Craft Life

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...

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...

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...

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...

Ah, the festive twilight zone – that curious stretch between Christmas and New Year’s when time feels suspended. After the whirlwind of cooking, chatting, and merry mayhem, it’s only natural to feel a bit bamboozled. Despite best efforts to stay grounded, the current of Christmas creativity and social engagement has a way of sweeping us all along. And now? It’s a ‘tur-curry’ kind of day in my house. Turkey soup bubbling on the stove and curry for dinner the washing machine humming contentedly – and here I am, tapping out a little reflection to hit my two-blogs-per-month goal. But amidst...