Make celebrations extra special with Lorna Kyle's unique cards
I am delighted to be featuring Ealing’s designer Lorna Kyle on the blog. Read on to find out more about her journey and how her creative business has evolved and where you can find her art work and cards.
When did you start making cards?
I’ve always been ‘arty’ and love making things but the card making started when my four children were at primary school. They were always off to lots of parties and whereas I remembered to buy the presents for the parties, I always forgot to buy the cards, so I started drawing and making my own. School mums began to approach me saying that they would like buy them, so I rented a table at the school Christmas Fair, filled it with cards in little baskets and sold out.
How did it turn into a business?
Boosted by my early success, I approached other local schools and sold at their summer and Christmas Fairs. From there I moved onto small local Craft Fairs and then larger regional ones. It really was a brick by brick building process, for my own confidence as well as for building up the range of cards that I wanted to make. Nearly 18 years on now, I’ve sold all over London including Covent Garden and Carnaby Street.
How did it evolve?
It was never my intention to sell wholesale to shops so for many years customers could only find me at Craft Fairs and would bulk buy from me there. I’ve built up a very loyal following and I sell at some wonderful Craft Fairs, but for a small business to survive, you have to keep open to all possibilities. A few years ago I launched a website showcasing some of my cards and growing artwork and that has proved invaluable.
My greatest opportunity arose about four years ago when I was approached by Catherine Hansla to sell in a new Craft and Gift shop in Ealing called ‘All Original’. Designer/Makers rented shelves by the month and therefore could charge their own prices for their work and no commission would be taken by the shop. This has been a fantastic venture for me and my sales have gone from strength to strength. I have a double shelf display, one for my cards and one for my eclectic artwork. The shop changed hands at the beginning of 2017, Jane and Steve West are the new owners and it continues to thrive and grow.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I don’t look to other card designers. Ideas have never been a problem for me and walking into a good haberdashery shop (increasingly hard to find though) gives me enough ideas for ages!
What's the most useful advice you have had?
Keep ‘stepping away’ from your product and view it through your customers’ eyes. Research your market, look for ‘gaps’ and don’t keep making the same old stuff. Keep your work fresh and up to date.
Which has been your most successful card design?
One of my best selling designs has been my 'Dresses'. I hand cut each of these and although it is labour intensive, I just build it into my working day. The Liberty Tana Lawn fabric ones are always the first to sell out.
What do you love about Ealing?
Although I was born in North London, I have lived all my married life in Ealing. My children were born and schooled in the borough so I have first hand experience of all the lovely parks and leisure activities.  The Summer is wonderful in the borough with all the Festivals that happen here. We have already booked our tickets for the fabulous Comedy Festival.
Of course I love All Original for shopping! Over 30 designers rent shelf space now and wonderful products are always on display.
My husband and I enjoy eating out in Ealing and visiting all the super coffee shops. We are spoilt for choice as to where to grab a flat white and while away an hour or two. We are fans of Artisan, The Moon and Maybe and Electric Coffee to name a few.
What is your favourite thing to do for some 'me time'
I love popping into town and just walking around London especially now that I have joined Instagram and I love snapping away. Also I’m a big fan of rummaging in charity shops. I like to think that I always find a bargain although my husband might disagree!
See Lorna’s work at:
All Original, 20 The Green, Ealing W5
The Avenue Vintage Market, West Ealing on the last Saturday of every month
Her website
Various Craft Fairs throughout the yearÂ
Follow Lorna on:
Instagram  Facebook  Twitter
 Love,
The Ealing Insider
xoxox
