Research and how the craft kits began

When launching the craft kits both for adult of children I have always done research first. 

Back In the beginning, I spent a good long time looking at both locally and nationally at the gaps in the craft market and what would be possible to achieve. I trained as a designer as this training allowed me to look objectively at every angle, at the positive and the negative, the good idea from the bad and develop something unique.

I surveyed customers and parents asking what sort of craft kits they would like.

Very quickly the answers that were coming back were, they didn't want the 'quick fix' kits that offered the promise of "keeping the kids quiet" they wanted something that their children would learn a skill, a kit that offered value for money, and something they could do it with them-promoting communication skills.

 

With this gap in the market and the 'quick fix' kits being 10-a-penny, I began developing something that would teach a skill, so that children and adults would be able to use in other projects but also offered quality and value for money.

I was keen not to develop something that contained pre-printed sheets for colouring, they not only didn't stretch the children & doesn't give anything developmentally but don't allow children and adult to  develop on them selves, with their own individuality and flair.

Having done extensive training over the last 10 years in child development, I was able to use those skills in producing something that would stand the test of time as well as the discerning eye of parent. 

Drawn Threads most popular kits are the mice, pin cushion and vintage apron (mums love to make these!) and they offer all that parents wanted and as such I have many returning customer, many new customers from recommendations and reviews that I'm very proud of and shows a proof positive that what I'm doing....I'm doing right. 

And I'm very pleased to say-its not just for the good of the business, it's for the good of a quality product that kids and adults will take away with them.

 

More items going into shops in the North East.

I'm off to Stockton tomorrow to deliver stock to an established north east business that is flinging open their doors to the public on Saturday. This will be their second shop that Make Scents have and the gossip about the wonderful bath products they sell, is gathering speed.

I have a number of items to be placed on their shelves-The ever popular Mice Kits, Corsage Flower Kits and the Rainy Day kits. 

As always you can purchase Drawn Threads items on Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/DrawnThreads

 

You can follow Make Scents on facebook https://m.facebook.com/#!/events/281597811986811?__user=645206636

Moved on so much

In a past life I was a play worker-I qualified and begun working for the Northgate community Play Project and also the Skernepark Play Project as their project co-ordinator.
I Iove my job, everyday was different and always kept you on your toes. A huge part if the job was developing each workshops and scheme delivered.

The children loved craft activities and I was able to draw on all the idea resources I had built up in the precious 20 yrs of selling as a crafter and working out in the community.

I have been able to use these skill In the business now, as I develop the kids 'bits and piece it' kits and craft kits.
I remember what they loved to do best and what they always asked we could have at the next workshop.
These kits are very popular especially the fabric painting puppets.
And I have received some fantastic reviews from customers and their children enjoying the crafts.
I'm anyone would like to purchase these you can purchase them on etsy or alternatively by contacting me via email

a whirlwind of a year

 

On one the last days of the year, I decided to look through how far I have come in relauncing myself full time back into the creative craft world and in such a short space of time.


Over 18 years ago I was selling items that were handmade through markets and fayres and for a long time it was put on a back burner, done on a much smaller scale...But in May, after feeling quite lost and unsure of the next direction- thought long and hard about what I was good at and what I loved.

High up on that list was design-and considering that was what I trained in, it was a perfect place to start. Very quickly I also became aware that the need for workshops delivering skills such as sewing and crafts.



It was thanks to Cafe Create and Joanne Land that these begun in September and the new workshops planned for the upcoming spring are so exciting. The felt making workshop was popular and such fun, and will be delivered again in the new year.

Attending the Darlington Sunday Peoples Market was another high moment, going back to a platform that I love-There is nothing finer than talking to the public about what I am passionate about-introducing lost skills such as sewing to adults who have never tried but always wanted too is such a wonderful feeling!

 

 

Over the last five months the products sold have evolved and I'm so much happier with the quality and content-I have such pride in every item created, knowing it will bring joy to the person who will own it.

 And I'm astounded as to how well my internet sales have been-through Etsy and receiving emails via the internet, so much so that in the new year there will be E-Commerce added for ease of both selling and for they buyer.









In October I could have burst with Joy at being included in the magazine Craftseller in their 'Ask The Expert' section on the Q&A Page.
I'm very much looking forward to more features in the up coming months as well as having features in two other magazines this spring.













So to sum up-this year begun feeling a little lost and in need of emotional, professionals happiness. I returned full time to a creative platform and so much thanks goes to my family. They have been, as they always are amazing!, Simple amazing!

And not forgetting my very close friends who never once doubted for a second

that I could do what I set out to. It might now seem like much,

but for someone take the time to say "well done" is heart warming.

Next year is going to be so exciting-I cant wait for it to begin!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DrawnThreads

Drawnthreads.uk@gmail.com

www.Drawnthreads.co.uk