Crocheting is a hobby that many people enjoy, however the standard patterns sometimes just don’t fit every body type. If you love crocheting, but are frustrated with finished products that just don’t fit you the right way, it may be time to sign up for a crocheting course that teaches you how to use crochet plus size patterns. Online courses are readily available to provide you with the tools to start making crocheted garments that fit like a glove.

Making your own garments using crochet techniques is one of the best ways to make cozy clothes that have a unique and handmade flair. Instead of spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on perfectly tailored sweaters this season, you can now make your own using simple materials like a crochet hook and yarn. Not only will the clothes look great, they will also flatter your shape because the clothes were made with your measurements.

One of the biggest benefits of taking an online course that teaches you how to use plus size patterns is that you don’t even have to leave your house to get the instruction you need. With as little as 30 minutes a day, you can learn invaluable skills like how to make a duck tape dress form and creating the perfect neckline for your shape. The time and money commitment for an online crochet course is minimal, and you’ll get the tips and tricks you need to create a variety of amazing products.

Another great benefit of an online course that teaches you how to use crochet plus size patterns is that most times, once you sign up for the course, you are registered to access the material at any time you want, for as long as you want. This means that if you forget how to shape a garment to your waist and hips, or you need a little bit of a refresher on how to take the correct measurements for your body, you can simply watch the parts of the online course that will give you the information you need.

Instead of being frustrated about patterns not working for your body type, it’s time to do something and find a solution that works for you. By using luxurious yarns, you can make clothes that look like they are just off the hanger at some fancy boutique store. How-to videos for crocheting plus size patterns will walk you through the steps to creating beautiful garments each and every time you crochet, eliminating the disappointment of an unwearable finished product.

If you’re not ready to give up on crocheting just because many of the patterns don’t fit your curvy figure, try something new and fun by signing up for a course teaching you how to crochet with plus size patterns. You’ll learn how to take measurements, create a dress form, choose the right patterns for you, shape the garments to your measurements and much more. Expert crocheters can give you the advice you need to create garments that will make you look and feel like a million bucks, so click here to check out Curvy Crochet today.

For today’s interview, please welcome Fiona from The Royal Hotel.

1.       Firstly, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about where you are based, for example in which country and part of that country? Hi, my name is Fiona and together with my husband Tim we run a small hotel in Bridlington in East Yorkshire, UK. I have been interested in all crafts from being a young child but my favourites are sewing and knitting.  I have had a sewing machine of my own since I was around 12 years old and during that time I have made many items of clothing, curtains and soft furnishings.  A couple of years ago my mother insisted on buying me a new machine  – a Janome MC11000. It came with a quilting kit, so I decided that was something I must try. I bought a book on patchwork and made my first quilt – and that was it, I was hooked! I now attend a group with meets once a month for a different project each time.

2.       Please tell us a little about the nature of your craft/design based business. We run patchwork & quilting retreats and workshops and of course we are available for groups who wish to organise their own thing too.

3.       How did the idea for your business come about?  As our hotel is situated beside the sea, we are much busier in the summer months than the winter. We learnt very early on that we needed to bring trade to the town to provide work for our staff out of season. We both dance (ballroom & sequence) and we have a great dance floor, so naturally we offered dancing holidays. My husband grew up with Susan Briscoe (his mum is her godmother) who is a well known quiltmaker, author & teacher. Susan had asked us a couple of time to think about holding a retreat here at The Royal Bridlington.   We arranged two one day workshops and two three night retreats, one on patchwork and one Sashiko. They proved to be a great sucess and the rest is history.

4.       How long now have you been established? We have owned the Royal Bridlington for six years now and have offered patchwork & quilting workshops for the last two.

5.       How do you decide what to make, and how do you come up with your great ideas? When we had Susan Briscoe  and the Sashiko retreat a lady called Lilan Hedley attended. Lilian ia a quilter in her own right and specialised in North Country or Durham quilting (hand). Lilan actually rang us and asked if she & I could arrange to hold a course here for her. We did and the date sold out almost immediately. We now have alternative dates for this in Feb 2012. When I visited Harrogate Quilt show this year I made several contacts with other well know quilters and have already arranged two back to back workshops with Dawn Cameron-Dick in April 2012.
Ferret, will be teaching here October 26th. She has just won a first prize at The World Quilt Show in the USA plus prizes at most of the UK quilt shows.

As to how I decide what we should put on – well I just simply listen to what my guests and friends tell me they want to learn or are intested in, or I pick whatever I think would be best for the ladies concerned (including myself-LOL)

6.      Do you undertake your business on a full-time basis or do you have other work/family commitments? We run the Royal Bridlington, DaisyChain Holiday which is self catering & Yorkshire Coast Golf full time – well more than full time really with a team of hardworking dedicated staff.

7.       Tell us a little about your typical day and what is involved in running the business? We get up around 7.15, Tim prepares breakfast & later one of the chefs comes in for service too. Meanwhile I prepare fresh fruit, toast, tea and coffee for the service. We serve from 8.15 to 9.15. then deal with departing guests at reception. The clean up then commences. The kitchen, restaurant, bedrooms all need sorting then the  laundry & ironing, the phone and door bell gnerall goes continually throught too. 2pm and new guests start checking in.

We probably have not yet had chance for something to eat yet, so we try and get some food inbetween arrivals. Marketing, accounts, paperwork all needs to be done inbetween, then the Bar opens 5pm then dinner is 6pm.   We are usually found serving in the bar or helping in the kitchen. After dinner the usual clear down and prep for breakfast. The rest of the evening is spent serving in the bar, answering the phone, menu planning & placing food orders. If we are lucky we might get to bed around midnight.

We do the same most days, Friday is the exception – we have the holiday bungalows to service too. If we have a patchwork workshop or retreat on then I usually join in the class and catch up with my duties in the evening.

8.       What advice would you give to others who are considering running a craft based business? Can’t really answer that one! Regarding running a hotel – well make sure you have the experience to do it and know what is involved first. If you think it will give you time to be together with your family, you are sadly mistaken! It is very hard work with very long hours and sometimes very difficult guests.

9.       As this is Art of Crafts I have to ask, do you enjoy any crafts yourself in your spare time? If so, please tell us more. As I said I love sewing, patchwork, quilting & knitting. Sometimes a bit of embroidery or cross stitch too.  My Dad used to be into leather work and made the most amazing carved belts and handbags. I have all the tools, so perhaps one day I might have a go too. I have also had a couple of knitting machines in the past too.

10.   Finally, if people want to learn more about your business/website do you have a web address, Facebook page or Twitter profile where they can find out more ? Details of our patchwork and quilting workshops and retreats can be found on our website -  The Royal Hotel Bridlington
Facebook – Royal Bridlington
Or twitter – Royalhotelbrid
www.DaisyChainholidays.co.uk  – self catering
www.yorkshirecoastgolf.co.uk for great value golf and accommodation packages

For today’s interview, please welcome Clairabella.

1.       Firstly, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about where you are based, for example in which country and part of that country?  Hi, we are Clairabella!  Clairabella is a small independent gift shop in the centre of High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, UK.  Claire is “the boss”, then there is Priti and Gemma in the shop, and Kat who is the Craft and Event Co-ordinator.

2.       Please tell us a little about the nature of your craft/design based business.  Clairabella opened its doors back in October 2009 and wanted to support local crafters, alongside selling a vast range of fair-trade gifts and UK made.  We started with about 10 crafters, growing to 60 last September.  We now have over 200 crafters who we work with, in the shop, at events we attend or at our own Clairabella Craft Markets.

3.       How did the idea for your business come about? It started with an “I’ve had an idea” moment, which is quite a regular thing at Clairabella, and it has evolved naturally really.  Once the doors were open the crafters came forward and it was incredible to meet all these local people who made amazing things.  It became clear we couldn’t fit everyone into the shop, and after attending events ourselves we decided (another “I’ve had an idea moment!) that it would be a great addition to High Wycombe to have their own craft markets – so we started them!

In the shop we now have upwards of 55 crafters selling their wares, and long term we aim to get more UK made crafts onto our website too.   The Clairabella Craft Markets started with just 6 tables, now we fill 15-18 regularly (about 20-25 crafters) and next months Birthday Craft Market on the 15th October is set to be our biggest to date with over 25 tables booked – about 35-40 crafters so far and with space to fill more just been granted!

4.       How long now have you been established? Clairabella Ltd has been trading for over 2 years now in White Hart Street, High Wycombe.  The website is nearly 18months old and the Craft Markets are heading for their first birthday.  October 15th wass our Birthday Craft Market, celebrating 2 years as a company and the 1st birthday for the Craft Markets.

5.       How do you decide what to make, and how do you come up with your great ideas?  We don’t make – we have the amazingly talented people of High Wycombe and nearby to do that for us.  We love to meet new crafters and no 2 ideas are quite the same, over the past year we’ve been very surprised by some of the ideas presented to us!!  With the shop, we listen to what our customers are looking for and we work closely with our crafters to develop ideas, suggesting things we have been asked for and meeting with them to see their new creations.  If a customer asks us for something, chances are we have someone who can make it!  We have a very simple rule of thumb with all our crafters – if you make it, we’d love to see it.

6.      Do you undertake your business on a full-time basis or do you have other work/family commitments? We work as a close team. Running any business, especially a new one, is hard work and we are lucky that as a team we all have our own strengths which has helped push the business forward.  Gemma and Priti both work part time in the shop around their other commitments and we do now have a Craft and Event Co-ordinator who oversees the craft side of things. It is still very much a team effort. We all have our own commitments away from Clairabella, but we all have a passion for the shop and the craft markets, and you’ll often get a text from one of us saying we’ve seen something in a shop, or at another market which “would be PERFECT” for Clairabella or emails bouncing back and forth late at night as we have another of the dreaded “I’ve had an idea” moments!

7.       Tell us a little about your typical day and what is involved in running the business? This is difficult! For the Craft and Event co-ordinator there are emails to reply to, days when she gets to meet with all the new crafters interested in the markets or the shop, adverts to plan, events to create on forums and facebook to update, blogs to write, new stock to take delivery of and or course Craft Market days are spent at the event with the crafters, helping out and talking to the public.

The team in the shop alongside serving the customers, they hand out leaflets, take details of new crafters and help promote the website and the markets by talking to the customer, and dealing with orders. Our boss has the job of making sure we’re all doing our bits right (along with boring boss bits like paperwork!), as well as having great fun sourcing new contacts and then emailing us to warn us that our inbox is about to fill up again!  Every day is different….there really is no set pattern to our days, but thats actually the best bit about running a shop and organising events!

8.       What advice would you give to others who are considering running a craft based business?  Advertise yourself, join online forums and meet other crafters or people in the same area as you.  You can learn so much from talking to others, sharing information and we have found that the craft world is one of the friendliest places, with people genuinely happy to share information and work together.

9.       As this is Art of Crafts I have to ask, do you enjoy any crafts yourself in your spare time? If so, please tell us more. As a team (although we’re not admitting who does which!) we enjoy painting, jewellery design, glass painting, wood turning and carving, and the 5yr old daughter of one of our team has got into soap, bath bomb and candle making and comes along to Craft Markets with her grandmother.

10.   Finally, if people want to learn more about your business/website do you have a web address, Facebook page or Twitter profile where they can find out more ? You can find us on facebook – Clairabella Ltd.  We also have a website – www.clairabella.co.uk and you can email us on craft@clairabella.co.uk for further information!

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Craftseller has been running for just over 6 months now, and I have to say that in my opinion it is one of the best craft based magazines around.

Each month it includes a whole range of craft projects to try out, but furthermore, for anyone who wants to sell their crafts, either on a small or large scale, it offers a whole array of great advice and information on craft items, marketing and where and how to sell.

It is a UK based magazine but does ship worldwide, and for those overseas the benefits are just as great, as the information it provides will work wherever you are based and it will also potentially bring you some fresh projects to try out.

Here are 5 of the Benefits That the Magazine Has Brought to Me:

Projects & Patterns: Each month there is an array of projects to try that you can also use to add to your stock of items to sell. These are in a range of disciplines including sewing, crochet, knitting, scrapbooking, baking etc

Where & How To Sell: All the major online craft marketplaces are covered as well as selling on your own website and at craft fairs. There are lots of great tips included from people who are already very successfully selling their handmade items.

Marketing: These articles are all about attracting visitors by creating your USP (unique selling point), branding and spreading the word and building a following through places like Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest.

Real People: It is always motivating to see other people’s online shops, blogs, craft fair stands and to read diaries of craft sellers of all different kinds.

A Great Read: Above all if you love crafting of any kind, it is just such a great read. I have a subscription and I just can’t wait until the next issue pops through my letterbox. With a free gift each month, giveaways and a whole array of articles from craft courses to crafting for charity, it really is going to keep you busy for a long while and furthermore will help take your craft selling to the next level.

Every crafter loves making things they can wear to show off their individuality and personality where ever they go, and one of the most striking ways to do this is to create a T-shirt that lets the whole world see your designs.

There are many, many ways to customise a T-shirt from getting out the needle and thread right through to tie-dying.  This guide however is about ways to print T-shirts with your own images and designs.

Selecting a T-Shirt

Most T-shirt printers agree that cotton shirts work best, the thicker the better as that gives more substance to absorb inks.  However cotton is not essential and you should be able to get good results from whichever style of shirt you prefer.

Selecting the paints

The kinds of paints you choose really depend on the effect you’re hoping to achieve.  The best results can probably be achieved using screen printing inks however they do come with some drawbacks.  Screen printing inks are very thick and are really only suited to stencilling so if you wanted to paint your t shirt with a brush they might not be for you.  Screen printing inks are also a little harder to find and may need a trip to a specialist shop or online.

For many beginners the go to choice is probably fabric paints, as these are easy to work with and fairly easy to find, however your results will not be as bold and professional looking than if you had used screen printing inks.

A final option is to use fabric pens or even permanent markers, the ink from these pens is long lasting and creating the shirts is really easy, however the designs are unlikely to jump out of the shirt and the results are likely to appear homemade.

Preparing the shirt

T-shirt printers who sell the shirts normally prefer not to prewash a shirt as they feel it takes away the new feel of the shirt, however if the shirt is just for you consider washing it first as the shirt may shrink a little and this could affect your design.

You should defiantly iron the area you plan to put a design on as any wrinkles that happened to be in the shirt as you created it will end up there forever after you introduce paint.

Creating the design

This bit is really where your creativity takes over some things to bear in mind though:

• The paint really doesn’t need to be particularly thick
• If you’re using screen printing inks you will get best results using a stencil and applying the ink with a squeegee.  As with all stencilling work out which colours need to be on top of others and paint them one at a time allowing the layers underneath to dry first.

Setting the design

To make sure the paint or ink doesn’t simply wash out you need to set the design.  To do this let the paint dry completely and then place some baking paper over the design and iron it with a very hot iron.  It is important to iron every area of the design for three to four minutes, as the iron is very hot ensure you keep the iron moving so as not to burn the T-Shirt.  Make sure your iron does not use steam.  Once the design is set your T-shirt should be fine to wash and wear as you would any other T-shirt.

The easy alternative

If you have a particularly complicated design in mind one solution could be to create it on paper or whatever medium you are most comfortable with, take a photograph of your design and then find a company that prints Personalised T-Shirts. Although this perhaps takes some of the individuality out of your designs it simplifies the whole process and can leave you with long lasting designs that are sure to stand out.

Taking it further

If you get into T-shirt printing there are a whole range of tools to improve your results, screens to use in screen printing and heat presses are used to create most commercially available printed T-Shirts.

Vintage is definitely in, there is no denying that. Shops and boutiques are popping up everywhere advertising retro clothes, vintage jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces. The vintage trend is here to stay, but finding these pieces at boutiques doesn’t have to be the only way that you can rock the trend. Making your own vintage dresses is now easier than ever with patterns for vintage dresses and how-to videos for making vintage pieces.

If you have a little bit of sewing experience and love the style and look of vintage dresses, making your own pieces should be a no brainer. You can save money, exercise your creativity, and also get the exact look that you want with your own handmade dresses. How-to videos can show you just how to cut, adjust, stitch and add the finishing touches to your very own vintage dresses.

One of the major benefits of learning how to create vintage dresses with online tutorials is that you don’t even have to leave your home to get the instruction, tips and tricks that you need to get started. Online courses for vintage dress making will teach you how to make highly tailored, gorgeous dresses that look and feel like they cost a million bucks. With as little as 30 minutes a day, you can learn new techniques and skills that will expand your wardrobe.

Another benefit of using online courses for vintage dressmaking is that once you sign up for the course and are granted access, you can normally review the videos whenever you want. This means that if you forget how to add in a zipper, or need a refresher on how to adjust the bust size of the pattern, you can simply review the video and brush up on any information that you need to.

There’s nothing better than a custom tailored dress, especially one that is right on trend. Learning how to create beautiful dresses with funky prints that you can get from any fabric store will no doubt impress your friends and family, and make you feel great. How-to videos with patterns for vintage dresses walk you step-by-step through the creation process, making it easy to understand and implement the skills. Often times, online courses for vintage dress making will start with the basics and work up to more advanced skills, making the classes accessible for a variety of experience and skill levels.

If you love the look of vintage dresses, but don’t want to empty your pockets for boutique store prices, consider making your own vintage dresses with the help of a great how-to video with patterns for vintage dresses. Learn how to custom tailor with muslin, drape fabric, pad a bust section, insert boning, mold a bodice with underlining and a variety of other cool techniques. Get the expert advice about how to create custom looks with fun patterns that anyone can follow, and be well on your way to being the most stylish of your friends and family.

For today’s interview, please welcome Helena from Microbio.

1.       Firstly, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about where you are based, for example in which country and part of that country? I live very close to Lisbon, Portugal

2.       Please tell us a little about the nature of your craft/design based business. Microbio is a project born out of creative longing, a love of colour and a passion for crafting! My name is Helena,  I am a portuguese craft maker and yes – I am addicted to craftmaking! I started early as a little girl making stuff for my little dolls, then clothes for myself from Burda magazine patterns which was tricky. By that time I could only find them in German language so I had to figure out the instructions because I can’t speak german at all… I was taught by my grandmother using an old Singer machine and this is how I found out my passion for fabric.

3.       How did the idea for your business come about? I hold a degree in international relations (political branch). Though I  don’t regret my choice of studies I soon found out that a whole life confined to an “office box” was not quite for me… I had a few full time jobs, met some nice people too, but “colour” was definitely always missing from my life.  I really don’t need a colourless life in an “office box”, so to keep my craftsanity it was while I was working full time that I decided to brand my craft work. “Microbio” sounded perfect to me as it implies the spread of good things as mine are benign, cute and made with much love. I even started a blog and discovered I love making bags – all sorts of bags!

4.       How long now have you been established? Since May 2011

5.       How do you decide what to make, and how do you come up with your great ideas? Like I said, “colour” is my inspiration – I cannot say where/ why/when I come up with an idea but ideas always come up in batches and with patterns included, haha!

6.      Do you undertake your business on a full-time basis or do you have other work/family commitments? Well, I am doing it full time now and hope to keep it that way – it would be a good sign

7.       Tell us a little about your typical day and what is involved in running the business? From the moment I wake I’m always in search for colour…to see colourful buttons, fabrics, blogs…then I have breakfast which follows by making lots of colourful things, bags mostly. I tweet, I handle my emails and I don’t have a fixed timetable …or weekends. There are also admin times and “run to post office” times of course (and laundry, cleaning…) but these are too boring

8.       What advice would you give to others who are considering running a craft based business? I think its too early for me to give good advice to others but I would say – put all the energy and love you have got into your makes – make stuff you would wear yourself – believe and make others believe you have the item they need – have the best customer support -and make yourself always visible.

9.       As this is Art of Crafts I have to ask, do you enjoy any crafts yourself in your spare time? If so, please tell us more. I mostly enjoy craft books in my spare time! I prefer those books able to take me to “enchanted” places, woodlands,   fairytales. Examples: “La trousse à couture” by Léa Stansal, “Everything Alice” – book of makes by Baldrey, Leech are great, inspiring books.

10.   Finally, if people want to learn more about your business/website do you have a web address, Facebook page or Twitter profile where they can find out more ?
My shop: microbio.dawanda.com
I blog here: microbio-noar.dawanda.com
Twitter: @microbionoar
Facebook: Helena Microbionoar (say you saw me at Arts of Crafts)

If you have ever considered starting a business selling craft and handmade items, or maybe you have a business already but want to build on it and learn more about marketing and building your customer base, then you will want to take a look at our new sister blog Crafty Ambitions.

There has never been a better time to build a business selling crafts, with the blossoming of Etsy, Folksy, ArtFire and many similar sites there is a huge demand for handmade, unique craft items. Crafty Ambitions’ aim is to help you build a buzz around your craft business and to help you connect with buyers, in multiple ways, both online and off. Offering  a wealth of practical advice, giveaways of helpful books and products, top marketing tips, website and blog creation guidance and traffic generation guidelines  Crafty Ambitions is going to help you get your craft business buzzing.

In addition, because we recognize the importance of networking with likeminded crafters and handmade business owners, we have  created a social site for Crafty Ambition readers. This is the place to discuss where to sell your handmade items, how to build a blog, and cover marketing both offline and on. The bottom line is that you need more customers and we can help you get them.

Join us at the Crafty Ambitions networking site to socialize with other craft business people, to build networks so that we can promote our own and each other’s work, to learn new skills and to share your own knowledge and experience with other like minded crafters. Oh and did I mention that it is totally FREE See you there!

Crafts don’t have to be costly to be both enjoyable and handy. With some resourcefulness and creativity, inexpensive craft projects can become a masterpiece. Take crafting to the next level and make it an entertaining experience too with these five cheap and stress-free kids’ crafts.

1.      Journal – A custom-made journal is a fun way to get kids writing. A plain spiral notebook can be morphed into an electrifying work of art. Just have kids collage or decoupage the cover, adding a bit of their character to the notebook.

2.      Storybook – Akin to a journal, a storybook is an entertaining way to inspire artistic expression and originality. Have children invent their own story with illustrations and then bind it together in a book that they produced. Some type of thick paper, like construction paper, functions best to keep the book organized. Basically use a hole puncher and some yarn to tie it together.

3.      Treasure box – Any box will work. Discarded shoe boxes, gift boxes, almost any box with a lid can make an easy treasure box. Have the kids garnish it with decals, lively paper, material, or even pasta and they have a cool place to collect the little odds and ends they pick up

4.      Collage- Wall art was never cooler. Using old periodicals and snapshots have children ornament a piece of poster board with all their much loved things, people, and places. Include the year someplace on the collage and they can create a timeline of their interests and escapades. You can even make it a yearly activity that will stir upwonderful memories as they get older.

5.      Fun with boxes- A big box can become whatever kids wish. A spacecraft, a doll house, a train, no matter what they are fascinated with, a cardboard box can become it. All it takes is some markers or crayons and a little resourcefulness. You can lend a hand by cutting windows and doors, and the box can even become a robot or extra-terrestrial costume in a pinch. Let the kids go crazy and see what they create.

With very little effort and a lot of resourcefulness, kids can make handy, fun crafts with everyday items. Take a look around and see what you can find. You might be astonished at the imaginative crafts you can come up with too!

Heather Smith is an ex-nanny. Passionate about thought leadership and writing, Heather regularly contributes to various career, social media, public relations, branding, and parenting blogs/websites. She also provides value to nanny service by giving advice on site design as well as the features and functionality to provide more and more value to nannies and families across the U.S. and Canada. She can be available at H.smith7295 [at] gmail.com.

For today’s interview please welcome Karen from Just Bunting.

1.       Firstly, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about where you are based, for example in which country and part of that country? My name is Karen Davey and I run a business called Just Bunting. I am based the far south west of the UK, in Cornwall.

2.       Please tell us a little about the nature of your craft/design based business. I make bunting from a range of recycled, vintage and new fabrics, which is available for both sale and hire.

3.       How did the idea for your business come about? The idea for the business originated out of the amount of fabric which I seemed to be recycling every week through the local council. I had a large supply of children’s duvet covers and it seemed such a shame not to put them to some use, so I decided to look into upcycling them into bunting. I’ve always wanted my own business, and the dissertation for my Open University degree about ‘Young People Achieving Aspirations’ was the catalyst I needed to make the leap into business ownership.

4.       How long now have you been established? I set up Just Bunting in April 2011, having given up my part time employment with a national children’s charity to work from home and be around more for my own children.

5.       How do you decide what to make, and how do you come up with your great ideas? Living close to the coast and the moors, I take inspiration from the environment around me. I love putting together fabrics and seeing if they work well together, I am always on the look out for interesting fabrics at car boot fairs and in vintage shops, for example, if I find an interesting piece of fabric, I try to co-ordinate, or contrast, with other fabrics. I have amassed a huge range of different colours and am now desperate for more storage space!

6.      Do you undertake your business on a full-time basis or do you have other work/family commitments? I work full time (and more) in my business, I have a very small part time job with a local primary school and have two children at home, currently aged eleven and thirteen. I am also a parent governor at my children’s secondary school.

7.       Tell us a little about your typical day and what is involved in running the business? My typical day would probably consist of checking emails / messages that have come in overnight and then pack the children off to school at 8am. I try to spend the first hour or so concentrating on my marketing and social media networking. I would then make up any outstanding orders, personalised orders and often prepare new examples for craft fairs and events. Late morning, I check emails / messages again and perhaps send a few tweets about hire bunting, weddings or any new designs that are available.

Afternoons are spent making up more bunting, tidying my workroom, doing accounts, marketing plans or just taking some time out to think about the business future! My children arrive home from school at 2.45pm, so I try to be around for them for the rest of the afternoon. Following the evening meal, I can often be found on my laptop doing social media marketing activities, writing my blog and generally finding out more about running a business.

I try to spend half a day per week working on my accounts, ensuring that all my expenses are recorded accurately and are kept up to date.

8.       What advice would you give to others who are considering running a craft based business?  Two things, ensure your book keeping is kept up to date, and don’t let the business take over your life / home! Both of which I am very bad at!

9.       As this is Art of Crafts I have to ask, do you enjoy any crafts yourself in your spare time? If so, please tell us more. I have just attended a freehand machine embroidery class, so I am trying to put this into practice to make applique pictures.

10.   Finally, if people want to learn more about your business/website do you have a web address, Facebook page or Twitter profile where they can find out more ?

www.justbunting.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/JustBunting

Twitter: @justbunting