I've realised with a shock it's been over a year since I last posted anything on the blog... eek! It has been a year of personal ups and downs and some ongoing life stuff which affects work and online presence. Happens to us all I guess! So this post is about new starts and revamps. I've recently, with the help of a lovely Graphics Company updated Kate Dumbleton Jewellery branding. Blwm Creative based in Barry, south Wales, produced lovely fresh and colourful logos and business marketing materials, here are some of the new styles, the design references the Deco Chevron Collection and the mineral pattern  expresses a love of organic, earthy gemstones and landscapes. Another theme I'm drawn to, the environment and it's care is a key value of this brand. 
More news soon!!

Usually at the end of the year there would be lovely selling events to take part in, meeting customers old and new and face to face, often with mulled wine too! Last year was different for obvious reasons... it was about engaging an audience online. this was one such engagement - thought I'd share if you want anything shown in the video it can be sent to you at these special prices.
​Look out for more videos soon!

It feels like we all need  some more love at the moment, Valentines, galentines and self treating are key points in the jewellery calender, although I think they should be all year round! With the focus on February and Valentine season here is a lovely article  featuring some of my popular LoveKnot pieces... https://www.tjaconnect.com/

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Huge thanks to the Arts Council of Wales for all their support during this Covid-19 crisis. I'd like to acknowledge the grant they have awarded me for my business is greatly appreciated! In these uncertain times and as we all work out our new normal, their continued support is a valuable asset. Diolch!

Being a jewellery tutor is such a rewarding experience. I have teamed up with local gallery Anne Morgan Jewellery to introduce people to the joy of jewellery making. The lovely ladies from a recent ring making workshop show off their first time ever handmade rings - such good work! Think they'll be back for more. Please get in touch if you'd like to find out more about silver workshops.

Ethical, environment, transparency, climate, Fairtrade... all vitally important issues for people and planet. Wherever possible I use recycled silver and gold in these jewellery collections, I use reputable suppliers for materials and buy locally or in the UK as much as possible. Revamping old pieces and reusing metal is a joy, so rewarding, creating something new from broken or old and unsuitable and having a happy customer is always a bonus! Here are some bespoke pieces and as it's Spring and Green politics are dear to me, some in a lovely shade of green... 

 It seems like there is no better time to shop locally, with major High Street names struggling in this economic climate, the offerings from independent boutiques and shops of all sorts is brilliant and to be supported and celebrated. I'm very pleased to have collections stocked in some lovely, expertly curated outlets. I'll share details about these stockists over Easter - a good time for fresh thinking and renewal. 
First up is Shore on Penarth Esplanade, a haven for all gifts nautical, coastal and just beautiful. Homewares and accessories by independent makers and UK designed products. Latest jewellery collections in store now  www.shorecoastal.co.uk/  

This year I've been taking part in a brilliant scheme for schools in Wales run by Arts Council Wales and the Welsh Government. The Lead Creative Schools Scheme brings together artists from all fields - writers, actors, and craftspeople with Primary, Secondary and special needs schools to fill a creative learning gap. Projects deal with literacy, outdoor classes and numeracy - my project deals with jewellery and numeracy... how can jewellery improve maths?  It's a perfect fit as you can't make jewellery without numeracy... I was delighted to be chosen by a lovely primary school in Cardiff - the Year 4 class - Beadilicious! - and staff embraced the jewellery making wholeheartedly and we all had a great time. And maths was done too! ('Learning without noticing'.) The project is almost finished except for a couple of inset sessions with the parents and staff, and I'll be helped by my new jewellery maker gang of 8 year olds!
Here are some images from the project:

     The importance of taking time out to breathe and be aware of your surroundings is so important for a  self employed person managing the day to day stuff. Life can be everything from exciting to  tedious  dealing with your business. It can be fun, frustrating, exhausting and you can have the best time of your life. Sometimes all in one week! When it does feel tough, and it always does at some point whatever you are doing, what helps are friends, family and having places to take time out and recharge. I walk someone's dog weekly and I couldn't be without it - fresh air and exercise with an affectionate, happy pup is medicine for the soul! (Special mention for my cat too!)

With the end of summer comes the new buying season and to catch the attention of The Buyers and new customers, fresh images must be made of latest work and new collections. Last week I had a lovely photoshoot with Lissy, who modelled my jewellery and revamped pieces for AW17 and SS18 beautifully. I took the pictures and learnt something new with every shot. Imagery is so vital to selling products, a click with your phone or a set up with backdrops and tripods and reflector... it can be easy and difficult all at once! I think the biggest lessons I've learnt is you can never take too many shots and practice is key! I'll load up the shots over the next few days and see how they go!