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Fairhaven Lake Craft Fair

St Annes – near Blackpool

Today I attended the craft fair at Fairhaven Water Sports Centre, right by Fairhaven Lake in Lytham St Annes. Before booking, I tried to find information about what the fair was actually like — and honestly, there wasn’t much out there. A couple of close-up photos of stalls, but nothing that showed the layout, the setting, or even where exactly it was held around the lake.

So I thought I’d write the kind of post I was looking for.

Where Is It Exactly?

The craft fair is held at the Fairhaven Water Sports Centre, which sits right on the edge of Fairhaven Lake.

  • 3 stalls were outside, under the veranda at the front of the building.
  • 8 stalls were inside, all on the ground floor.
  • One booked space didn’t turn up today.

It’s advertised as space for 28 stalls, which I assume would include using the upstairs area . Today there were 11 in total.

The Practical Bits (For Stallholders)

  • Cost: £20 per day
  • Arrival: 8:30am
  • Finish: 4:00pm
  • Most stallholders today are also trading tomorrow and are leaving their stalls set up overnight (locked inside).

Setup was straightforward and relaxed. Everyone was friendly, and there was a nice atmosphere between stallholders — very much a “we’re all in this together” vibe.

What Was There Today?

Obviously, stalls will vary each time, but today included:

  • RSPB charity stall
  • Clothing (the only stall that seemed to do particularly well — positioned outside)
  • Handbags and headbands
  • Carved custom family tree wall pieces & seashell mobiles
  • Crocheted teddies and decorations
  • Pom poms (branded adorably as “Little Fluffy Balls”)
  • Books
  • Books, colouring books & bookmarks
  • Room fragrances & wax melts
  • Beaded earrings, painted stones & shells
  • Jewellery, bead trees, frames & jewellery hangers (my stall)

There was a nice mix — handmade, giftable items, some charity presence, some craft hobby style stalls.

Good to Know

One of the hardest things when booking a fair is not knowing:

  • Is it busy?
  • Is it cramped?
  • Is it indoors/outdoors?
  • Is it visible from footpaths?
  • What’s the general feel?

Hopefully this information and photos will be helpful to other future stall holders. Visit either Stall finder or Stall and Craft Collective and search for Fairhaven Craft Fair. You can also contact Barbara Lawson on 07854502724 to ask for more information or book a future event. Visit my shop page to browse similar products I sold at the fair today.

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Statement Jewellery Outfit Ideas: How to Style Bold Jewellery with Confidence

Pearl & Pink Twist Earrings

Statement jewellery is designed to stand out — but knowing how to style it can make the difference between effortlessly bold and slightly overwhelming.

If you love chunky beads, vibrant colours and eye-catching pieces, this guide will show you exactly how to style a statement necklace for different occasions, necklines and outfits.

Whether you’re dressing casually or heading somewhere special, bold jewellery can completely transform your look.

1. Casual Everyday Styling (Yes, You Can Wear Statement Jewellery Daily)

A common myth is that statement necklaces are “too much” for everyday wear. They’re not.

The trick is contrast.

Pair a bold necklace with:

  • A plain white or black t-shirt
  • A simple knit jumper
  • A neutral blouse
  • Denim and minimal layers

Let the necklace be the focal point. When your clothing is simple, your jewellery adds personality without overwhelming the outfit.

For example, a bold blue stone necklace works beautifully against neutral tones like cream, grey or navy.

Browse our bold statement necklaces here. You can view the necklace fweatured in the image here.

2. Office or Smart Casual Outfits

Statement jewellery can look incredibly polished when paired correctly.

Best pairings:

  • Structured blazers
  • Button-down shirts
  • Midi dresses
  • Monochrome outfits

If you’re wearing a patterned top, choose a necklace that picks up one of the colours rather than competing with it.

Chunky beaded necklaces add confidence and authority to professional looks — without feeling overly formal.

View the necklace featured in the image here.

3. Special Occasions & Events: Let Bold Earrings Do the Talking

Bold earrings are perfect when you want impact without layering lots of jewellery.

They work beautifully for:

  • Casual
  • Weddings
  • Parties
  • Date nights
  • Holiday evenings
  • Christmas gatherings

If your outfit already has detail around the neckline — such as lace, embellishment, high necklines or statement collars — bold earrings are often the better choice over a chunky necklace.

They draw attention to the face, frame your features, and add personality without competing with your outfit. V iew the earrings featured in the image here.

How to Style Bold Earrings

Hair Up or Tucked Back
Bold earrings stand out best when visible. A sleek ponytail, bun, or tucked-behind-the-ear look lets them shine.

Keep the Neckline Simple
Pair statement earrings with:

  • Strapless or off-shoulder tops
  • Simple dresses
  • Clean neckline blouses

Balance with Minimal Neckwear
If your earrings are bold, keep necklaces subtle — or skip them entirely.

For colourful beaded earrings, try matching one tone to your outfit for a coordinated look, or use contrast for a more fashion-forward statement.

Bold earrings are ideal when you want drama without layering multiple accessories — they make an impact instantly.

Browse our bold handmade earrings here. You can view the earrings featured in the image here.

Colour Confidence: Don’t Be Afraid of Bold

Bold jewellery is meant to express personality.

If you’re unsure how to mix colours:

  • Start with neutrals + one bright accent
  • Match jewellery to your eye colour
  • Coordinate with accessories (bag, shoes, nails)

Blue tones, for example, pair beautifully with white, beige, black and even mustard. Remember — statement jewellery is about confidence. If you love it, wear it.

Why Choose Handmade Statement Jewellery?

Handmade pieces have character and individuality you won’t find in mass-produced accessories. Each necklace is slightly unique, made with care, and designed to stand out — not blend in. If you love jewellery that sparks conversation, statement pieces are the perfect addition to your collection.

Final Thoughts

Styling a statement necklace doesn’t need to feel complicated. Keep your outfit simple, balance proportions, and let your jewellery do what it’s designed to do — make an impact.

Ready to add something bold to your collection?

Browse our handmade statement necklaces and find a piece that speaks to you.

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When Opera meets Bead Trees

Every now and then, something delightfully unexpected happens… and this is one of those moments.

My uncle Andrew – aka Count Snape, sings opera. Proper, full-voice, baroque-style opera. So when he offered to create a 30-second operatic “mad short” to advertise my website, I honestly didn’t know what to expect.

What I got was “Rondelle Sheen Crystal Sheen”, performed in dramatic operatic baroque style by Count Snape.

Yes. Really.

The result is wonderfully over-the-top, completely unexpected, and somehow fits perfectly with the sparkle and personality behind my bead trees and pendants. It’s dramatic. It’s theatrical. And it’s definitely not your average website promo.

Why I Love It

Handmade jewellery and bead art is all about individuality, creativity, and doing things a little differently. This operatic short captures that spirit perfectly — it’s joyful, expressive, and unapologetically unique.

Plus, it gave me a good laugh… and I hope it does the same for you.

Supporting the Arts (and a Bit of Fun)

This little project is a lovely reminder that creativity comes in many forms — whether it’s beads and crystals, or a baroque opera aria recorded for YouTube. I’m incredibly grateful to my uncle for lending his voice (and his sense of humour) to support my small business.

If nothing else, I can confidently say:
Not many jewellery websites have their own opera.

Enjoy — and don’t forget to turn the volume up!