Designer Feature- Beadz and baublez

Dinah’s shop is a new addition to the etsy family. Here she reveals a little about life, crafting and stuff….

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
Brentwood, Essex

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START BECOMING INTERESTED IN CRAFTS?
25 Years ago when I visited Cannes, we came across one of the many tiny market squares off the Rue d’Antibes full of specialist stalls. Some with 100’s of different cheeses other with beautiful linen and lace of every kind. Just at the end, beside the road was an old lady with a little yellow formica table which was covered in dozens of jam jars of all different shapes and sizes which were full of tiny brightly coloured beads in every shade. Ladies of all ages were cluster around taking small spoons of beads and sealing them up in tiny cellophane bags. Well I just had to buy some. I can remember my dad saying what are you going to do with them? To be honest I had no idea at the time but they where just so beautiful.

I never have used those particular beads, but from that day on I was hooked and to this day I still sell embroidery beads from beautiful glass jars by the spoonful.

GREATEST INFLUENCES?
Walking around the West End, Magazines from abroad and Italian trade shows

GREATEST PROBLEM YOU’VE OVERCOME?
Sourcing original and different beads and products from abroad to keep ahead of trend in the UK.

WHAT PIECE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
The bespoke pieces made to match someone’s dress that they have been hunting for, for ages.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT ON SELLING THEIR GOODS?
Always make sure you build in a proper profit so you are not working for nothing! Just because it’s handmade doesn’t make it cheap, people need to realise that one off pieces take time and cost money.

WHICH 4 PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE AS WEEKEND GUESTS – AND WHY?
My best friend Pat(and Paul) –As we never get to meet up anymore

My Dad(died 22years ago) – Just to say Hello

Hugh Grant – Not the worst person to spend an evening with if you know what I mean

Jack Dee – The funniest guy!

WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU KISSED?
My Grand-daughter Rosie.

WHAT’S ON YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE?
Current reading, A bridal accessories book, A book on FengShui, Glass of water, Hand Cream and my Venetian Glass earrings (of course)

HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU?

To the Point. My best friend often says that she would never ask me a question unless she was prepared for the truth!

NEW YORK OR BARBADOS?
Barbados

FERRARI OR MINI?
Mini

EASTENDERS OR HOLLYOAKS?
Eastenders

CHOCOLATE OR CHAMPAGNE?
Chocolate every time

IF YOU COULD ONLY ACCESS 3 WEBSITES, WHICH WOULD THEY BE?

Flickr, Etsy and Numerous Bead sites, so not just three really! Oops