Last year Kirsty was asked to be part of Handmade Boutique, the pop-up shop shop in the Great Western Arcade. In response to this she created a beautiful, intricate piece of artwork of some recognisable Birmingham landmarks cut out of paper (shown below).

Here’s a little about Kirsty M:

Armed with a pencil, a scalpel, a piece of paper and a lot of patience I create beautiful hand drawn and hand cut art work. All my designs are unique, created by me Kirsty Mason. I don’t use computer software or any fancy cutting machines to create this art. I just use my imagination and my tiny hands to create these beautiful pieces of art, that would look amazing on any wall. I use only the best quality paper and spend hours hand drawing and hand cutting each piece.

As well as buckets of talent, she must have a lot of patience and a steady hand.

Visit Kirsty M’s online shop and her website, for more of her work.

Sidenote:

We’ve written about Handmade Boutique a few times, but just incase it’s new to you, here’s some handy blurb about the shop:

Handmade Boutique is a collective of Midlands based independent designers that make beautiful home styling and lifestyle products and gifts for all ages. The store’s unique concept allows local independent designers to bring their beautifully hand made products directly to you on the high street. from bath products and candles, to jewellery, ceramics and textile pictures, you’ll also find a great selection of greetings cards and gift wrap – so you’ll never get stuck when out gift buying again!

Handmade Boutique opened on a permanent basis in the Great Western Arcade last week to coincide with this too. “Handmade Boutique is a collective of 18 Midlands based independent designers that make beautiful home styling and lifestyle products and gifts for all ages.”

There were also some unique grassroots style events taking place: a ‘swopshop’ was organised by Le Truc. This involved a series of collaborations between 13 independent businesses. There were some great collaborations including Provide and Yorks Bakery Café, The Diskery at 6/8 Kafé and Anderson & Hill Cheese at the Post Office Vaults. Provide covered it nicely on their blog, and there are some great photos of the Provide/Yorks Bakery Café swap by our very own Craig Bush. 

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Meanwhile in Kings Heath, they are celebrating the fact that every month is independent month, as the town is awash with an eclectic mix of successful independent businesses that really shape what Kings Heath is all about.

One business in particular has shown what it really means to be an ‘independent retail business’- as People Shop on Poplar Road is not just any other independent business, they make all their own stock themselves – from dresses, to homeware, gifts and jewellery – it is all created on site, in the studio at the rear of the store. “We are so proud to be an independent and to be based in the heart of Kings Heath, which is just a vibrant and buzzing corner of the West Midlands. I don’t think there is a place like it, with so much going on – and yet for those who don’t live on the doorstep it always seems to come as such a pleasant surprise that Kings Heath has got so much to offer.” explains Allison, one of the three owners of People Shop.

Allison has a lovely blog Hello Homey, and she also runs a new monthly event The Sewcial Club – an alternative style sewing workshop *night out*.

For more from People Shop, visit their website, and for further information about the independents scene in Kings Heath, see Enjoy Kings Heath.

Photo thanks to @roblangleyswain

It has been launched by 12 Jewellery Quarter-based designer maker jewellers and silversmiths who are showcasing their first jewellery and giftware collections in Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade. Pieces range from glimmering gemstones cushioned in gold and silver to colourful, quirky pieces made from unorthodox methods.

The shop will be staffed by the designers themselves who be able to share the background of the pieces and discuss any bespoke commissions. Lana Crabb, one of the designer makers, had the following to say;

I’m really looking forward to delivering a fantastic jewellery-buying experience and helping customers find the perfect present that will enchant the recipient.

If you want to find out more about each designer maker and more about Number 22 then visit their site.

The boutique plans to give customers the opportunity to purchase unique lifestyle products and gifts that would not usually be available on the high street. As well as the opportunity to purchase, customers will also be offered live demonstrations from some of the designer makers to allow them to see how the products are made and giving them a hands on experience by being able to take something home they have made.

There are quite a few individuals featuring in the Boutique but here are a few of my favourites;

• Serendipity Candles, based in Sutton Coldfield, they make beautifully scented soya wax candles in the finest Vintage crockery and glassware.
• Daniel Jones, who trained at University College Birmingham, is an award winning Chocolatier! He will be doing a live demonstration on Saturday 13th October at 1pm.  This coincides with National Chocolate Week!
• Vintage-Lovelies, also based in Sutton Coldfield, ‘upcycle’ vintage furniture and home furnishings.
• Weave and Stitch who make one off creations made entirely from paper!

The boutique will be based in the Mailbox and will be open 7 days a week from 11am – 6pm. If you would like to find out more about the live demonstrations and courses running throughout October and November then please give Tracie Bedwood a call on 07972 176 024.

Visit them on their facebook page or follow them on twitter for live updates!