Meet the Maker - Maria Made It

Here we have another quick interview, this time with keepsake artist and jeweller Maria Bateson of Maria Made It. 

How did you decide on your business name?

I was making things for friends and they kept saying "Maria made it" it seemed to work!

What year did you establish your business? 

I started making things as presents when my son was little and I was living in Ukraine. I started my business when I returned to the UK in 2013.

What led you to create your business? 

I wanted something to do whilst my son was napping, it was -30 outside so needed to be an indoor activity. I didn't speak any Russian so buying clothes and jewellery was tricky and I had a number of friends who wanted to be able to choose colours etc. I did a mini prints course at the London jewellery school last June and my fine silver work just grew itself from there.

Is there one item that you’ve created which is more memorable than others?

Probably the cufflinks I made for my husband with our children's prints on. They were some of the first cufflinks I made and he loves them.

What’s your most expensive item? 

Cufflinks with hand/footprints on £110

What’s your most affordable item? 

I have fine silver charms starting from £10, with fingerprints from £20 and hand/footprints from £40

What are your plans for your business this coming year? 

I am doing a new course in the next few weeks, hopefully I will have some news after that but I don't want to say too much in case it doesn't happen. I also have lots of ideas for new products and collaborations etc. I am also hoping or have a stand at a big local event.

...and the fun questions!

What is your dream holiday destination? 

I'd love to go back to NZ and I'd love to take my children on safari but I would be happy anywhere as long as my family are there with me.

If you could take a celebrity on holiday with you who would you choose & why? 

Miranda hart (going to see her on Friday night...)

Bikini or swimsuit? Tankini to cover my mummy tummy.

Relax by the pool or explore the area ? Explore always.

What’s your favourite flavour of icecream? 

Our local Italian does panna cotta ice cream yum, but I usually have to share with my daughter so am getting less and less....

One thing you couldn’t live without on holiday? Camera.

If you want to find out more about Maria Made it, please visit the Facebook Page

Meet the Maker - Cobweb Creations

We spoke to Clair Craig from Cobweb Creations about her business selling personalised wooden keepsakes and gifts.

How did you decide on your business name? 

The business name came from a tiny heart shaped cobweb that I found while clearing out my very messy bits and bobs box

What year did you establish your business? January 2013. I am self-employed and Cobweb is my main job.

What led you to create your business? 

Ill-health meant giving up the day job and I had always made painted or sewn gifts for family and they encouraged me to get started, needless to say I am loving every minute, working from home. 

Is there one item that you’ve created which is more memorable than others?

The memorable creation is the hanging heart - My family is tied together with heartstrings. A heart shaped plaque with mini hearts round the edge, all joined together with string and family's names on each heart. It came from knowing what a supportive and loving family I have.

What’s your most expensive item? 

The most expensive item would be a set of wedding table display made to colour co-ordinate with wedding theme.

And now some quick-fire questions...

What was your new year resolution? 

New Year's resolution was to be positive and laugh loads.

What is your dream holiday destination? Lanzarote

What’s your favourite cake? Chocolate cake

What’s your favourite flavour of crisps? Sweet chilli crisps

What was the last film you went to watch at the cinema?

Haven't been to the cinema for over 20 years, prefer to watch a dvd in the comfort of my snuggle sofa.

What’s your favourite time of year? Summer

How do you like to unwind? I unwind by spending time with my lovely grown up daughters and especially my granddaughter.

If you want to see more work by Cobweb Creations you can visit the Facebook Page