From Beith to St Monans: Taking my jewellery on the road again.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of trading at the Scottish Arts and Crafts Fair at Geilsland Country Estate in Beith, for the second time and it was an amazing experience. I'm always happy to be a part of their events and celebrate the best of Scottish Art and Craft so close to home.

The fair is held monthly and showcases a wide range of beautiful art and crafts made by local artisans. I was grateful to see so many people take an interest in my handmade jewellery and appreciated their support. I hope those who bought from me treasure their new BON pieces.

I'm pleased to say that I'll be returning to the Scottish Arts and Crafts Fair on August 5th, and again later in the year.

But before that, I'm excited to be exhibiting with Teagreen in St Monans at Bowhouse in Fife. This event will be held over two days, on Saturday and Sunday, and will feature some of the best artisans from all over Scotland. This will be a first for me!

As a maker, events like these are incredibly important for me to showcase my work and connect with customers who appreciate unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. I'm passionate about my craft and take great pride in creating beautiful jewellery that people will treasure for years to come.

If you're interested in exploring some of Scotland's finest arts and crafts, I'd highly recommend attending one of these events! It's a great way to spend a day and discover some amazing local talent. You can see all the events I will be attending in 2023 on my website. I hope to see you at one of them soon.

Wasps Spring Market and my next event: The Scottish Arts and Crafts Fair

Thank you to all who came to The Wasps Spring Market at The Briggait over the weekend! I was so happy to have a chance to exhibit my jewellery alongside such a wonderful crowd of tallented scottish artists and makers.

Following feedback from the Wasps tenants, this year was the first ever Spring event, and I'm so glad they've chosen to bring an additional two markets to their usual Summer and Winter calander. Their next event will be their annual Summer market which will surely be announced in due course. If you're keen to see their curated line up of 90 exhibitors, I recommend keeping up to date with their news at https://www.waspsstudios.org.uk/

I'm excited to announce that my next market will be at the Scottish Arts and Crafts Fair in Beith, Scotlands largest monthly arts and crafts fair.

In addition to my own work, there will be plenty of other talented artists and makers at the fair, showcasing everything from ceramics and textiles to woodwork and glass. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover new talent and support independent artists and makers.

So if you're looking for something unique and special to add to your jewellery collection, or if you simply want to browse some amazing artwork and crafts, I invite you to join me at the Scottish Arts and Crafts Fair in Beith. Ill be there, Saturday 6th May - 11am-4pm. Parking is free and there is a great cafe on site to keep you going as you explore whats on offer.

Hope to see you there!

How to care for your Bianca O'Neill Sterling Silver Jewellery

Do you love Sterling Silver but find your jewellery tarnishing quickly or getting grubby quickly?

It is very easy to keep your sterling silver jewellery looking its best, but only if you know how! I've compiled some tips below to help you to care for your beautiful new (and old) jewellery with ease.

First of all, Sterling silver naturally tarnishes. Tarnished silver will turn a darkish grey-black colour and is most easily removed when it first becomes visible. This is the case for all sterling silver jewellery and is completely natural. Of course, it is any jewellery owners mission to prevent this for as long as possible, and remove it once it occurs...

Tip #1 - Don't Swim in your Jewellery!

Do not swim or shower in your jewellery, and avoid exposing your jewellery to perfumes, make-up and hairsprays. Moisture and unnecessary chemicals will increase the rate at which your jewellery tarnishes

Tip #2 - Keep it Clean

Silver jewellery can be washed in warm water with a mild soap. Completely dry it with a soft lint free, nonabrasive cloth before storing. Don't use abrasive cloths on your jewellery as it may become scratched.

Tip #3 - Polish it Up

Specialist silver polishing cloths are also ideal companions to your jewellery. 100% cotton infused with special silver cleaners. These will remove tarnish build up and restore its shine.

Tip #4 - But please, no Silver Dip!

Do not use silver dips. These remove the surface of the metal, and once used you'll find you need to clean your items more regularly as they will be more susceptible to tarnish. Another great way to ruin a beautifully polished piece is to scrub it with toothpastes and toothbrushes. They are too abrasive!

Tip #5 - Store it Properly

Store your jewellery in a dry cool and dark place. Use a jewellery box, cloth wraps or even zip lock bags. Reducing the moisture your silver jewellery is exposed to will prolong its finish.

Top Tip

You can keep all those silica sachets provided with other products, (the things that say do not eat in handbags and whatnot) to be used to store with your sterling silver jewellery. They'll eat up all and any moisture and keep tarnish at bay.

Polishing cloths are available in the webshop if you need some!