I’m a last minute Christmas shopper. And every year, I try desperately to break the old habits and organise myself into buying everything early, setting myself up again for failure and disappointment. But this year, I’ve made a pact to only buy handmade gifts whenever possible, which means I have to plan ahead. I’ll be perusing the plethora of handmade websites over the coming weeks and I’m really looking forward to it!
Obviously, the usual technological gifts for teenagers will be immune from this dream. But there are so many gorgeous, affordable, handmade things flooding the pages of online marketplaces that I just cant believe that I’ve ever wasted my money at Diva.
All the boy toddlers I know will be getting timber hand-carved toys that they’ll want to treasure forever. The little girls will get handmade rag dolls (hopefully with a change of clothes) that will be sitting on their beds forever. Sweet little bluebird necklaces will grace the necks of the tweenies I know, while the boys will gratefully accept a cool game to show their friends.
So lets all band together and support the wonderful, unique creations that are carved, sewn and glued by all those crafty and conscientious types. Its good for the environment and good for your well being No trends or fads. Just good old fashioned, enjoyable gift giving. Visit Handmade Emporium to discover the best of handmade.
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Guest Post written by Karina Reyne, co-partner of Handmade Emporium, the hip new handmade marketplace. Check out the best of handmade at Handmade Emporium
If you are anything like me, buying gifts for my girls teachers are always last on the list and I struggle to find the time to make them a handmade gift.
By adding a little handmade charm through wrapping and gift tags, you can get the kids involved and it wont look like you have left their gift to the very last minute.
Here are some simple ideas for adding a handmade touch.
Did you know that today is World Kindness Day? Random acts of kindness has become a movement around the world, encouraging selfless, good-spirited deeds as well as a kinder, more connected community. Introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, it is now observed in a growing number of countries, including Australia.
To coincide with World Kindness Day and to encourage others to look beyond themselves and spread some love + kindness, Tittle + Tat have introduced the ‘Random Acts of Craftiness’ movement. It is all about spreading the love of handmade while making someone’s day with a Random Act of Kindness, or in this case Craftiness. Participants make a soft toy and place him inside a clear plastic bag with a note saying ‘take me home, I’m yours to keep!’ they then leave the toy in a public space for a lucky stranger to find.
During the month of November, Tittle + Tat are encouraging participants to hold Crafternoon Tea Parties, whilst making their toys in support of Tittle + Tat charity partner the Miracle Babies Foundation.
What to get Dad for Christmas?? Don’t you find men are hard to shop for? Well we are here to help you with some great handmade gift ideas. Happy Shopping!
Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Sarah from Mimsey a little bit better, so Sarah¦
Tell us about your business:
Mimsey is a children’s range, embracing imagination, empowerment & fantasy. Bringing the dreams of childhood to life …
What inspired you to start your business?
I wanted to create a business opportunity that would allow me to spend lots of time with my two gorgeous children, would afford me the luxury of working with my passion of creating everyday and would allow a particular lifestyle that my previous corporate job had provided.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
I wish I had something fabulously funny to share here but I don’t. Mimsey came from playing around with the many nicknames I have for my daughter Millie, who was my only little person at the time.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
I absolutely love and will never tire of seeing Millie’s face beam when I show her new pieces I have been working on (Jonah is still too young to appreciate the magic but loves the custom artwork I create and squeals with delight when new images or styles are displayed). The reaction of children who have seen, touched or experienced Mimsey in any way is so rewarding, just knowing I have contributed to re-igniting the magic of fantasy and fun is extremely satisfying.
Of course working from my studio at home is the ultimate luxury as I get to be a mum, creator and business owner, all-in-one, and that is particularly empowering.
Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
I have booked Mimsey into artisan and handmade markets well before having enough stock ready to sell, setting up a well displayed ‘sample of work’ stall. Lots of business cards are now in circulation, lots of prospective customers are eager to see what’s coming in the weeks leading up to Christmas and beyond, and have therefore joined our mailing list, which is a good way to build a database, so I believe it proved to be a good “branding” exercise as well as a way to test the marketplace with the unique and distinctive Mimsey products.
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Do it, Do it, DO IT! There is so much mass produced product for our children, individuality gets lost and uniqueness is a thing of the past. Anything you are passionate enough to create with your own hands, deserves the right to be loved by many!
What is your favourite item you make?
This is Mimsey’s Fairy Tree and it is home to Mimsey’s ‘My Fairy Friend’s’ range.
Each ‘My Fairy Friend’ is unique and original, made from hand dyed wool felt, tie dyed cotton which is hand-threaded through silver chain, silk cotton cord, Swarovski crystal detail, cotton and silk tassels and more divine detail to come as more ‘My Fairy Friends’ are born. There will never be another matching fairy, so every little girl will know her fairy is unique to her and will be a friend forever.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
It might sound silly, but my highlight so far was when I sold my first piece, the spotty dotty headband wrap.
It was such a great feeling to know that my design and idea for a product was loved by someone enough to buy it.
3 things about you (not business related) that people might not know:
1: I am a singer/songwriter/author and have written a book and recorded a couple of CDs
2: I attended theatre school in London and would have loved a career in musical theatre.
3: I am a closet scrabble fan!
Thank you Sarah, it has been a pleasure meeting you, the maker!
