Month: July 2026

As our beautiful sunny weather continues and hasn’t turned to rain as soon as children and teachers alike pour out of school for their well earned summer holidays (as is too often the case) maybe we can dare to imagine another few weeks of glorious sunshine. While the lack of rain presents challenges for our hard-pressed farmers and garden lovers, for many the opportunity for a family camping holiday without battling with soggy tents and soaked waterproofs, for children to play easily outdoors and for all to slip on sandals rather than rain resistant boots is welcome.

The warm weather does invite us to slacken our pace a little and while this may not be possible for many during business hours, we may be able to sit outdoors during the balmy evenings and watch the sun as it gently sinks into the horizon or enjoy some lazy Saturday mornings with breakfast outdoors. You might be able to pack up a picnic and head out for a walk or a day at the beach, or for the more adventurous, wild swimming beckons. Whether you are naturally inclined to warmer or cooler temperatures, the seasonal nature of our weather patterns offers us not only a ready conversation starter or friendly greeting, but also a plethora of ideas for crafting projects.  

Not being used to sustained hot temperatures, these last few weeks have caused some challenges to most workplaces, crafting businesses included. It is well acknowledged that productivity drops in hot weather; we are often more tired as it’s harder to sleep and even if this is not the case our thought processes are naturally slower. In countries where warm summers are the norm, this is countered by air conditioning or, before this was invented, with an afternoon siesta. In our fast paced twenty first century lifestyle, we try to circumvent this inclination to go more slowly through our days, as the need for productivity requires us to keep going. However, it is worth bearing in mind that our body’s natural responses are there for a purpose, and that the reason we feel lethargic during hot weather is because it is working extra hard keeping us cool. We can help it by staying well hydrated and wearing loose clothing etc but we can’t escape the fact that it just is hard to keep working at our normal pace during extended periods of heat.  

So, if you have struggled to maintain your usual level of creativity you will not be alone in this. You may have come up against some technical issues too, for example wax melts could melt prematurely and fuse together, paints and resins might behave differently and even some tools might struggle in extreme heat.  

Whatever the weather, the summer months call for a fresh look at where to sell craft items. You may experience a bit of a ‘summer slump’ in your online sales platforms as people spend less time inside and more time outside and are also focussing on holidays. However, there are some ways you can use this to your advantage as you consider where to sell craft items over the summer holiday season.  

Many of us will be joining our crowded motorways and heading for the many gorgeous spots around the country. Form the stunning Western Isles of Scotland, to the glorious coat of Pembrokeshire, the open horizons of the Norfolk Broads, right down the the rocky coastline and crashing waves of Cornwall, the British Isles offers something for everyone. The local economies of many rural communities are boosted by tourism in the summer months, and this provides a good opportunity for selling hand made crafts. While your usual set of customers might not be buying online or at their own local markets, they may well be browsing elsewhere. So, if you live in or near to one of our many holiday havens, why not see if you can rent a shelf in a shop or even a cafe?  

You might also consider a holiday range for visitors to your area, inspired by the local scenery; seaside themed items made form driftwood or shells, textiles reflecting the colours of heather clad moors or home decor and utensils inspired by the industrial heritage of the region.  

Or you might like to focus on the weather theme…wind chimes, sun hats or beach bags. Before the time of weather apps, or even national weather forecasts, country dwellers used to look to the weathervane on top of their local church to see the direction from which the wind was coming. Weathervanes in the shape of cockerels were also placed on churches, to be seen by all, as a reminder of Peter denying Jesus. Weathervanes are still a striking addition to any home, and metalsmiths today are still crafting these from cast iron, in a multitude of shapes and sizes, as highly visible, as well as practical, ornaments.  

So, whether you’re a sun lover or a shade seeker, we hope you can enjoy some relaxed time outdoors over the next few weeks. If you’re looking towards renting a shelf in a local shop, remember that our basic insurance package covers you for this, as well as for online and in person sales at fairs and markets.  

Whatever the weather, have a good weekend!  

As a skilled crafter you will know that creating beautiful, high-quality products is only half the challenge of running a successful crafting business. You need to get your stunning products out in the marketplace for customers to see and buy. Marketing is an ongoing process and it’s good to evaluate and update your strategies periodically. With a wide range of online platforms as well numerous crafts, fairs and markets to attend, there are plenty of options to explore in order to find the best market places for artisans. 

You might like to ask yourself whether your products would sell best online, in person or whether a hybrid approach would work best. This would focus your efforts and allow you to concentrate on a strategy which would lead to the greatest number of sales. How then, do you decide which avenue to pursue? There will be many variables but here are a few questions which might help you in the decision-making process.  

Firstly, think about yourself. The products you create flow from your own natural talent and your hard work … you are personally invested in them…so you need to be comfortable in the venues in which you sell. Some crafters may love meeting new people and enjoy the buzz of a fair. Others may find the thought of this quite a challenge but be very IT savvy and be excited at the multiple opportunities to sell online. Which sits most comfortably with you? You will have to put in hours of work either way and will probably opt to use both online and in person platforms but it’s helpful to be aware of what your natural tendencies lean towards so you can offer yourself some extra kindness if you are pressing into a space which does not necessarily feel easy. 

If you are thinking of booking in some fairs, there are a few rules of thumb which might help.  

Craft fairs are a great option for products which have a sensory aspect to them, for example bath bombs and soaps which have a delicious fragrance or toys which are soft to touch. It’s always worth doing a little background research before you attend a fair, to guide you in what stock to bring.  

Some will be more exclusive, offering customers a luxury shopping experience; for these it is worth taking a good supply of your higher budget ranges. However, many are fun places for those of all ages to shop, maybe to enjoy some locally produced food or to meet up with friends. For these, you are probably looking at products priced at low to mid range. You could take a selection of pocket money purchases and items which would make great gifts. It’s also worth remembering that you are more likely to get impulse buys when people are relaxed and enjoying a fun trip out, so put a few bargains or irresistibly gorgeous products in pride of place! 

Small items such as jewellery often do well at fairs. They are visually appealing and customers can hold up pieces to check for length and colour against their skin tone in a way they cannot do if buying online. Offer lots of encouragement and remember to explain your eco credentials. 

Pet accessories also often do well at fairs. We Brits are fairly besotted with our pets, whether they be pampered pooches, spoilt bunnies or much-loved gerbils! Pets are an integral part of many of our families, offering good business opportunities in individually crafted pet accessories. Whether you make leather collars and leads, ceramic bowls or warm coats, pet accessories are a tempting impulse buy for many.  

Breakable items such as glass or ceramics, while they can be carefully packaged for posting, also do well at in person events. Customers can see the colours and also get a feel for the weight, shape and texture of a hand thrown or blown piece.  

As you explore the best market places of artisans you will want to consider the wide array of online options. The world really is your oyster when you jump on here. From Facebook and eBay, through specialised platforms for handmade goods such as Etsy and Folksy to building your own website, the opportunity is limitless! The big advantage of online selling is that you reach a far larger audience very quickly. In addition, the overheads are low and you will receive data analytics which will help direct your marketing strategy.  

Just about any goods can be sold online but do check out postage costs and any special requirements. Light weight products such as jewellery, home decor and paper goods are all well suited to online sales, as too are small cosmetic and bath products such as shampoo bars, soaps, lip balm and hand cream as well as candles and wax melts. As you can see, there is much crossover, and many crafters will find they use a mix of online and in person sales.  

Whatever you decide are the best market places for artisans and in particular for your beautiful products, you will need to consider insurance. Our basic package includes both product and public liability insurance. Product liability covers you in the event of a claim being made that your product has caused harm to a member of the public. Public liability covers you if a member of the public makes a claim for harm or damage caused on your property or as a result of your business.  

As the summer months may offer you a slightly slower pace, this could be a good time to review your marketing strategy; and if you need any advice regarding insurance, we are here for you!  

If you have visited the National Gallery in the last couple of years, you may have come across Joaquín Sorolla’s 1895 oil painting Valencian Fishermen, which has been on long-term loan since the summer of 2024. Sorolla, who lived from 1863 to 1923, is celebrated as the master of Spanish luminism, a style built entirely around the way natural light falls on the world. His canvases positively radiate sunshine. He painted almost exclusively outdoors, capturing the Mediterranean light bouncing off the water, bleaching white fabric and warming human skin, while grains of sand from the beach became embedded in the paintings themselves. 

What Sorolla understood is that light changes everything. It changes how we see, how we feel and how we create. This summer, with an unusually generous amount of sunshine making its way across the UK, we can all take a leaf out of his book. 

What working outside does for you 

The science behind spending time outdoors is compelling. Just 15 to 20 minutes outside is enough to lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and trigger the release of endorphins that lift your mood. Sunlight also stimulates the production of serotonin, increasing motivation and job satisfaction. It regulates your circadian rhythm, helping you sleep better at night, boosts your immune system through vitamin D production, and even increases your exposure to phytoncides – airborne compounds released by trees that have been shown to increase the body’s virus-fighting cells. 

Not only is natural light good for you, but it also supports creativity in fascinating ways. The sharp, high-contrast light of a bright summer morning is ideal for focused, detailed work, while the softer light of late afternoon lowers what researchers describe as critical vigilance. That more relaxed, associative frame of mind is exactly where creative thinking tends to flourish. 

The longer summer days also give us more time to enjoy the activities that naturally recharge our creative batteries. There’s no better example than the Nordic countries, where daylight stretches well into the evening during summer. The famous White Nights and the Midnight Sun are embraced as opportunities to make the most of waking life. In Scandinavia, friluftsliv, or open-air living, is all about hiking through forests, cycling or camping. In Sweden and Norway, Allemansrätten, or the right to roam, gives people the freedom to hike, forage and pitch tents across much of the countryside. Extended daylight also naturally moves socialising outdoors, with al fresco dining and festivals continuing long into the evening. 

Where to sell handmade crafts: the outdoor opportunity 

For fledgling crafters looking to spend more time outside this summer, the answer to where to sell handmade crafts is right in the open air. Across the UK, the summer calendar is packed with craft fairs, country shows, outdoor markets and community events that bring talented makers together with customers in beautiful surroundings, showcasing work and enjoying the fresh air all at the same time. 

Even before selling, crafting outdoors is more practical than you might think. A shaded garden, city park, beach or a balcony can become an enjoyable workspace for many creative hobbies. Knitting, crochet, embroidery, beadwork, sketching and product planning all travel well. Even administrative tasks such as replying to emails, reading or brainstorming your next collection can feel far more enjoyable when you’re not confined to the same four walls. 

All you need is a bag, a blanket and a fully charged phone. The aim is simply to get outside, enjoy the natural light and let the science do its work. Any practical challenges are easily overcome. Sitting in the shade reduces screen glare and prevents devices from overheating, while a folding cushion or sturdy bag can double as a makeshift table. A wide-brimmed hat will help too. 

Because we often associate parks and outdoor spaces with leisure, it can initially feel unusual to treat them as a workspace. However, spending just 20 minutes sketching, planning or creating outside is far from a holiday. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to support both your creativity and your overall wellbeing. 

Ready to take your craft business outside? 

The single most important thing to do before packing up your stall to head off to outdoor event is making sure your insurance is in place. No matter where you sell handmade crafts this summer, from village fêtes and artisan markets to major country shows, it’s important to know you’re properly covered. 

Our Craft Insurance policy covers unlimited indoor and outdoor events throughout the year, with no need to notify us each time you attend. Public and product liability cover, including professional indemnity as standard up to £500,000, is included, while optional stock and equipment cover is also available within one straightforward policy. Better still, your documents are issued on the same day. 

Get your quote online in just a few minutes, then head outside and let your creativity flourish. Sorolla would certainly have approved. 

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If you have had one eye on the 2026 World Cup, you may have noticed something rather wonderful happening beyond the football itself. This year’s tournament has seen many of the 48 participating nations take to the pitch in kits that are genuinely works of craft. The major kit manufacturers have produced bespoke uniforms drawing on each country’s history, national identity, folk art and textile traditions, and the results are extraordinary. 

Argentina’s away jersey carries intricate swirling filete porteno folk art, a vibrant Buenos Aires street tradition; Mexico’s home shirt features the ancient Aztec Sunstone printed directly on the front; Senegal’s kit celebrates the spirit of Teranga, drawing on the vivid wax print traditions of Dakar’s streets and using an inside-out printing technique to reveal a full-colour kaleidoscopic design. Japan’s Samurai Blue kit takes its pattern from centuries-old aizome indigo dyeing. 

These are not just football kits. They are handmade ideas, translated into fabric at scale, by people who understood the value of craft. 

Every great craft business starts somewhere, like every team.  

If you are thinking about how to start a craft business, the World Cup offers a useful frame. Those 48 teams did not arrive at the tournament without preparation. Behind every kit and every match plan are months of groundwork that most spectators never see. The same is true for a craft business. What looks effortless from the outside is built on decisions made long before the first sale. 

The kit designers at Nike, Adidas and Puma did not turn up on the day and improvise. They researched, planned, got permissions where they were needed, and made sure every detail was protected before anything went public. When you are starting a craft business, that same instinct to prepare properly is a large part of what makes it thrive. 

One of the most important preparations any new crafter can make is getting the right insurance in place before they start trading. Not because something will definitely go wrong, but because the unexpected has a habit of arriving uninvited, and a craft business without cover is like a team without a goalkeeper! 

Kitted out properly: what craft business insurance covers. 

Our foundation insurance is public and product liability insurance. This is the essential cover that protects you if a customer or member of the public makes a claim against you for injury or damage caused by your products or your activities. Most craft fair organisers will ask for proof of this before they allow you to take a stall, and it applies equally to online sales, rent-a-shelf arrangements and selling through other retailers. 

Everything else builds on that base. Employers’ liability cover is a requirement if you have anyone working with you, whether paid or voluntary. Business items insurance protects your tools, materials, stock, equipment, display stands, card readers and laptops against loss, theft or damage. You choose how much to insure, and the standard excess across all claims is just fifty pounds, which is one of the lowest available for craft insurance. At Craft Insurance, your stock and materials are treated as a single category, so if you ever need to make a claim, there is no complicated separation to work out between what was finished and what was still in progress. 

Professional indemnity is included as standard with every liability policy, which means that if you teach your craft, run your own exhibition or demonstrate your skills at an event, you are covered for that too. 

Avoiding own goals: the exclusions other insurers do not tell you about. 

Here is something worth knowing before you shop around. Some of the most widely used insurance providers have exclusions that are easy to miss and genuinely damaging when you discover them. Some will only cover crafters selling branded soaps, not products they have made themselves. Others exclude home fragrances, room sprays and reed diffusers entirely, which is a significant gap for candle makers, wax melt sellers and home fragrance businesses who may not realise they are unprotected until the moment they need to claim. 

In football terms, those are own goals waiting to happen. The good news is that Craft Insurance has very few exclusions. We cover what you make and what you sell, and we are always upfront about the small number of things that fall outside the policy. No hidden small print, no surprise gaps. 

We also do not charge administration fees. If your craft business grows and you need to update your cover, change your details or adjust your policy as you start travelling to more events or scaling your operation, we handle those amendments at no extra cost. Other providers charge up to fifteen pounds for exactly the same thing. We think that is the wrong way to treat customers who are just getting started. 

Getting match ready! 

The World Cup kits that have captured everyone’s attention this summer were made by people who understood that craft, preparation and identity are inseparable. That is exactly the mindset to bring to a craft business. The work you make reflects who you are. Protecting it is part of taking it seriously. 

Whether you are just working out how to start a craft business from your kitchen table, or you are an established maker heading into your busiest trading season, getting the right cover in place is one of the most straightforward things you can do. Fill in our short online form, get your quote in minutes, and have your documents in your inbox the same day. If you want to talk it through first, Samantha or Naomi will pick up the phone and walk you through exactly what you need. No call centres, just two reliable people who know craft insurance inside out, ready to help you kick off with confidence. 

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