Thursday 30 April 2015

Time to Shine - Gingham Glory

It's your time to shine
Premium Guild Member

Gingham Glory



For years Linda has collected vintage table linen but it spent most of its time stored in boxes.  So she came up with the idea of rescuing the best parts and giving them a new lease of life.  So the first range for her shop was Linda's Linens, handmade cushions from vintage embroidered table linen and trimmings such as ric-rac, bobble fringe, buttons and ribbons to ensure each one is unique.  She also made other items such as drawstring bags, pin cushions and seasonal gifts throughout the year.   

Linda has always loved vintage items and although a lot of her collections have moved on she has always kept her linen, some of which came from her grandmother.  Having been inspired by the increased interest in crafting and sewing Linda looked at what she could do that was different.  She had forgotten how much pleasure sewing gave her and double so as it gives me a good excuse to go out hunting for old table linen, retro fabrics and lovely trimmings!

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http://www.procraftersguild.com/craftermembership.html

Tuesday 28 April 2015

Time to Shine - From the Heart Creations

It's your time to shine
Premium Guild Member

From the Heart Creations



Vintage style handmade creations for the Home, Weddings, Children & Christmas. We use British sourced materials for our Garlands, Wreaths, Candle Jars & Bunting, as well as East Of India supplies, such as ribbon & buttons, & gift items.
"We are a small family run business based in the North West and we began making our creations for our own wedding & home, & then whilst looking after our Twin girls after their premature birth. After much encouragement from our family & friends we decided to sell our pieces at craft fairs around the region & now are working on our own website. Each item is individually handmade, making each one unique – never quite perfect, but perfectly loved from beginning to end. We love what we do & hope you do too!"

From the Heart Creations has an abundance of testimonials:
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'We bought Oli Owl, Harry Hedgehog, Amelia Flower Hair Band and a purple Bella Butterfly Hair Bobble in August 2014 and my wife and I are hugely impressed. The material is high-quality and the items were clearly lovingly put together they have even stood up to rigourous product testing by our 10 month old baby! The packaging was absolutely fantastic, well thought out and the items arrived surprisingly quickly given that all of the bits we bought are handmade. I am astonished at the low-cost, but also incredible high-quality - and the bobble looks beautiful in my daughter's hair. I will definitely be shopping again with From The Heart Creations!'

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"Beautifully handmade in Britain " -

"I wanted to thank you for the exquisite, handmade felt decorations for my Christmas tree. I bought from you online and also from your stand at the Ideal Home exhibition in November (so nice to meet you and your lovely family).  I have bought a number of Glendas and Gilberts, the cute Gingerbread couple; stockings; hearts and a parliament of Olly owls.  Each item is obviously made with love!
I highly recommend the service. The website is very easy to navigate and ordering/paying is a doddle. Communication was really good as I was kept informed at all stages. Delivery was in good time too, reasonable postage costs and well packaged.
I wish you the best for your super little company and will be buying off you again!"

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"Where to start ! This is second year I have bought items ! These include christmas garlands , head band and garlands for little boy ,little girl and wicker heart The Heart went as gift to Poland ( arrived safe and sound personal message included ) Parents loved garlands for cot ( soon to be bed !) Have been to craft fairs where Hearts been on sale same price but inferior quality material machine stitched. Easy to order and sending as gift great so you can order with confidence."

 


  

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http://www.procraftersguild.com/craftermembership.html

Monday 27 April 2015

Time to Shine - Glasspirations

It's your time to shine
Premium Guild Member

Glasspirations

http://www.glasspirations.co.uk/



Are you looking for inspiration and new ideas to turn your house into a welcoming home?

Do you want to find the perfect piece of practical art to bring a room to life?
Browse through gorgeous glassware, perfect as a treat for yourself or to buy the perfect gift to show someone how much you care, if nothing catches your eye Glasspirations can create an item to fit your individual decorating style or personal needs.

Shimmering sheets of glass are magically transformed into amazing, original fused glass art. In bright sunshine your glassware will reflect rays of colourful light which will dance around your room. Even on a dull day the glass is full of life and sparkle.

All original, handmade, fused glass art is created in the heart of the inspirational Moelwyn Mountains in North Wales UK.

Tracy lives in a 19th Century coaching inn with her two opinionated cats and fears that she is well on the way to becoming a crazy cat lady! She is never happier than when walking on the Moelwyn mountains with her trusty companions Smudge and Ebony - except when she is fusing glass of course!




http://www.glasspirations.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/Glasspirations 
https://twitter.com/glasspirations


http://www.procraftersguild.com/craftermembership.html


Friday 24 April 2015

Weekly Digest - 24th April 2015


New Members

Member No: 240115696
Leslie Morton from Morton's Maniacal Mosaics
Mosaic Art and Home Decor.


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Member No: 220415697
Tim Woods from Babyprints Franchising Ltd
3D Casting and Impressions and Framing

www.babyprints.co.uk

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Time To Shine - Charms By Joanna

It's your time to shine
Premium Guild Member

Charms By Joanna

http://www.charmsbyjoanna.co.uk/


Joanna started making cards many years ago, then began decorating boxes in about 2005, initially she was playing with glass paints so chose perspex boxes. Most of those boxes contained pony beads so she was left with a surplus of them.


In 2006 Joanna's mum suggested making bag charms as she did not particularly like the ones available in the shops, however, Joanna did not like the effect of the pony beads so donated them to a couple, who were making jewellery for children to raise money for charity.


She then purchased new beads, findings and tools and started to play, the wine glass charms followed later that year when her mum found a set in the Poundshop which just had a different colour tassle on each, she decided they would look so much better with beads on!



These items were all gifts for family and friends, although Joanna was making far more than she could give away! She decided to register as a sole trader and so Charms by Joanna was born on 6th February 2012


You can find Joanna's products on the Charms By Joanna, Etsy  and Supermums Craft Fair shops and the many craft and wedding fairs that she attends throughout the year.



"My mum comes to many craft and wedding fairs with me and together we have been raising money for Cancer Research. Mum makes Happy Bags and donates £1 from every bag she sells. She does not make any profit and it took me a good few years to convince her to even charge enough to cover the materials she was using!"



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Thursday 23 April 2015

Time to Shine - Elegance By Sue

It's your time to shine
Premium Guild Member

Elegance By Sue

http://www.elegancebysue.co.uk


"In case all of you lovely people hadn't guessed, my name is Sue and my greatest passion is creating signature jewellery pieces that stand out from anything else."

Elegant bespoke jewellery, lovingly handmade, just for you!

All Elegance by Sue jewellery is handmade by Sue, if you have a specific, colour or theme Sue endeavour to create that special bespoke piece just for you.

 
Sue has had some wonderful feedback from my customers and she loves doing what she does. Sue creates pieces for occasions and gifts or as just a little treat for yourself.

"I have just received 3 pairs of Christmas earrings from Sue and they are absolutely stunning! Why would anyone buy anywhere else? And they will last me for years. Thank you so much Sue. I will return again, and again and again xxx"

"Just received my bracelet omg I'm in love it's stunning ... Sue was so helpful getting the colour stones I wanted nothing was any trouble .... Super quick delivery will definitely be back and recommending this beautiful page xxx"

"Truly stunning. I absolutely love my sparkles and worn them alot already :) Sue is lovely nothing is ever too much trouble and both came beautifully packaged. Would highly recommend Sue and her lovely jewellery"

"Received a stunning butterfly bracelet from Sue, I absolutely love the custom make she designed and would recommend her to everyone!! Lovely lady xx"



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Wednesday 22 April 2015

Time to Shine - Cotswold Characters

It's your time to shine
Premium Guild Member

Cotswold Characters

www.cotswoldcharacters.co.uk

 

Cotswold Characters creates Personalised and unique models and cake toppers hand made from polymer clay. Highly detailed wedding toppers that will make your guests stop and stare, or perhaps a one of a kind gift for your loved ones. Each topper is created to the finest of detail, including favourite pets, hobbies & interests. It's only limited by your imagination!
From traditional Wedding toppers to a unique business card holder, door hanger, Christmas tree ornaments, Laura can make whatever your imagination can conjure up!

Laura has been an artist all of her life. Even as a young girl she would sit in her bedroom for hours on end painting and drawing. In 2010 she met her future husband and moved to be with him in the Cotswolds. When planning their wedding she discovered polymer clay when looking at all the wonderful wedding toppers available online. However being an artist she wanted to make her own and discovered sculpture. Since then she has opened her own little business Cotswold Characters. She makes the highest of quality sculptures and models using polymer clay and enjoys the challenges her customers give to her when requesting their own lovely creations. Cotswold Characters has gone from strength to strength and she look forward to seeing how far she can take her little clay characters in the future. 

Cotswold Characters was in the press recently.
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Tuesday 21 April 2015

Time to Shine - Beadie Eyed Edie

It's your time to shine
Premium Guild Member

Beadie Eyed Edie

http://www.beadieeyededie.com/


Kirsty studied Textile Design at Cleveland College of Art & Design and has been designing and making for as long as she can remember! Beadie Eyed Edie was established in 2010 as an outlet for Kirsty to sell the Jewellery & Gifts that she was passionate about making. Her area of expertise is free style machine embroidered textiles, but she is forever trying new things! She make fused glass jewellery, beaded jewellery, upcycled jewellery, needle felted jewellery and gifts, embroidered textile art and so much more.
Beadie Eyed Edie creations are available to purchase online or at Swaffham Gift Emporium in Norfolk. Kirsty also exhibits at craft fairs in the London & Essex area.

www.facebook.com/BeadieEyedEdie
https://folksy.com/shops/BeadieEyedEdie
https://twitter.com/BeadieEyedEdie





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Monday 20 April 2015

Do you feel alone in your business?


One of the things I hear most from small craft business owners is that they feel very alone. Although we love it and wouldn't change it working from home can be a very isolated environment. The problem doesn't seem to occur at busy times as we are occupied but most of us get prolonged quiet periods where it can be hard to keep going without some form of support.

This is why a support network is so important. Whether it is physical in the form of family and friends or online it can make a world of difference to how you feel day to day.

This new virtual world of ours is truly magical for those who do not have actual company in their lives. It gives us a way to reach out and offer support and friendship to people who otherwise would be totally alone. Mums with young children also benefit as I know myself that by the end of the day you could scream for adult conversation and encouragement.

At the Professional Crafters Guild we have been offering support to small craft businesses since 2011. We now have our awesome Members Facebook Club which means that  our members can contact each other to share something, offer or ask for advice or just want a bit of company.

I know of several people who are truly grateful for the friendships that they receive online and although you may not realise it you are making a huge difference to their lives.

A big Thank You from us at the PCG to all of our wonderful members who get involved and help others every day.


Time to Shine - Brig's Crafts

It's your time to shine
Premium Guild Member

Brig's Crafts

www.brigscrafts.co.uk/

 


Brig's Crafts creates many interesting hand-made products - all made with love and care.
Are you looking for the perfect gift or a beautiful hand-made item as a treat for yourself or home?  Check out a wide range of individually crafted items.



Brig's Crafts is a family run business, creating hand-made quality crafts and gifts in a custom built log cabin within their garden. 

Brig's Crafts receives 5 star reviews on Facebook! 

"A HUGE thank you for the beautiful tooth holder made in my little boys favourite colour orange. He will be so happy with it! Thank you again :)" 

" A HUGE thank you for the beautiful tooth holder made in my little boys favourite colour orange. He will be so happy with it! Thank you again :)" 

"Fantastic... fish cat nips went down a treat ... will be bk for more :-)" 

After leaving her role as a PA to the Managing Director of a blue-chip company to start a family,  Brigitte has since embarked on creating a home-run company, making fabric crafts and selling through her website and craft fairs.  Her new recently built studio in her garden has really supported her aspirations.  She feels lucky to be doing something that she is very passionate about!


www.brigscrafts.co.uk/

www.facebook.com/brigscrafts


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Friday 17 April 2015

Weekly Digest - 17th April 2015

New Members

Member No: 130415692
Gemma McNair from Crafty wee cow
Handmade papercuttings, polymer clay items and needlework.


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Member No: 130415693
Christine Brown from Alfie Moon Designs
Make and sell original design, themed & craft led products - bags, mugs, clocks, badges, wall art & more.


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Member No: 140415694
Tara Taylor from TaylorMade Gifts
Bespoke gifts for all occasions - jewellery, textiles, baby gifts, and much more.

www.facebook.com/taylormade.gifts

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Member No: 160415695
Donna Richardson from Babyprints
 3D Casting, Impressions and unique gifts.

www.babyprints.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/Babyprintscouk/177789472262090

Time to Shine - K.D Jewellery

It's your time to shine
Premium Guild Member

K.D Jewellery

www.kdjewellery.co.uk


K.D Jewellery is a home-based business in South Devon, offering a wide range of handmade macrame jewellery designs and accessories. Using traditional macrame techniques, designs are created using a variety of alternative beads and charms, from clay crystal to gemstones and even a selection of decorated glass. 

K.D Jewellery caters for all occasions, including weddings. K.D Bridal is a recommended company for bridal jewellery and bridal party gifts by the National Wedding Guide.

K.D is always happy to receive orders for custom designs and even offers a matching service; so if you have an outfit to accessorise, just send a photo and you can have your accessories made to match. Please don't hesitate to contact K.D for all of your jewellery needs!


 
Kirsty is the face behind K.D Jewellery is a full-time mum/professional crafter from Newton Abbot in South Devon.  She has a wonderful husband and, between them, they have four children. Kirsty's love of jewellery design started with her own personal quest to find THE perfect bracelet… She hopes that her business will allow me to help others do the same :) x






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http://www.procraftersguild.com/craftermembership.html