If I can do it, anyone can

Honestly, it’s true!

Have you ever felt like you need to do something different? Change direction in your life, learn a new skill, change jobs or move house? These are all big decisions and take a lot of consideration and determination. None more so than changing your career path. Sometimes it's easier to just stay where you are and never take the plunge.

That’s where I was at the age of 50 in 2011. I was a single stay-at-home Mum looking to do something from home so I could be there for the kids. For some time I had been sculpting in clay and selling my pieces but I was not happy with the medium. I couldn’t find a job suitable or that I would enjoy and it was suggested to me that I consider learning some art skills so I decided to enrol on a Foundation Degree at Hereford College of Arts. Now, I have no idea why I thought I could actually do that but it was just two days a week so I took the plunge. The best and most fabulous thing I ever did (apart from my kids, of course). The course was for oldies like me and it was like Christmas every single day!!

I loved it!!

I loved it so much that when I graduated I was asked if I would consider doing the BA Hons Jewellery Design degree. So I did that too!

Now, don’t get me wrong, it was hard work and lots of time taken up in study and creating but it was amazing and I did it. I graduated at the age of 55. I had never believed in myself before but I did it.

There are so many opportunities out in the world, especially now that lockdowns have ended, so if you are considering something new, teetering on the edge of a decision, then my advice is to do it. Take the plunge! There’s nothing special about me, so if I can do it, so can you. Gather your information, research whatever you need, consider all of the pros and cons and then do it. If you ask 100 people for advice, you will get 100 different answers. Trust your instincts and take that next step. I dare you!!!!

Me? I've now been qualified as a Jewellery Designer in Redbrook, Monmouth for the last 7 years, built up my business, Chris Lewis Jewellery Design, and love every day that I can get in my workshop and create new and wonderful things. It’s not easy being the owner of a small business but it's satisfying and fun too. If you would like to find out more then please feel free to get in touch with me.

You can ring me on 07885829316

Or Email me at Chrislewisjewellerydesign@aol.com or

Visit my website at www.chrislewisjewellerydesign.com

I am also on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

The Importance of Gift Giving

Why is Gift giving so important in 2022?

Choosing a gift has always been a stressful pastime in my life.

Is there someone in your life who is always difficult to buy for?

Trying to figure out what a family member or friend would like is quite a task. That’s without shopping for hours, trawling through and past different stores trying to find the perfect gift. Let’s be honest, most people don’t even know what they want themselves, let alone what somebody else wants. That very situation makes it so tough to know what to buy.

Special Gifts for Special People

I have been making gifts for people for over seven years now and that has given me a little insight into how to make something special. It has become very common for people to open the gifts that I have designed to become very emotional. I don’t ever take that for granted or even have an expectation of tears but it is very moving when it happens and I never get bored of hearing how much people love the gifts they've received..

I try to find out as much as I can about the recipient, what they love, what makes them tick, what they are passionate about, family members, poems, and memories, all of these come together to enable me to design something special for them.

Now I know that not everybody had the luxury of being able to create a piece of silver jewellery which is why I decided to try and take the pain out of gift giving for you. Read on for more information.

How to choose the right gift

Since lockdown, I believe it has become so much more important to treasure our family and friends, to spend time with our loved ones, in person and I think we all appreciate making memories much more than accumulating possessions. We have spent far too much time away from others, isolated and alone, not being able to interact or meet people.

As a Jewellery Designer, who specialises in creating pieces of jewellery that reflect the person and their loves and passions, it has become even more desirable to ensure that memories and people are incorporated into my pieces. That could be as simple as a date or a name, but it could be something completely different like a poem, a message, a design incorporating meaning. Ive created so many different, bespoke gifts and Im not short of ideas. If you're lacking inspiration I can help. That’s what I do. All it takes is a phone call, a few questions and I can start to design something special so that when your loved one opens the gift box, they know exactly what they mean to you and how cherished they are.

So, let me tell you about the free personal gift service that I run:

• It’s free to join

• A month before the important date, you will receive a reminder via message or email.

• The dates can be birthdays, Christmas, weddings, anniversaries, bar mitzvah’s anything you want

• I will contact you and make a suggestion or design something special for your loved one

• You approve the design and pay for it or you decide not to use my ideas on that occasion.

• You can remove yourself from the service at any time

• Payments are only taken for designs agreed

• All pieces will be gift boxed or wrapped to save you that task too

It’s a no-brainer!

You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

Let me know if I can help you at all. Find out more by clicking on this link to my website or book a call to have a chat with me. https://www.chrislewisjewellerydesign.com/cljd-concierge-service

Covid & Coughs

So Covid finally caught up with me!!

It was no more than a cold and slight cough but upset my asthma and Ive been very weary. Now starting to get back to some normality although the head is still fuzzy. I have been taking strolls through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and drinking in the fresh air and sunshine, with which we have been blessed. many apologies if you are waiting for your commission. I have not forgotten and will be getting it to you as soon as I can but still not working full days and have been inundated. I will be in touch soon, in the meantime, enjoy this beautiful and gorgeous month of May!