Month: April 2023

The traditional spring May Day festivities bring with them the chance for some great trading opportunities for anyone interested in crafts. After the long and relatively quiet winter period spring is one of the first chances that a UK craft producer can really start to get their work out into the marketplace and seen and sold. You should always make sure that you take the precaution of having adequate business craft insurance UK operators will require when looking to make a sale. The first of May, or May Day, is one of the oldest and most respected of traditional days, which this year has been given even more emphasis with the coronation of King Charles the third happening around the same time. The traditions of May Day go back a lot further than even our own royal family and many of the events that are celebrated on May Day have their origins in pagan roots. Our ancestors were very keen to acknowledge the return of the warm summer days and all of the opportunities it presented them.

These opportunities are exactly the same for crafters in the UK.  There is a real opportunity to tap into the heritage of the day and provide lots of different products and artistic crafts for purchase.  As we have mentioned before, this is when the craft market season really begins to come alive and it is quite easy to be able to fill in your weekends at most places throughout the spring and summer. May Day represents a real opportunity, but where does this seasonal day of recognition come from and what examples of its traditions are there?

Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. Our ancestors were very keen to celebrate the coming of spring and summer and they would do this through many events, like Maypole dancing, for example. If you are going to exhibit your products at a craft fair or local fete you will no doubt come across the Maypole. This features young children weaving their way in between each other to slowly wrap the Maypole with coloured ribbons. This is a complicated process and you would think that the children involved would need some kind of special protection much as you would need to for your stall! It’s why the provision of what business craft insurance UK providers can give is a necessity.

There are many other traditions associated with this special day, and many of them feature  parades of some kind and displays of flowers and floral arrangements. There is one tradition that sees the villagers walk the local area beating the ground with spades and shovels in an attempt to wake the Earth from its winter slumbers. This is one of the oldest of May Day celebrations but we do know that the first May Day of its type was observed by the Romans.  They had a celebration called Floralia and this was the festival of Flora. Flora was one of the many gods and goddesses that the Romans worshipped. As you may well have been able to guess from the name, she was a goddess of flowers. Displays and arrangements of flowers were common during this period. There were also celebrations of the god Dionysus and the goddess Aphrodite. A Floralia was a constructed stage that was decorated with flowers and to  please the gods, plays about them were held here. There were also many examples of worship of Ceres the goddess of wheat and farming. If you have a craft that is centred around decoration with flowers or their arrangements then this might be an interesting selling point to tap into.

There is a real emphasis on light with May Day celebrations.  As this is in recognition of the lengthening of the days it is also not uncommon to find many bonfires and beacons are lit at this time. We do not suggest that you do this necessarily but if you do happen to light some early summer bonfires on your premises it would be good to make sure that you had some business craft insurance UK provision to cover for any eventuality!

When May Day takes on a life of its own!

The Scandinavian country of Finland takes May Day very seriously and given that a large proportion of the country is in the Arctic Circle, the coming of summer is a very important thing to celebrate. It’s one of the largest public holidays of the calendar year and it’s known as vappu (always lower case). Many people converge in the cities on the last day of April and the First of May to see this two-day spectacle. Finnish students party hard during vappu, especially the engineering students for some reason! Contrary to the normal calendar, their vappu is a two-week party and hence called wappu. So the student May Day celebrations start in the middle of April and culminate on May Day.

Finnish culinary vappu traditions and specialities abound, like the insanely delicious fresh vappu donuts and tippaleipä  which is a special funnel cake only eaten during May Day festivities. Many people make or buy Sima, a non-alcoholic sweet sparkling brew made of water, yeast, lemon, and raisins.

Even in warmer Mediterranean countries May Day is still celebrated.  In Greece, for example, there is a big festival centred around the victory of the goddess Maia, as spring shows that summertime has finally defeated winter.

Running through all of these events is that of flowers and floral displays.  This theme is surely something that can be explored by all crafters regardless of what they produce.  Flowers also offer a large inspirational palette for many creators.  It really doesn’t matter what line of craft you are in. Card makers can capitalise on the springtime with work based around the flowers of the period. Pottery and ceramic work can also feature flower designs. For those who specialise in needlework and knitting, clothing representative of spring flowers may also be of interest.

Whatever you decide to choose, having a solid spring and May Day theme to all of your work is a great choice around this time. Making your business as seasonally focused as possible can be a big crowd pleaser.

There can be little else so evocative of balmy summer days, carefree and simple living, and a bygone rural way of life, than a summer meadow. The textures, colours and scents of the flowers, the grasses swaying gently in a playful breeze and the sound of birdsong brings immediate relief to the stresses and strains of everyday life. Wildflower meadows are rich ecosystems but have been affected badly by the use of chemical weedkillers. Their abundant biodiversity, as well as their beauty, have led to charities, farmers and passionate individuals taking up their cause and endeavouring to maintain and plant new ones. Those with the talent to capture the beauty of a wildflower meadow on canvas or paper are truly able to preserve a precious part of our landscape for us.

Wildflowers are, thankfully, found not just in meadows but in all parts of our nation, from river banks, to high moorland, in woods and along every country lane. They have been an inspiration to many artists over the years, with the illustrations of Edith Holden, Cicely Mary Barker and Beatrix Potter among the iconic ones of the previous two centuries. Edith Holden is best known for her intricately illustrated journal, “The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady”. Published after her death, this stunning journal depicts the changing flora and fauna over the four seasons of 1906. It is a nostalgic picture of a former age, when it was not uncommon for middle-class women to write illustrated journals.

Cicely Mary Barker was self-taught as a child. She suffered from epilepsy and so was educated at home during her formative years. One can’t help but wonder whether her stunning drawings may very well not have been created if she had had a more conventional schooling, with less free time to wonder, imagine and explore. As a young teenager, her father enrolled her at their local Art Society and then on an art correspondence course. Her exquisite, botanically accurate watercolour paintings of wildflowers combined with charming fairies have enthralled numerous children over the years and taught them not only to recognise and appreciate the huge diversity of wildflowers of our nation but also opened their imaginations to wonder and delight.

While Beatrix Potter is best known for her tales of mischievous little animals, she was also a talented botanical watercolour artist, with stunning paintings of wildflowers as well as her fungi collection. She too had a less traditional education, learning at home until she was a teenager. She loved to be outdoors and spent hours walking, observing and painting. The Victoria and Albert Museum, in collaboration with the National Trust, hosted an exhibition of her paintings last year, and highlights can still be seen on their website.

There are of course numerous more contemporary watercolour artists whose paintings of wildflowers are inspiring and who also give of their time to pass on their skills to others. Many run wildflower watercolour workshops, sometimes in collaboration with local conservation areas or the wildlife trust. These range from workshops for complete beginners to instruction for accomplished artists wanting to hone existing skills and learn new techniques. Some courses will focus on the skills and knowledge required for botanical illustration, and some on techniques for a more contemporary style. Some are based inside but some are located outdoors, surrounded by the wildflowers you are studying and painting. Whether you count yourself as a watercolour painter or not, why not check out some of these courses and book yourself onto one this summer?  Count it as professional development, as well as investing in some time to nurture your own soul and creativity.

Whatever your craft business, you could think of incorporating wildflowers as a theme for this summer. They could inspire a range of pottery or a collection of handmade jewellery. Soaps and cosmetics often incorporate flower scents, but could you be bolder in your marketing of this? The colours, shapes and textures of wildflowers lend themselves to textiles; scarves, napkins and cushions inspired by them will bring all the freshness of outdoor breezes and the warmth of the sunshine indoors.

Wildflower paintings are perennially popular. Indeed, in our fast-paced, often urban-based lives there seems to be a longing within us to be more connected with the natural world. Coupled with our heightened awareness of the importance of conservation, paintings which depict the beauty and intricate design of nature are increasingly valued in our homes. Whether you sell online, in a gallery, at art exhibitions or at craft fairs, be sure to purchase the correct high-value art insurance. You will need this to cover any accidental damage to yourself or others within a gallery/craft fair space. Art is very subjective and what one person likes another may not. Therefore, high-value art insurance would also come to your aid in the unlikely event that a commissioned piece of work does not meet the requirements of the customer and becomes the subject of a negligence claim. Professional indemnity insurance would cover you in this instance; product liability insurance covers damage to your paintings themselves. Although all these events seem, and indeed are unlikely, that is after all the whole point of insurance cover. If you could predict the issues which might arise you could ensure they don’t happen. The very fact that you can’t is why you need insurance. As a family-run business, with a deep-rooted belief in family, tradition and experience we have a solid foundation to work from but also are always learning from each other in order to improve the quality of service we give to our customers. A small art business will have a variety of aspects so a talk with one of our team is the best way to find ensure you get the best possible package of high-value art insurance, which will meet your individual and unique needs. Pick up the phone and have a chat.

And remember,  as we head into the summer, don’t forget to check out some watercolour wildflower workshops and allow your soul to be restored as your creativity is inspired.

I heard some rather unusual news lately that Hawnby in North Yorkshire has become the first village in England to swap its streetlights and more than 100 other outdoor lights for dark skies-friendly lighting, in an attempt to cut light pollution and allow residents and visitors to see the stars. There are a few other villages in Wales and Scotland that have converted street lights to become dark sky friendly but Hawnby has gone even further by converting both street and external building lighting when the project completes later in 2023.

It’s a fact that, over the centuries, the night sky has been the inspiration for thousands of pieces of art, poetry and prose which we are still able to enjoy today. It’s a shame that streetlights are depriving us of this nightly opportunity for inspiration! Unless you are a resident of Hawnby, in which case, a rare treat awaits!

Spring is an excellent time to star gaze; the temperature is creeping up but the nights are still long enough to ensure that darkness envelopes our land well before bedtime. What about planning an evening to soak up inspiration from the night sky in the next few weeks? You could do this by yourself or with a loved one, or gather together family or friends. Even within a city, you will be able to see some of the night display, but if you can make your way out into the countryside, the spectacle will be all the more breathtaking. Obviously, the further you get from light pollution, the more you are going to see. You could pack up a bag with hot drinks and delicious snacks, wrap up warmly and take some extra layers or cosy rugs. You might like to grab a book or download an app which will help you interpret what you are seeing in the sky above. Depending on the spot you find, you may even be able to light a fire and roast marshmallows, or take a camp stove to warm some soup. The incredible display you will see as you gaze above is completely free, so make the most of it!

Still not convinced? If like me, you need plenty of encouragement to leave your warm home for a wild and probably chilly outdoor space, here’s a taster of what you might see if you venture out to survey the spring night sky. The star constellations of Ursa Major (the Great Bear) and Leo can be seen very clearly, and if you time it right, you might just catch a meteor shower. Look out for the Lyrid Meteor Shower which will be visible 14-30 April and peaking on 22-23 April. On April 11 you can see a pairing of two celestial beauties – Venus and the Pleiades star cluster. Venus will be easy to see with the naked eye as a brilliant star like object high in the southwestern sky. If you are away from light pollution you’ll be able to locate the Pleiades – they are the tight grouping of stars near Venus. The Pleiades actually consists of a grouping of around 3000 stars but the nine brightest are the Seven Sisters of Greek mythology and their parents.

And don’t forget, any intrepid early risers, you can always watch the planets of Mars, Saturn, Venus and Jupiter appear before the early morning light gradually chases out the darkness and the dawn awakens us to a fresh new day.

Stargazing is a great way of getting a fresh perspective on life and when you are looking for fresh creative inspiration, it really helps! The facts of our universe are awe inspiring in themselves. We are just one minuscule planet in our tiny solar system, itself part of the Milky Way which is one of the smaller galaxies. (The Milky Way is only 100,000 light years across!) It is estimated there are about 350,000,000,000 galaxies in the universe. One light year is six trillion miles. This vast expanse of space is beyond our comprehension, yet as we contemplate it and allow the sheer magnificence of the universe to seep into our soul, we cannot help but gain a different perspective on our own lives and challenges. Maybe star gazing could be prescribed regularly for our mental well being…

Possibly the most famous painting inspired by the night sky is Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. It is especially interesting to know the circumstances which preceded the painting of this masterpiece. Vincent Van Gogh struggled with mental health issues for much of his life, and spent some time as an adult in an asylum. In those days these were generally places where movement was greatly restricted, but due to his good behaviour he was allowed a fair amount of freedom during which he could roam the countryside with his brother and paint. “Starry Night” was, however, painted during an emotionally low period, reflected in the blue tones. He painted the sky as seen from his bedroom window, but the background was part imaginary. He did not think it was very good; a lesson all crafters can take hope from!

Of course it is not only artists who can take inspiration from the night sky, but crafters of all mediums. It makes a great theme for crocheted blankets, pottery mugs or even wooden hanging decorations. Or, what about a set of bath bombs on the starry night theme, or a beautiful children’s mobile?

If, however, you are pondering an art exhibition, a night sky theme could really capture the imagination of your audience. There are numerous articles giving good advice on the practicalities of organising a show, but jere are a few tips:

• It may pay to think out of the box when it comes to finding a venue. The traditional galleries could be expensive whereas other venues might be better priced as well as offering a more interesting location.
• Gather a team around you with whom you can collaborate.
• Ensure you advertise well, both on social media and in local papers/flyers.
• And of course, know the community you are aiming to draw in; this will impact both the venue and the marketing.

You will also need to consider art exhibition insurance. When running to a tight budget, you might question whether this is really necessary, but here’s why art exhibition insurance is well worth the small investment. It will cover you for all those accidents which you can’t predict and therefore plan against; for damage to your art work in transit and in situ; for any unforeseen mishaps of injury to clients while in the exhibition space. It will include both public and product liability insurance. Having the correct insurance in place is part of setting yourself on a good footing. Once it’s there you don’t need to worry about those unpredictable events which, although unlikely, can steal your thinking space. Instead, you can focus on the planning and smooth running of the event itself. So, pick up the phone now and talk to one of our experienced and friendly team members. As a family run business specialising in crafting insurance we can ensure you get the best art exhibition insurance package for your unique needs at a reasonable price.

Head out this spring and join the villagers in Hawnby be inspired by the splendour of the night sky.

Earth day is celebrated this year on April 22. It has captured the imagination of millions, and has gained support from a network of international charities and multinationals.  Its very size could appear somewhat daunting and far removed from small local craft business. However, a brief look at it’s humble beginnings offers inspiration as to how the convictions of individuals, carried over into actions, can have a far reaching impact. In fact the origins of Earth Day would probably strike a chord with the founders of many creative local businesses.

Back in the 1960’s the USA was enjoying the benefits of industrialisation, with large factories producing not only mass goods for the population but pollution as well, with inefficient cars adding to this. Increasingly, companies made goods that would have a limited lifespan and were thrown away rather than repaired. In the home, chemicals replaced the old non-toxic cleaning solutions and, most significantly, within agriculture, mass produced fertilisers replaced the time tested methods of enriching the soil; crop rotation and spreading of animal manure. It was against this backdrop that Rachel Carson’s iconic book, “Silent Spring” was published in 1962. It’s startling message must have jolted many readers into a new awareness of the beautiful world which has been entrusted to us and the fact that its guardianship had been increasingly disregarded over the previous decades. Her book is both a modern fable of a future year when we would wake up to a spring without birdsong, and a well researched scientific thesis. She questioned the use, or misuse, of inadequately tested chemicals and pesticides without knowledge of their potential harm on flora and fauna. She saw governments and powerful corporations as a big part of the problem and called on individuals and groups to question policy. Thus began a grass roots environmental movement. She received a fair amount of vilification for her trouble but arguably, this one woman’s courage and persistence to speak out changed the way a whole generation thought.

Her story is inspiring, especially when we consider that it was the large scale use of chemicals and the corporate self interest of huge companies behind their use, which she was highlighting. As small, home grown craft businesses we are already challenging the practices of companies which may be less ethically and environmentally committed, offering an attractive alternative of locally made products which are both robust and created with care for the environment in which we live. As Earth Day is recognised this year, it is a great opportunity to promote your own practices and policies which are respectful of the beautiful world in which we live and your contributions to both the local community and environment. Ensure your customers know of the care you take in sourcing your raw goods, whatever they might be. Make sure your website is up to date with the positive impact your business has on the surrounding community, from employing local staff to community workshops or the training you offer. The use of cleaning chemicals might be something you would not think is worth a mention, but these are in fact some of the very issues Carson highlighted; the chemicals we use in our homes and businesses will ultimately end up in our rivers and can have a devastating effect on floral and fauna. So, if you use eco friendly cleaning materials, or even old fashioned sodium bicarbonate and distilled white vinegar (a traditionalist’s option) be sure to publicise this. Your example in one small thing may well encourage someone else to do similar. Thus, a cleaning revolution can begin and we might start to see some changes in our rivers.

Earth day could certainly provide creative inspiration, from ceramic jewellery to eco friendly soaps and candles. Maybe you could add a twist to some of your products, and include a tiny packet of wildflower seeds tucked inside a pottery mug or nestled beside a hand made toy. If you produce hand made soap or cleansing products this is of particular relevance to Earth Day as it was the use of chemicals with as yet unknown side effects which sparked  the writing of “Silent Spring”. Use this opportunity to not only to sell your gorgeous products, but also to educate your customers as to why it’s worth paying a little extra for products made of gentle, natural ingredients.

Ceramic products seem another good fit for Earth day, with hand thrown earthenware mugs or other tableware wholly embodying the good earth on which we live. They are not only created from the clay of our land, but often are painted to reflect the bountiful variety of ecosystems within our nation. A rounded mug in soft hues of blue and grey can almost capture the wild waves and wind of the sea, and rustic style mauve and brown plates can encapsulate the essence of high moorland swathed in heather.

With a good stock of your exquisite, nature inspired pottery, you’ll be wanting to head out and make the most of the public’s propensity to invest in eco friendly products. You need to ensure  you have everything in place for craft fairs or exhibitions, as well as selling online. Do you have your craft potters’ insurance in place? There are numerous reasons why this is important. It will cover you for any breakages or damage to your goods, and also to yourself if you are using potentially dangerous equipment like blades and knives. Good craft potters’ insurance will include public and product liability and insurance covering those completely unforeseen accidents or mishaps to your customers or products. We are a family run business who value our customers and strive to do our utmost to help; we believe in the importance of family, tradition and experience and as such are always keen to learn from generations past. So, with this wealth of stored wisdom and breadth of experience in working with small crafting business, pick up the phone and talk to one of our friendly team. We will ensure you get a craft potters’ insurance package in place which fits your unique needs. You can then concentrate on being the best crafter you can be and enjoy selling your unique, nature inspired and eco friendly products to a world that will benefit from them!