ELISHA FRANCIS JEWELLERY

Pop-up Boutique

2011-12-29T06:31:00.000-08:00

POP-UP BOUTIQUE

Date: 3 JANUARY to 8 January 2012

Location: The Cornershop, Craft Central, 21 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DX

Opening Times:

Tue 6-9pm (Preview evening with light refreshments, & filming for new video blog)

Wed-Fri 12-7pm

Sat 12-6pm

Sun 12-4pm

Elisha Francis is creating a pop-up boutique in the heart of Clerkenwell to showcase a selection of her vintage inspired jewellery.

Selected jewellery will feature in the SAMPLE SALE with up to 50% off.

The preview evening on Tuesday will be filmed for the next edition of Elisha's video blogs

So come down, meet the designer, find out about her inspirations and share your views on camera!

Autumn News

2011-10-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

This month I have returned to university to start Level 2 of my BA in Jewellery Design. It has been a challenge adjusting back to student life but I think this term the projects are going to fit in nicely with the business side of things.

I have been given four projects which include, a Goldsmith competition, a batch production project, textiles for jewellers and my last project requires me to look at myself as a brand and think about how my jewellery designs translate to my target customers.

When I think of ELISHA FRANCIS JEWELLERY, I think of vintage glamour mixed with a modern London edge. I love classic pearls against rich black tones like black onyx and jet swarovski.

This is evident in my CONTRAST collection and is something which I would love to develop.

AUDREY NECKLACE: BLACK ONYX & SWAROVSKI PEARLS
PHOTO BY NEON PHOTOGRAPHY

DOROTHY RING: SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS, BLACK ONYX & SWAROVSKI PEARLS
PHOTO BY NEON PHOTOGRAPHY

ALEXANDRA HEADDRESS, AUDREY NECKLACE & TAYLOR BRACELET
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RASA.

Last week I had a meeting with a lovely man called Patrice from a company called Inspirational Ideas who really helped me to re-focus and understand the next steps necessary in progressing as a designer and a business. Before I met with Patrice, I was feeling very overwhelmed by the amount of work I needed to do for my business and for my degree. When I am feeling a bit lost I always turn to one of my closest cousins Shaun White who is a music artist and entrepreneur. He is so focused and driven and so good at making things happen. He put me in contact with Patrice and it was just what I needed, someone from outside to look at what I am doing and give a good honest advice.

On Saturday the 15th of October it would have been my Grandma Merl's birthday. She is the woman who inspired my love and passion for the hollywood movies and the glamourous vintage style. And it is so beautiful to know that through my jewellery designs we are still connected.

So I knew Saturday was going to be a wonderful day at Oval market, everyone was out enjoying the Autumn sun, children were playing in the leaves and it turned out to be my best trading day at the market to-date. The lovely Cola Bling passed down to pay me a visit and she is such a vibrant character and so lovely to work with. Last night she wore some of my jewellery to Screen Nation so I am excited to hear all about the event.

So today I feel focused and back in control and very excited to start planning my next steps to success!

Video Blog Part 2

2011-10-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT PART 2 OF MY VIDEO BLOGS FROM MY VINTAGE INSPIRED PHOTO SHOOT. THE GORGEOUS GABRIELLE IS SIMPLY STUNNING IN HER VINTAGE PRINCESS OUTFIT.

SEE MORE OF MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS:

ELISHA FRANCIS YOU TUBE

Video Blog

2011-09-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT MY FIRST VIDEO BLOG!

I have entered the world of youtube and it is a crazy place.

But I have seen some amazing videos on there and I thought it would be a great place to show you a little bit more about myself and what I am doing.

Please check it out and let me now what you think!

A special thank you to everyone who helped put this together, check out their links below.

Producer: Deli Boy Productions

Music: SoFull Music Group

Photographer: Simon Richardson

Events and Fairs

2011-09-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

The last couple of months I have been booked up at fairs, markets and events trying to raise the ELISHA FRANCIS JEWELLERY brand.
It has been tough, lots of early morning starts to set up my mobile boutique.

GREENWICH MARKET

But I have to say it's been great, I can see first hand which pieces are the best sellers and get direct feedback from customers. The Made With Bracelets are a definite favourite and I have introduced a range using Swarovski pearls which sold out at the Thames Festival which was GREAT! My Audrey bracelets have also been popular and I have introduced the Audrey Gift Set which make lovely presents.

Now I only have a few weeks left before I go back to university to start my second year of my Jewellery Design BA. I am looking forward to it but I will be sad to have to slow down on my jewellery business so the next few weeks I will be working flat out to try and do as much filming for my blogs, making pieces to stock up the boutiques and have enough stock for the Christmas season.

Check out my upcoming events:

Vintage Inspired Photo Shoot

2011-08-18T04:20:00.000-07:00

My recent photo shoot with photographer Simon Richardson was so much fun and the location provided an excellent backdrop for my vintage inspired theme.

Have a look at some of the photos...

Vintage Inspired Photoshoot

2011-08-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

The gorgeous models Therese and Gabrielle pose for the camera

Glamorous Gabrielle modeling the NEW Swarovski Headdress and Waterfall Necklace

The amazing Simon Richardson in action

Giving direction on set

I have been planning a vintage inspired photo shoot for the past few months and I am so happy with how it all came together yesterday. I have always been in love with everything vintage, the Hollywood glamour from icons such as Dorothy Dandridge, Marilyn Monroe, Josephine Baker, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, are always a great source of inspiration for my collections.

I wore a 1950s vintage lace dress which I bought from Leftovers at Brixton Village and my gorgeous vintage telephone was a great find from Greenwich antiques market.

I wanted to combined old Hollywood glamour with a new and exciting modern edge. I like to design jewellery that make you feel amazing even if worn with a casual outfit. Like Gabrielle's first look which was layers of pearls and swarovski crystal accessories worn with cut off jeans and converse.

Pearls and Converse

The models Gabrielle and Therese were absolutely amazing and working with my favourite photographer Simon Richardson is always a pleasure. My cousin Nadiya was assisting on set and I must say she did a fantastic job making sure the whole day ran smoothly. I also had the opportunity to work with Brandon Palmer from Deli Boy Productions, who caught all the sparkle on film and is putting together a video blog so you can see some of the magic for yourselves.

I can not wait to see the final pictures and share them with you all...

Camberwell Green Farmers Market July 2nd 2011

2011-07-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today I was at Camberwell Greeen Market selling my jewels.

The sun was shining and it turned out to be a great day. There were lots of fresh food on sale at the farmers market and it was a great opportunity to promote and sell my jewellery.

I had a bit of a crazy moment when a bee decided to fly down my dress, I was so surprised at how calm I remained during the episode. My neighbour Barbara was kind enough to shied me with her scarf whist I disrobed in the middle of the park to get the little bugger out.

Trust me to pick to wear a dress without a zip- however the little fellow flew out without stinging me which was great and we all had a giggle.

The rest of the day was great, I met a lovely young girl who came and bought some of my jewellery when I was there last month. As she spotted me today and got her dad to buy her one of my Made With Love Pearl necklaces which she wore straight away which put a smile on my face :)

So I am looking forward to the next event which will be on Saturday the 23rd of July.

This one is set to be huge, estimated to have approx. 2000+ visitors so I better get to work lol!

They are putting on a special event to celebrate 1 year to go until the olympics, they are putting on live music, events for the kids and even a running track.

For more info check out: Urban Farmers Market

Camberwell Green Map

Elisha Francis Jewellery

Camberwell Green Farmers Market

2011-06-24T02:50:00.000-07:00

ELISHA FRANCIS JEWELLERY

Will have a stall at Camberwell Green Market

1ST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Camberwell Green Farmers Market

Camberwell Green

London SE5 7AN

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Click to find Camberwell Farmers Market on Google

Dates

SAT 2nd July

SAT 23rd July (Special Event)

Farmers Market & Special Olympic Event
'One Year to go'
Organised by SE5 Forum

Closed August

SAT 3 September

SAT 1st October

SAT 5th November

SAT 3rd December

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

I Love Peckham

2011-01-09T06:02:00.000-08:00

Peckham often appears on the News and in the Newspapers as a town were gun crime is high and 'Gangsters' roam the streets, so I wanted to highlight some of the positive elements of Peckham that hardly get shown in the media and deserve to be recognised.

Peckham has one of the most colourful and busiest libraries in Southwark, designed by Will Alsop from Alsop & Stormer and it received the 2000 Stirling Award for architectural innovation. It was in this same library that I sourced my first books on jewellery making in August 2003 and taught myself the basic techniques that sparked the beginning of my career.

Peckham is also home to the organisation BBI (Black Business Initiative), who offer a range of support to young people aged between 16-30. They can help turn your dreams of helping your own business into a reality with the help of a test grant of up to £1000. I went to BBI when I started my business and they awarded me with a test grant of £750, which was a great stepping stone for my jewellery business.

Gisella Boutique set-up business in Peckham in 1991 designing and making couture womenswear and bridal wear and are also stockist of Elisha Francis Jewellery. They have won many awards for their amazing designs and are a great examples that hard work and determination pays off.

Celebrities from Peckham include actress Linda Henry (Shirley in Eastenders), footballer Rio Ferdinand and Andy McNab former SAS soldier and best-selling author.

Every cloud has a silver lining but sometimes you have to search for it amongst the mist, I would like to be a good role model for my community and show that against all odds you can strive for success. No matter where you come from or where you live you can make a positive difference in your community by looking for inspiration, you can become an inspiration.

www.elishafrancis.com

----------------------------------------------------

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/437/libraries_and_locations/909/peckham_library/2
http://www.bbinitiative.com/
http://www.gisellaboutique.net/

The Blackwater Court Christmas Market

2010-12-03T23:50:00.000-08:00

ELISHA FRANCIS JEWELLERY will be trading at The Blackwater Court Christmas Market TODAY

Saturday 4th December 10-3pm

ADDRESS:

BLACKWATER COURT

BLACKWATER STREET (OFF LORDSHIP LANE behind William Rose Butchers )

DULWICH SE22

HIGHLIGHTS:

Pop-up Cafe including coffee and teas

Homemade Cakes
Santa's Grotto (with a gift) £3
Gift Stalls
Gift Wrapping - paper generously donated by Greetings
Child Friendly!
Market Stalls
Mulled wine & cider

Music on the Day
11am: Christmas Carols
During the event: a Vintage Christmas with singer Alex Carter and accordionist Serge Pachnine

All proceeds to be donated to the Push Foundation ... bringing movement to the young at heart.

Organised by SE Magazines Limited and Push Studios.

http://www.blackwatercourtmarket.co.uk/index.html

2010-11-29T01:51:00.000-08:00

A festive boutique & exhibition 56-58 Leather Lane, London, EC1N 7TP

Opens 1st December 12 – 3pm

For three days only, come and explore our festive boutique in the busy thoroughfare of Leather Lane. Show your support to young designer makers of the future, by purchasing a unique ‘one off’ Christmas gift or treat!

Launch Party - 1st December 5.30pm - 8pm, FREE ENTRY
Meet the young designers and volunteers at our launch celebration and community exhibition.

Enjoy light refreshments, performances, children's animation screenings and interactive arts workshops.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?client=safari&q=56-58+Leather+Lane%2C+London%2C+EC1N+7TP&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&hq&hn

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169387693084791

Christmas Extravaganza at Fairfield Halls

2010-11-22T02:51:00.000-08:00

Elisha Francis Jewellery will be at Fairfields Halls this weekend

A Christmas Extravaganza! at Fairfield Halls & Ashcroft Theatre

Fairfield Halls will be expanding the 2010 Christmas Fair to two days on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November.

Venue:

Fairfield Halls

Park Lane

Croydon

CR9 1DG

The craft fair will open at 10am and close at 6pm each day .

In addition to the craft fair itself there will be outside attractions including a Skating Rink and Ferris Wheel and inside Santa’s Grotto, Carol Singers, Dancers, Musicians and much, much more. The event as usual is free entry for customers.

http://www.visitlondon.com/events/detail/10287158

2010-11-20T03:47:00.001-08:00

ELISHA FRANCIS JEWELLERY will be at Beats and Buttons 3 tomorrow at:

The Macbeth, 70 Hoxton Street Shoreditch London N1 6LP

Sunday, 21 November 2010

From 1:00pm- 7pm

I will have lots of beautiful Christmas Gifts and Stunning Party Accessories on sale!

PRINT OFF THIS PAGE AND RECEIVE 20% DISCOUNT OFF

ANY PURCHASE YOU MAKE ON THE DAY.

2010-11-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

After my visit to the Horniman's visit yesterday I was left wanting more... so I googled African Art in London and found out that the British museum has an African Gallery. So I got up early and made my way down to Russell Square and luckily I bumped into my dear friend Lorraine Dublin from the Adee Phelan salon in Covent Garden and we hopped on the 188 bus together.

We are planning on doing a shoot together very soon and I am hoping that I can design and make this African collection in time. I was telling her about the elaborate hair designs seen in the masks and sculptures and she said that it would be a very good idea to base the shoot on an African theme.

She left me in Holborn and I got off a couple of stops later and walked up Great Russel Street to the museum. The grand entrance with the marvelous pillars got me so excited, I loved the lines and got my camera out and started snapping away- line project for uni sorted!

The African gallery was so amazing it had twice as much pieces on display then the Horniman's museum and so many interesting things caught my eye. One in particular was the Throne of Weapons which is made from decommissioned weapons collected since the end of Mozambique's civil war in 1992. I thought it was such a powerful symbol of progress and hope for the future of Africa as well as being a wonderful example of contemporary artwork.

I found so many patterns and textures that I know will be the great beginning of my African jewellery collection.

2010-11-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

HORNIMAN'S MUSEUM VISIT

Today I went to the Horniman's Museum in Forest Hill London to have a look at the African Gallery. I took some time to do a few sketches and photos of the pieces on exhibit. I was totally inspired by the bold and dramatic masks, I love all the detail and also watch a video of an African sculptor making a piece out of bronze, I watched him make his own oven out in the open to heat the metal. It made me realize that talent cannot be limited by resources. The talented ones use the available resources wisely.

BEFFTA Nomination 2010

2010-10-16T02:22:00.000-07:00

ELISHA FRANCIS JEWELLERY has been nominated for a

BEFFTA (Black Entertainmet, Film, Fashion & Arts) Award

in the Female Fashion Designers catergory.

Please check out http://www.beffta.com/ for more info

The winner is chosen by the public so if you would like to show your support please text:

Vote 213 to 80010 (Text cost £1 plus standard network charges)

Lines closes on the 24th of October 2010

The winner is announced at the event which is held on the 30th of October 2010

2010-09-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

I love this photo of me by Trevor Fogah-Griffiths, it was taken last Saturday at a photo shoot based on a 1930s theme coordinated by stylist Christelle Kedi at Sixpence & Tanners Design Furniture Showroom in East London.

We were waiting for the models to finish hair and make-up and Trevor said he wanted to try something out and this is the results- amazing, I only wish there was three of me I could make sooooo much more jewellery lol!

2010-09-21T02:21:00.000-07:00

Princess Cuff's

Handmade beaded cuff's, lined with leopard print suedette.

www.elishafrancis.com

2010-09-19T04:35:00.000-07:00

Merton Abbey Mills Market

Free stalls at Merton Abbey Mills- what's the catch?

I woke up at 6.30am and got ready for a day at Merton Abbey Mills Market. My mother-in-law offered to come with me and help me set up so I drove to her house and picked her up for 8am. We arrived at the market just before 9am and there was quite a lot of other traders selling paintings, jewellery, clothes, handmade cards and lots more.

I thought it was going to be a good day. We set up my stand for the day and I was really please with how it looked my own mini shop for the day. I texted a few of my friends that lived locally and invited them down and sat back and waited for the customers to start flowing in. I waited and waited and waited- no one was coming lol! I guess that was the catch!

It was just the other traders wondering around checking out each others stalls, killing time.

One of my friends came down in the afternoon and gave me my one and only sale of the day- hooray:)

On the positive side I did have great company, my mother-in law stayed with me the whole day, my father-in law, husband, his aunt and cousin all came down and we had a lovely day in the sun.

2010-09-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

My new beaded cuffs- they take ages to hand sew- But they are worth it!

2010-09-13T00:57:00.000-07:00

My stall at the Thames Festival

Thames Festival 2010

2010-09-13T00:45:00.000-07:00

The Thames Festival was great! My brother helped me set up on Saturday Morning and my temporary Elisha Francis Jewellery Boutique looked great! My stall was near the Tate Modern museum amongst the craft village that was set up especially for the festival. My Made With Love bracelets went down a treat and I was so pleased that O bought my materials with me on the second day as I could make them as they sold and also kept me busy as I was there from 10am to 10 pm on Saturday & Sunday. Needless to say I am very tired from the many months of making and the two days of selling. But it was a great weekend and I'm looking forward to setting up a stall at Greenwich Festival very soon.

2010-07-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

Today I had a jewellery making workshop and the people who took part were blind or partially sighted. I was quite nervous about taking the class but I am so pleased that I did it. The people were so friendly and lovely and they made some beautiful pieces of jewellery.

There was one guy who was totally blind and he made a wonderful wooden necklace in perfect sequence and he was soooo funny. A real joy to teach:)

Looking forward to next weeks class.

2010-07-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

ROOM 93- V&A MUSEUM

I went to the V&A Museum yesterday and found the amazing Room 93!

I have been to the museum so many times but I never make it upstairs after viewing all the wonderful pieces on the ground floor.

But at a Wire Jewellery class that I attended last week at City Lit College, I was told that I had to visit Room 93. Intrigued I went as soon as I could and I was simply blown away, I made my way around the room which host over 3000 pieces from jewels by Cartier to animals by Faberge.

The diamond tiaras were my favourite they sparkled like stars in the moonlight light in the dark room. I will definitely be back for another jewellery fix very soon.

If you love jewellery and haven't been GO NOW lol!

LONDON FASHION WEEK 09/09

2009-09-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

I had such a wonderful time during LFW on Thursday the 17th of September Brenda Ford hair stylist from Adee Phelan Salon wore pieces from my CONTRAST collection to the Marc Jacob Fashion Show which was held at the Dorchester hotel on Park Lane - what a Fabulous way to kick off the week!

On Friday the 18th of September I was one of the proud sponsors of the wonderful designer Georgette Williams of House of Georgie.
Her collection included a mix of 1950s and 1940s inspired pieces in hues of cream, yellows, greys and browns. Jasmia from Britain Next Top Model was the headliner of the evening and strutted her stuff online the catwalk at the Strand Palace Hotel.
Jewellery pieces from my CONTRAST collection accessorized many of the models for the event and I must say that they look absolutely gorgeous!

On Saturday the 19th of September I went down to the Museum of London to watch the Fashion Diversity catwalk show, which was very exciting and inspiring. My favourite designer at the event was Gisella who opened the event with their Haute Couture collection.

Monday the 21st of September I went down to the UNTOLD fashion show which was held at the Kensington Rooms Hotel on Cromwell Road, I was invited down there by Ola Shobawale to have a stand in the boutique selection, were guests and buyers could come a look at the new designers and their collections. I met some very lovely and talented people and was so happy to be involved in such a positive and creative event.

2009-02-13T09:04:00.001-08:00

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ELISHA FRANCIS JEWELLERY

Pop-up Boutique

Autumn News

Video Blog Part 2

Video Blog

Events and Fairs

Vintage Inspired Photo Shoot

Vintage Inspired Photoshoot

Camberwell Green Farmers Market July 2nd 2011

Camberwell Green Farmers Market

ELISHA FRANCIS JEWELLERY

Click to find Camberwell Farmers Market on Google

Dates

SAT 2nd July

SAT 23rd July (Special Event)

Farmers Market & Special Olympic Event'One Year to go'Organised by SE5 Forum

Closed August

SAT 3 September

SAT 1st October

SAT 5th November

SAT 3rd December

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

I Love Peckham

The Blackwater Court Christmas Market

A festive boutique & exhibition 56-58 Leather Lane, London, EC1N 7TP

Opens 1st December 12 – 3pm

For three days only, come and explore our festive boutique in the busy thoroughfare of Leather Lane. Show your support to young designer makers of the future, by purchasing a unique ‘one off’ Christmas gift or treat!

Launch Party - 1st December 5.30pm - 8pm, FREE ENTRYMeet the young designers and volunteers at our launch celebration and community exhibition.

Enjoy light refreshments, performances, children's animation screenings and interactive arts workshops.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?client=safari&q=56-58+Leather+Lane%2C+London%2C+EC1N+7TP&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&hq&hn

Christmas Extravaganza at Fairfield Halls

Elisha Francis Jewellery will be at Fairfields Halls this weekend

A Christmas Extravaganza! at Fairfield Halls & Ashcroft Theatre

BEFFTA Nomination 2010

Thames Festival 2010

LONDON FASHION WEEK 09/09

Farmers Market & Special Olympic Event
'One Year to go'
Organised by SE5 Forum

Launch Party - 1st December 5.30pm - 8pm, FREE ENTRY
Meet the young designers and volunteers at our launch celebration and community exhibition.