Carnival Day' in the town.   

It's a little bit more sedate than the Carnivals of Rio or Notting Hill and thankfully we all wear alot more clothes ('goosebumps on your goosebumps' is not an attractive look!)

This years theme was 'Summer of Celebration' and yesterday morning I, along with hundreds of other locals, lined the streets of Ilkley to see the parade. Mums and Dads had been slaving for weeks on end getting their little ones costumes ready for the big day and they made sure we weren't disappointed,  from mini olympians to Ilkley's very own Royal Family, it was all there! 

Nora's also took part in the celebrations by entering the 'Shop Window Competition' and I'm thrilled to say that we won first prize!

Here are some of the highlights...

My old school!

Olympic Torch

Dylan the Campervan

Nora's Banner at the fair

Pipers



Our Winning Shop Windows!

Our Trophy!

Knitty Nora

At this time of year, I usually slow down on my knitting and the needles don't 'clack' as much as in winter but I thought I'd share this little project from Autumn last year with you...


Back in February last year I went on a sock knitting course at 'Create' above Nora's.  It was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done and after much frustration (and under the breath cursing) I successfully completed my first pair after about 8 weeks and then I embarked on a further challenge.

A good friend was getting married in September, and as a fellow appreciator of all things handmade, I decided to knit her and 'hubby to be' a pair of socks each, but with a twist...

They would each get a pair of odd socks but together they would make two pairs of the same socks!  Altogether now... Ahhhhhh! Yes, I thought it was quite sweet too!

Ta Da...

And here's the happy couple on their wedding day

'And what's your next project Nora?'  I hear you ask

Egg Cosies of course!

Mothers' Day Favourites

You tickled my toes

Checked for monsters

Showed me the stars

and taught me how to reach them

Thank You Mum



Primroses in a Vintage Teacup £7.50

Handmade Ceramic Jar Tags  £3.95



Merino Lambswool Knitted Purse £19.50  Buy Here

Handmade Oiseau Cushion £38.00

True Grace Scented Candle Tins - £12.50 Buy Here

Handmade Tweed Brooch £7.50

Keepsake Spoon £18.00

Hello Miss Daffodil!

Happy St Davids Day to you too, Miss Daffodil!

I've been having a pretty difficult time recently (don't worry, you don't need to get your violin out just yet!) and I'm not sure if it was the weather when I woke up this morning, or perhaps the promise of Spring in the air but I felt really full of joy.

I felt fortunate and grateful for the wonderful people I have in my life and all the things I have that I take for granted every day.  I know it's all a bit deep for a Thursday morning, but it made me wonder if anyone else woke up feeling like this today?

The Crocus are popping up everywhere!

I took a stroll around Ilkley before work and everyone seemed to have a spring in their step - gentleman tipping their hats and ladies smiling a silent greeting to a stranger...




Pretty Primroses outside the greengrocers


I fully accept that it could be my imagination, but it would be wonderful to think that Spring, with its promise of new life, and a little bit of balmy sunshine after months of Winter darkness really does alter our mood for the better.

Whatever your plan is today, I hope you enjoy it!

I love you more than chocolate...

When I discovered Katie Dobson's 'upcycled' antique silver cutlery at the end of last year, I have to confess I desperately wanted someone to buy a piece for me...  Despite several 'hints' I am still waiting, but hopefully Valentines Day might provide the necessary encouragement!

My other half LOVES chocolate so I will be more than chuffed if this one appears in my cereal bowl on the morning of the 14th February!

And for the serious romantic...

Katie is based in the Cotswolds and all of the silver cutlery she works with is antique and sourced here in the UK, with some pieces dating back as far as the 1920's.  She then hand hammers a special message into the spoon face to create a wonderful keepsake that the recipient will no doubt treasure forever.  

Each piece shows evidence of its previous 'well loved' life and the hand hammering means that they are all slightly different.

We currently have a lovely selection of different ones at the shop with more arriving soon for Mothers' Day:-

                                        

Prices from £13.00

New Year, New Finds

Firstly, Happy 2012 everyone!

After all the hustle and bustle of November and December, inevitably life resumes its more standard pace in January so apologies for my tardiness in blogging.

• I have been trying to get inspired for the coming year and I've been busy hunting out some fabulous designer makers, one in particular has cheered me up no end this month with their fantastically bright leather accessories.

Designed and hand made in Cambridge by partners Ros & Ed this collection of glasses cases, iphone cases, card wallets and make up bags from 'Stabo' are made from soft nappa leather and images are carefully screenprinted on to create unique accessories that suit both ladies and gents!

Buy the Glasses Cases Here

• Second on our list of 'finds' manages to successfully continue our 'Stationary Revolution' - as you know, we are committed to keeping the art of letter writing alive and we're sure that with the help of  'SORT' (The Society of Revisionist Typographers) we will succeed!

SORT consists of Messrs. Thomas Boulton and Theo Wang.  They specialise in typographic design and use traditional letterpress techniques and fuse them with contemporary digital processes to create whimsical, unique stationary that we just can't get enough of!   Arriving very soon so we can hopefully pass our obsession on to you too...

So, here's hoping 2012 will be a great year for you all and we're looking foward to sharing it with you!

Over and out...