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6 Ways To Support Small Businesses This Christmas

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The most wonderful time of year

Buying gifts and preparing for this magical time sometimes doesnā€™t seem so magical, it can actually be quite stressful!

But donā€™t worry, Christmas preparation can be fun if youā€™re looking in the right places. It can be easy to shop last minute in major shops and supermarkets but by digging a little deeper, you could find an absolute gem.

During Christmas, we think itā€™s really important to support small businesses. You are often receiving a more personal service, with more thought and love going into what you are receiving.

With some small businesses being run by just one person, you could be making a huge difference to their business and by shopping from them, youā€™ll be putting a smile on their face too!

At Kernowcraft, we're a small team and as a small business offering jewellery making supplies, we are lucky to have a lovely community around us of loyal customers. We are so proud to offer a personal service to suit the needs of jewellery makers worldwide and it's all thanks to your support!

We want to share with you many ways you can support small businesses online and locally too - itā€™s time to give something back.

First up, discover handmade gifts online

At Kernowcraft, we are lucky enough to see our customer jewellery creations and designs every single day. Itā€™s so inspiring and the talent is amazing but many people miss out on these amazing present ideas, whether you're on the search for jewellery, posters, mugs or blankets, there are so many handmade businesses out there just waiting to be discovered.

If you're a gift hunter, looking for something extra special, take a look online on sites such as Etsy, Not On The High Street and Folksy for handmade items ā€“ many at affordable prices.

Attend Christmas craft fairs

Youā€™ll find a Christmas craft fair wherever you go, whether itā€™s at a small village church or itā€™s a huge show with hundreds of people. Each one with small businesses, great products and a friendly service - well, we hope!

Take a look at whatā€™s happening near you and get involved, chat to small businesses and show your support.

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Beautiful handmade sterling silver rainbow moonstone drop earrings by Hayley Agar Jewellery

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Do your Christmas shopping in your local town

Supporting your local small businesses is a great way to connect with your community and give something back.

From delicious food to enjoy over the festive season to discovering amazing handmade gifts. Search online for local businesses, see when the next Christmas fair is or head to town to discover something new. You can always talk to your friends and family for recommendations too.

Here in Cornwall, we have Christmas markets in Truro and itā€™s always a great way for the community to get together and enjoy shopping, music and local produce from stalls.

Heading to your local market could be a great way to discover new small businesses and get into the Christmas spirit!

When it comes to the roast dinner, support your local farmer and buy ingredients that are locally sourced

Itā€™s easy to head to the supermarkets to get food but you may be missing out on delicious local produce. Donā€™t forget about them, get out and visit their shops and see what they have to offer first ā€“ you might be getting a bargain!

If youā€™re planning on going to a restaurant for your Christmas dinner, why not opt for a small local business rather than a chain restaurant?

Tell them what you think!

Another great thing about small businesses is that they are usually easy to get in contact with. This means you can get chatting to them about the product about any questions you have and also let them know what you think about their small business!

Every comment matters to them and helps them improve ā€“ itā€™s always amazing to hear what your customers think about you, so donā€™t forget to let them know.

Share the love and spread the word

So youā€™ve found an amazing small business who has offered quick and friendly service with a wonderfully unique product. Now itā€™s time to shout about them! Share your photos and thoughts on social media, leave a review, tell your friends about your new discovery and help others find this small business!

Will you be shopping with small businesses this Christmas?

If you're thinking of going handmade for Christmas, why not browse our range of jewellery making supplies and create something special for friends and family. Don't forget to check out our jewellery making projects and advice pages for information too.

christmas reviews

Shop Our Festive Kits

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Christmas Berry Bracelet

This simple carnelian Christmas berry bracelet is a modern, easy to achieve design, which would be a perfect gift for someone special.

SHOP KIT

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Snowflake Twist Necklace

Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than creating your own festive jewellery ready for the magical day. This gorgeous snowflake necklace is really easy to make and features our beautiful black twisted chain.

SHOP KIT

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Candy Cane Earring Kit

How festive and fun are these candy cane inspired earrings! They are so easy to make and only require a few tools to complete the look.

SHOP KIT

Also in this Section

What Our Customers Say...

Julia Schofield
Iā€™ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.
Lauren Jodie Piercy
Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.
Catriona
Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website. 
Christine Wood
Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.
Denise Mountain Pike
I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.
Sarah Tiley
Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.
Lenna
Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.
Gloria Williams
I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!
Dorota Todd
I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.
Janice Scragg
Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!
Marshal
Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.
Jaquie
It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.
Eve
The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!
Catherine Warwick
Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!
Joel Martin
Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!
Helen Bowles
I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.
Frank Wilson
It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!
Jenny Kirkwood
Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?
Maggi Henman
Iā€™ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.
Mihaela Ciubotaru
I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.
A
I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones Iā€™ve seen. Thank you!
Frank Wilson
I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.
Kim Thomson
I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.
Vivienne Sadler
Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!
Claire Hall
Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!
Hayley Meredith
I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft.  I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!
Deborah Roberts-Barter
I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!
Jill Hammersely
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.
Rhiannon Piper
The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.
George Inglis
Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.
April Luescher
Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?
Daniel Coe
The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.
Claire
I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and Iā€™m over the moon with them.
Lynn Carson
I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. Itā€™s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.
Lydia Farrow
Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.
Helen
Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!