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Ukuleles

Helen White August 2, 2010

I am not normally a trendy person, but in March I ordered an Ohana Ukulele from Music Is Life (also called the Southern Ukulele Store on Ebay) which finally arrived a few weeks ago. Ukuleles are very popular at the moment – even the Guardian has dedicated an article to a Ukulele teacher in last Saturday’s Work section. I think the Ukulele is popular because it is cute and a good starting instrument. The funny thing is that I have a beautiful acoustic guitar, but its body is a tad to big for me. I had some lessons and know a few chords. And now I have to re-learn how to tune my Uke, which still goes out of tune too quickly, and the chords, which are different to the guitar chords.

I bought my Uke after watching reviews by Uke expert Ken Middleton on YouTube. He is very thorough and explains everything you need to know.

My Ukulele is made by Ohana, a company which specialises in hand-crafting Ukuleles. Though they are based in Long Beach, California their instruments are made in China. My Uke is an SK 35 G – a soprano Uke made out of Mahagony. As you can see in the video and from my photo it’s a beautifully made instrument.

Unfortunately Bobby is not too impressed – she is generally scared of string instruments – especially my guitar and my husband’s violin. Mainly because he can’t play it yet and because when she was a kitten she managed to whack my guitar over which scared the life out of her. She survived the incident without a scratch but my guitar’s head needed to get fixed with nail varnish (!), because it splintered. I was hoping that she will at least tolerate my Uke for a photo shoot, but so far no luck. Maybe next time. She got used to the hoover and the hair dryer, so there is hope.

I have a couple of books to help me learn the chords and notes but I decided to buy a DVD which I ordered today. It’s called Steven Sproat’s Ukelounge. So I hope I can play a few tunes in a couple of weeks.

If you like Ukuleles, here are some useful links.

For tuning: https://www.get-tuned.com/ukulele_tuner.php

For everything else:

Beginner Ukuleles

1 Comment

Teresa Lewis
September 27, 2010 @ 12:54 pm

I think ukelele’s were party made fashionable by Geri Halliwell in one of her videos and also the arch idler Tom Hodkinson in his books and articles in the Guardian and Ecologist who advises people to learn to play them.

They are small and easy to transport and store unlike guitars.

I borrowed a bass guitar and tried to play it but not long after had a tooth extracted with part of the root removed and prescribed antibiotics so was so under the weather for weeks I didn’t get around to continuing with it.

Ivy cooper leaf bracelet

January 9, 2026

My dad bought me this bracelet for Christmas and I absolutely love it, it has amazing detailing.

Malia Mackenzie

I could have kept them for myself!

March 25, 2022

“I have bought some lovely jewellery and bookmarks from Helen typically to give as special and unusual presents. Everything is beautifully made, reasonably processed and always well packed. I have also been a lucky winner of a red bracelet and earrings set which has bought me some lovely compliments as does the lovely blue and white nautilus necklace which is so unique and eye catching. I was really interested when Helen began making the sculptures, watching her posts as each model developed. As a cat worshipper, this specific group really caught my eye! I bought two cats; one sitting black and white, the second white and black which was laying down – bought them as presents for people with cats of similar colouring; they are so lovely, the detail is wonderful and their recipients are so pleased with them! They nearly didn’t get their presents, as I could have kept them for myself! Thank you Helen, your work is wonderful!”

Cathy St. John

Thrilled with them.

“Just taken delivery of 2 cat sculpture ornaments, a surprise for my birthday and am thrilled with them. Very special as handmade so each one unique. They arrived very well packaged and in cat paper with a ribbon and each even came with an adoption certificate with my cat’s name on, a lovely touch. Very personal service with a follow up to check if parcel had arrived safely and undamaged. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a lovely unique gift for friends or even themselves. In fact, I’ve just ordered another cat to go with my others! Thank you, Helen :)”

Louise West

Every item is unique.

“I discovered Helenka White Design through The Cat (magazine of the charity Cats Protection) and I have now bought five of Helen’s beautiful pieces: two sitting cat pendants for myself) and three gifts – including one for a non-cat person who was delighted with her shiny pendant. Helen’s service is prompt and personal, and all the items were lovingly and attractively packaged. Best of all: every item is unique, yet the prices are so affordable!”

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Surpassed expectations.

“I commissioned a custom pair of earrings from Helen and was very happy with both the process and the finished result. She patiently actioned my requests for various adjustments to the design along the way and the finished product surpassed expectations. Highly recommended.”

anon

Very tactile and beautifully made.

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Sian Aubrey

Love the little cat pendant.

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Mark Fisher

Arrived beautifully packaged.

“I ordered a custom piece to be made for a young lady’s birthday. Helen was very good with communications over the piece, making sure I was happy with the design and materials used. Delivery was very good and it arrived beautifully packaged. She was overjoyed with her present and also the unexpected gift that Helen had added. I’ll be definitely recommending Helen’s work to others and shall be returning to purchase more of Helen’s lovely work at later dates.”

Jim Laver

Delighted with the finished pieces.

“I asked Helen to design me a necklace using beads I’d seen and liked on her website. I had quite a clear vision for what I wanted and she agreed she could make what I wanted and offered to make me some matching earrings.

She communicated with me frequently throughout the design process offering alternatives and using photos to illustrate the options. She gave me quotes for the work ahead of time. She worked diligently and in a very timely fashion keeping me updated as she went. I was delighted with the finished pieces which she packaged beautifully and sent by secure post. I was very happy throughout the entire process and Helen finished the necklace and earrings to a very high standard. I would have no hesitation recommending Helen for her work, design and collaborative approach and the excellent quality of her jewellery. I’ll be keeping an eye out on her website for other items I might fancy.”

Siobhan O'Neill

I received several compliments from family and friends.

“I was thrilled when Helen contacted me in October to inform me that I had been chosen as the winner of her latest giveaway to celebrate her 4th successful year in business! I was to be the proud owner of her beautiful Macaw polymer clay pendant and earring set and I also had to thank Bobby, her beautiful pet kitty, who pawed my name out of the bag!

Just a few days later my handmade jewellery set arrived safely secured in a pretty little drawstring black velvet bag. The colours were striking and the set was so well made with Helen’s signature marked on the back. I wore it first with my red top and black jeans and received several compliments from family and friends! I would like to take this opportunity to thank Helen and Bobby once again for the lovely giveaway and to wish Helenka White Design much success in the future. I will definitely recommend her products to all my family and friends and will be looking forward to seeing her new creations!”

Tracy Nixon