I started Rachel Lucie Jewellery Designs way back in 2008
Since contracting ME/CFS in June 2019 unfortunately I have not recovered. I managed with a mostly housebound life, still able to walk my dog sometimes, and deal with the lessening jewellery orders that came my way. I no longer promoted myself and was unable to attend fairs.
I announced last year that I would change the way I worked to accommodate my illness with a view to my ongoing recovery. This worked really well, and I had some lovely supportive messages from clients.
However, following my first Astra Zeneca vaccination in March this year I became very ill. I also developed a condition called POTS (postural orthastatic tacycardia syndrome), and have not recovered.
This was over 6 months ago, and as I am still too ill to work, regrettably I have to pause Rachel Lucie Jewellery Designs for until further notice.
I want to thank all my loyal customers over the years, and can only give my heart felt apologies to those whose orders I have not been able to fulfill recently. It has been such an honour to be part of your lives through gifts and the pieces of jewellery that have significance to you and the people you love.
I haven't given up, and do hope at some point to be well enough to reopen.
Au revoir, but not goodbye! 💜
Rachel xx
]]>What can we say about Christmas? I think, restrictions willing, we should have the best Christmases that we are able. Don’t you?
Some good news is that I am slowly getting back to my studio and working on increased orders, and I’m carefully pacing myself. I’m also working at getting stockists restocked and new items on here for you to treat yourself or your missed loved ones.]]>What can we say about Christmas? I think, restrictions willing, we should have the best Christmases that we are able. Don’t you?
Some good news is that I am slowly getting back to my studio and working on increased orders, and I’m carefully pacing myself. I’m also working at getting stockists restocked and new items on here for you to treat yourself or your missed loved ones.
Things may be uncertain in so many ways, but our relationships aren’t. Let’s spend better, when we can, and support the small businesses who make our high streets and local communities unique.
Thank you to so many of you who have remained valued customers and friends for your continued support this year, it really means a lot.
Now, I’d best get back to my orders!
Stay safe, everyone
Rachel x
]]>I'm writing in strange times, I very much hope that you are ok.
I've been wanting to write this for a while, but uncertain what to do. Now my decision has been forced on my by the new global situation (of which I shall not name - am I the only one with an inbox full of emails from every company with that word in the title and addressed to me by name?).
I'm writing in strange times, I very much hope that you are ok.
I've been wanting to write this for a while, but uncertain what to do. Now my decision has been forced on my by the new global situation (of which I shall not name - am I the only one with an inbox full of emails from every company with that word in the title and addressed to me by name?).
This email is really about Rachel Lucie Jewellery, not world issues.
Since last June I have been struggling with my health after some stressful life events over the previous 2 years, I succombed to a mystery virus which was first thought to be glandular fever. The jury is still out on that, but since then I have not recovered. I stopped making new designs and collections because I was so unwell, and concentrated on getting better, but no change has come. It seems I have developed ME/CFS, and I am waiting for official diagnosis from a specialist clinic. This seems to have kicked off previous endometriosis from which I have been in remission for a number of years.
I want to keep this brief, we all have a lot on our minds, and this email is good news - please read on!
I have been living in a downsized world for the past 9 months, and have already developed a low-key semi-isolated life here in the lovely Pennine Hills where I live. It's important that I pace myself and limit stress, but this condition means I am very up and down, and what seems a low key activity to most, may be too much for me on most days.
One of the side effects of ME/CFS is 'brain fog', that grey matter is just not what it was. I have not been working well and have on occasion recently let customers down with times and that's just not ok.
After a Christmas of no fairs, the first ever, and issues fulfilling orders at times I have been thinking I need to just close - but jewellery is what I do, and I'm not ready to relinquish my title! I have worked really hard over the last 11 years to build up some really loyal customers, and been lucky to be part of some touching personal moments in peoples lives.
Then things snowballed with recent world events. I thought, that's it - time to just close, you aren't working as you should and letting customers down is stressful and soul-destroying.
I contacted a few customers to let them know I was struggling with their order, and may be closing and the response was wonderful! They were so understanding, and I remembered why making jewellery is an important thing, how special the pieces I make are to people, and the personal events they mark.
Maybe not doing fairs last Christmas meant I lacked that connection I need to spur me on? Plus I thought several months of self isolation - I will need to make things and people's birthdays, and anniversaries will still happen, just maybe low key for a while.
So (and thanks if you are still reading!), I had an idea, and made a decision. From now on I will work in a different way.
And lastly, I just want to thank all my customers over the years for your support and allowing me to keep doing what I do.
Connection, love and meaning are what's important, and by the wonders of the internet we can connect and still create special moments in our lives.
Please stay safe and well, and look out for your family, friends and neighbours.
Best wishes,
Rachel x
This is my first time taking part in the event which this year features 98 artists and makers throughout Hebden Bridge and surrounding areas, and so I'm really excited!
You can find me listed as number 58 in the programme guide at Hat Therapy, 56 Market Street. Milliner and friend Chrissie King has kindly let me use some of her space and she will be running some demos of the complicated processes that go into the art of making a hat by hand throughout the weekend.
I will be set up with some of my jewellery, prints, cushions and notebooks so it will be a chance for you to see my work in person, or just come along and have a chat.
The programmes can be picked up in the tourist information office and in various places around town, do enjoy your journey around our beautiful creative town.
]]>I've recently been tweaking and editing, and doing a lot of updating...
]]>I've recently been tweaking and editing, and doing a lot of updating in my website. I've been thinking about how I spend my time online, and what is important to me. I've been thinking about what makes me happy and reconnecting with how I want to work, and how that fits with what makes my business successful and a worth while thing to pursue.
2018 was a very difficult year personally and creatively for me, for many conflicting reasons. My mental health really took a beating, and my creativity crashed and burned. I really lost my way. That may not sound like the kind of update you were hoping to read, but I have been struggling with the pretence of the online world. As a creative person, I think I have to feel that what I do is authentic, and it's hard to loose yourself nowadays, to over share or not be real enough. I feel I have to have a little honesty about where I've been at, if not the details. I should also mention that I have now been running my independent jewellery business for nearly 11 years, something I finally feel able to celebrate. That's quite a feat for someone working alone and creating an independent business and career from the ground up. And a lot of jewellery! I think maybe I have also been rather burnt out.
This is a positive post, I promise! Recently many good changes have occurred in how I feel about myself and my business, and as i feel stronger, those sparks of creativity are returning. That has come with some Konmari spirit (you've been watching Marie Kondo? If not, you must!) and so I've decided to close my separate blog that I ran from 2008, and keep my briefer, more shop based blog here. Does anyone read proper blogs anymore? I am using Instagram for daily mini posts of what I'm up to, commissions I'm working on or what inspired me that day, and that's enough for me. I hope you might like to follow.
I have a lot to be thankful for, and many loyal customers over the years who really make everything worthwhile.
Over the coming weeks I will be adding new designs that you have been waiting for, and am looking forward to building my business back up by reaching new customers (and maybe reconnecting with some old ones who had forgotten about me).
Hi!
Rachel x
]]>Have a great time, whatever you get up to!
Rachel x
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Renovations are coming to an end (well, near enough to stop for Christmas!), and I have just had a brilliant and successful series of Christmas events where I took my jewellery to you this time, (due to lack of space to launch a new collection online this winter, for this first time). Still you have chosen my jewellery as gifts for loved ones this Christmas and placed lots of orders online - thank you!
I am delighted to reach many new customers, and always so touched to see regulars coming back to buy from me again.
I’m finishing existing orders today and tomorrow, and will then be focusing on getting this house ship-shape for our Christmas break.
I will not be making any new orders that come in until 8th January, but please do go ahead and order if yours isn’t urgent (if you want to get ahead on those January birthdays, or spend your Christmas money!).
Thank you all, have a wonderful Christmas and see you in the New Year!
Rachel x
]]>But don't worry, all jewellery shown in stock here on my website is available for you to order for family and friends this Christmas, as I still have a small working space available to make and pack my orders.
I also have 2 exciting pieces of news; firstly I have enrolled in a course learning extra jewellery-making skills (results of these will be available here in the new year!), and I have 5 days of arts and crafts fairs coming up this Christmas.
Come along and say hi in person, and you'll find some designs that are not available here online, too.
You will find colourful new necklaces, earrings and bracelets to satisfy your wandering soul this summer. I am launching my first pieces made with rolled rose gold, which I am very excited about, and I hope you like them too.
I am adding more designs this week, so keep your eye out. And remember to get in touch if you see something you like but you fancy a bespoke version.
]]>The images on my front page and above are from my office, with flowers picked from my new garden. Inspiration is everywhere, and May is bursting with colour.
There is much to do to set up the new studio, and many boxes sit stacked against the walls. However, the materials and tools I need to make my designs are all unpacked, so orders are being shipped again.
Next in the pipeline will be a new collection for Summer 2017 ... watch this space! ...
Rachel x
]]>Take a look at a special collection I've put together full of bright spring pieces.
Place your order by 12 noon on Friday 25th!
]]>Take a look, and see what you fancy!
Rachel x
]]>All my sample sale items are made and ready to ship, and in most cases are one of a kind, so don't delay.
SHOP HERE >> Rachel Lucie Sample Sale
]]>I have a number of events both online and in person for you this season, make sure you don't miss out!
]]>I have a number of events both online and in person for you this season, make sure you don't miss out!
POP UP SHOP 26th - 27th NOVEMBER
10am - 5pm @ Hat Therapy, 56 Market St, Hebden Bridge
10% off all items
BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY SALE WEEKEND 25th - 28th NOVEMBER
10% off all items using code HOHORLJ16 at checkout
Online at rachellucie.co.uk
MY CHRISTMAS SAMPLE SALE 1st - 20th DECEMBER
Up to 40% off selected items
Online at rachellucie.co.uk
EGGSMAS FAIR 11th DECEMBER
11am - 5pm @ The Egg Factory, Hebden Bridge
Here is my latest stockist, Moor & Tide in Whitby. We actually popped over to Whitby in our newly finished camper van at the weekend, but...
]]>Here is my latest stockist, Moor & Tide in Whitby. We actually popped over to Whitby in our newly finished camper van at the weekend, but didn't get to visit the shop whilst it was open. You can find a selection of my handmade jewellery in the window and inside the shop.
Moor & Tide, 90 Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4BH
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Make sure you come to Hebden Bridge this weekend, and come to my pop up shop hosted by Hat Therapy...
]]>Make sure you come to Hebden Bridge this weekend, and come to my pop up shop hosted by Hat Therapy.
I will be at the shop selling a selection of my jewellery, cards, notebooks, cushions and prints, plus of course there will be all of Chrissie handmade hats and accessories.
It's a great time to visit as it's the last weekend of the Arts Festival and will also be the Open Studios event, so there is plenty to see.
There are flyers around town for my pop up - bring one along to get 10% off any Rachel Lucie products!
There are 6 prizes from my website up for grabs, for full details plus the terms and conditions, please refer to my blog >
]]>There are 6 prizes from my website up for grabs, for full details plus the terms and conditions, please refer to my blog >
Or you can enter right here with this handy widget (it's all cleverly linked together).
Good luck!
]]>It's part of the Hebden Bridge Roots Festival, which is a whole weekend jam-packed full of entertainment.
So, if you are thinking of popping up/over/round to Hebden Bridge this weekend, do come and see my stall at the Town Hall.
I have been experimenting with new materials and have been using brass in some of the new designs along with oxidized silver and some great pastel or marbled stones for the coming months.
If you have just popped onto the website, you can see I've had a little update with some bright spring colours, too. I am also adding some new designs to the Alchemy Collection, which I am still developing this spring/summer.
Jove Bracelet
Why not have a look around at some of my new designs, more are being added over the coming weeks.
Enjoy your springtime!
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I will blog about my experiences, as my town of Hebden Bridge was badly affected, but that's for another day suffice to say that I wasn't directly affected, thankfully.
Today, I have created a new design of earrings that I will be donating the proceeds of to our local flood relief appeal. I hope you like them!
To see more details about it, and view the earrings themselves, click on the picture below:
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Merry Christmas!
The good news is, that overseas buyers still have a week to choose before the first cut off, and of course my sale goes LIVE TOMORROW!
So, if you are looking for something truly different this Christmas, it's well worth a visit.
The page is live now, but the jewellery will only become live in Friday Morning, so add it to your bookmarks here:
It would be wonderful if you would share this with any friends or loved ones whom you think should have some Rachel Lucie Jewellery in their life!
Many thanks, see you on Friday!
If you'd like to keep up with all new additions in one place, you can check out the Newest Handmade Jewellery page, and even subscribe to updates by email.
Pictured below is a new design; Levity
If you have a little explore, you can also see an updated website look for Winter, and a few product changes. I created a new collection called Classic Jewellery Collection, for designs that I will keep making as I love them, and they always sell well. Other jewellery has been retired, and I'm working on a sale selection for a few weeks time.
Rachel x
]]>You can find the new jewellery designs here as they are uploaded. I hope you see something you like for Autumn / Winter, maybe for yourself either to wear during the party season, or to give as a gift to someone special this Christmas (sorry to mention the 'C' word - but it's getting close!).
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I'm busy making orders this week and next, so there's still time to order a lovely piece of jewellery for your holiday!
]]>I'm busy making orders this week and next, so there's still time to order a lovely piece of jewellery for your holiday! However, please note that I will be closed for one more spell - from 21st August for a week, with shipping starting again on Tuesday 1st September.
I will be launching a new collection during September, so watch this space!
I hope you are having a wonderful summer.
With this in mind, please be aware that I will not be making or shipping orders from 24th July to 8th August.
You are welcome to browse and order as normal, as long as you are fine with the wait.
Thank you!
Freya Necklace - in stock for Christmas
Please check my last posting dates, also, particularly if you are ordering from overseas as the last posting dates are drawing near.
Happy shopping!
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