New Arrival ... Red Paper House

Jewellery inspired by nature and handmade in Leeds.

Red Paper House were part of the original Bird's Yard when it first started out in Leeds. They've now joined us in Sheffield too!

"Each item is handmade by Amy in her Yorkshire workshop. Hand drawn designs are laser cut, in the UK, using sustainable birch wood. The wooden shapes are hand painted and hand illustrated. All findings and finishings are ethically sourced from a UK company who visit overseas prodcution factories to ensure fair working environments."

Formula for Chocolate on wood necklace

Illustrated trees necklace

 

"Red Paper House was created through a love of accessories, a passion for craft and a desire to express creativity."

Hot air balloon brooch

Tea cup stud earrings

You can find a range of Red Paper House's laser cut and hand painted jewellery in the shop starting at just £6.

Quotes from redpaperhouse.com

Our Latest Nesters...

We’re always on the lookout for new designers here at Bird’s Yard. We love to bring our customers lots of different and unique pieces as well as supporting small, independent makers, artists and designers.  And we’ve had lots of people join us in the last couple of weeks – here’s a little round up…

Dave Draws

Hand illustrated ceramics based in Manchester.

Hannah Lord

Silver and glass jewellery; glass homewares handmade in Sheffield.

Becky Bygone

Handmade illustrated and button cards and tote bags from Lancashire.

Ayse Balko Studio

Local photographs of a variety of places around Sheffield.

Knotted Designs

Modern macramé plant hangers handmade in Scotland.

Aloha Vintage

Vintage and vintage style clothes and accessories based in Sheffield.

Daniels Bros.
Handmade wooden items made from reclaimed wood around Sheffield. 

Wooden penguins from the Daniels Bros. We have them in lots of guises in the shop

Find all of these latest arrivals in our two shops on Chapel Walk - Bird's Yard at no.44 and Birds & Beards at no.50

New from Finding Foreverness... customised rings

Finding Foreverness have brought lots of new rings into Bird's Yard recently, including a made to order range. Handmade in Sheffield, the sterling silver rings come in a range of finishes, settings and stones.

Featuring the Orbital Lab design, the rings can be ordered in your size as well as choosing from these options:

Choice of stones:

• green peridot
• purple amethyst
• red garnet
• blue topaz 
• orange citrine

Choice of finishes:

• polished
• oxidised/black
• matte/brushed
• hammered and oxidised

Choice of settings:

• tube
• prong

Orbital Lab ring with purple amethyst, hammered and oxidised finish, prong setting.

Finding Forevereness were inspired by space and time for creating their Orbital Lab design:

 "Themed around transformation, this collection explores the powers of space and time.  Maybe the twin circles set in motion transcend time and disappear. Maybe it reappears on another finger somewhere!? Or maybe its quite content simply being stylishly stationed."

Citrine stone in an oxidised/black finish with prong setting with a topaz in the polished finish with prong setting.

The rings cost £60, can be ordered in Bird's Yard and are ready to collect in 1-7 days.

Meet Vagrant Art...

Vagrant Art's work is exclusive to Bird's Yard in Sheffield. The brand is based in Scunthorpe where owner Kevin Pearson hand-makes a range of jewellery and other pieces using repurposed materials. Here we find out a little about why he brought his work to our shop...

What inspires your work?

My work is driven by a passion for questioning what we define as waste with much of my inspiration coming from early morning skip raids. Most of my pieces in Bird's Yard are made from scrap coins and I love to imagine where they might have been, whose hands they might have passed through and what they might have bought. I sometimes create imaginary journeys about what the coins might have seen in their lifetimes. 

Some of Vagrant Art's pieces in Bird's Yard

Why do you sell your work at Bird's Yard?

I usually trade at music festivals and artist markets, but Bird's Yard is something a bit special; a collective of makers where the place buzzes with energy and creativity and I always leave with a head full of new ideas that keeps me awake. 

Kevin of Vagrant Art working on his repurposed pieces

Which other designers' work do you admire in Bird's Yard?

I particularly like the other repurposing work, whether it's bits of musical instruments (Melodies Jewellery and Character Shop), old maps (Pink Flamingo and Life's Big Canvas) or bits of wire, there are some great imaginations at work. 

How does interacting with customers in the shop help your work?

The customers are a great bunch too and I owe them credit for several new ideas. I'm currently working on plectrums from old pennies, the prototype is out gigging at the moment and they should be in the shop in the coming weeks.

Old penny plectrums which will be coming to Bird's Yard soon.

Meet Shadow Crafts...

Handmade in Sheffield, Shadow Crafts' simple and stylish accessories are always popular with our customers. With a repertoire including leather jewellery, bags and the ancient skill of tatting, Sarah Marshall's work provides style, colour and texture for a multitude of tastes. Here we find out a little more about her influences and why she loves selling with Bird's Yard....

Some of Shadow Crafts' leather jewellery available in Bird's Yard

 

What inspired your jewellery and accessories?

Being inspired by a love of natural materials and fabrics, I make many items such as leather jewellery, purses and bracelets. The unique character and texture of each hide means no two pieces are the same. I am constantly finding new ideas for products as leather is such a versatile medium. I learnt my trade from my father who has been a leather worker for years making accessories for his passion; archery. I remember, from growing up, the lovely smell of leather from his work room. 

I also make jewellery from pure natural threads using an old technique called tatting. I have always loved to knit and crochet and tatting is a very similar craft to learn. I love the delicate designs it creates.

Why did you choose to sell your work in Bird's Yard?

I came across Bird's Yard when I was looking for new job and maybe a way to turn my making into a business. At that time I was just crafting for fun, selling a few items here and there. I approached Michelle (the owner) at Bird's Yard and started selling my items in a small display box. 

The reasonable rates were the deciding factor for me as other shops with a similar set up were only renting out larger areas which seemed too much of a gamble for me starting out. I have since moved on from the small box and now have two shelves and I am selling a wider variety of items. I have Michelle, and a lot of the other designers, to thank for much of my success as they have given me invaluable tips, feedback and advice that has enabled me to progress and improve my display and items.

Tatted jewellery handmade in Sheffield by Shadow Crafts

How has selling in Bird's Yard helped you?

Working in the shop has helped me gain an insight into customers' views and opinions which is helpful when planning future product ideas. For example I am working on some new items that customers and other designers have suggested. I have been working on larger, more demanding projects like leather tote bags, handbags and journals. 

Leather accessories handmade by Shadow Crafts

 

Whose work do you admire most in the shop?

There are lots of great designers in Bird's Yard. I love the semi precious stone jewellery from You Earth Ash, the fused glass jewellery from Claudia Latini and the silver jewellery from Shapeshifter Designs. 

You Earth Ash jewellery - one of Sarah's favourites in Bird's Yard

You can find a range of Sarah's designs in Bird's Yard as well as being able to enquire about custom pieces.

Inspiration: 1970s

1970s style has been making a comeback lately in fashion and homewares - think rich earthy colours such as burnt orange, sunflower yellow, chocolate brown, deep red; bold patterns and lux fabrics.

We love the colour palette and optimistic feel of the decade, these are some inspirations we've found that we love...

And here are some ways our designers, makers, artists and vintage sellers have incorporated it into Bird's Yard....

• Bird Shell's vintage clothing (which you can find in Birds and Beards) includes lots of 1970s pieces
• Finding Foreverness uses the popular dreamcatcher motif in their necklace design
• Shadow Crafts' leather earrings have a boho feel in 70s colours and create a statement
• Galabeer and the Dog have a range of vintage pieces including jewellery
• Chalk's jewellery has the neutral wood look popular in the 1970s
• Melodies jewellery incorporates lots of vinyl

New Arrivals: Mia Peony Spring Jewellery

Designed in Sheffield, Mia Peony's jewellery is always a popular choice with our customers. As well as their Sheffield range featuring the photos of Charlotte Newton, Mia Peony have lots of colourful pieces in different shapes and patterns.

Joining some of their existing jewellery are these bunny designs and spring spots and stripes.

Bunnies...

These hoping bunny stud earrings are a new design from Mia Peony

More colours are now available in these bunny necklaces. Each is double sided featuring complementary colours.

These kilt pin brooches are perfect for adding a little spring to an outfit.

Spring Spots and Stripes...

Tiny stripy studs are now back in stock from Mia Peony.

More designs of hair grips have joined Mia Peony's collection

Colourful striped bracelet from Mia Peony

Ways To Wear....Brooches, Badges and Pins

Brooches and badges are having a bit of a revival in popularity lately. Our designers and sellers have always loved them and we've had a selection in Bird's Yard all along. Recently they seem to have been getting very popular again, whether they be from the vintage collection from Galabeer and the Dog or the shelves of our designers. So we thought we'd share some of our favourite ways we've found to wear them.

Here's just a selection we have in Bird's Yard...

Ways to wear them...

We found this idea over on phillymag.com

Pin a brooch to a plain hat. We found this idea over at jmedwardsjewellery.com

Wear lots of badges at once. We found this idea over at Wary Meyers

Or lots of brooches at once. We found this over at A Girl, A Style

Lined up on a bag. We found this idea over at Not Dressed As Lamb

Use a brooch to hold together an edge to edge jacket or cardigan. We found this idea on Glam Radar.

Wear a brooch on the waistband of a skirt. We found this idea on Glam Radar.

A guide to gemstones in Bird's Yard

With lots of different gemstones in jewellery from our talented independent designers, it's often difficult to choose which one to go for. As well as picking your favourite colours and style of the jewellery they're in, here are some other little insights for you in our guide to gemstones you'll find in Bird's Yard...

(Please note some of these jewellery pieces are unique so might not always be in stock in the shop)

Amethyst

Colour: a range of purples from light mauve to deep, rich tones

Associated with: protecting against drunkenness (which is where the name amethyst comes from); bringing balance and peace

Birthstone for: February

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by You Earth Ash; Lily King; Claudia Latini Jewellery; Finding Foreverness

Amethyst necklace by You Earth Ash in Bird's Yard. £10

Amethyst slab necklace by You Earth Ash in Bird's Yard. £20

Silver and amethyst ring by Finding Foreverness at Bird's Yard. £75

Prehnite

Colour: shades of greens and yellow with some brown and white tones too

Associated with: stimulating inner knowledge and analytical thinking

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Nanfan Jewellery; Shapeshifter Design

Prehnite earrings by Shapeshifter Design.

Labradorite

Colour: pale to deep blues, greens and greys with iridescent flashes

Associated with: calming the wearer and bringing out their best qualities; Labradorite is a highly mystical and protective stone, it works on all areas of the mind and body increasing energy and clarifying thought processes; transformation and reflection.

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Nanfan Jewellery; Shapeshifter Design

Sterling silver labradorite ring by Nanfan Jewellery at Bird's Yard. £24

Labradorite and pearl earrings and necklace set by Shapeshifter Design at Bird's Yard.

Citrine

Colour: yellow and amber (citrine is a form of quartz that gets its colour from the presence of iron)

Associated with: historically in medicine with removing toxins and aiding digestion. Promoting creativity and clarity.
Birthstone for: one of November's birthstones

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Your Earth Ash

Citrine choker by You Earth Ash at Bird's Yard. £15

Carnelian

Colour: orange-reds to deep red which it gets from the presence of iron oxide

Associated with: stimulating creativity and creating positive energy

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Nanfan Jewellery; Shapeshifter Design

Carnelian clip on earrings by Claudia Latini at Bird's Yard. £11.25

Carnelian earrings by Shapeshifter Design at Bird's Yard.

Aquamarine

Colour: pale to deep blues

Associated with: a long and happy marriage; mental peace and clarity
Birthstone for: March

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Nanfan Jewellery

Aquamarine hoop earrings by Nanfan Jewellery at Bird's Yard

Garnet

Colour: all colours except blue - though it's usually deep red (it's named after the Latin word for pomegranate)

Associated with: love and passion; promoting self confidence
Birthstone for: January

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Nanfan Jewellery

Garnet twist ring by Nanfan Jewellery at Bird's Yard. £24

Rose Quartz

Colour: soft pinks

Associated with: being a cleanser and energiser

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by You Earth Ash

Rose quartz nugget necklaces by You Earth Ash at Bird's Yard. £5 each

Topaz

Colour: yellow, pink, green or blue

Associated with: happiness and true friendship
Birthstone for: one of the stones for November

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Nanfan Jewellery

Topaz sterling silver twist ring by Nanfan Jewellery at Bird's Yard.

Moonstone

Colour: whites and creams with iridescent tones

Associated with: strengthening feminine qualities. There's a tradition that if you give your true love a gift of moonstone during a full moon you'll stay together forever.

Birthstone for: one of June's birthstones

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Lily King

Moonstone bracelet by Lily King in Bird's Yard. £30

Smoky Quartz

Colour: smoky browns

Associated with: dissipating blocked energy & negativity; enhancing awareness and dreams.

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Shapeshifter Designs

 

Jasper

Colour: red, yellow, brown or green earthy colours

Associated with: balance and stability for grounding and stimulating; promoting dynamic actions; helping in times of stress.

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Nanfan Jewellery; Shapeshifter Designs

Jasper earrings by Nanfan Jewellery at Bird's Yard.

Chalcedony

(pronounced - cal-said-nee)

Colour: pale grey, blue, green (although other stones are forms of chalcedony and are other colours such as agate, carnelian and onyx)

Associated with: negating negative feelings and improving stamina

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Shapeshifter Design; Nanfan Jewellery; Lily King

Blue chalcedony bangle by Lily King at Bird's Yard. £16

Chalcedony earrings by Shapeshifter Design at Bird's Yard Sheffield.

Pyrite
 Colour: golden yellows (also known as 'fools gold')

Associated with: protecting against negative energy; stimulating the intellect

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Shapeshifter Design


Amber

Colour: yellow, oranges, reds and browns
Rather than a gemstone, amber is actually a fossilised resin that's at least 2 million years old

Associated with: good luck and success; protection

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Nanfan Jewellery; Claudia Latini Jewellery

Raw amber nugget earrings by Nanfan Jewellery at Bird's Yard.

Agate

Colour: various

Associated with: relieving stress; protection from bad dreams if placed under a pillow

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by You Earth Ash; Nanfan Jewellery; Claudia Latini Jewellery

Moss agate copper wrapped earrings by Nanafan Jewellery at Bird's Yard.

Pink agate slice necklace by You Earth Ash at Bird's Yard. £15

Peridot

Colour: pale to deep green depending on the amount of iron present

Associated with: prosperity, growth and openness
Birthstone for: August

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Nanfan Jewellery

Turquoise

Colour: blues and blue-greens

Associated with: strength and peace
Birthstone for: one of December's birthstones

Find it in Bird's Yard: in jewellery by Nanfan Jewellery; You earth Ash; Claudia Latini Jewellery

Turquoise sterling silver ring by Nanfan Jewellery at Bird's Yard.

Sterling silver and turquoise necklace by Claudia Latini at Bird's Yard. £21