Everything Wedding!

Here at HCBC, it begins with the invitations. They are the first glimpse your wedding guests get of what’s to come on the big day. Never underestimate the impact an invitation can have, as it sets the precedent for your special day.

I like to create something special to suit the bride and groom, co-ordinating the colour, style and theme for their special day.

To complement the invitation, all of the other necessary items can be made to match, creating a touch of elegance.

The symbolism of unity candles is very powerful and special on a wedding day, so it is only fitting to have something very special. That’s why I love to create a personalised design to suit.

Lighting personalised remembrance candles for loved ones on the day is a lovely way of honouring their memory on your wedding day.

A pretty handmade guestbook for guests to leave wishes for the bride and groom is the perfect token for the big day, and one that will act as a beautiful keepsake for years to come. I like to add plenty of pages, as it is nice to add some casual photos taken by guests.

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Then there is the bridesmaids, mother of the bride, and mother of the groom, and here at HCBC I make personalised cards and keepsake candles for them to treasure in memory of the day.

A wedding day keepsake frame is a real treasure that can be made after the day itself, and is a nice way to bring little keepsakes and photos from the day together.

Then, there is the venue! HCBC can create matching favours, candles and table decorations to suit your theme.

And don’t forget sweet or cheese tables to make things extra special for your guests.

In other words, your wedding needs are covered here at HCBC!

For more wedding products, click here.

Paper Craft Addict!

I think my obsession with working with paper started when I was four years old.

My Mum tells me I always had a pen or scissors in my hand, and that I amused myself for hours cutting photos out of comics or magazines. I can remember cutting out beautiful pictures of fairy cakes and laying them out on my tea set for a doll and teddy bear’s picnic!

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My dream job at the time was to work in the Doll’s Hospital in Dublin, though. In my eyes, that beautiful old shop in George’s Street (which is sadly now closed) where we brought my dolls or teddy bears to be repaired was a real hospital! That idea came from Twinkle, for any of you followers who may remember it.

Childhood imagination is a wonderful thing!

Many years later, here I am still cutting, colouring, painting and making things with paper. There’s nothing that cannot be created with paper. Paper crafting brings out the kid in me!

To view more of my paper craft creations, click here.

The Christmas rush begins!

September 1st has come and gone! As my regular followers will know, the start of September marks the launch of my Christmas products and the opening of my order book for the festive season ahead.

The album launched on Facebook on Friday at 8pm, and already the orders are coming in fast!

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I decided to include the most popular designs from the last couple of years, along with plenty of new ones too.

The Elf sets are already proving very popular, and will hopefully add to the family’s excitement when the elves return to your homes in the run-up to Christmas.

Just some of the products available this year include a very special Christmas Eve candle that can be taken out every year and lit in the build-up to Santa’s arrival, and personalised baubles that can be made to suit all themes.

Of course, just like throughout the rest of the year, even the Christmas decorations include butterflies! A HCBC special!

As I said, the order book is now open for orders required between now and December 13th, subject to availability. This will give all customers the opportunity to plan in advance.

Meanwhile, it is back to working on regular orders for me after all of that festive planning! So for now, it is all about weddings, Christenings, new arrivals, Debs, graduations, birthdays, and Halloween for me in the coming weeks. One occasion after another, now you know why it is so busy!

At least when you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work.

For even more Christmas designs, click here.

A little box to treasure

I came up with the idea for my photo boxes a few years ago when I was approaching a rather big birthday!

I decided there would be no party, but instead a special day and evening with my family. I wanted to make something special packed with memories. representing my life from birth up until that point, and something that would look pretty on each place setting on the table.

Hence, the photo box was born!

With photos chosen and printed, I proceeded to make 12 of them. They looked so pretty on the table, and everyone was intrigued to know what was inside. They were expecting sweets or treats!

Instead, my husband, son, mum, and brothers received a little box of memories to keep forever.

From the day I showed some photos to my customers, they have been a big hit. It doesn’t have to be a life story like mine, but can be based on anything from a wedding day, a friendship, a first day at school, an engagement, or a remembrance.

The possibilities are endless.

To view more of my photo boxes, click here.

A Busy Week at HCBC

Time flies when you’re having fun, and what a busy week it was at HCBC!

I set up a new workstation for my helper who has returned for the busy season ahead. She was super excited with her new desk and accessories. Happy and productive times lie ahead!

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Our heads were spinning with new ideas this week, and then there’s already the planning for the festive season too.

I won’t use that festive ‘C’ word, as it’s way too early with a lot of you still in the middle of covering school books, getting uniforms organised, and trying to enjoy the remaining precious days of summer holidays.

However, my job is to be organised well in advance, and to have festive products made, photographed, and ready to show you all for early September. Then, I can start taking festive orders in September and ensure you all receive your special gifts in plenty of time for the holiday season!

Remember, my products are handcrafted and therefore need to be booked in well in advance.

This week, the postman and courier were worn out bringing parcels to the door packed full of supplies for the next three months!

I’m working all weekend, trying out new things behind the scenes, and in between all of the above, all of your orders are being prepared to get to you all on time.

Check back here for more updates soon!

Launch Sale

Not only is there a special launch competition to celebrate the new website, but I also have a selection of pre-made, non-personalised candles on sale at a very special price of €10 each!

This special offer is only open until 9pm on Thursday, August 10, and prices will return to normal on these selected candles after that.

Size vary from small to very large, and prices normally range from €17-30.

Feel free to browse through the photos of the items on sale in the album below, and as it’s first come, first serve, be sure to comment under the photo of any candle you would like to purchase in order to secure it.

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Launch competition

To celebrate the launch of HCBC’s new website, I’ve decided to offer a fantastic prize to one lucky winner!

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The prize: One personalised candle and card set per month for 12 months!

That’s 12 sets, one delivery per month, right to your door. Prize includes delivery, and comes in at a total value of just under €590!!

The candle and card will be made to suit any occasion required and will need to be booked in one month in advance throughout the 12 month period.

How to win: To be in with a chance to win, visit the HCBC Facebook page, leave a comment under the competition post below, share the post, and be sure you have liked the page too.

All entries will go into a draw on Tuesday, August 10 at 9pm.

Launching my website!

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I’m so excited! At long last I can welcome you to my new website. I think it fits my creations, and my business perfectly, and I’m delighted with how it looks.

Here you will find samples of my work, and the range of creations I have to offer. I will also be regularly updating this blog, so make sure to check back often for new ideas, products and HCBC updates!

To all of my existing customers and loyal followers, don’t worry, this changes nothing. I’ll be continuing to post photos on Facebook, and you can still order through there. This website is just another way for you all to explore my creations!

As always, thanks to you all for the support and encouragement.

Without you, there would be no HCBC.

Caroline