Author: Aim

In March, the Harbour Marketplace reopened after what felt like an age from closing the doors on Christmas Eve, it was lovely to welcome visitors back!

This feels like a a good time to reflect on my first year in Folkestone – it has been eventful! I excitedly opened the doors of my first inSilver hut, number 10 on 4th May 2024. Since then I moved to hut 13 and finally settled into hut 34.

I involved myself in the local community – such as promoting the Harbour Market place for Independents Day as we are all independent traders.
I joined local small business ‘Hulas’ in their specially organised litter picking event, in and around the harbour for World Clean Up Day.
I also adorned a miniature Folkestone Mermaid in silver seaweed for Open Art 24 that was later auctioned off in support of the Folkestone Rainbow Centre.

I have received some enjoyable commissions since trading at the harbour, a personalised Sapphire bangle for a 21st Birthday present, wedding rings in silver and also in gold, a commission for sea glass rings and even one set with a meteorite.

In October, I celebrated my 10 Year Business Birthday, there have been many changes within that decade. Prosecco and a business logo branded cake was shared with visitors and the harbour trading community.

I managed to complete the Jewellery Making course that I began the previous year, pushing my making skills to another level, happily I passed and wear the final pieces with pride.

In November I was interviewed for a feature in Folkelife about trading at the harbour marketplace, it’s such a great location, with a wonderfully supportive community and great sea views – it makes a perfect workplace in the sunshine.

The Festive Marketplace at the harbour in November and December, saw my hut decorated with a vintage 1950’s sledge suspended from the ceiling, along with gift wrapped parcels and more fairy lights than you could shake a stick at.

I felt quite sad when we closed the marketplace to the public on Christmas Eve. I lost my sense of purpose and the lovely community that I classed as my friends. Still working in my hut throughout January and February was extremely cold and miserable, this really affected my work mojo and my planned time for making stock and trying new methods fell by the wayside.

In early January, I walked along the beach and found a seahorse washed up on the beach. Unfortunately it had been out of the water for too long for it to recover, but as with the Starfish, I took it home to preserve it’s beauty and made a cast from it. The casts will eventually be silver seahorse statement pendants.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being beside the sea, it has been my dream to relocate for many years. The harbour and surrounding beaches make a beautiful backdrop for my photography and social media posts. This year I have got lots of ideas for designs and I’m looking forward to getting them into production for the upcoming tourist season, I do hope you will visit.

Aimi x