Friday 31 August 2012

Tea and a Chat: Aimer le Terre

Hello!  Good to see you, the kettle’s just boiled – what would you like to drink?  
I would love a cup of Earl Grey, please. 

So, tell us a bit about yourself and your business. 
My name is Julianne, I am a self-taught artist who has been creating jewelry from ceramic, porcelain, Polymer clay and glass for over twenty years.  It’s hard for me to believe that I have been creating for so many years, each day of creating I learn something new!  My Etsy shop is Aimer Le Terre Jewelry; my creations at this time are from ceramic and porcelain.  My jewellery designs are inspired by nature, I love to mix earthy colors with unique shapes and textures.  

What inspired you to start your creative business? How did it all begin? 
I actually started creating beads and crosses from polymer clay after losing a baby in my eight month of pregnancy. It was a therapeutic hobby, and one that I took naturally to.  A friend fell in love with my designs and began placing wholesale orders for beads and jewellery components that I made from polymer clay.  Then, one day polymer clay just wasn’t enough…. I have always loved the look and feel of glass, ceramic and porcelain, so I bought some how-to books, watched some YouTube videos and taught myself how to work with those mediums.   There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t have my hands in clay, honestly, working with porcelain clay is my favorite!

How has your business changed and developed since it started?
Since starting my business in 1995 things have changed dramatically! Being introduced to FaceBook, Twitter, Pinterest and Etsy I have found myself in an online wonderland!  I am a huge believer in social networking, and have created a team on Etsy that focuses on teaching new online sellers how to promote their shops through online sites.  I have two jewellery shops, my first was created in 1995 and is Hippie Chic Jewelz, and this shop hosts all of my polymer clay and glass lamp work creations.  In 2011 I decided to venture into a more “Green” and “earth friendly” shop and created Aimer Le Terre “Love the Earth” jewelry, made from ceramic, porcelain and lead free glazes.  One of the highlights of my artistic career was having my jewellery featured in the February 2012 issue of Tack N Togs magazine, an amazing feeling! 

What are the main ways you promote your business?  Which methods have been the most successful for you?
 I love FaceBook and Pinterest!  In my honest opinion, the best way to promote your artwork is to utilise both sites!   I can also say that blogging is very important as well, and not just featuring your own work, but work of other artists.  I have learned that promoting other artists on my blog and other online accounts is crucial for my business.  By promoting others it offers a whole new audience to your work, it’s a win-win situation.   

What’s your workspace like?  Can we have a sneak peek?  And do you have any workspace organisation tips for the rest of us? 
My workspace is pretty organised!  I would love to share a photo of my workspace with you!  My biggest tip for workspace organisation is to always put your materials away when you leave your work space, even if you are not finished with your project. I have found that if I leave things out on my workspace it’s an invitation for a mess that I won’t want to clean later. By keeping your workspace clear and clean, you can sit down and feel ready to create something spectacular and not have to search for items that have been misplaced or weren’t put away.  

Julianne's workspace

What are the best and worst bits of running your business?
The best part of my business is the many new and wonderful friends I make on a daily basis. I couldn’t ask for a better career, creating jewelry and selling online has led me to some of the best friendships with people all over the world!   The worst part of any business I feel would have to be the current economy, there are good days and then there are days with no sales. 

What other small (or not-so-small) creative businesses do you admire? 
I truly admire small businesses that make soaps and cosmetic related items. I am a girly-girl and I LOVE anything that smells good or enhances your natural beauty!  I tried my hand at making soap, let’s just say that it’s better left to those who know what they are doing!  I had a huge gooey mess with my first few attempts; my thought there is that if at first you don’t succeed, soap making is not for you! (Well, that is true for me!)

What tips can you give to others who run (or hope to run) a small creative business?
Never give up on your dream, there will be tough times in your business but if you persevere and believe in yourself you can make your business a success!  Remember that it takes time and an abundance of hard work, most of that work is social networking and it can be very time consuming but also very worth every minute you put into it!

What are your hopes, plans or ambitions for the future? 
My hope for my future is to be able to support my family through my business earnings. Along with that is also to teach my children my craft and that one day I can pass my business down to them.

Finally, where are the places we can find you online if we want to partake in a little friendly cyber stalking? 

Etsy shop - 40% off coupon code:  lovetheearth

Thanks so much for stopping by – it was so nice to be able to take the time to chat with you!
I really enjoyed my tea with you, thank you so much! 

Wednesday 29 August 2012

A Right Royal Rant...

Before I start, I should say that I use Royal Mail a lot - and they rarely let me down.  Mostly, they surpass my expectations by getting first class mail to its destination, often hundreds of miles away, in less than 24 hours, which makes me (and my website customers) happy.

But when I pay extra for a "guaranteed" service, I expect a bit more.  Or, at least, for the parcel to turn up when it's supposed to!

So when I got an email from Craftseller magazine saying the hearts hadn't arrived, I was disappointed.  What made it worse was that the email was delayed because of technical problems at my end so I didn't receive it until around 6 pm.

heart bunting

Apparently, the recipient of a delayed or missing parcel can't do anything at all about it, even if they have the tracking number.  Is the system wrong here?  Surely at some point that parcel becomes the property of the recipient? When?  Only on actual delivery? 

By the time I rang Royal Mail, the call centre was closed. Of course.

This morning, it took 20 minutes of pressing various numbers and listening to various recorded voices telling me about options I never knew existed, before I found my way through the confusing audio-maze to discover a real human. Oh great joy!

No disrespect meant, but I seriously can't imagine many worse jobs than working in Royal Mail's complaints department call centre (I once worked on BT's complaint line so I have some idea!) - however, despite being unable to help, the person I eventually stumbled across was very polite and did apologise (several times).

So, for legal reasons, they can't send a parcel already in the post to an alternative address (I did think that was a long shot, but we missed the photo shoot so its arrival at the photo shoot address today is a bit pointless).  They can't do anything, really, apart from refund the postage charge. 

parcels awaiting posting

Right now, I have to remind myself that they deliver a lot of parcels for me that get there without problem.

Oh, but I really do think there's something seriously wrong when what should be a very simple customer services phone call is so complicated.  It's not a unique story, is it?

No wonder people comment on the excellent customer service a small business can give them.  One phone call or email and you're speaking to the business owner, who cares and who can make a difference to your experience - another reason to buy handmade?

Although we do generally rely quite heavily on Royal Mail to get the goods to you...

Sunday 26 August 2012

Handmade Monday 81

Hello and welcome to another Handmade Monday - if you're new here, this page explains what it's all about and how to join in. 

You may have seen this post about my blogging article in this month's Craftseller magazine. What I didn't notice on first reading the magazine is that my sofa clock is on the "coming next month" page!  Yay!

coming next month

This week, I was also asked to do a very last-minute project for the same magazine (for next month's issue, in fact).  On Thursday, they sent me a set of the free wooden hearts they're giving away next month, and wanted them back (transformed into bunting) by Monday.  Or Tuesday, if I could post them direct to the address the photo shoot was taking place.  Good, I thought, Tuesday means I can post them Monday and have all weekend to play around with them...Ha!

wooden hearts

I was also sent a digital file of the papers they were giving away in the next issue (some really nice Scandinavian designs) and could I please use them on the hearts?  OK, not quite so simple any more...

I faffed for a while as they wouldn't print out at the right size, not even knowing at this stage if my plan for decoupaging the designs onto the hearts would work - inkjet printed papers can smudge badly when wet.

one of the papers

So, we'd already planned a day out on the Friday.  I thought I had plenty of time - all weekend! - and then halfway down the M56 I shouted Heck! (OK, possibly it was some other four-letter word to that effect!) - I had suddenly realised Monday was a bank holiday and this project had to be posted by about 11am on Saturday if it was going to reach the magazine on time!

I spent Friday evening gluing the images on and stringing the hearts together.  Miraculously, it worked - I had printed onto card, didn't water the PVA down, and the ink didn't smudge, although the glue did go pink so there was a bit of loose ink somewhere.  This part was much quicker than I'd envisaged, so it all worked ok.

making the bunting

It's fortunate they didn't need images of the steps on this one, as evening working and artificial light doesn't make for good photos.

I do like a challenge, though, and love it when it all comes together!  I thought the finished bunting looked quite nice - red, white and pale blue is one of my favourite colour combos.

Right now though, it's Handmade Monday and I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else has been doing.  Join me and have a good look around everyone's blogs.

Saturday 25 August 2012

Thank you, Craftseller team...and you (yes - you)

I took a day off and we had a day out yesterday ...

narrowboat interior

at Ellesmere Port Boat Museum (we had a great day!) and waiting for me when I got back was the latest copy of Craftseller, due in the shops on Tuesday.  I was very excited and a little nervous!

Why? I was waiting to see this copy, because it has my blogging article in...

yay! very excited!

and although I take photos regularly to illustrate my blogs and for my my website, I am definitely no professional photographer - I worried myself silly over the quality of the photos I had to supply for this article.  I think blogging is probably a difficult subject to illustrate anyway, but I think my photos worked ok and I like how they used them.


If you buy or subsribe to Craftseller, you may notice I quoted Ros, of Ros Made Me fame, and Sue Bulmer, who both had something quite enlightening to say about blogging - basically, it's not all about you, it's often about your audience and that's what builds success.  The people who realise that (or maybe they don't always realise it, they're just nice thoughful people!) are the ones whose blogs really work well.


So, a big thanks to everyone who reads this blog (and my other one too)!  Ultimately, it's the readers that make anybody's blog into a community rather than the monologue it starts out from - and it's the readers who spur you on to write more.


Oh and a big thank you to the Craftseller team too.  Crafter and expert blogger?  Me?  Really? Well, it's in print so it must be true... *laughs rather nervously*



Brilliant blog?  Why, thank you so much... *blushes* ... yes, you flatter me far too much, Craftseller team, but it's rather nice to be flattered sometimes.  Thank you.

Friday 24 August 2012

Tea and a Chat with Kirsty Devine


Hello Kirsty!  Good to see you, the kettle’s just boiled – what would you like to drink?
 A cup of good old Yorkshire Tea please!




So, tell us a bit about yourself and your business.  
 My name is Kirsty Devine, I’m 27 years old and run my business Simply Divine Things, from Haworth in West Yorkshire. Pretty much everything that I sell is handcrafted by me, and I love coming up with new ideas, and learning new crafts. I am proud to say that I am the only company to make ceramic wall tiles and light switch plates in Cath Kidston designs (amongst many others).

What inspired you to start your creative business? How did it all begin? 
 My business began in October 2011 really after a fall earlier in the year had resulted in a disability called osteitis pubis, meaning I could barely walk, and outside the home I was confined to a wheelchair. At the time I was doing all my Christmas shopping because I had all this time on my hands, so I could really look for meaningful presents. I wanted a picture for my four year old son’s bedroom in Thomas the Tank Engine, but I was struggling to find anything nice, so I decided to buy in the things to make my own. With a lot of help from my boyfriend, a canvas picture was made with the famous train on. At that point, I decided that as I couldn't find anyone really specialised in children’s art that was affordable, then I could do it myself, and my business was born. I also started making personalised bookmarks for children at that point as I had made one for my son and his interest in learning to read took off!

 light switch covers

How has your business changed and developed since it started?
 My product base has changed massively. At first I only catered for children, and now I cater for everyone, and I no longer make bookmarks. I released my wall tiles in January, and shortly after a whole load of new shabby chic things for the home like pan stands and magnets. Very recently I released my light switch plates.
I have learned so much, and my skills have developed hugely, for instance, I can now hand sew quickly and neatly, which I had to learn as I can’t always sit to use a sewing machine. I also have a website now, and don’t just trade on Ebay!

 canvases

What are the main ways you promote your business?  Which methods have been the most successful for you?
 I started at first on eBay as I was already very familiar with the site due to having run home based businesses before through there. I still sell a lot of things there, and despite the fees, I still find they provide a good flow of customers. I will look to move away from them eventually though as I  think they treat small business owners poorly.

I love spending time on Facebook, using networking pages such as Mums Who Make and Supermums’ Craft Fair, in order to meet like minded people and showcase my wares. I am now at the 600 “likers” mark and spending hours trawling through as many pages as I can to advertise on, it is finally starting to pay off and I got my first sale a few days ago! Like most others, I expected instant sales through Facebook, but it doesn’t work like that. Just like when you first get a website, it is really hard work driving people to it, and it takes time.

Other places I go to are forums for crafters where I don’t directly advertise, but instead have my website address visible to other users and I just like to help and share knowledge. I like Money Saving Expert too and go on their Up Your Income and Small Business forums regularly in order to help out those looking to start up their own business.

On top of that I have just got into Pinterest, which I use not only to show some of the things I make, but the things I want to make, or buy, or wear.

I started a blog to share more of my personal crafting, but I do include links to my shop and sometimes share new products. I’m always trying to find ways to use up my fabric scrap stash, so I share tried and tested guides this way too.

I also spend a bit on advertising. I have a set budget every month that I spend on Google Adwords. I don’t spend much, so I always put my ads up during the last weekend of every month as I find this to be my busiest time. Then last but not least, whenever I go out I talk to people. I will talk to literally anyone, and I always tell them what I do and have a business card on hand!

 start them young!


What’s your workspace like?  Can we have a sneak peek?  And do you have any workspace organisation tips for the rest of us?
 My workspace is my lounge, with a little table, and a sofa. I bought a storage unit from Ikea earlier in the year that has eight very large boxes. Four of them are rammed with fabric, and four are for my son’s toys. Then I have two further boxes, one rammed with scraps and another with other accessories in, like ribbon, appliqués etc. Trust me, my organisation leaves a lot to be desired! In the next year we are planning on moving and getting a house big enough for me to have a room all to myself, but for now I just have to make do.

What are the best and worst bits of running your business?
 The worst bit has to be the hours I work. I start at 9:30 and finish anywhere between 10-11:30pm. I spend a lot of time networking, as well as fitting in research, and of course orders to fulfil! I never stop, pretty much seven days a week, and on the days when I do go out with the family, my mobile phone is permanently attached to my hand so I can carry on working while travelling. I drive my partner crazy!

The best bit though is that I love what I do. I may work every hour but I get to work in the same room as my partner and son, and despite my disability, I have never been happier!

collection of wall tiles


What other small (or not-so-small) creative businesses do you admire? 
 Cath Kidston is the business I admire the most. Cath started with very little and look at her now! It just shows that if you want to be successful you can, even when you start small.


What tips can you give to others who run (or hope to run) a small creative business?
 Research, network and tell every single person you meet about your business, never under value your work, continue learning, be prepared to work very long hours and don’t rush as Rome wasn’t built in a day, and building a business takes a very long time.


What are your hopes, plans or ambitions for the future? 
 I am hoping to have recovered from my disability in a few months, and plan to start up local craft lessons for adults and children, and also work on my offline presence. I am aiming high and my ultimate goal is to be a known brand one day.

Finally, where are the places we can find you online if we want to partake in a little friendly cyber stalking?

Thanks so much for stopping by – it was so nice to be able to take the time to chat with you!
 It is nice to be able to share my story with your readers and inspire (hopefully!) others to get/keep going with their business. If I can do it, anyone can. Running a business is really difficult, but I absolutely adore doing what I’m doing, and wouldn’t change it for the world. My partner is extremely supportive and I couldn’t do it without him (he helps with packaging and does the Post Office run every day), and I think that a supportive family is a definite requirement. Just don’t take them for granted and make time to spend with them, away from your business.
 

Sunday 19 August 2012

Handmade Monday 80

Welcome to Handmade Monday.

This week I've been busy with some things for Craftseller magazine again.  I've been working on a couple of things which will be part of a 2013 calendar (yikes!) with an upcycling theme - little gift boxes and my hanging hearts from here.


The gift boxes are something I learned to do way back in about 1990 - a lovely lady called Betty* who used to run the Mums and Tots group showed me this technique - she used to make them from old Christmas cards every year and used them for tree decorations, among other things.  I was fascinated then, and they still fascinate me now.



They're incredibly addictive - once you start making them, it's hard to stop  and it's not an expensive addiction: they certainly lend themselves very well to recycling.  They're really quick and easy, too.


I'm also going to be working on a diary cover for Craftseller, but I have to wait a while to receive some papers which are currently being designed for a giveaway in the same issue.  The theme is Paris in the springtime which sounds quite exciting!  However, I will only have a few days between receiving the papers and sending the finished diary cover back, a mix of fabrics, papers and stitching - so I need to do some serious planning and groundwork now!

There's also little rabbit which needs to have my attention too - well, it's not actually a rabbit yet, apart from in my head!  It's currently a neat little stack of gorgeous fabric, very kindly supplied by Guthri & Ghani


There's a superb natural linen for the body and some very lovely soft organic cotton and bamboo fabric for the clothes.  This rabbit will be like a rag doll (but with a rabbit face and big floppy ears) and clothed: there will be a boy and girl version.  This one's for Sewing World and will be published just in time for people to make him/her up as a Christmas gift.

*Betty was one of the nicest, most genuine and selfless people I ever met.  She didn't have kids of her own but adored running the toddler group and nobody ever went without a cuppa or a someone to talk to - and no toddler went without a hug (or a hand-knitted chocolate-filled mini-stocking at Christmas).  Her funeral was so packed, we stood outside in the street.  A wonderful lady, and one of those people who helped spread the word about crafts before we'd even heard of the internet.  Thank you Betty for everything you did.

Over to you - enjoy your Handmade Monday!

Tuesday 14 August 2012

Getting Found in Search Engines: Five Tips


 Apparently, around 78% of consumers use search engines when they're shopping online - which is why you need to score well in search engines if you're hoping to do well selling your crafts online.  Most of my customers at 1st Unique Gifts find me via a search engine (I ask the question as part of my PayPal checkout process - and most customers are happy to answer) and a high percentage of these find my blog before my website.  So, with that in mind, here we have...

a few quick tips for getting found in search engines:


Use keywords in your page titles, image titles and product descriptions.



Use an external website for customers to leave feedback.  Google uses feedback on independent websites when it's deciding where to place your website in its search results.  Direct your happy customers to your pages on Google Places, Free Index or Trust Pilot pages to leave a review (and if customers aren't happy, do everything in your power to make them happy - excellent customer service really can turn a bad experience into a good one).


Blog about your products, again using keywords in your titles, image titles, tags and main body.  Also include a link to the page where that item is for sale.  Your blog can be powerful - why do you think companies pay people to blog for them?  Do it right and it really works in attracting customers.  Blog posts don't have to be long and insightful - in fact, short is often better (especially when talking about products) as people's attention spans are usually shorter online.

Have a Twitter and Facebook account at the very least.  Google actually expects it and customers like it too.  Use them to let people know about new products and promotions, as well as asking opinions and getting people involved.   Note to self: Depsite having a FB account, I know I fall behind on this one - although customers "like" me on there and leave comments for me, if I used it more, I know there would be more feedback and interaction.  Get your Facebook finger out, girl!


OK, so this last tip isn't exactly about being found in search engines, but it might make a big difference when people do find you - be easily contactable in case customers have questions (email, phone, Facebook, Twitter, blog comments... these are all methods customers use to ask questions) because answering those questions quickly might make all the difference when it comes to a sale.

There you go - just five tiny little tips that could make a big difference to your sales if you use them! Good luck.  If you have any other top tips for getting found in search engines, let us all know about them by leaving a comment!

Sunday 12 August 2012

Handmade Monday

It's been a busy week here, and like all busy weeks, it really has flown.  I can't believe Handmade Monday has come around again so soon.  Welcome!

If you'd like to join in, add your blog link below and please remember to link back somewhere within your blog post.  Have fun visiting as many of the others as you can, and please do leave comments where you can - don't be shy!

Last week I showed you a snippet of what I'd been up to, and this week might be just as cryptic.  Last week's project got finished and posted off to Craftseller magazine and these pictures show you a bit more.



You don't get a proper look until the magazine is out though - sorry.  I loved the depth and texture in this project - a very tactile finished piece.  My very favourite type of work, it involved paint, paper, text, glue, fabric and stitching (and an old dictionary!).



Now I'm working on another clock (this time for Sewing World magazine) in the shape of a cotton reel (all in fabric this time, although my glue gun will probably make an appearance at some point). 


I'm also working on something - made in fabric - to organise my sewing projects. I'll share more once I've made a bit of progress (I think it may turn into a tutorial).

It's your turn now... I'd love to see what you've been up to this week.

Friday 10 August 2012

Tea and a Chat with Lauren of Guthrie & Ghani

This week's interview is a little different - Lauren runs a fabric shop (ooh, yum...).  Look, here she is now...

Hello Lauren!  Good to see you, the kettle’s just boiled – what would you like to drink? 
Hi Wendy, I’ll have a peppermint tea thanks, that’ll be lovely. 
Make yourself comfy... OK, so tell us a bit about yourself and your business.
I’m a 27 year-old Scottish lass, living in Birmingham with my husband, Ayaz, and my 3 chickens. I have always been interested in sewing and craft and just generally making stuff and being creative. My Mum used to be a dressmaker and she organised a local craft club so the house was always full of fabric and the sewing machine was always out.  

I now own my own haberdashery, yarn and fabric shop, based in Moseley, Birmingham which is called Guthrie & Ghani. At the moment the business is online while we renovate an amazing mock Tudor building that was built in 1898, which will eventually be our bricks and mortar shop. When we open we will also have a fantastic large open plan creative studio to host workshops, parties, exhibitions and fairs. 
The building used to be a boys' youth club but has been empty for a number of years, so now we are faced with the mammoth task of bringing it back to life. It's really exciting though, it will look incredible when it's finished! This picture is before we started any work so its looks a little different now:




I’ve been doing regular updates on the blog of how things are progressing so have a look there for lots more pictures. 
Our online shop offers a special collection of only the loveliest fabrics, yarns and all the bits and pieces you need to make your creative projects really special. Sometimes I feel picking out the best supplies can be overwhelming as there is so much choice out there. We aim to do the hard work for you buy sourcing only the finest products for our customers to choose from. 
Two of my favourite collections that we are now stocking are Gypsy Caravan by Amy Butler and the gorgeous Japanese fabric from Echino by Etsuko Furuya. I love the floral prints in Gypsy Caravan and the vibrant colours in the Japanese fabric is to die for. I love anything with birds and animals so the Echino fabric with its lovely illustrations is right up my street! 

gypsy caravan


Echino

What inspired you to start your creative business? How did it all begin? 
My professional background is in something quite different from being creative. I studied physiotherapy and worked in the NHS for over 5 years. Then I started getting strong creative pangs and I began to spend more time sewing again and my mum taught me how to knit. I did a few night classes and weekend courses in upholstery and textiles. I then came across an online course called the ‘Do what you love” e-course. For 6 weeks we were given daily tasks and activities to help you realise what your true values and passions were and to help you figure out what direction you wanted to take in life. It was after that, I took the huge step of leaving a career that I had known and enjoyed to do something that I was really passionate about and that was concentrated around creativity and encouraging others to be creative too.

How has your business changed and developed since it started?
Then main thing I have learned so far is that things never seem to go completely to plan. We just launched the online shop a few weeks ago but the initial plan was to open our bricks and mortar shop first and online in the future. As I’m sure you can imagine, renovation projects always take longer then you think they will. I was really eager to get my business started despite the hold up in renovations so we decided to go online in the meantime which I’m really excited about.

What are the main ways you promote your business?  Which methods have been the most successful for you?
So far I have been using social media a lot to promote my business and have aimed to link up with local people on Twitter and Facebook. I have also contacted local magazines and press about my story and hope to have an article with some of those publications too.  Local craft groups and knitting circles have also been a great place for me to meet like minded people and network about what is going on in the local area as I didn’t know anyone when I first moved to Birmingham.

What’s your workspace like?  Can we have a sneak peek?  And do you have any workspace organisation tips for the rest of us?
I live in a 2 bedroom terrace house so there isn’t a huge amount of room for a designated work area. I tend to move around and have a little area in the spare bedroom, things hidden in the drawers of the coffee table in the living room and more recently I’ve taken over the dining room as well. I would love to have a whole designated room as a studio but in reality most of my fabric is packed away in a cupboard and the sewing machine gets set up when I need it. 

This a picture of a little area in my spare room where I keep a lot of my smaller supplies. I wanted it to look lovely as well as be functional so I bought a cute old basket for storing yarn and a gorgeous Victorian tug which I use to keep pens and things in. I’ve been collecting old picture frames from car boots as well which I put nice little prints in and I also made some ‘art’ out of crochet flower coasters. 

I love vintage finds and when I spotted these large old wooden bobbins I knew they would be perfect for all my ribbons. They used to just be in a box but now I get to see them more often which is lovely! 
My top organisational tip when I’m sewing is…… I try to keep all the thread tails and fabric scraps  in a wee pile to the side as I go along. If not they just stick to me or end up stuck in the carpet. I find it makes it  a bit easier when tidying up afterwards and stops the hoover getting clogged with thread!

What are the best and worst bits of running your business?
The best bits are being able to control my own schedule and be flexible as well as make my own decisions. And of course I get to be surrounded by lovely fabric and yarn all day, which is very inspiring! The difficult parts are the steep learning curves and having to figure out how to actually run a business, not just being creative all day. I would love to sit and sew or knit all day but there is always the admin and organisational side of things to do as well.

What other small (or not-so-small) creative businesses do you admire? 
I love the gorgeous handmade lampshades by Zoe Darlington and Melanie Porters knitted furniture looks so amazing! There are so many fantastic designer makers out there but the ones that really stand out for me are the people who do something a bit different that really stands out with their skills.

What tips can you give to others who run (or hope to run) a small creative business?
It can be hard to contend with actually running a successful business…it’s a whole skill in itself that is so different from what your creative skill may be. There are lots of places to get help with the business side of things. I contacted the Prince's Trust but have also made use of the business link website and business forums which are great as you can ask questions to other people who have been through it before.

What are your hopes, plans or ambitions for the future? 
Although I love having my business online and being able to have that online presence, I cannot wait to open my bricks and mortar shop! I have visions of how amazing it will look and I really looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

Finally, where are the places we can find you online if we want to partake in a little friendly cyber stalking?
My website is www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk my blog is also on that website too. I have regular tutorials and renovation updates there.  My twitter name is @guthrieghani and I’m also on facebook

Thanks so much for stopping by, Lauren – it was so nice to be able to take the time to chat with you!  
Thank you so much for having me!

If you haven't done already, do get yourself over to Lauren's website - not just for some lovely fabrics, but for those blog updates on her shop building.  It reminds me of a glossy lifestyle magazine and I can't wait to see the finished shop!  I can already imagine the interior and I can see a trip to Birmingham may be necessary at some point...

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Five Minutes of Fame?

Well, I must say I was rather surprised to see Handmade Harbour get a mention on a Twitter email this morning.

Up there among the Olympic and Google news was Handmade Harbour (and, more specifically, HandmadeMonday)!



I think this is down to the number of retweets of a link (I might be wrong, please correct me if I am) so a big thanks to all you retweeters out there (you know who you are - and so do other people now as your Twitter link is on that newsletter too).

I'm not getting too excited about this - it hasn't translated into huge numbers of clicks and I don't know if this goes out to everyone or if we all get different versions - but every little helps, right?

Sunday 5 August 2012

Handmade Monday 78

Hello and welcome to Handmade Monday, which is the place to share your latest craft blog post.  This is what you do:
  • blog about something related to handmade
  • add a link to Handmade Harbour in your blog post
  • click the linky tool below so your blog appears on here
  • visit some of the others and leave a comment if you see something you like!
This week I've been playing with fabric

 sofa so good

paper

 having a ripping time

and glue

 testing out techniques

This is a commission for Craftseller magazine, and while I can't show you the whole thing yet, I can tell you that I am quite pleased with how it's shaping up!

I also had a day out this week - and spent the weekend making up for it!  Still, I think I'm lucky to be able to work so flexibly most of the time.  Slotting in a midweek day at the seaside feels like a real treat.

 sun and sea

What's your week been like? 

Friday 3 August 2012

Tea and a Chat with Karen from Beads by Design


Come on in for tea - Karen from Beads by Design is here today!

Hello Karen!  Good to see you, the kettle’s just boiled – what would you like to drink?
I would love a cup of tea thanks.  Tea fuels my creativity and I’ve already had several cups today.

So, tell us a bit about yourself and your business.
I’m based in East Yorkshire in a beautiful  village nestled into the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds.  I’m a mum of three, married and have a workroom in our family home.  I describe my self as a creative designer as I am involved in many creative processes including painting, jewellery and tiara design, card making, fabric creations including memory quilts, sock monkeys and rag rug making.

I am a public speaker and demonstrate for the local interest groups such as the WI and British Sugar Craft Guild.  I also write projects for UK beads and jewellery publications and teach crafts and jewellery making from my workshop and also to groups at their chosen venues.



What inspired you to start your creative business? How did it all begin? 
I’ve got a background in nursing and childminding, but when we moved back to East Yorkshire from London, I wanted a new challenge that I could do from home and work around my children.  I took a course in Professional Interior Design.   I decided that one way of publicising my business was to get a stall at the local farmers market.  I applied, but was turned down on the grounds that “they don’t do that sort of thing”.  So ever one to rise to the challenge, I got a copy of their rules and set about making things that fit their criteria.  I gathered driftwood from the river and made lamps and frames, pinecones, berries and dried flowers became potpourri and I had a few handmade cards and bits of jewellery.  The jewellery all sold and I was asked for more and that was the start of a new direction for me.   

It was further confirmed that interior design was not the right path when one day I had been working and left some elevation drawings  for a client on my drawing board, I left the room and when I returned a few minutes later, my two year old was colouring them in.  I put the interior design on hold and moved with gusto into making jewellery.



How has your business changed and developed since it started?
I have been very lucky that clients have dictated the path of my business.  I started out purely in jewellery, but one of my stockists asked me to make her some tiaras for a wedding fair she was attending.  It seemed like a huge challenge and with little under a week to create them it was either say no or say yes and jump in both feet together.  I did the latter and the orders started coming in.

Public speaking, children’s parties, demonstrating and writing magazine craft projects all developed because clients asked me to.



What are the main ways you promote your business?  Which methods have been the most successful for you?
I am a prolific blogger.  I really enjoy the blogging and have 4 regular blogs (3 of mine and a guest writer of the fourth). Blogging allows me to showcase my creations and explain something of the thought behind each piece.  I can also link the blog posts to the online store.

I do two three public speaking events a month and really enjoy these as it’s an hour where you are paid to stand and promote yourself to a captive audience.  I make sure that I have plenty of things to show the audience and always give each one a leaflet detailing my work and services.

I do one market a month and have very regular clients, so much so that I can make something directed straight at them and when they come to my stall, nine times out of ten they will go for it.

I also use Craft Juice which is a great free to use resource for getting all your handmade items seen and admired and I have had some great leads come through it.

I’m a tweet about everything too.


What’s your workspace like?  Can we have a sneak peek?  And do you have any workspace organisation tips for the rest of us?
My work room doubles up as a family room.  It’s a large room with floor to ceiling shelving and cupboards giving me display and storage space.  I would describe it as creative clutter.  I see potential in the humblest of objects and save them for the day they come in useful.

The shelves support thousands of beads stored in large Tupperware containers, polymer clay and all the equipment I use for that and also fabrics, card, newspapers, brushes, paints, drawing boards and sewing machines.

I also have my computer and desk in there as it is a great resource for my crafting and promotion.  I am very lucky that my family and friends ignore the creative clutter that covers the room.




What are the best and worst bits of running your business?
The best bit of running a creative business is the joy of creating.  I also enjoy doing the village farmers market in South Cave.  It’s great meeting people and getting feedback on my latest projects. 

I’ve “met” people from all over the world through my crafting on the internet.  The crafting community are  a great friendly bunch.

The worst bit has to be the paperwork, but even that comes with a sense of satisfaction once it’s done!

What other small (or not-so-small) creative businesses do you admire? 
Just down the road from me is a creative business that started off as a shed and a field and through the work of a few people grew into a wonderful creative business.  Mires Beck Nursery  is a social enterprise working with those with learning /physical disabilities. It provides a learning and working environment for over 70 people and produces wildflowers and their ethos is  

 to provide a pleasant enjoyable environment where people who have a learning difficulty or disability can develop their skills, increase their self esteem and confidence.”

Having led a community art project there, I can tell you what a wonderfully inspiring a happy place it is to be.

What tips can you give to others who run (or hope to run) a small creative business?
Look into the legalities, make sure you are registered with Inland Revenue and get public liability insurance.  Don’t hem yourself in to one thing.  Allow for flexibility for the future.  I’ve made time consuming mistakes in the past with things like my website where I didn’t allow for other arm of my business to develop, leading to frustrating destruction prior to rebuilding.

Be open to criticism and ask for it.  Without knowing where your weaknesses are, you can’t develop your strengths.

I have always stayed away from fashion.  I don’t look what everyone else is doing; I just develop my own style and keep on trying new things that are uniquely me.



What are your hopes, plans or ambitions for the future? 
World domination of course, but failing that I want to stay true to the handmade ethics, to continue to enjoy all that I do and to be able to stay afloat inspiring other people to have a go too.

Finally, where are the places we can find you online if we want to partake in a little friendly cyber stalking?
Well, you can sign up for one of my teaching packages
 
My main store is www.beadsbydesign.co.uk which subdivides into three stores:
  • Beads By Design : Beads and findings
  • RaRaBazaar: gifts, jewellery and fabric goods
  • Crystal Velvet Weddings: tiaras, flowers, stationery
I am at South Cave Farmers Market on the second Saturday of the month from 9am until 1pm (HU15 2EP)



Thanks for taking the time out for tea and a chat today Karen - it's been lovely to sit here and talk!  I can't tell you how much I love that pebble necklace - it really is just gorgeous!