Business in the Spotlight is Create England

 

Today's business in the Spotlight is: Create England

I discovered Andy of 'Create England' on Twitter:

On Twitter he is Andy@Create-England Please do go to visit and Follow him there for the latest news and creations.

How the Business started

From Andy:

I started my small business out of necessity. I had a bad episode of mental health issues that left me unable to get work. I don't like being bored so I got myself a sewing machine and taught myself the basics. I discovered that I really enjoyed it, being creative cleared my head and gave me a focus. I began to make and sell a few things.

Of course, then the Pandemic hit us and I was asked to make facemasks. I also started making laundry bags for the local hospital from old pillowcases. 

Making Bags

This then led me in to making bags which I now have a passion for. I like to make bags that are unique, strong, practical and look good too.

I purchased jeans, with broken buttons and zips, from the local charity shop and cut them up for the fabric to turn into bags.

My Take so far: 

I love this bag, looks good and is very practical. Eco friendly too, having been made from recycled fabric, which is just what we need to help the planet. What an easy way to do your bit for the environment, not only not using plastic but purchasing an eco friendly bag!

It's great to see and encourage those that want to help themselves to recovery from mental health issues as well as being determined to work no matter what!

Back to Andy:

When the charity shops closed due to Covid-19 I had to think of other ways to make bags. 

I had seen cushions made from lovely fabrics, so after looking into it, I decided to use that fabric to make some bags. And so my range of animal bags was born.

I continued to learn, innovate and improve my craft, something that, of course when you are doing something you love, never ends,

My Take on these:

I think these look absolutely gorgeous. There are a variety of bags available besides the ones you see here.

Do go and have a look. 

They come as shoppers as well as bags that zip up. Always useful to have a zipped option when out and about.

More from Andy:

Another thing I make on my website are letterbox post catchers. I started making them because my Mum struggled to pick up the post from the floor, so I wanted something to help her. She does find it much easier with her letterbox catcher but she complained that bills still come through too.

I think:

When I spotted those on the website I thought what a brilliant idea they are. Not just for those that struggle to pick up the post but for those with pets. Especially the ones that like to eat the post if they can or even just like to rip it or make it unreadable by chewing it to a pulp.

Then of course there are babies and small children. Crawling babies love anything that appears within reach and love nothing better than a good chew to help their gums while teething. Toddlers like to 'help' by opening the post even if the contents are no longer whole and sometimes they wander off with it and tuck it away safely somewhere unbeknown to parents.

So here is an unusual gift, a letterbox post catcher, that is ideal for yourself or to give to someone you know. Great for the elderly or those that struggle generally with mobility, for parents and pet owners too. 

Final words from Andy:

I am always thinking of ways to use fabric and as the offcuts built up I decided to make some patchwork bags. Each one is truly unique as I use what I have available and create them in my own innovative style. They are just as strong as the other bags because of the way I make them and the triple stitching on the 

Conclusion

A fabulous small business with a large range that includes cushions, drawstring bags and coin purses besides those items already explored here.

Had to include a little ditty for fun.

If you want to follow Andy on Instagram its HERE!

Ditto for Pinterest HERE!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Did you enjoy this blog post? Don't forget to check out the website and see what you think.

A New Business was Born

                             

For this post I am introducing my granddaughter Anya and her 6 month old business.

She has always been interested in what I do and as a teenager, helped me when she could, with my business. 

My Business

In the early days, over 10 years ago, I created accessory designs and crocheted them for something to do while I was ill. I ended up with so many that I decided to try selling them. Gradually the business changed and morphed into the word art I sell now. 

Anya and her partner got their own home and then a baby followed. The lockdown of course overshadowed this special event with no one being able to see them and the baby after he was born. Not an easy time to become new parents. 

Some would say it was a crazy time to start a new business. However, start it she did with us all cheering her on and it was a hit from day 1. I was always proud of her, still am of course but even more so now with the way she juggles the baby, her home and her business so well, as though she has been doing it all for years.

ANYA's Story

It's crazy to think that ever since the age of 14 I used to plan a new business idea every month and tell my Nanny & Brother what I was going to do but never went through the idea! Well here I am at the age of 23 and I've finally gone through with it and living the 'dream'. 

Welcome to Life In A Print Art

where you can find home decor, personalised prints, gifts & so much more.

I started in June 2020 when I was starting my Maternity leave following the birth of my beautiful baby boy at the end of April. Due to it being lockdown. 

I had my partner at home with me for the first few months and was lucky enough to always have his help so I felt having a Newborn was easy peasy and wanted to fill my time when I was bored. 

Well, when my partner went back to work I was wrong to think I had 'time to fill'. 

But with how successful I have been I wouldn't change it for the world and will always find the time. I love it. 

The first one

I started the business with personalised prints:

Nursery prints, Engagement prints and New Home prints, which is. where I got the name from 'Life in a Print Art'.

It certainly is your life in a print art!

Since then of course, my business has expanded into so many more items, which all still suit the name and the products fit together nicely.

My first ever item was a Personalised Nursery print. 

I randomly started by designing a print for my sons 'Safari themed' nursery, which is where my most loved design came from. 

I LOVE creating prints, I love the ideas & the designs.

Setting up Shop

I started selling on Facebook and then opened a shop on Etsy.

I feel so fortunate that my new business has taken off and done so well. 

Unknowingly I started it at the right time, when so many people were accessing the internet in ever increasing numbers. 

The future is exciting. I have so many exciting things being launched in 2021, some already on sale and more coming. New ideas are constantly popping up, more than I can count or start on.

Just Out and selling well.                                                          Coming Soon! So cute

                             

Follow me on both of my social media accounts Instagram & Facebook and my Etsy shop,

The entrepreneur's ditty!

She started young, testing the dream

many a teen is not what they seem.

She yearned for a business online

to fulfill her life, rather like mine.

The entrepreneur, waiting in the wing

has finally found her time to sing.

With creative ideas flowing fast

boring and dull is way in the past.

Living the creative life in flow

The bonus is, it makes you glow.

Live the life that sets you free

There is no better way to be!!

What do you think?

Have you popped along yet to have a look? No? Then go here:  Life In A Print Art, and see what it's all about. Go visit the social media pages too.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you have a small business and would like to be featured on here? I don't charge, I do it to help.

People do like to find new shops and websites they haven't seen before. 

Hearing all about the person behind the business, how it began, where the ideas come from etc, makes it that bit more interesting. Customers like to get to know who they are buying from.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this post please share. Comments and questions welcome.

Thank you for visiting, come back soon.

Personalise Crafts & Gifts with Embroidery

No matter what the gift giving occasion, a personalized gift always shows the recipient that you took the time to select a special gift just for them. Whether you are attending a birthday party, baby shower, or wedding, a personalised gift shows that you care and that you feel the gift recipient is special. One of the easiest ways to present your recipient with a personalised gift is through personalisation with simple embroidery.

What is Embroidery?                  

  VEYLIN 5 Pack Embroidery Starter Kit  

                   

                  

Embroidery is the handicraft of decorating fabric with designs stitched with thread or yarn.  Embroidery can be done by hand or by a sewing machine.  It can also include the addition of beads, quills, pearls, metals, and other objects.  Embroidery can be done free-form or with the use of a pattern.                           
The art of embroidery has been around for thousands of years or longer. People all over the world have been using it to personalize and decorate their garments and home décor for ages. Embroidery is simple to do and allows you the freedom to create some very beautiful works of art.

You can embroider by hand, which takes time but can be very relaxing and enjoyable. It can also be done by machine where the art is more in the designing than the doing I believe.

If you love gadgets and haven't looked at sewing machines in years, if ever, you will love the way they have evolved. Nowadays they are multifunctional, they don't just sew clothes, now they overlock, quilt and embroider too.

Having had a look, I have to say there are some gorgeous sewing machines available. I have seen machine embroidery and it looks stunning. Well worth considering.

I think its fun to have a go

you'll even have something to show

for the effort you have put in

I see that as a win win.

Something to while away the day

now that we are shut away.

Don't complain, not a groan

or even the tiniest moan.

If it saves the lives of just a few

then its the least that we can do.

The doctors and nurses so weary

losing so many is making them teary.

All we have to do is stay inside

while they hang on for the scary ride.

What and Where?                                                                 

Caydo Embroidery Kit 

Anything fabric or cloth can easily be embroidered upon. You do not have to possess any special skills to be able to personalise items using embroidery. All you really need is some colorful embroidery threads and a needle. You can draw your own design or buy ready printed designs on fabric or even get iron on transfers.

Some of the easiest things to embroider on are clothing and towels. Baby showers are becoming popular here in the UK now and it makes the gift special if the baby's name is embroidered onto baby clothes, towels or blankets. It just adds a very special personal touch.Of course not every new Mother to be wants to know the gender of the baby and even those that do know haven't always decided on a name. In that case you can give the gift and offer to add the name afterwards.

Personalised wedding presents are also popular. The happy couples names and even the date can be added to towels, tea towels or a wall hanging. It just makes the gift even more personal to have it hand sewn.

Children.

 Portable Sewing Machine,

Children love to learn crafts and you can get basic sewing sets with large blunt needles for basic embroidering of pictures. 

Then as they become older can also learn more advanced hand or machine embroidery if they are so inclined. 

There are sewing machines for children from 6 years old apparently. Not sure I would give a sewing machine to a 6 year old, maybe 8 or 9 years. Depends upon the child I suppose.

Crafts went out of fashion for a number of years but are once again very popular with new crafts appearing often.

Personalised gifts are the ones you likely remember the most from your childhood even though they were probably not the most expensive presents you were given by loved ones. Fun items to personalise and give to a child include; backpacks, lunch bags, sleeping bags, clothing or even a special beach or bath towel just for them. You could embroider their initials, their name, or even a small motif of something they are interested in.

Give it a go!

There are many books on the subject available to buy or borrow from your local library, once they are open again.

  Ribbon Embroidery Kit          

From the website:     

                                                                  

• The ribbon embroidery kit include pillowcase, ribbon, needles, instruction, drawings. (pillow core not included)
• High-quality materials: strictly selected materials, the pillow cover made of suede fabric, soft and comfortable.
• The ribbon is soft in texture and bright in color, with sufficient amount according to the pattern.
• Size: the size of the embroidery pillow is about 45*45 cm. Please confirm the size before buying.
• It can be used for sofa pillows, pillow head covers, elegant yet exquisite, fashionable choice of furniture matching.

Craft books and magazines often have lots of ideas  and even patterns you can adapt for whatever you are embroidering.
 You can also find patterns online and they will be in your local craft store too if you have one and if they survive the lockdown.  Embroidery threads will probably only be available online at the moment, so it might be a good idea to try a craft kit
If it does go wrong and you aren't happy just pull it out and start again.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your embroidery and come up with your own unique designs. There aren't any real mistakes in embroidery; just adjust the picture you were making, it's not as if anyone will know.
If it does go wrong and you aren't happy just pull  it out and start again.




Personalising your gifts with some embroidery will make your gift recipient happy and at the same time show them that you went the extra mile to give a present that is so personal and special.

Have fun with your creating.



-------------------------------------------

Thank you for visiting, I hope you enjoyed this blog post with another idea to keep you occupied for a while at home.

Please share for others to enjoy.

Questions and comments welcome.

More Fathers Day Gift ideas.

Well, it's getting ever closer. I know with online shopping you can leave it quite late and still get it in time but wouldn't it be better to be more organised than that? Of course it would. You know it makes sense.
What if you have your heart set on a particular gift that you know your Dad will love? You leave it to the last minute and there aren't any left. It is possible and happens more than you think.
This series of blogs for Fathers Day is to help you to find the perfect gift for you to give that special father figure in your life.
I am aiming to give you a variety of goodies so there is something for everyone, for price and style.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!

Don't leave it to the last minute
this is a race, you want to win it.
A special gift for a special man
and you are his number 1 fan.
Showing appreciation for the sharing
of so much love and caring.
Everything he did for you,
cheered you up when you were blue
Always there, on your side
a ready ear when you confide
those hopes and impossible dream
you work together as a team.
He helps you make a map, to plan
because he's also your number 1 fan.
Now you go back with a special gift
because you know his spirits will lift
to see you, knowing you care
and this is a day you want to share!














Hope you enjoyed today's fabulous array of delights for your Dad. If you did enjoy it, please share for others to enjoy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.

Facebook tips

My tips for using Facebook.
First of all I have to say that I am not an expert by any means, nor ever likely to be. Having said that you can`t use any social media platform without learning what works best for you.
Put a link to your business page on your personal page. Most people comment via a personal page, but the person behind the post you commented on cannot find you without a link. A lot miss out on extra likers because they aren`t easily found.
Facebook reach is how many people get to see your post. This no longer depends on how many `likers` or `followers` your business page has, as it did in the past. Now you have to work much harder to improve it or even keep it at a steady level. This is time consuming but worthwhile so that more people get to see your products.
Post regularly, at least once a day to encourage interaction with your posts. The more interaction you get, the more the reach improves. I have also found that if I respond to each comment that seems to make a difference too. I also go and comment on random posts, as I discovered that when I do, the reach figures rise.
I also do my best to comment on at least one post, more if time allows, of those that have commented on my posts. It is after all a two way street. You cannot complain that your reach is poor and no one sees or comments on your posts unless you are prepared to make the effort too.
Many have said that if people don`t reciprocate, they no longer bother with the persons page. They will persevere for a while, then give up. It`s no good flogging a dead horse, as the saying goes.
We all have very busy times where social media has to take a back seat, so you let people know you are taking a break because of the volume of orders/sales/clients etc. Once past it though you renew those efforts once more.
I have also noticed lately that the `reach` goes in waves, climbing steadily, peaking, then going back down steadily. There seems no rhyme or reason to it, I do nothing different, in fact I have increased my efforts at times but it still goes down steadily, pauses, then climbs once more.

Facebook can be the bane of life
those changing numbers causing strife.
Number watching can drive you nuts
considering all the ifs and buts.
In time you`ll find what works for you
understanding the rhythmn is the clue.
Every so often come the dire warnings
for old hands, it causes many yawnings.
They are a business, FB, just like you
they want to increase profits too.
They are going to do their very best
and put us severely to the test
in a bid to get our money
but we don`t find it funny.
FB get your act together
cos we`re at the end of our tether!

I hope you found this helpful, if so please share.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.