Introduce yourself, who are you and what do you create that is a bespoke keepsake?
I've just turned 30 and given birth to my 3rd daughter who is now coming up to 7 months old, my older girls are 9 and almost 13! Yes I know big age gap! I make jointed bears from material supplied by the customer usually outgrown baby items but anything can be used really. I am also in the process of bringing out a range of dolls that can be fully customised, currently I am in the process of obtaining a CE mark so my dolls will be 100% safe for children. All items can be personalised with hand embroidered names and dates or any other wording free of charge.
How and when did you start creating what you do?
After having worked full time most of my daughters lives I decided as this was my last child I would spend as much time as possible with her and considered taking an extra 6 months maternity leave. Not knowing where we would get some extra income from I stumbled upon sewing (making blackout curtains for the baby). I have always been a bit crafty and my main job was deputy manager of a day centre for Mencap, I also held a position with Bupa as events/activities organiser. Anyway I found I had an ability to sew that I never realised was there (must of been in my genes my Nanny was a machinist). I also had all these beautiful baby clothes so started to alter them, I made a lovely dress from a baby vest/onesie and an old tshirt and was shocked at the result (must make another soon). Then I remembered a friend saying she was having a rabbit or something made from her baby clothes and I thought instantly I could do that, so I did!
What is your favourite thing about making keepsakes?
Peoples reactions when they see their bears I actually had a customer cry she was so pleased.
Are you planning to introduce any new products to your range?
I have a few patterns that are sitting in a drawer that keep calling me one of them being a lamb. I'm also thinking of introducing some kind of personalised bunting but I'm keeping that under my hat for now.
Do you have an online shop/Facebook page/Etsy shop? Where do you think most of your sales are generated?
You can find me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/mrshmakesdollsandbears Its still early days for me but will be looking to have a website and also selling on maybe folksy or etsy.
Finally, if you have any special offers or incentives please share them with us.
At the moment my bears are at an introductory price of £25 each or 2 for £45 and 3 for £60 plus p&p
