Features
Make a pair of tassels earrings in #ShopShowcase with Makers & Friends.
How did you get started?
I started selling my handmade jewellery when I was 16 and would go to different fairs as well as consign my work to different shops. Unfortunately, many boutiques would renege on agreements - for example if we agreed to a 50-50 split, I'd find that they took 80% and only paid me 20%. Fairs were a great way to meet customers but were too dependent on weather etc- not every fair can be a good one, after all. (Also the quality of works at a fair often varied drastically)
I thought about how I'd love to sell my handmade work but not have to man the store which led to the idea of Makers & Friends- a curated platform for designer-makers to sell their work. Basically, they "rent" a space in the shop from me which covers staffing and marketing. So all the proceeds from the sales are transferred to them (minus credit card etc fees) We also have regular Meet the Maker events to maintain the personal connection whilst allowing makers to focus on what they love most- creating and designing!
Where are you located?
We've popped up all over UK, from Angel Islington to Greenwich and then Edinburgh!
Which products do you specialise in?
Creations lovingly made & designed in the UK- from jewellery to ceramics and skincare.
Do you have a particular favorite product that you sell?
Haha can I say I love all of them? :) There are 2 that stand our particularly in my mind though. 1 is the illustrated work of Susse Linton, who sells under the brand of Susse Collections- she has the most fun drawings/ paintings which she applies to cards, notebooks and more. I also love the skincare products of Lucy of Lucky Cloud Skincare- the lavender range smells amazing and it absorbed really well by the skin. Best of all, both Suse and Lucy are SOOO nice. Don't we all love supporting nice people? :)
What's on the stereo?
Nothing as I'm watching a Korean drama whilst I type :) (My Name is Kim Sam Soon- it's an old show but I used to love it so thought it deserved a rematch :) )
Where else should we visit in your area?
I actually write about this on my DIY blog, hapinesswherever.com For example, the other day I covered craft shops in Brighton- http://hapinesswherever.com/2017/03/brighton-where-to-get-beads-other-diy-supplies/ as well as places for craftaholics in London- http://hapinesswherever.com/2015/10/wandering-wednesday-central-london-tube-map-for-craftaholics/
I basically review craft fairs & places for craft lovers all over the UK :)
Do you host any workshops, classes or special events?
Yes, the idea is to create a community for creatives so we've had workshops at every pop-up - from wire jewellery making to origami and neon light DIYs. In fact, I'm now looking to start a group of crafters in London who are interested in (free) regular craft sessions at cafes. They'll be held weekly but there's no obligation to turn up every time, You can either bring your current craft project or buy 1 of our kits. If this sounds like your cup of tea, email me at whereverhapiness@gmail.com (1p!!)
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
If you're interested in creative living, why not stop by my fashion & interiors DIY blog hapinesswherever.com ? I regularly share free craft tutorials as well as review shops and events such as craft fairs which are of interest to crafters :)
Do you have a favorite craft, art or supply shop in your town that we should feature? Send us a message!
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