£2.50
CRAFTISAN EDITION 001 / OCTOBER 2016
Home of the crafters and artisans.
12 MINUTE BOOZY FUDGE Give a treat this Christmas, by making your Christmas prezzies. Prepare yourself well in advance and be a master taster with this amazing recipe from Cassie Best, BBC Good Food editor
INTRODUCING AMAZON HANDMADE Thousands of unique, handcrafted items made by artisans from around the world
ETSY Vs Not on the High Street which platform will get you noticed
STARTING OUT WITH Debbie Liggins
paperchase.co.uk
HELLO FROM THE EDITOR “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” Theodore Levitt
As creatives we can sometimes forget to see through our fantastic ideas and get them to that amazing stage where other people see them. I have moaned for many years about the standard of artisan magazines and where they place creative businesses in the marketplace. They create this vision of everyone being able to achieve beautifully crafted items without much skill or knowledge. Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing people creating however I want to champion Artisans, create a place where they can be marketed like large companies are in every day view. I want to create something special, and I want you all to see it. Welcome to Issue 1 of Craftisan Magazine. Where innovation meets creativity.
Nicola Matts Editor-In-Chief
ISSUE 01 / OCT 2016 / 2
CONTENT
04 - 05
07
INTRODUCING AMAZON HANDMADE
WINTER DECOR BLOG
Supporting Local businesses worldwide
By Sincerely Sara D
07
15
JSM INTERIORS
UPCYCLED SILVER JEWELLERY
Handmade glam for every home
from the fabulous Artist Bijou
3 / OCT 2016 / ISSUE 01
Amazon today announced the expansion of Handmade at Amazon, a store featuring genuinely handmade items crafted and sold directly from European artisans, to its five European local marketplaces. With Handmade at Amazon, customers can discover products from artisans with the familiar Amazon experience they know and trust. Amazoncustomers in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and across Europe can now shop over 30,000 genuinely handcrafted items, with hundreds of new products being added each day, sold directly by European artisans new to the Handmade at Amazon store. “When we introduce a new business at Amazon we think long-term and globally. Since launch, we’ve received feedback from customers and artisans around the world that they want a Handmade at Amazonstore in their local marketplace,” said Steve Johnson, Director at Amazon. “With our focus on genuine handcrafted products, the Handmade at Amazon store has been a big hit with artisans and customers in the U.S. and we’re encouraged by the strong growth of sales and customer traffic. Amazon has become a one-stop shop for holiday gifting, and this year customers will see hundreds of thousands more handmade items, with thousands eligible for Prime two-day shipping.” Since the launch of Handmade at Amazon in the U.S. less than a year ago, Amazon’s selection of quality handcrafted products has grown over 5x to include more than 500,000 items from all 50 states and over 80 countries around the world. Artisan crafted products are available in ten categories, and over 50 percent of items include options for customer personalization. In the U.S., Handmade at Amazon has continued to add new features, making shopping for handmade items convenient and easier than ever, including: • • •
Connect with the Artisan: Allowing customers to interact directly with artisans to commission products that are completely their own. Martha Stewart American Made store: Featuring local artisans hand selected by Martha Stewart. Made in Italy store: Offering handcrafted items from Italian artisans.
Heading into the Holidays, Handmade at Amazon will release its second annual Holiday Gift Guide, featuring curated lists of artisan-made products for her, for kids, for him, and more. Presented by audience and by price, the gift guide makes finding the perfect handmade gift easier than ever. All products available on Handmade at Amazon are factory-free and must be made by hand. Handmade at Amazon features a variety of product categories including Accessories, Baby and Toys & Games, Jewelry, Home Décor, Artwork, Stationery and Party Supplies, Kitchen and Dining, and Furniture
ISSUE 01 / OCT 2016 / 4
5 / OCT 2016 / ISSUE 01
THE CLEAN & NATURAL ADVENTURE
CLEAN & NATURAL N AT U R A L , G E N T L E & A F F O R D A B L E H E A LT H & W E L L B E I N G P R O D U C T S www. cleanandnatural.co.uk
@ CleanNaturalCo
cleanandnaturalco
The inspiration for Clean & Natural, came from our middle son (now 6yrs old). As a toddler, he suffered terribly with eczema and as most new(ish) parents do, we followed the advice of the masses and went to our GP for a diagnosis and treatment. We were prescribed the common treatments for eczema in children; Infant Oilatum for the bath, E45 Cream for an emollient, and steroid cream for flare-ups. It turns out that he was hypersensitive to various petro-chemicals in the products he was prescribed and the products made him so much worse. With the petroleum and oil industry being so prevalent worldwide, there are many oil by-products which have to be used up somehow. Sadly, as well as the polluting plastic materials which are made from these by-products, a lot of the chemical by-products such as mineral oil, paraffin liquid, petroleum jelly, and parabens are disguised in many cosmetics. It is these products that dry the skin out so dreadfully, and can exacerbate conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and sensitive skin conditions, rather than heal them, and it is these products that our son was hyper-sensitive to. We were given some Shea Butter to use by a friend of ours, and from the moment we stopped using the chemical products, and began using the Shea Butter, and other natural products, the difference in his skin was just amazing. Now, at age 6, looking at his skin, the scarring has gone, the eczema has gone, and you wouldn’t even know that he ever had such problems. Affordable High Quality Natural Products are something we are so incredibly passionate about, and everything we do at Clean & Natural HQ, we do with total love. It is very hard work, producing everything ourselves,
ISSUE 01 / OCT 2016 / 6
doing our own branding, packaging, labelling and so on, with our three children at home with us as well, but our passion and our total belief in what we do gets us through the hard times. We have gone from 4 core products selling through networking meetings at the beginning, to a range of nearly 50 products, selling through Internet sales at www.cleanandnatural.co.uk, through specialist markets, and general markets in ten different areas, and we are expanding weekly. As well as welcoming new customers, we are also looking forward to welcoming more distributors into our team, to help assist us in our adventure, and get the brand known further afield. We offer very favourable rates and unlimited coaching for new entrepreneurs who would like support and encouragement in their business journey, but we also welcome more experienced people to take the business in their own direction. No matter what stage you are at in your life, whether you have a new interest in natural products, or a long standing interest in health and wellbeing, we will be here for you as, and when you need us as your mentors.
If you have read this and are interested in finding out more, please contact us We look forward to hearing from you! www.cleanandnatural.co.uk cleanandnaturalcosmetics@gmail.com /clean&natural @CleanNaturalCo
Our favourite winter Decor Blogs
Sincerely Sara D. Has brought us a fabulous blog with beautiful tips to make Autumn fabulous. I don’t know about you but sometimes we get so warpped up in Halloween that we completely forget to just have a fabulous autumn. These pumpkins are the ideal way to get your home chic for Autumn. Find the step by step guide at http://sincerelysarad.com/ unique-ways-to-decorate-pumpkins/
JSM INTERIORS, ADDING HANDMADE GLAM TO YOUR HOME We are a family run business, tailoring your requirements to the highest standard to suit your expectations. A friendly and efficient service guaranteed to offer an affordable and modern service. Our pelmets are made to measure, to your specifications therefore you can mix and match fabric, trims shapes and cut to help create your vision. With our passion for design and inspirational ideas and consistent attention to detail we’ve built up and enviable reputation for producing unique and stylish interior designs at competitive prices. We deliver throughout the UK, you can be sure when you place an order with JSM Interiors you will have a personal professional who will assist you every step of the way. We offer glitter pelmets, fabric pelmets, curtains, cushions, roller blinds and glitter wall covering. 07557 531 749 /jsminteriors
7 / OCT 2016 / ISSUE 01
Whats on Oct-Dec 2016 ARTISAN FAIR 26th November The Artisans of Market Harborough Events are getting ready for Christmas with their Sat November 26th Fair looking to be amazing. Founders Bridget & Alison aim to showcase work from local makers with many genres of artisans. Find them on Facebook www.facebook. com/ArtisansofMarketHarborough or Twitter @ArtisansMH
PUMPKIN CARVING DAY 29th October A fun activity for children of all ages. Choose your pumpkin - Get creative - Enter the competition to win a prize - FREE entry, simply purchase a pumpkin and get carving. All equipment provided. https://www.facebook.com/ cattowsfarm/
ISSUE 01 / OCT 2016 / 8
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE 7th December The Y Theater Our cosy carol service is a great time to meet with friends and celebrate Christmas with mulled wine and mince pies. The event is free and open to all communities. However if you wish to give a donation you could help give homeless young people a safe place to call home and the support they need to create lasting change in their lives. http://www.leicesterymca.co.uk/ytheatre-whats-on
houseofbath.co.uk
CURVE YOUNG WRITERS January Start Curve Young Writers is a creative writing group for young writers between the ages of 14 and 17. The next term starts in January 2017 and will explore poetry, fiction and playwriting skills in a friendly group led by professional poet and theatremaker Jess Green. You don’t need to have any experience as this is your opportunity to develop your skills and confidence. http://www.curveonline.co.uk/getinvolved/workshops-and-classes/
9 / OCT 2016 / ISSUE 01
INSPIRING STORY-TELLER SALLY CELEBRATES PAPERBACK RELEASE OF LATEST BOOK
One of the UK’s most successful children’s authors Sally Grindley has seen her 150th book published in paperback and number 151 is on its way! Sally is unusual as a children’s author as she writes for pre-school children right up to preteens Acclaimed children’s author Sally Grindley is celebrating the paperback publication of her latest lift-the-flap picture book, Help! Sally who lives in Gloucestershire, but travels the world researching subjects and stories, is one of the UK’s most successful children’s writers. To date she’s published over 150 books for pre-readers up to the age of 13. She is very well known for her interactive and colourful picture books. Knock Knock Who’s There? is 31 years old and is still used as a reader in schools in the UK and across Europe. Another book, Shhh!, is 25 years old this year. It was followed by Keep Out! in 2013, and now Sally has completed the next book in this series Help! which is illustrated by Peter Utton. Sally said: “Peter and I really enjoyed putting this book together. It’s based very loosely on the tale of The Three Little Pigs, but here we have a whole village of pigs all requiring the reader’s help to thwart that Big Bad Wolf. Elements of SHHH! our previous book can still be found, but with a definite twist. We hope children, parents and grandparents will love it as much as we do!” The mother of three tours the country giving talks and workshops to children in schools and libraries, celebrating her love of reading, story-telling and the imagination. “I love creating books for children. Help! physically involves the reader in the narrative and adventure and they become part of the story, ” Sally said. Sally originally worked for a national children’s book club where she was editorial director and she wrote her first book See Mouse Run in 1985. She’s won numerous prizes for her work and is currently working on the next book in the series.
ISSUE 01 / OCT 2016 / 10
www.sallygrindley.co.uk www.amazon.co.uk
Supporting Artisans on Social Media Our Tuesday Twitter focus is on Supporting Local businesses and Building from Artisans. We ask you to Join us! Spread the #ArtisanLove with us every Tuesday at 7pm as well as using the hashtag on Facebook, and Instagram. We want to see your makes of the day and your proudest moment as well as letting people see the fabulous Artisans we work with every day. So lets #BuyLocal and support each other with #ArtisanLove! Team Craftisan xoxo
HAVE A LOOK AT THESE GREAT HASHTAG HOURS TO FIND FABULOUS ARTISANS AND UNIQUE GIFTS
#ArtisanLove #CraftHour #HandmadeHour #BritishMade #BuyLocal
11 / OCT 2016 / ISSUE 01
ETSY VS NOT ON THE HIGH STREET… THE BIG SELLING QUESTION. By Paige Waddington
truenorthhc.com
Would you rather pay a lump sum to guarantee sales for your business or would you prefer paying a small fee each time you sell a product? Today we’re going to join the debate of ‘Etsy vs Not On The High Street’. Having conducted hours of research and looking into what users have reviewed, I’ve found many interesting facts about the two companies. NOTHS is an exclusive, UK based handmade selling platform. Hopeful users are required to submit an application form, showcasing their products and experience. Often user’s applications are declined, with NOTHS only accepting 5-10% of applicants per year. The main reason for this is poor photography of products or not fitting in with their business model.
blog.flourishstudios.co.uk
LoveSales.com
Unknown to many before they apply to NOTHS, there is actually a £575*+VAT one-off set up fee. This figure fluctuates dependant on how the website is doing, though I have read that the fee does increase on a regular basis going from user reviews. As well as the one-off fee, NOTHS charge a 25% commission as well as postage, which let’s be honest – is a humongous amount of money when you are designing and making yourself. A lot of the money that NOTHS make goes on marketing. NOTHS market themselves in magazines, online and in advertising columns, however to be featured in emails and adverts you are sometimes asked to pay extra. The upside to them marketing regularly is that the traffic to the website is much higher then other Handmade selling sites. The website itself is very exclusive. The first rule to be considered to sell on this website is that it is mandatory to have your own shop or website. Each shop is allowed a 30 product allowance and you must have a large stock quantity. Because the website is so systemised, finding products on there is a lot easier than on Etsy. As you haven’t got hundreds of shops offering different things. NOTHS have a theme in what they sell, so if you’re looking for something specific,
Etsy VS Not On The High Street ISSUE 01 / OCT 2016 / 12
the website is very clean and orderly so you should find what you’re looking for within a matter of minutes. In reports, despite the vast amount of money, sellers reviews say that they are impressed with their sales in comparison to Etsy, mainly because Not On The High Street attract buyers through their increased marketing and advertising. Meanwhile, over on Etsy… Etsy was founded in the US and has 54 million+ users. In comparison to NOTHS, Etsy has very a very modest £0.15p listing fee (per item), a minute 3.5% commission and no joining fee. On Etsy, you may also add as many items as you wish to your shop. WINNER! Starting your shop on Etsy is as easy as 1,2,3; you are given guidance and support every moment of setting up to make your shop the best of its ability. And best of all, anybody can set up a shop – no applications, no joining fee and you can buy or sell from anywhere in the world. There have been discussions where beginner’s only have sales coming in here and there, as the marketing isn’t as prevalent in the UK, whereas others who have been on the site for a while and have built an established business and client base from the website, make enough money in sales to do it full time. Etsy is great for quirky and unusual makes as well as people selling documents or paper based designs. It has a massive marketing link with Pinterest and can be used to create massive followings for courses or online training.
etsy.com
pinterest.com
Whichever selling platform you choose, it is all based on personal choice. Before committing to opening a shop on a website, ask yourself these questions: • •
• •
Is my company going to benefit from this? How quickly am I going to make back the money I spend opening the shop? (Return on Investment/ROI) Is there a popular demand for what I’m making? Are my competitor’s items selling? What are they doing differently?
I wish you all the success for your business, whether you’re just starting up or you’ve been up and running for years. Remember; if an opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.
CNBC.com
13 / OCT 2016 / ISSUE 01
Located in the heart of England, Bridie Grace designs unique patterns and prints to produce luxury products. All materials and accessories are sourced and made in Great Britain. Bridie Grace is run by myself Bridie (middle name Grace). I design unique patterns and prints into luxury homewares and accessories. I would describe myself as a multidisciplinary designer.....I take on all aspects of design including print, graphic and photography. As trends and techniques change I like to keep learning and staying ahead of the game which I can then combine with my creative flair. My collections are inspired by both my surroundings and experiences whether that be the Leicestershire countryside or my travels around the world. I am always looking to incorporate new trends and colour ways into my collections, always keeping an eye open for the next big thing. I create collections and products that I think people will love. I personally manage all aspects of Bridie Grace including designing all products, photography, marketing and web design. I am passionate about the products and I hope you love them as much as I do. www.bridiegrace.com | info@bridiegrace.com
I’ve many sketchbooks full of the beginnings of what I hope one day will be mini masterpieces, with a few sketches I’d be horrified should anyone cast their eye on them! However, I was taught early on never to throw any work away, and I stand by that rule. I cannot ever remember not having a keen interest in art and continue to enjoy a career of 19 years so far in graphic design and illustration, part time and freelance for my company Bearded Squirrel. I often hear many say they believe they ‘cannot’ draw. If you find yourself saying the same, ask yourself how often you take pen to paper. If it’s not often, and you’ve no natural artistic talent, it’ll just take a little more practise. Draw whenever you can and carry a little sketchbook with you for moments of inspiration! You’ll have good and bad days. Some days it’s best to walk away and try another time. Explore a variety of medium and subject matter. Fast-track your skills by joining an art group with a good tutor and like-minded people to learn new skills and tips. If limited on time or budget, there’s some great online tutorials around, and they’re free! One thing I’d advise against budgeting on is good quality materials. Artist quality pencils, paints and pastels use high quality pigments and have better lightfast and permanency ratings. Student grade or budget brands won’t have these qualities and may fade over time. Choose quality brushes with natural hair or a natural and synthetic mix and the top quality paper available. You’ll achieve much better results. Using low cost supplies can bring disappointing results, and as a beginner this can be very demotivating. Start small and build up, add to your Christmas wish list or stock up in the January sales! Have fun and experiment... and remember inspiration not imitation! Why not share your progress with @8eardedSquirrel and @CraftisanBay on Twitter, we’d love to see your progress. Debbie Liggins, Graphic Designer and Illustrator at Bearded Squirrel www.beardedsquirrel.com
ISSUE 01 / OCT 2016 / 14
My love of silver jewellery ,upcycling ,recycling and resusing has evolved into me designing and making beautiful pieces of wearable sterling silver jewellery. I can make individually designed pieces from your own silver spoons, coins etc or I always have a good stock of items made up for you to choose from that can be seen online or at artisan fairs where I showcase. The remainder of 2016 sees me at: CraftisanBay, St Martins House, Leicester Sunday23rd October 2016 Wild Strwberry Events, Brighton Unitarian Church, Brighton Saturday 3rd December 2016 Wentworth Woodhouse, Wentworth, South Yorkshire 10th-11th December 2016
Upcycled silver jewellery
If you wish to know more about my upcycling projects or consider having your old pieces of silverware re-fashioned into beautiful wearable jewellery I would love to hear from you. www.folksy.com/shops/ArtisteBijou Glenys.watson@btinternet.com 07841459474 @Artistebijou @ARTISTE_BIJOU
Microwaveable Boozy Fudge Give a treat this Christmas, by making your christmas prezzies. Prepare yourself well in advance and be a master taster first with this amazing recipe from Cassie Best, BBC Good Food Editor Ingredients 400g golden caster sugar 397g can condensed milk 140g salted butter, chopped into pieces 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (or another alcohol of your choice amaretto or brandy works well) Method Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking parchment. Put the sugar, condensed milk and butter in a large heatproof bowl (the mixture will bubble up as it cooks to roughly double its size), add a good pinch of salt and stir together.
Heat the mixture in the microwave on High for 10 mins, stirring every 2-3 mins. Keep an eye on the mixture, as it will bubble up and may go over the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla and liqueur to the mixture, whisk together and heat on High for another 2 mins. The mixture should be caramel-coloured and thickened. Scrape into the tin and set aside for 45 mins–1 hr until cool and firm before cutting.
15 / OCT 2016 / ISSUE 01
Christmas Fair CHRISTMAS CRAFTS, UNIQUE GIFTS, A R T , C H R I S T M A S D E C O R AT I O N S , F A C E P A I N T I N G C H R I S T M A S H A M P E R R A F F L E , H O T C H O C O L AT E & M I N C E P I E S
ST MARTINS HOUSE LEICESTER 11TH DECEMBER 2016 10AM - 4PM £1 ENTRY AND FREE GOODIE BAG For further information on additional dates or how to book a stall visit www.craftisanbay.co.uk or email info@craftisanbay.co.uk