Craft Life
Planning a Wedding Can Be Stressful – But It Doesn’t Have to Be!
Some people love a big wedding. What’s not to love, right? The grandeur, the guests, the endless details coming together in one big celebration. But is a big wedding really for everyone? I have thoughts on this subject. If you and your partner have always dreamed of a large wedding and can afford it, then go ahead – it’s your day, and that’s wonderful! The only potential problem might be not knowing enough people to fill those seats. But what if you love the idea of a big wedding but don’t quite have the budget to match? Or perhaps you...
Flowers and Nature Cards: Gifting Inspiration and The Big Earrings Collection
March always feels like the perfect time to start thinking and talking about flowers and nature. As the seasons shift, I also find myself drawn back to designing bold, beautiful earrings for my Lapanda Designs collection. These aren’t the subtle kind—lightweight, yes, but designed to make a statement. I know not everyone is a fan of big earrings, but for those of us who love a splash of colour and a touch of drama, they’re an absolute joy. Maybe it’s because I’ve always had big hair, but I feel like now is the moment to leap off my typing perch...
Crafting Romance: The Lucky Wedding Horseshoe Bijoux Collection
There’s something undeniably enchanting about horseshoes—their rich history, their deep-rooted symbolism, and the sheer magic of their craftsmanship. The image of a blacksmith at work, shaping glowing metal on an anvil amid a shower of sparks, evokes a sense of timeless dependability and tradition. Horseshoes have long been associated with luck, making them a cherished token for weddings and other special occasions. Wedding Horseshoe: Classic Gold with Crystal Drop At Parade Handmade, horseshoes have always been a customer favourite, thanks to the stunning range supplied by Liffey Forge in Dublin. These beautifully crafted, worn horseshoes have inspired waves of interest...
Crafting Sustainability with Parade Handmade: How I Keep It Green
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Parade Handmade; it’s a promise. From the moment an idea sparks to the time a product reaches your doorstep, every decision reflects my commitment to reducing environmental impact. Let’s explore how Parade Handmade "cleans up after itself" and why thoughtful crafting makes a world of difference. Carbon-Neutral Shipping: Cleaning Up After Ourselves E-commerce deliveries leave a carbon footprint, but at Parade Handmade, I’ve embraced a proactive approach. With the help of a carbon-offset app on my website, every order contributes to cleaning the air. Here’s how it works: Calculated Emissions: For each order, an algorithm...
What’s Cooking for 2025? New Giftware Collections in the Pipework
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to share what’s been bubbling away in my creative cauldron. If you caught my last blog post of 2024, you’ll know I’ve been reflecting on how to strike a balance this year between my love of creating handmade giftware and my desire to dedicate more time to art. While I’m not one to rush my creative process, I’ve realised that if I want to embrace both passions, compromises are in order. This year, I’ll be focusing on smaller, more concise capsule collections. Boutique collections so to speak, allowing...