Business in the Spotlight: A Treasured Something

                                          All about: A Treasured Something

Susan created  a small business called A Treasured Something. I spotted the gorgeous creations on Twitter and offered to do a blog post to showcase her business.

This is in Susan's words with some comments from me.

                                         Starting Out ....

Whilst I was at school I took Foundation Design and really enjoyed it. 

At the end of the school year, we were able to do exhibitions of our work and I put on one dedicated to The Teasle Family.  These were very much in during the early 1980s they were like little pompoms with a dress on and then a teasle head.  I then decided to make some stories with them and took photos on my old basic camera, had them developed at the chemist and put them in a book and wrote a little story about them living in my garden.  

I really enjoyed this and so did everyone who came to see my exhibition.

For many years then, art kind of fell by the wayside as work and gaining qualifications became more important. It wasn't really until about 10 years ago now that I started to pick it back up again, by looking into mixed media canvas paintings and decorating wine bottles and wine glasses.

                                                 My First Media Art Painting ....

I love this one so much because it reminds me 

of the sea with its wonderful colours and textures. 

I used a variety of mediums including broken 

jewellery, stamping and snow effects to give 

depth and texture to the painting.

It now hangs pride of place in my lounge to 

remind me of what I have achieved.

ME: I love the colours on this beautiful piece, it reminds me of the sea on a sunny day. 

Love the textures too, it's fabulous.

                

                              My Work Today .....

Over the past 10 years I have done a lot of different art and crafts, mainly for myself.  

                                     

One of the more unusual ones was making ornament goblets.

                                                                                

As a few of my friends were into Game of Thrones, I decided to get a few ordinary wine glasses and transform them into ornate Gothic style goblets.

ME: Aren't these fabulous? They really look the part. Such a great idea.

I enjoy diversifying into a variety of different mediums some have been pebble art, creating greeting cards and one of my loves at the moment is making miniature teddy bears and furry animals.  

As an artist and crafter I have found it very important to diversify in my work as it gives me ideals and inspiration.

 One of my favorite pieces has to be this little teddy bear and that is because I lost my little Pekingese in March this year and I popped some of her fur inside the teddy bear I had made so I could remember Hetty as she was my soul mate and will always be close to me.

ME: Such a wonderful idea, 

I am sure others would love something like this to remember a beloved pet and feel that they are still close. 

Susan's LINKS: 

ETSY: A Treasured Something

Ko-fi.com: A Treasured Something

Twitter: A Treasured Something

Facebook: A Treasured Something

Instagram: A Treasured Something

What do you think?

Did you enjoy this post about this lovely business? Do go and have a look, there are many beautiful pieces. Check out the social media pages. Why not follow to keep up to date with new products?

I love everything but especially the gorgeous Teddy bears, such glorious colours and so cute. They are not toys but fabulous collectables for adults to enjoy.

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Your business:

If you would like to have your business in the spotlight contact me. 

You need to write out why you started your business and what your inspiration is. Your first creation, your favourite piece and why. Add pictures and all links.

Its a Pay It Forward because starting out I had help from other crafters.

Business in the Spotlight: Lizbet Felt Creations

       Today's business in the spotlight is Lizbet Felt Creations

Usually I am given an idea of what to write with information supplied. Helen, the owner of this business has done all the hard work for me. She has done such a good job that I am leaving it all in her words.

Introducing Helen of Lizbet Felt Creations.

How it began

Needle felting was initially just a hobby for me. I loved art at school, but to my regret ,I didn’t carry on with it. If could go back in time, I’d go to art college. 

Over the years, I dabbled here and there, trying out different crafts in my spare

time, but nothing stuck. Then I bought a cheap needle felting kit and took to it immediately. The first thing I made was an apple, which is now sitting pride of place on my mum’s mantelpiece!

From dream to reality

I carried on experimenting. In 2020, after receiving some lovely comments about my work, I started thinking seriously about opening an Etsy shop, but I needed to work out the business side of things.

It was a dream come true when my Etsy shop eventually went live in November 2020 (yes, during lockdown). I felt nervous, but had the attitude that if it sells, it sells, if it doesn’t, it was worth trying. 

First Sale

The first creation I sold was a miniature penguin. I was sorry to see it go because it was a favourite of mine, but at the same time I was delighted to have made my first sale. I was so nervous wrapping the penguin up and preparing it for posting. What would the customer think? Thankfully I got great feedback, which boosted my confidence.

I’ve made many things since then, including lots of penguins.

I like to challenge myself. I have a list of things I want to make and am slowly working my way through it. Most recently I’ve ticked a cat off my list. 

I can’t pin down one favourite creation. Each new make becomes my favourite, but I can tell you the ones which stand out, and they include a hedgehog, a Herdwick sheep, and I loved a snowdrop and a fox I made so much, that I decided to keep them. I put a lot of myself into my work, so sometimes I do get attached.

One off creations

My work is unique. Many creations are one-offs, like the angels. Others are limited edition. Take the penguins I’ve made, even though some of them are done in the same style, their faces are all different, so when you buy something from me, know that no-one else has an identical piece. Needle felting is a slow art too, so I can’t make hundreds of the same item (not that I’d want to).

Now I have two shops, the original Etsy shop, plus a Crafter’s Market UK shop.

I opened the second shop because I wanted to be part of a site which was UK based. The Crafter’s Market UK shop is still a work-in-progress, but I am aiming to have that one for pictures, brooches, cards, plus one-off hanging decorations, whilst birds, animals and angels will all remain in my Etsy shop.

Loving the journey

2021 has been a learning curve, in terms of what I can make, social media and most recently, I’ve been looking into getting my work into local shops. 

I find needle felting relaxing. It’s the perfect way for me to express my creativity. It’s so exciting to start work on a blob of wool and to see what emerges. I love needle felting and I hope that comes across in my creations. 

Etsy: Welsh needle felting artist based in by LizbetFeltCreations (etsy.com)

Crafter’s Market UK: Lizbet Felt Creations (crafters.market)

Twitter: @lizbet_felt

Instagram: @lizbetfeltcreations

What do you think?

Did you enjoy the post? Have you checked out Helen's wonderful creations? Aren't they lovely, so cute and gorgeous!

Not looked yet? What are you waiting for? Click on those links and check them out.

Isn't it wonderful how a hobby and interest you really enjoy, can become a business you love.

Another post you might like: From Handmade Hobby to Business

Thank you for visiting and taking the time to read this post. See you again soon.

Money Making Crafts: Woodworking

 With so many people out of work because of business closures and less jobs available in the real world, it makes sense that so many are looking online. Whether looking for jobs, working for someone else, or wanting to start a business it seems that online, a hugely increasing market, is the place to be

Working from home

Being able to work from home has been shown to be pandemic proof, in the main. Some businesses suffered of course, the wedding and travel industry are the main ones that spring to mind. Those that only had one website that was totally invested in either of those would have lost their source of income virtually overnight.

Not a good place to be. The lesson there is to diversify.

Times are changing

Lots of big businesses have survived by moving online which meant a lot of job losses. Those that could work from home during lockdowns and restrictions found it was a better option. They felt safer, there was no commute and no office distractions. Another bonus was they got more done in less time, so had more family or leisure time.

Many do not want to go back into a busy office or work environment, neither do they want to be on crowded trains or buses on the commute to work.

Online businesses

These are on the increase but with over 4 billion online users there is plenty of room for all. Many crafters have upped their game and turned their hobbies into a business. Lots of others are looking at what they can do to create a viable business.

It doesn't need to cost much to start up, website provider/hosting, domain name etc. It can take time to build a business and there is more to learn about than you realise. 

You need to have good photographs from every angle with a good description. It's a good idea to have a blog on your website with articles on different aspects of your business or talking about what you make.

A good way to start off is advertising online via social media in your local area. It starts bringing in revenue quicker than waiting until your online presence has built.

What to make?

For this piece, I am going to start with woodwork. Why? Because if this is your forte there is such a variety of things you can create from large to small.

Let's start with a very popular item at the minute, a Mud Kitchen! Not heard of one? Nor me, until my granddaughter asked my husband to make one for our great-grandson's 1st birthday.

She gave him a picture for ideas and off he went.

The picture was before he added a top shelf and another underneath.

Now the reason for her asking was that so many she had seen were expensive. If they were a decent size, well made and looked good they were £300 upwards. Websites also charged extra for the accessories. 

We discovered some pound shops had stainless steel bowls for £1 and sets of wooden utensils for £1. They were just cut down to size for small hands. So it's worth looking offline as well as on for extras that you need.

You can do research and find out whatever else is popular at the minute.

More ideas

If you like making big stuff, there are sheds, log cabins as a garden room. Children's playhouses, benches, tables, desks, stools and so on. The list really is endless. 

Beds

My husband made some beds for the grandchildren. The first was a type of bunk bed over a desk though, rather than another bed. Camper van bunk beds that still look as good 10 years on. Very solid and sturdy unlike many you buy. 

He also made a toddler bed that looked like a digger. A four-poster single bed, with a pull-out bed underneath on castors.

Then of course you can make bed bases with storage underneath, either by lifting up or with drawers or cupboards underneath.

The list is endless once you start thinking. 

Shelves

Then there were shelves he made for a daughter's friends who saw the grandchildren's shelves. One person asked for a football pitch, another a sail boat and there were a few others too. 

So after making many for free, well not free to us of course, another daughter suggested he make a business of it. But this time make and sell them using eco board and eco paint.

He made a variety of children's shelves including a rainbow cloud, racing car, double decker bus, a castle, a fairy castle and a train and so many more.

They became popular, but it got too much after a while, with his full time working. So he stopped. 

You can make all sorts of shelves, not just novelty shelves, for all around the house.

Boxes

What about toy boxes or storage boxes? Be innovative and make sections to hold particular items. Paint them to match bedroom themes. Make big ones and small ones, perhaps even stackable for an office or craft room.

What about Pets?

You can make things for pets too. Kennels for dogs, hutches for rabbits and guinea pigs with or without a run, Hutches can of course be two storey to give more space to move around.

You can build aviaries for bird breeders.

Then there are beds. Cat beds and dog beds of all sizes too.

Be creative

Brainstorm ideas too. Look for something that no one or very few make. Get friends or family together and write down things that you would like to make. Then take those ideas and expand on them with 'What if's'.

What if something was a different shape? Try to be different.

If you are making to order, ensure you list the amount of time it will take to make an order up. Always take the money upfront for personalised or made-to-order items. If you have done the work you should be paid.

Conclusion

There is so much you can make from wood. If you enjoy woodworking then it's an ideal business. 

Working out costs and time is important. Don't make things for free because you feel guilty charging those you know. Once you make something free or at cost for someone they will not buy from you at full price.

Once you are a business treat it as a business, not a hobby. 

If you enjoyed the post, please comment to let me know and share for others to enjoy.

Thank you..

10 Most Popular Crafts in 2021

 

What are the most popular crafts? Any ideas?

Most people would come up with the things they enjoy doing. Why? Because they look for articles, websites, blogs and anything that is to do with what they enjoy.

We tend not to notice anything we aren't interested in. So obviously we don't ask those we know as this would probably be biased. 

Why are crafts popular again?

The interest in crafts seems to ebb and flow. In recent years, with people's lives becoming so busy, stuck on a treadmill of work, eat, sleep, hobbies didn't factor into many people's lives. 

What changed? 

The Pandemic! People were stuck at home. If they went out there were only food shops open. So of course people went online. They were bored, if they weren't working from home. Children were bored. So crafts amongst other things became more interesting. 

Hobbies became businesses

Some people discovered how much they really enjoyed their new hobbies and that others loved what they made. Before long new businesses sprung up online.

My granddaughter was one of those and her business, started last year, is going from strength to strength. Read HERE

What are the most popular crafts in 2021? 

Where do we go to find out? 

First Stop, Google

The obvious place to begin is Google. 

Results:

I had 2 choices. The most popular crafts and the most popular crafts to sell.

I selected the most popular crafts and all I got was the most popular crafts to sell. Hmmm. Clearly this is a popular question.

Searching again

This time I went for crafts trending in 2021.

So up came:

Crafts trends to look out for.

Craft trends to try in 2021.

The craft trends to watch.

And so on. Similar themes to go with.

It all depends which blog you look at as far as the order of crafts. Everyone looks at information and sees it from their own perspective.

My list

Resin: A very popular craft that seemed to really take off in 2021.

It was used mainly for jewellery at one time. Now there are keyrings, I had one in the letter of my name.

Trinket boxes, coasters, bowls, paperweights and I also saw an amazing wine bottle stand with holders for glasses too. Oh and a chess set and board that looked stunning, not to mention the brilliant paintings..

Starter kits are available, like this one: 

Orimath Epoxy Resin Crystal Clear Resin Kits for Beginners

Macrame: Now this made a comeback, I believe, because of the programme 'The Chateau'. The chatelaine,  Angel, a woman of many talents, made so many brilliant pieces for decoration in a variety of places, that inspired so many to try it for themselves.

Knitting: This has always stayed fairly popular but has had an increase in popularity in recent years.

There are so many wonderful things you can make with knitting. In the news recently is an elderly lady of 92, who has made many magnificent pieces with knitting. The latest is of the Sandringham Estate, the Queen's residence in Norfolk, where it is now on display. 

I suspect this wonderful lady has inspired many knitters. 

Crochet: This too has remained popular, with the usual ebb and flow of crafts. It too has had a resurgence of interest over the pandemic. It is easy to do and you can make things like blankets and scarves without requiring a pattern. 

I loved crochet and used to make up my own patterns. 

Candle making: A popular craft over the pandemic. Why? It's fun to do and you have something you can use at the end of it.

There are kits to try to see whether you like it before buying more, like the one shown here: 

Candle Making Kit

There are different types of wax: The usual paraffin wax. Soya wax, very eco friendly and much less carcinogenic and bees wax, another natural and eco friendly wax.

When made they make lovely gifts.

Baking: I have included this as it seems many people have become interested in cooking again and not just meals but actual baking too. Stunning cupcakes, cookies and cake designs that are so beautiful it seems wrong to eat them.

Programmes such as Bake Off had inspired some but the Pandemic seemed to bring out the srtistic flir in many.

 Pottery: Interest in pottery increased a lot in 2020 thanks to The Great Pottery Throwdown.

It's an interesting craft and very therapeutic. I had a couple of sessions that were a gift. It was interesting, fun and very calming shaping the clay onthe wheel. 

The pottery kit shown is for creating by hand without a pottery wheel. Its a good idea to find someone who gives lessons or does taster sessions, in your local area before buying expensive equipment.

The kit is called:

Pott'd Home Air-Dry Clay Pottery Kit for Beginners.

Sewing: Sewing has become popular because of the Great British Sewing Bee on television. Seeing how its done and the end results is inspiring and encouraging. Plus many have no idea what a variety of things you can make when you sew.

I did a blog about a man starting a sewing business. Read it HERE!

Painting: With time on their hands more people were exploring their love of art. Taking lessons online, getting outdoors with easel and paints as well as exploring the different mediums of acrylic, oil and watercolour.

Painting can be very absorbing and enjoyable, hours can pass by in a flash. I have often heard people say they cant draw or paint. It doesn't have to be perfect or even recognisable as anything, you just have to enjoy it.

Embroidery: Such a beautiful craft this is.

Embroidering pictures onto hoops is a very popular pastime.

The finished pictures make lovely gifts.

Of course embroidery is used on clothing, tablecloths, 

runners, chair backs and so much more.

It can be very absorbing and interesting to watch the picture emerge.

There are a variety of embroidery kits available

 includng this one:

4 Sets Embroidery Starter Kit

Starter kits are a good way to try a new craft.

I think 

that crafts are fun, enjoyable, they help with focus and we learn as we go. Learning anything new is very good to keep our brain sharp. The saying 'use it or lose it' is as true for our brain as for our bodies. It is important to keep both active.

It's really enjoyable spending time crafting and great fun trying out different crafts. It's also good to gain more skills and to have wider interests. 

It can help you to connect to other people who have similar interests. I have always found crafters to be a friendly bunch in the main.Ready to offer help and advice too when needed. It's a good commnity to be part of.

Are you a crafter or thinking of trying out a craft?

What is your favourite craft?

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Thank you for visiting, please come back soon.

From Handmade Hobby to Business

We have seen many new businesses start up during last year, especially online.

Some out of boredom and some from a need to earn money as jobs were lost and workplaces closed during the restriction tiers and lockdowns. 

Many people who were already selling odd items they made, more as a hobby, really stepped up their game and turned that hobby into a business.

Some began to discover crafts as something to do, some realising there was time now to have a go at that craft they always wanted to do. Still others were trying different things until they found one they really enjoyed. More rediscovered a love of creating because suddenly there was time in abundance. 

Popular Crafts

There are many old favourites that people have gone back to, such as knitting and crochet. Also many newer crafts and craft mediums that have appeared over the last few years.

I intend to do a series of blogs about the different crafts and where you can get kits to try and plans to make things etc. After all you don't want to buy everything in bulk and then realise you don't like it.

Some crafts use basic tools that many already have, like power tools for woodwork.

Many learnt basic woodworking form school and others learnt from parents/grandparents etc. Grandparents were often a good source of knowledge about many crafts and passed this on to the young ones if they were interested. 

Now though new crafts with different materials available spring up and really capture the imagination.

I am loving the resin creations that have popped up. So many innovative ideas and created with such gorgeous colours.

Learning Crafts

Crafts are not everyone's cup of tea of course but creating things by hand has had a major revival in recent years as it can be a big help with mental health.

My daughters learnt various skills from us. One was more interested in woodworking and other practical skills than the other. They both learnt knitting/crochet/baking and sewing which for a time when they were young seemed to be skills that were dying out.

I learnt knitting and crochet mainly from my grandmother, baking from my mother and school. Sewing was not something I enjoyed but the basics and more were instilled at school.

Nowadays, of course, you can learn just about anything from YouTube from basic skills to more advanced as well as from various blogs.

Getting the Basics!

Ask around to find out if anyone you know has a few basics you can try with. If you have shops open (Not shut due to Covid-19) its worth checking out charity shops. They occasionally get a variety of unused craft kits that were unwanted gifts. They often sell balls of wool too, if you are using yarn.

This time of year they get lots of unwanted items or even items passed on as people clear cupboards to find space for the new gifts.

A lot of people are decluttering now because they have time on their hands. 

Craft kits are a less expensive way of getting started too. See Candle making and Embroidery

Getting started

Many start selling from a Facebook business page. These are easy to set up and you can ask people you know to come and like your page to get you started.

Costs are minimal online. Opening free business pages etc. 

Open a shop on a selling platform such as Etsy. 

You have to list your items by writing descriptions of each one and adding photographs from every angle. 

There are tuition videos to help you and YouTube has videos by successful sellers to help also.

The first few listings will take the most time as you get used to what is required it will get easier.

My Etsy shop is Uniquely Your Word Art if you want to take a look.

There are other selling platforms too.  I started out selling on Folksy, a UK based platform and I also have a shop on Not On The Highstreet.

Do some research and find the best one for you. I have been on new platforms, only 2-3 years old but selling is harder as they aren't as established as the older ones. 

I have been on newer ones and despite working hard to market my shop, rarely sold anything. 

Try a more established one to start with.

Website:

You can build yourself a website, quite easy on most platforms, with the drag and drop set up most have. There are many platforms where you can start off on the free version to see how you get on.

WordPress takes more time to learn and build but it's another option.

Take the step!

Now it's the time for you to keep

learning alot as you take the leap.

Just follow your dreams

its not as hard as it seems

its never really all done

but it makes life more fun.

The step that you take first

feels scary and is the worst.

So jump in, don't look back

else you might give yourself the sack.

If you don't try you'll never know

if that business would start to grow.

You're not too old or too young

just don't leave your song unsung!!

What do you think?

Many start their business alongside their job. In these trying times, many of you have lost your job and are looking for alternative ways to earn a living.

Nobody is happy about the Pandemic, lives have been lost and jobs have vanished. 

But many have reconnected with family and got to know their local community because they aren't on the treadmill of work long hours, eat, sleep and repeat. 

Others have found a new direction in life online, Facebook pages sprung up to help local areas to help each other by exchanging goods and belongings. 

Still more took up hobbies at the beginning, or expanded the hobbies they had. Then as the restrictions continued turned them into businesses. Often, as much for something to do, as to earn money.

If you always fancied an online business, there has never been a better time!

A few links with more information:

How to create an online Bussiness 

How to start a Profitable Website

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Questions and comments welcome.

The Benefits of Hobbies

What are the Benefits of Hobbies?

With so much going on in the outside world with the Covid-19 virus continuing its spread across the world we all need distractions. If you are furloughed from your job, isolating, lost your job or at home for a myriad of reasons, it is natural for thoughts to turn to hobbies. 

Maybe until now you haven't had time for a hobby, stuck in the routine of work, sleep, eat, repeat.
The thing is hobbies can be so much more that just an interest to while away a bit of time.

Hobbies have proven to be very beneficial to people in general. They give you time to relax and to do things that you enjoy doing. Having a specific hobby has also helped many people to make new friends, keep the brain sharp, and even make money in some cases.
They are also excellent for mental health, keeping the focus on something outside yourself. They can be very absorbing once you find the right one.

Hobbies That Sharpen the Mind

Some hobbies are better than others to make you problem solve and to think. These are especially important as you age. Some hobbies that are best for keeping your brain sharp include:

•  Puzzles, crossword puzzles and brain teasers
• Reading
  
  
•  Learning how to draw and paint
•  Learning how to play a musical instrument
•  Playing chess
•  Learning a new language
•  Participating in trivia games
• Online brain training games
• Card games like bridge and solitaire
• Jigsaw Puzzles
• Games that make you work things out
• Designng
• Graphic Designing

Hobbies for Kids and Families

Certain hobbies are perfect for you to do with your family. Making models together can be fun as well as frustrating. 
Hobbies that are best in ensuring you have a strong relationship with your loved ones include:

•  Making model planes and trains
•  Building with Lego
• Jigsaw puzzles
•  Magic tricks
•  Kite flying
•  Going to zoos
•  Playing with remote control cars
•  Swimming and playing in pools
• 
  

Hobbies for Outdoor People

It’s important to get out and get some exercise. 

Certain hobbies can help you to do that. Getting yourself outdoors can be very relaxing as you will see the beautiful scenery that surrounds you every day that you just don’t seem to have time to notice. For the adventurous, some of the key hobbies to help you get the needed exercise and relaxation include:

• Fishing
• Running, biking, or walking through parks, neighborhoods, or mountains
• Playing baseball, softball, or volleyball
• Swimming
• Traveling around the world
• Bird watching
• Climbing
• Jet Skiing
• Surfing
• Kite Surfing
• Hot air ballooning

Hobbies That Help You to Earn Money

Hobbies don’t just have to be something you do for enjoyment. 

Besides providing you with needed relaxation, there are a large variety of hobbies that provide you with money if you know how to advertise it right. Some of the most popular hobbies that provide people with the opportunity to earn money include:

• Knitting
• Crochet
• Felting
• Painting
• Jewellery making
•  Photography
•  Blogging and writing
•  Craft making like cards, candles, and soaps
•  Baking
•  Graphic design
•  Carpentry/woodworking

Hobbies for Collectors

Collecting objects that you find fascinating or that mean a lot to you brings you a sense of peace and relaxation. Having a set of something that is solely your own and something you worked hard to get brings a sense of joy to a person. Some hobbies that give that to you include, but are not limited to, collecting:

• Books
• Spoons
• Coins
• Vintage or unique toys
• Sports memorabilia

Hobbies for the Crafter

Craft hobbies are very popular and provide a variety of benefits. 

Crafts bring a sense of relaxation and calmness to a person. With some crafts, it has been shown to increase their confidence. Some crafts that help people to do that include:

•  Baking
•  Painting
•  Sewing
•  Crocheting
•  Knitting
•  Scrapbooking
•  Needle point
•  Quilting

Hobbies for Stress Relief

Everyday life can be very stressful. Having a hobby to fall back on when things get hard and stressful is key to enjoying life. Some hobbies that provide stress relief include most of the above as well as:

•  Yoga
•  Meditation

So many Benefits

Hobbies provide people with so many benefits, and change us for the better. It’s important for humans to have something special we can do separately from our everyday, busy lives. It's also good to have something absorbing and enjoyable to do in these trying times.

So what’s your favorite hobby?

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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.



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

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Questions and comments welcome.