about us
I started Smitten in 2002 initially making cushions, wall hangings and other items for the home, after a fantastic response to my first venture at the Bath Christmas market I opened our first shop in the Shires Yard shopping centre in Bath.
Three years ago we introduced our women’s accessories range.
Whenever I went shopping for a new bag or bangle it seemed to me that I had two choices I could pay a fortune for something unique or see other people with the same item. The idea behind Smitten Accessories was to provide unusual and reasonably priced jewellery and handbags made in small quantities.
We have continued to go from strength to strength with the web site and new internet bead shop being this year’s project.
OUR SHOP
After the success of our first tiny but unique shop, we moved to a much larger store in September 2006, staying in the lovely surroundings of Shires Yard.
We now open 7 days a week and have a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always willing to help.
As the business has grown we have introduced several other ranges of unique and beautifully designed accessories made in the UK these compliment our in house designs. To give our customers the choice of buying British these items are marked with a blue price label.
Smitten’s diverse range of accessories are designed to suit most tastes we have several collections made outside the UK, we make every effort to research the ethics of overseas suppliers. Kerala Crafts is one such business operating a people before profits policy manufacturing banana fibre baskets handmade in Kerala India.
In addition to the range we are able to offer in our online store a visit to our shop will reveal hundreds of beautiful accessories including leather bags by Tamara Fogle and Emmerson, handmade Italian umbrellas, exquisite silk scarves by Salt and our new range of handmade Tiaras. Please call for information on our bespoke wedding jewellery service.
Even though we have now become a Limited Company Smitten is still a business with the personal touch. And wouldn’t be what it is without the help of my smashing Mum and lovely ladies who run the shop whilst I’m away creating.
THE WEB SITE
We have had so many customers visiting our shop from other parts of the UK and abroad that we have decided to bow to public demand and go online although at present we are only able to offer a concise range, we will add new items as often as possible. All items handmade by us and other UK designers are clearly marked as such.
I have tried to put a collection together for the web site from some of our most popular designs and colours; these will change every couple of months. We hope you enjoy the site and find it easy to use. If you have questions about the site please email claire@smittenaccessories.co.uk
THE BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET
For the past 5 years we have exhibited at the Magical Christmas market situated next to Bath Abbey. We showcase lots of new and one off designs as well as old favourites.
The market runs for 11 days from the last Thursday in November to coincide with the illumination of the Christmas lights. For more information on dates times and exhibitors visit www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
THE SMITTEN BEAD SHOP
We have launched a new website with an exciting range of beautiful beads and findings which will enable you to create your very own designs. www.smittenbeads.co.uk
Happy browsing
Claire |