#febcraftchallenge

#febcraftchallenge Seasonal makes Tis the season of Spring, Mother's day and Easter. Pastels and White's are in along with Pantone colours of greys and yellows. I try to make something to suit all tastes. #springtime #pastelcolours #springcolours #handmade #pantone #mothersdayuk #mothersday2021 #easter (at Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL0O_bgF24N/?igshid=1dy9psu915sf6

#febcraftchallenge My support group I couldn't do what I do, without the support of my OH and kids. They inspire me to express myself. My friends are incredible. Not all of my friends are arty, but they encourage me to carry on when I'm not feeling great. I've met great people at college too, who follow me and comment and help share my pictures. Without everyone in my family, friends or crafty world bubbles, I wouldn't be who I am. I've crafted pretty much all my life, but the past 10yrs have been the time I've truly felt free to express myself. Anyone who doesn't encourage you, are not true friends. (at North Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLu_4dqFQwc/?igshid=100a9oc9yjchh

#febcraftchallenge Work companions Well here's my boy's Billy/Bilbo watching the rain and Stevie/Stevo trying out a new sleep spot. Lona is my mad German Shephard, who l swear is more human than dog. She's saved my life after having a hypo scare and tells me now when I need to be careful with my sugar levels! These three are like my kids, only then give more cuddles! 🤣 #workcompanions #cat #cats #dog #germanshepherd #diabeticdog #mybabies (at North Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLp--eIlh1S/?igshid=99a2mep3c4k1

#febcraftchallenge Plan it our or just roll with it... To be honest, a big of both! Sometimes *we see how the wood cuts and just go with the shape we have. Sometimes I plan out what I want, and depending on the size and condition of the wood, I go with the plan. I often get little off cuts like these, and use them for different projects, such as a scene. I have a huge range of paints, so depending on my mood, I choose a colour pallet, or if I'm using decoupage, I find paper and paint that compliment each other. *we being my chief wood cutter, when he has free time. 🤞🏻🙂 (at North Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLnTTMolIMm/?igshid=1708570vujsu6

#febcraftchallenge Craft fairs vs online How do you sell? This is such a difficult question. I spent many years hauling my goods around craft fairs, getting up at stupid o'clock and not returning home till late. Some I made really good money at, some I made zilch. I've sold in many different shops, some just weren't for me. I've tried selling via fb, word of mouth and got a few sales. I tried Etsy many years ago and had two sales. I was downhearted and closed my shop. I firmly believe it's purely down to your product and the type of person you are trying to sell to. When it comes to fairs, visit first. Look at the customers and the stalls already there. Are they the customers you want to attract? When selling online through the likes of Etsy, Folksy, Numonday etc, can you risk the fees and put in the ground work to build your shop? There are so many questions to ask yourself. Personally for me, I sell in bricks and mortar shops and as you know, I sell on Etsy. Obviously the shops are shut presently but they have done very well for me. Etsy has been fantastic this last year, since re opening my shop. Since having poor health, the craft fairs have been difficult. I only do a few a year now. I enjoy meeting the public and other stallholders holders, but physically it takes it's toll on me. I do miss the banter! (at Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLkzW6EF6pb/?igshid=1id4krn66dywu

#febcraftchallenge How I unwind After several health scares, we realised how difficult it would be for me to work in a conventional job. I've always crafted and hate being bored, so turning my crafting into a business was the way forward. Actually my business is how I unwind. Sitting at my table is where I feel the most calm. If I've not been to my craft table for a day or two (sorting the house, family etc), I really notice my BP rise and I have to slide away and do something, even if it's just to doodle! (at North Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLiRMHAlsQW/?igshid=1qak0ukb5zlf2

#febcraftchallenge A cause I craft for. My kids. These girls, these teenage, grumpy, pain in the bum kids are my life. I was told all my life that my ideas, the things I wanted to do, were silly and no good. It's taken me decades to have the confidence to do what I want to do. I teach my girls to follow their dreams and listen to their inner voice, because that's the voice that matters the most. (at North Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLfn6MSl4gq/?igshid=1wq1pqsz9sob4

#febcraftchallenge Something new New makes. Beautiful soft pine my OH cut before Christmas. Great quality wood I can just sand by hand without getting the electric sander out. Painted in Spring colours, awaiting the finishing touches x (at North Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLargaPlBpn/?igshid=3bonpsb85hou