Charity Chaos

Marbles' is out of the UK from 3rd September until 29th October 2019 and will be unable to process any online orders until after that time.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.  I am hopeful that I will still receive messages.
Many thanks to you all for your continued support.
Sarah x

New Premises ...Exciting Times !!

We always meet wonderful people when we attend Fairs and Events around the South West, but our good fortune has resulted in a collaboration between Marbles and Bee Pottery from Exeter.

There is now a permanent base in Tiverton in the form of our very own shop, which not only stocks alabaster, marble and stoneware pottery, but also showcases beautiful hand crafted products which have been lovingly produced locally.

The shop '21 Gold Street ' is in a prime location near the High Street, and we are both feeling exceptionally lucky.

Please call in if you're passing, we are open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30 - 5pm

Happiness is Alabaster Stoneware

I had such a lovely message from a customer yesterday so felt I wanted to share the love.

'Hello Sarah,
I am just sitting here on an overcast evening and have put a night light in the Alabaster candle holder I bought from you at The Big Sheep a couple of weeks ago.
I thought I would let you know how beautiful it is. Such a warm glow that feels full of life and friendship.
So, thank you for selling such beautiful things !'

How lovely is that !

Orders and New Events 2016

I always enjoy this time of year, even though the weather is a tad unsettled. Time to talk to the boys in Egypt about new ideas and products, and fill the diary with exciting fairs and shows .... Lovely !!
The events page is now taking shape and we kick off at Easter with the North Devon Mind Body & Spirit Weekend.

Exeter School and Tiverton Pannier Market

Off again this weekend, but keeping it local this time. Exeter School has its Christmas Fair from 9.30 to 12.30pm this Saturday. Our first time here so we're looking forward to it.
Sunday is Tiverton Pannier Market Day, which was exceptionally busy last year, so I've roped in a good friend to help. What has she let herself in for ??

Salisbury Guildhall and Christmas Market

 Back at the fabulous Salisbury Guildhall with Mynt Image this Saturday. These shows were extremely festive last year, especially as the outside Christmas Market is now up and running.
The Guildhall show is open from 10am to 5pm, and we have special offers on the Brass and Alabaster candle holders which look especially gorgeous at Christmas. X

Winter Warmers in Newton Abbott and Exmouth

This weekend sees us at the wonderful Hannah's at Seale Hayne near Newton Abbott for their annual Christmas Fayre. With an expected 4000 plus people and large selection of individual stalls and crafts, we are very excited to be asked to attend this year.
Doors open at 11am Friday and 10 to 4pm Saturday.

We also have the eclectic Pretty Posh Christmas Fair at The Pavilions, Exmouth on Sunday 15th November. With extra special offers on our beautiful carved stone dining ware.

                                                          Hope to see you there x

Autumn in Torquay

As Devon clings on to a bit more sunshine, we are looking forward to the next event which will be the Healing & Psychic Fair held in the Rainbow Hotel Torquay on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th October.
This show was brilliant at the beginning of the year, so as promised we are back for round two.

Then followed up by our Christmas Cracker Preview when all the Christmas stock is available to view for the savvy early bird shopper. This years Open Day will be on Friday 30th October.

Honiton & Bristol Weekend Treats

The Alabaster Roadshow is on the move again this weekend and will be enthusiastically showcasing the stone at two lovely events.
Saturday sees us at the Honiton MBS courtesy of Harry & Pauline Alldritt, who offer a wonderful, friendly day at Mackarness Hall.

SATURDAY 29^th  AUGUST

MIND BODY SPIRIT FAYRE

9.30AM TO 5PM

MACKARNESS HALL HONITON

SAT NAV EX14 1PG

FREE ADMISSION

CLAIRVOYANCE DEMOSTRATIONS DURING THE DAY

HEALING ~ REIKI ~ MASSAGE ~ REFLEXOLOGY

READINGS  ~ TAROT ~   ANGELS  ~   COLOUR RIBBON READING

MEDIUMS ~ CLAIRVOYANTS ~  PSYCHICS

                                                                 30 STANDS

CRYSTAL  JEWELLERY ~   SHAMANIC CRAFT ~  MYTHS & LEGENDS

FAIRIES ~  CANDLES ~ BOOKS ~  RELAXATION AND MUSIC CD’S

LARGE SELECTION OF CRYSTALS

Further details  contact 01404 548420

Mobile 07870 676138

www.honitonspiritgroup.co.uk

Then off to the Bristol Hotel on Sunday for the Grand Spiritual Event. It'll be 10/10 for Well Being by Sunday evening.

Egyptian Magic ....A bit of History.

 When we talk about Egypt we have to talk about alabaster. Everywhere one goes, alabaster objects are sure to be found in shops, houses and of course, at the Egyptian Antiquities Museum. The use of alabaster in Egypt dates well back into the Pharaonic period of Egyptian history, and this is very evident when one visits the temples, tombs and museums.Pieces of alabaster from ancient Egypt seem to turn up constantly.
 Egyptian alabaster is found in two places, a few miles behind the Valley of the Kings in Luxor (ancient Thebes) and the Malawi area. Some Alabaster factories in Luxor and Aswan prefer to get their alabaster material from Malawi where transport is easier, although stone from Luxor can still be brought in by horse and cart. However, each vein of alabaster has its own unique colour and characteristic. 

The handmade alabaster items are usually lighter in weight, and with either a matte or shiny finish. Its colour ranges from pure white to a rich honey, and is sometimes streaked with various hues of warm, rusty reds making each piece unique. 
  Alabaster-shaping is a skill that boasts a millennia-old history and a noble tradition that can be felt in almost every nook and cranny of the country. The secrets of the manufacturing of this warm and luminous stone have been handed down from generation to generation, throughout the ages, and still represent one of the pinnacles of Egyptian handicrafts. 
 'Several millenniums have passed since the ancient Egyptians began to work with alabaster, and in spite of problems along the way, Egyptian artisans have not lost the knowledge of how to handle this material. Even though this branch of the industry no longer represents a vital factor in Egypt's economy, it is still a characteristic element of its culture and its history. Only a small number of artisans are left knowing how to handle Alabaster. It's up to the remaining businesses in Luxor and the West Bank to preserve this old tradition and to keep this handicraft going for future generations.

Carved 2500BC

Carved 2014

Our thanks go to the Egyptian Fair Trade Organization for information contained in this article.

Egypt arrives in Devon

Unpacking our latest arrival from Alexandria in the sunshine this week was far from a chore. We now have stock of the brass covered cylinder candle holders, which have been very popular.

 New design hurricane vases and some unique Egyptian marble coasters and serving dishes. Also a re stock of all three lamp designs.

This weekend is Crocadon Sawmills' Mind Body & Spirit Fair in St Mellion, Cornwall. Marbles & Stones will be there all guns blazing on Sunday 14th 10am to 4pm.
https://aromaware.co.uk

The following weekend is the fabulous Axe Vale Festival in Axminster which promises to be another event for the 'Must Do' list.
www.axevalefestival.org.uk

May Fairs and Classic Cars

Things are certainly starting to warm up along with the weather, at Marbles & Stones HQ. Our new stock is well on its way from Egypt (currently in Antwerp I believe) so we are preparing for a glorious day of unpacking which is always a treat.
New products include some Egyptian Marble coasters and serving platters which will complement our alabaster as well as a few different designs of vases and dining ware.

This month will find us at Chard Town Hall, Killerton National Trust Classic Car Day and the May Fair at Arlington Court. Dates and details are on our events page. 

Bideford & North Devon's First MBS Event

This weekend, The Big Sheep at Abbotsham in North Devon, plays host to their very first Mind Body & Soul Event.
Living locally, we have visited the Big Sheep on many occasions over the years. We are really looking forward to joining them over Saturday and Sunday, as they seem to have attracted a wonderful array of talented people, excited to share their knowledge and skills.
Everything from Therapeutic Massage,  Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy and Life Coaching in fact, available on the day with taster sessions available to book online. Of course the Alabaster will be there to provide

comforting and positive energy.
http://www.thebigsheep.co.uk/events/details/north-devon-mind-body-and-soul-festival

Health and Well Being in Taunton

There are a few very special events in the year which we really look forward to. One of these is the Holistic event held at the Castle Hotel in Taunton, this year over the weekend of 18th & 19th April.
It's such a positive mix of therapists and speakers together with a good quality range of products and experienced healers. In all, this weekend organised by the truly lovely Crystal Clear, is a magical way to spend some time.

www.crystalclearholistic.com

South West MBS and Rural Living Spring Show

We have two super sized events to attend in March. The first is South West MBS held at the Somerset Cricket Ground over the weekend of 21st and 22nd. 

This annual event celebrates all things holistic and spiritual, with some of the country's best known healers and readers giving demonstrations and talks throughout the two days.

visit the website http://southwestmbs.co.uk/ for all the latest information

If that wasn't enough we are delighted to have been invited to attend the Rural Living Spring Show at Taunton Racecourse on 28th and 29th March.

This is a premier event for the South West with a fantastic range of crafts and innovations being showcased. 

This show really celebrates 'the best in the West' and even has a Classic Car Day and Charity Fun Run on Sunday

http://www.rurallivingspringshow.co.uk/

We have FREE tickets for this event to give away, just email us and we'll send them over.

Earth Hour 2015

The official Earth Hour website has announced that Earth Hour 2015 will take place on Saturday 28th March between 8.30 and 9.30pm. This world wide event organised by WWF seeks to raise awareness of a wide range of environmental issues currently affecting our planet, by turning off non essential lights for an hour.

Follow their story at   www.earthhour.org and find out how to get involved. Stone globe candle holders for the event are available from the Shop or drop us an email.

New Year, New Challenges

The best thing about taking our products to shows around the country is the friends we make along the way.
Each event, either Craft Fair, Gift Trade Show or Holistic Weekend is an opportunity to meet new businesses and forge lasting relationships with traders and of course our wonderful customers.
We receive so many positive messages from people who are now enjoying the stone. This new year is starting to take shape and we are looking forward to a packed itinerary and new products arriving from Egypt.
Our first event will be at the Rainbow Hotel, Torquay on Saturday 31st January to Sunday 1st February.
http://www.psychicevents.co.uk/

New Year Greetings from Devon

We would like to say a big Thank You to all our customers and friends who have made this year so special.
Happy New Year to everyone, and we look forward to seeing you all soon when we kick start our new season of events in January, launch our new shop and bring in new products to tempt you.

Gloucester Cathedral Carols & Christmas Market Saturday 13th Dec.

This Saturday we have the privilege of attending this beautiful event in Gloucester. With carols sung by the Cathedral's Junior Choir every hour, this special market will be just what's required to get us all in the festive mood.
Marbles & Stones will be in the Cloisters hopefully next to the cakes.
http://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk/

Torquay, Paignton & the English Riviera

We're really looking forward to this event. We're there on the first week from Thursday 27th through to Sunday 30th.
www.marldonchristmastrees.co.uk