CELEBRATING HANDMADE

Having spent over two decades as an air traffic controller in the Royal Navy, Susan Bonnar from Lee-onthe-Solent in Hampshire has taken the leap turning her 15-year-long crafting hobby into a new business. Last year, Susan launched ‘The British Craft House’ – a website that only sells British crafts, helping support hundreds of local, regional and national small, hand-made, creative crafting businesses in the UK.

“The British Craft House business idea was born on a preparation run for a marathon back in February 2019. I’ve always been passionate about bringing together the crafting community, which essentially are small businesses that are so often working in isolation. After nearly six years of helping people online through social media, I got the idea for this new site, which could support small creative businesses in a much better way than what was already out there."

Susan, who is originally from Plymouth, started making her own cards in 2005. “I never considered crafting could be my full-time job, but card and album sales took off in shops and online, and

Meet Susan Bonnar who has created a new website, The British Craft House to promote and sell British crafts!

“The British Craft House is all about making a difference not only for creative people that want to sell their creations, but also for people looking to buy something different. There is so much more value in buying something handmade that you know is more sustainable and supports someone’s dream.”

by the time I had my third baby I decided to leave the Navy. My passion became helping others and bringing together people who spend hours crafting, drive it into a business. The British Craft House site gives them that platform. I really want to help these people sell, to be able to give up their day job so they can pursue their

passion, and make their dreams come true,” said Susan.

Susan’s dedication and drive has won her national accolades like ‘Small Business Sunday’ from entrepreneur Theo Paphitis and Southampton Solent University's Chancellor. She has also launched the ‘Hampshire Crafters Network’ made up of crafters from Hampshire who meets monthly to discuss business and creative ideas.

The British Craft House website is the only one

nationally that offers curated, British, hand-made products that stand out from competitors. There are many reasons why buying something handmade is so much better than buying something massed produced. If you’re giving it as a gift, it shows that you really cared to search for the perfect gift for that person. When an artisan is creating something they add skill and some love to what they are making. When you buy it and they are notified of the sale, they may well do a little happy dance to celebrate! By supporting Handmade in Britain you are enabling small businesses to thrive.

Caroline Argos Joys of Glass

For people that are tricky to buy for, it's the perfect solution! Commission a mirror to fit in a particular space where you can have it made to measure or maybe cushions made in a fabric and style you choose to complete your perfectly styled home. Or what about some personalised jewellery, a custom bag or an heirloom teddy. The photo says it all though, when you buy handmade you connect with the seller and get a little bit of passion packaged in with your parcel!

“I’ve worked tirelessly over the past months to create something different. Something that helps sellers – crafters of one-of-a-kind,

Oh You Pretty Things beautiful creations to showcase their designs and join an exclusive collection of high-quality artisans,” says Susan.

Lotty Lollipop

CONTACT To view more handmade loveliness visit www.thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk