The full moon on 19th August, the eighth full moon of 2024, will also be a blue moon, (more about that in a bit) and will be visible from 20:48 BST. For anyone needing to dust off their astronomy, the moon will be full as it will be exactly on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun. It will also appear slightly larger than normal as it will be close to the closest point in its orbit to the Earth when it becomes a “Super Moon”.

There are two types of blue moons, monthly and seasonal, but neither of them is blue, just standard grey! A monthly blue moon is when there are two full moons in a calendar month. A seasonal blue moon occurs when there are four full moons in one astronomical season, instead of the usual three. When this happens, the third full moon of the four is called a seasonal blue moon and this is what we will be seeing on August 19th.

In North America, this approaching full moon is also known as “The Sturgeon Moon” as it is easier to catch Sturgeon in the Great Lakes in the summer months. So, if you happen to be near the Great Lakes on holiday, it’s the best season to see one of these monsters!

The expression “once in a blue moon” comes from the fact that blue moons are relatively rare, occurring about every two or three years, and running your own business, you may recognise the feeling of waiting for a blue moon to “catch your big fish”. Lovingly crafting your products, serving clients faithfully, posting to social media, paying taxes, taking the time to compare the market for craft insurance and, all the while, hoping for that special opportunity to arise that will see your business grow exponentially.

Although not many of us will know what waiting for a sturgeon to bite under a blue moon feels like, most will know how it feels to wait for your big break. Most of us also know that we have to learn to do whatever it takes to make our big break come sooner and bring those opportunities within our reach.

One of the best ways to create opportunities for your craft business is to present your products online in an optimal way. They have to be easy to find and presented in their best light. The good news is that, even if you are not a professional photographer, you don’t have to wait ages for the right conditions or purchase expensive equipment to get some great shots of your products! A mobile phone and a few useful tips will help you create professional-looking photos of your craft work, making your creations stand out and attract attention. Taking great photos of your craftwork using a mobile phone can significantly enhance the way your creations are perceived by potential buyers.

Here are ten handy hints to help you capture your craftwork beautifully:

1. Good Lighting:
   Use natural light whenever possible by shooting near a window or outside during the day. Avoid direct sunlight as it can create harsh shadows, whereas overcast days provide even lighting. If natural light is not available, use soft, diffused artificial lighting.
   
   
2. Clean Background:
   Use a simple, clean background with solid colours or plain textures that won’t distract attention away from your crafted items. Using a lightbox for smaller items controls the background and lighting.
   
   
3. Steady Your Shot:
   Keep your phone steady to avoid blurry photos. The best way to do this is by using a tripod or placing your phone on a stable surface. It’s also a good idea to use the timer function to reduce camera shake when you are taking a photo.
   
   
4. Focus and Exposure:
   Tap on your crafted item on your phone screen to set the focus and adjust the exposure. Also, always ensure that your main subject is sharp and well-lit.
   
   
5. Use Grid Lines:
   Enable “grid lines” in your camera settings as it will help with composition, then follow the rule of thirds to create some balanced and visually pleasing shots.
   
   
6. Avoid Zooming:
   Using digital zoom will reduce the photo quality so it’s a better idea to move closer to the subject if you need a closer shot. If you need a detailed close-up, you could use the “macro mode” if your phone has one.
   
   
7. Try Different Angles:
   Experiment with various angles to find the most flattering perspective for your crafted items. Try shooting from eye level, from the top down, and at a variety of different side angles to see which highlights your work best.
   
   
8. Edit Your Photos:
   Use photo editing apps to enhance your images. You can adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make your photos pop and crop out any unnecessary elements to focus attention on your crafted items.
   
   
9. Use Props Wisely:
   Props can enhance your craftwork and add context but it’s a good idea to use them sparingly. Ensure they complement rather than overshadow your main subject. Always choose props that are relevant and scale-appropriate.
   
   
10. Show Details:
    Capture close-up shots to highlight the intricate details and textures of your craft.
    Take multiple photos from different distances to showcase both the overall piece and its finer points.

Rather than waiting for opportunities, why not give your online presence an overhaul with updated images of your wonderful craft?

You could also take some time out to look at your insurance and compare the market. Craft insurance has been our speciality for decades and we’ll ensure that you have the right insurance package in place for your unique needs.

Having prepared your online presence, as you spend quality time this summer at craft fairs selling your unique products, you’ll feel secure in the knowledge that you are pointing customers to an online store which looks its best and you’ve also taken the time to compare the market for craft insurance to be prepared for whatever comes your way! Basically, rather than waiting for those “once in a blue moon” opportunities, you’ve taken steps to set yourself up for success this summer!

As a craft insurance company, we try to share ideas that will help craft businesses to grow. So here’s an idea…

Why not use the same narrative formula that Hollywood uses to make blockbusting films to put together some great testimonials on your website? You can use it to showcase your lovely handmade products and tell the story of the people who are happy with them…

A great way to describe the value of your handmade products is to create a story around them that people want to read. Everyone loves to hear a story about overcoming difficulty and the reward of finding a good solution.

We have been trained by cinematographers over the years to follow the line of a story in a film, and we expect that the story will unfold familiarly. When we hear a story or a case study told in this way it meets our expectations and we feel satisfied that a problem has been solved and an objective achieved – it all feels right somehow!

The Hollywood Story Arc

The most familiar pattern for storytelling used in films is the Hollywood story arc and it looks something like this:

1. The characters are introduced
2. They have a goal they want to reach
3. The adversary is the problem or obstacle they face
4. The plan is how they are trying to get around the obstacle
5. They experience various attempts and failures
6. They regroup
7. They make a new plan with the same goal in mind
8. They fulfil their goal and experience victory!

This method can also be used to frame case studies on your website. Use each step to create a questionnaire to give your customers as a feedback form then use the answers to craft a couple of great testimonials/case studies. Each testimonial will then follow the Hollywood story arc by including the right elements. Your feedback form could look something like this.

1. Name
2. Product purchased? (We’ll call it ‘x’.)
3. What are you looking for when you buy ‘x’?
4. Where do you normally go to find ‘x’?
5. Have you had any difficulties finding ‘x’ in the past?
6. How did you hear about us?
7. What do you like most about our ‘x’?
8. What mark out of ten would you give to our ‘x’? Why?

Testimonials/case studies written in this way can deal with objections before they even come up. Each story will show potential buyers how your products can help them to achieve their goals and allay any fears they might have about purchasing. You can even use these case studies as the script for video clips. Some happy customers may even enjoy being filmed to leave a video testimonial on your home page.

Here’s an example of a case study written according to the Hollywood story arc- it’s a bit longer than your average case study just to get the point across, but you get the general idea!

Sue, a busy, working Mum, struggles every year to make time to find Christmas presents that are meaningful, lasting, unique and memorable. She doesn’t want to get into debt every year, but her experience has often been that finding a special gift at the eleventh hour has meant paying over the odds. Christmas has started to feel a bit of a chore and one that needs to be tackled earlier each year (even in the summer sales) in order to find acceptable gifts that don’t cost the earth. Sue’s dream would be to find a shop or online outlet (different to the one that everyone else is using) where she could find an original gift for each family member and friend. An even better scenario would be a discount for buying all of her presents with them.

This year, during in a conversation with a friend about the forthcoming festive season Sue opened up about how she was dreading the whole thing. Sue’s friend told her about ‘x’ website and online store.

Sue wasn’t expecting much, but after an initial perusal of the website she realised that she was onto something as she started to find beautiful handmade gifts straight away that suited the tastes and interests of her different family members and friends.

This year, Christmas has been a very different experience for Sue. The gifts were easy to find all in one place and easy to purchase with a discount for the number of items she bought together. Sue was then free to spend more time enjoying the season with her loved ones without the worry of presents yet to be bought lurking in the back of her mind. What’s more, when Christmas arrived, the quality and beautiful craftsmanship of the items received universal and rapturous approval from the family. Sue was inspired by the way that one conversation can completely change an entire season and she started to share her experience with her friends. Now, Sue cannot recommend a handmade Christmas enough.

Another great thing about a well-written case study is that you can use excerpts from it for social media. Sharing valuable content makes consumers want to follow you on social media. You could turn morsels from these case studies into social media graphics for Instagram or LinkedIn.

Sharing success stories helps you to build trust and relationships. People can learn more about your company and a case study of this nature will serve to answer frequently asked questions too. There’s nothing better than an impactful case study to show people that they can trust you to provide a quality product or service.

Our craft insurance company has seen several decades of experience of working with crafters to ensure they have the correct cover. We have had lots of happy customers over the years and we want to continue to give the best service that we can to all. If you have an enquiry or you are looking for a craft insurance company, the easiest way to find out more is simply to drop us a message or pick up the phone and either Naomi or Sam will be here to help answer your questions.

It may seem somewhat counter-intuitive to begin planning for Christmas in the middle of the summer holiday season. However, there are a number of reasons why it can in fact be good to do so. Firstly, as we discussed in a previous post, time out and about, away from the routine jobs and inspired by new places, spectacular scenery or gentle countryside, can be a great springboard for fresh creativity and also provide some headspace to begin thinking forward to Christmas stock. Secondly, the Christmas buying season, as we all know, begins well before December and being organised will maximise sales. Thirdly, as you juggle a business with home and personal life, a little advanced organisation will help you to approach the holiday season with less panic and more excited expectation, less exhaustion and more joy. So, while we hope you are taking a well-earned break and enjoying some summer beauty, good food and stimulating culture and history, we hope this blog post will give you some ideas to mull over for when you get back to work. We have put together a list of suggestions to help you in your Christmas planning. Some will be relevant and some not; take what is useful to you and use it as a prompt to build a planning framework for your unique business.

Start by taking a look at last year’s Christmas sales. When were the peaks, when did the sales begin, if you sell online can you learn anything from promotions, postage practicalities or customer feedback?

Have a think about your customers. Has anything changed since last year? Have you enlarged the scope of your customer base ie. reaching out to teens as well as children? How has the current economic climate affected your target audience?

Once you have completed a thorough overview, it is time to create your own Christmas crafting calendar. You could include dates by which you would like to have certain stock completed, dates by which you aim to have Christmas stock uploaded on your website, dates for sending out emails to your customer base, dates for markets and fairs, and don’t forget to book a date for a Christmas work celebration!

Christmas is an excellent time to sell at fairs and markets so take a look at what is around and book yourself in. You could also start thinking about any attention-grabbing displays or offers which will make your stall stand out for the others. If you will need help for the day, it might be advisable to find someone soon as we all get so busy in the lead-up to Christmas.

With craft fairs in mind, it is good to ensure you have the correct insurance in place. This will depend on how and what you sell. To illustrate this, we will take jewellery as an example. Your first question might be “What are the legal requirements of selling jewellery UK?” There are no legal requirements for selling jewellery or any other hand-crafted item at fairs, but many organisers will ask for it. You may sell online or have other retailers sell your stock and wonder “What are the legal requirements of selling jewellery UK?”. Again the answer is that there are none, but that we strongly advise that you have both product and public liability in place if you are selling in any way to the public. While you will put everything in place to avoid any potential problems, the whole purpose of insurance is that it covers you for the unexpected, for those situations you cannot possibly foresee. As a small family business, we place high value on our own customer relationships and communicate directly with each of you. So, as you start the countdown to Christmas, drop us a line or pick up the phone and either Naomi or Sam will be here to answer your questions about insurance, including “What are the legal requirements of selling jewellery UK?” and enable you to get this one ticked off your “to do” list.

Once some of these structural foundations are in place, you can start getting creative! What are you going to sell this year? Will you have some seasonal themes and limited edition products? What message are you wanting to portray? For example, if you make bath products you may focus on self-care with a good conscience; if you make candles, you may have a cosy vibe; for those who create ceramic tableware, you may want to convey the homely message of families gathering round the dinner table over Christmas.

As you come up with a marketing strategy you might consider what promotions or giveaways you could offer. For example, could you include gift wrapping if the orders are in by a certain date? If you decide to do this, make sure you have the required gift wrap in plenty of time; any leftover can be used for your own wrapping, or saved until next year.

If you sell online, you could consider gift vouchers. If you are selling at fairs locally, you could think about offering workshop vouchers to be used in the New Year.

Finally, as you release your stunning and unique products into the world over Christmas, you can have the satisfaction that they will bring delight to those who receive them, they will have a longevity which their mass-produced counterparts may not and they will have been produced locally and with a care for the natural world in which we live. As well as all this, you could think about giving a donation to a charity from each sale. If you do this, make sure you put details and a link to your chosen charity on your website, and if you sell at fairs, have some handy information at the ready.

We hope this has offered you a few prompts to set you on course for some great Christmas sales. In the meantime though, make the most of and enjoy all that the great British summer has to offer!

Holidays can be a wonderful source of inspiration for our creativity; the combination of time away from the ordinary, mundane tasks of life, away from the usual frantic connectivity of our modern lives and the richness of seeing and experiencing new places all blend together to produce fertile soil for new ideas. With the advent of cheap air travel and low-cost package holidays in the 1970’s, many of us choose to leave our green and pleasant land for a summer holiday, and while this will almost certainly guarantee better weather, it can mean we have overlooked some of our own nations’s fascinating history, rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and unique regional variations.

Just let your mind wander with me for a moment over the majestic mountains and lochs of the Scottish highlands to the wild Atlantic coastline of Cornwall, from the wide skies of the Norfolk Broads to the sandy, windswept beaches of west Wales, and from grand old period homes and medieval castles oozing with history to quiet country lanes and gently flowing rivers. What a feast our nation offers with an infinite number of opportunities to explore, admire, learn and be inspired. The huge geographical variety within one small island is quite remarkable and it is little wonder that this abundance has inspired so many artists, writers and composers over the centuries.

In the nineteenth century, John Constable, for example, took inspiration from the tranquil landscape of his native Suffolk, producing the picturesque pastoral scenes familiar to so many. A couple of decades later, JW Turner’s paintings combined this traditional landscape of England with the rapidly changing scenery introduced by the Industrial Revolution, giving us a unique insight into how these changes were perceived by the population. For example, his “Fighting Temeraire” depicts an old sailing galleon being towed up the Thames for scrap by a new, steam-powered tug. His stunning sunsets alongside the then new steam trains are now iconic and can be contrasted with the quietness and slowness of pace depicted in Constable’s paintings just a few decades earlier.

Staying with the theme of the Industrial Revolution, we can trace the growth of the Staffordshire Potteries from the early eighteen hundreds right through to the mid-twentieth century. The regional availability of clay, coal and other natural minerals led to the building of hundreds of fairly small factories and kilns producing ceramics which have become synonymous with the area, such as Spode and Wedgewood, and have made their way into homes across our own nation and beyond. Today a visit to the heritage ceramic factories to learn their history is a truly inspiring experience for potters or anyone interested in the craft.

On a much smaller scale, the peaceful wetlands of the Somerset Levels have delivered a plentiful supply of willow for weaving into baskets, trugs and hampers for centuries. Traditional techniques combined with innovative modern design, inspired by the serene natural beauty of the area have ensured this ancient craft continues to thrive.

A little further north, the gently rolling hills and butter colour cottages of the Cotswolds provided the backdrop to the Arts and Crafts movement. Influenced by his Cotswold country retreat, William Morris and his friends began a movement in home decor based on traditional craftsmanship and inspired by nature. The Cotswolds remain a much sought-after, if increasingly pricey, holiday destination with their quaint villages and snug pubs and cafes.

Travelling the spectacular western coast of the the Scottish islands and highlands is guaranteed to be a memorable holiday as vista after vista open up of wild, often untamed landscape, looming mountains and windswept fishing villages. For knitters, these hold a special interest as it was in these very communities that the tradition of Scottish knitting patterns for jumpers originated. The Fairisle and the Sanquhar are both patterns which continue to be used as a springboard for designs with a modern twist. Journeying around this area it is easy to see how the original “gansey” jumper was created out of a need to keep the fishermen warm and how the many subsequent patterns were inspired by the tones and hues of the surrounding seascape, moorland and mountains.

A holiday in Wales will guarantee a rich helping of culture and history, an abundance of green hills and quite possibly a few showers of life-giving rain. Dotted over these hills are a plentiful supply of sheep, so it is no surprise that Wales produces woollen garments which are sold all around the world. Traditional techniques can still be seen in a heritage mill where it is possible to watch the weavers at work, making these unique blankets, throws and bags. Or, why not visit the National Wool Museum where you can chart the journey of fleece to fabric?

Having had some time away and been re-inspired by all you have imbibed, you will be busy creating new stock, maybe looking towards Christmas sales. There are many markets and fairs at this time of year, and if this is your first time selling face to face you will need to consider one-off event public liability insurance. If you are planning on selling throughout the year, then you will need cover for the whole twelve months, but if you are just planning on a few events, then one-off event public liability insurance may be the most economical option. Either way, as a family business we value and talk directly with our customers and will do our very best to ensure you get the best deal for your business. So pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Naomi or Sam will be here to guide you through which insurance is best for you; one-off event public liability insurance or annual cover.

In the meantime, we hope you are able to take some time out to visit one of the many unique regions of our nation where natural beauty and fascinating history collide to inspire creativity.

There can be few things which, throughout history, have captured the essence of summer as much as the archetypal English country garden. Music has been composed, paintings created and both poetry and prose written, all inspired by this rural idyllic. We will all have a unique image spring to mind when we think of an English country garden. For some of us, it will be a formal garden, with sweeping lawns overlooking wide open spaces of wheat-filled fields, beautifully planted wide herbaceous borders guaranteeing a feast for the eyes, spacious paths leading to carefully planned vistas and quiet benches overlooking pools or fountains. For others of us, it may be the jolly scramble of a cottage garden, where blowsy flowers compete with an array of vegetables, hens peck around under an apple tree and sweetly fragranced roses tumble over the doorway of a thatched cottage.

However we perceive an English country garden, flowers will be central; early in the year, this will be tiny snowdrops poking their white heads up in the depths of winter to herald the coming of spring, followed by cheery yellow daffodils and then by bright red tulips standing tall as soldiers. As spring gives way to summer, bold pink magnolias burst forth, bluebells sway daintily in the warming breezes and daisies run wild and wonderfully uninvited over our lawns. Summer brings the greatest display of floral abundance as annuals such as blue cornflowers appear, competing with lavishly trailing red and yellow nasturtiums. Bold perennials such as geraniums and phlox make themselves at home in our borders and hollyhocks and delphiniums tower over them all. Roses in all their abundance and glory reign in our summer gardens, with their sweet fragrances and delicate petals of all colours and sizes. The variety and beauty of flowers are truly breathtaking so it is little wonder they have inspired so many artists from all walks of life over the years.

Current crafters are no exception and summer sees a proliferation of handmade gifts with a floral theme. Maybe you work with textiles and create beautiful and colourful knitted or crocheted flowers which are used to embellish bags, garments or blankets. Maybe you work with needle felting and create stunning pictures encapsulating the essence of an English country garden in full bloom. Or you might embroider pictures of a summer flower border with the intricate detail your skill allows. With an increase in interest in learning crafting skills, home kits can also be a great option to add to your stock. If you sell online, needle felting and embroidery kits are popular, as well as folded origami kits to make flower-themed decorations. These all make thoughtful gifts, offering both a stunning end product and also the satisfaction of learning a new skill.

In an age of quick-fire texts and messages, the art of letter writing has seen a decline. However, it seems we are missing this form of communication and it is slowly seeing a resurgence as we realise the value of “snail mail”. We all love to receive a card, with a personal message inside and it’s even better if the picture is a gorgeous floral illustration which can be popped in a frame and enjoyed for years to come.

With the summer wedding season in full swing, flowers will take centre stage in the decoration schemes of many venues. However, weddings at other times of year need not miss out, with dried flowers making unique and environmentally kind wedding favours, stunning botanically inspired bunting bringing a touch of outdoors inside and floral table runners and napkins to bring beauty and colour to each table.

With all this abundance of creativity, you will need to find an outlet to sell your amazing stock. This could be online, at craft fairs and markets, or other local events. All of these will involve some financial layout, as well as a consideration of product liability insurance costs. When you are weighing up product liability insurance costs, keep in mind that this kind of insurance covers you for any complaint a member of the public may make about one of your products and will cover your legal defence costs. While these situations are not a regular occurrence in your crafting business and you will do all you reasonably can to avoid them, it is exactly the unpredictable nature of complaints for which we have insurance in place. We call it “sleep easy” insurance; you know you are covered, so you can dismiss any concerns from your mind and focus on the important matters of creating your stock and building your business.

As a family business ourselves we place a high value on our customers and work hard to ensure they get the best deal possible, both financially and with the service we give. We are sure that as you compare product liability insurance costs you will find our quotes very competitive. In addition, we are always at hand to talk with you; either drop us a line or pick up the phone and either Naomi or Sam will be here to chat. We look forward to talking with you and hearing about your business.

With all the activity that summer brings, we hope you find time to be inspired by the floral abundance of the season. Pick any wayside flower, a daisy or buttercup will do, and take a few moments to study the intricacy of its design and beauty. Maybe too, you can pack up a flask and a picnic and head out for the day to a garden open to the public. Allow your eyes to feast on the colours and variety of the floral displays and let the beauty of nature calm your busy souls.

This month of July (for both the UK and the US) is a celebration of a cherished body of people who contribute so much to the economy and to their local communities – it’s Independent Retailers Month. As providers of craft business and artist insurance we understand the vital role that independent retailers play when it comes to creating jobs and adding to the richness and diversity of our communities.

Independent retailers contribute so much to the unique character and cultural fabric of our communities, giving us shopping destinations that reflect our local tastes and traditions. Our independent retail outlets are in fact deeply rooted in community as they offer us a more unique selection of products, often sourced from other local suppliers. As well as this, they often participate in local events and support local causes, which in itself fosters a sense of community and loyalty.

Independent retailers embody the entrepreneurial spirit, founded and run by passionate individuals who bring their unique visions and dedication to their businesses. How dull our lives would be without these brave individuals who bring their creative genius to brighten and enrich our marketplace!

Independents account for something in the order of 65% of the approximately 290,000 retail outlets in the UK and there are fundamental reasons why they are described as being “the heart of the community”. One is that the money that is spent locally tends to stay in the local economy, supporting local jobs and businesses, leading to a stronger, more vibrant community. A US study showed that each dollar spent at an independent business returned three times more money to the local economy than a dollar spent at a national chain and that whereas big businesses had a tendency to eliminate jobs, small businesses had a tendency to create jobs.

https://www.indieretailermonth.com/statistics

With retail spending under pressure, never have independent retailers needed our support more. It’s time to return the favour, as it were, for the aspect of community that independent retailers have created. It’s worth noting that the mere existence of independent retail outlets leads to personal relationships that enrich our lives. These relationships, built between independent retailers and customers deserve the loyalty that they generate. That high level of personalised service they provide, taking the time to get to know customers and catering to their specific needs is worth celebrating and that’s what this month is all about!

It’s not been an easy period to stick it out as an indie retailer either, what with the restrictions of the pandemic, the difficulties of lockdown and increases in energy bills, all in addition to the normal overheads of paying tax and craft business or artist insurance. It’s time to recognise and celebrate their stickability with our repeat custom and frequent word-of-mouth referrals.

Independent Retailer Month kicks off with Independents’ Day UK which usually happens around July 4th and this year is stretched across a full weekend, on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July. Independent’s Day UK have appealed via their website for the support of the general public…

How can retailers get involved?

Independent retailers can use Independent’s Day UK to promote their own businesses online and in their own communities by:

• Following and engaging with the campaign across social media platforms. 
• Sharing news of the campaign taking place with fellow retailers and customers.
• Downloading the Independents’ Day UK logo and sharing it on your website, on your own social platforms and in your shop windows to show that you are taking part.
• Getting in touch with Independents Day UK (https://www.independentsdayuk.org/get-involved) so that they can tell your story.
• Doing something special for the Independents’ Day weekend, like a unique offer/promotion, product launch or event with another local business to bring people into your shop (particularly those who may not have visited before)

How can shoppers get involved?

• As a shopper, you can show love for the independent retailers you value most both in your local communities and online by:
• Following and engaging with the campaign across social media platforms. 
• Sharing the campaign with your family and friends.
• Give a shout-out on social media to the independent retailers you love and value most and tag Independent’s Day UK in any post using the hashtag #ukindieday.
• Ask the independent retailers you visit or know if they are involved with Independents’ Day UK – if not, why not direct them to our website
• Make a list of one or two independent retailers that you’ve never visited before, or even local favourites you’re familiar with and pledge to spend some money with them on Independents’ Day weekend – your visit will make a world of difference.

We all want diversity in our high streets and the distinct character and service that independent retailers give to our towns. It would be a very sad state of affairs if the individualistic vibrancy and quirkiness of our independent retail outlets, both in our towns and online, were forever lost to the same lineup of chain stores.

As providers of craft businesses and artist insurance, we stand with our independent retailers and we look forward to brighter days together. Please do get in touch with us if you are looking to sell your handcrafted items in an independent retail outlet as we have had several decades of experience of working with crafters to ensure they have the correct cover. The easiest way to find out more about craft business insurance is simply to drop us a message or pick up the phone and either Naomi or Sam will be here to help answer your questions.

Crafting skills and techniques have been passed down from one generation to the next, since the days when you didn’t even need workshop insurance! Each generation has drawn on its predecessor, from the artisans of ancient times, to the guilds of the medieval period and the creative explosion of the Renaissance. This aspect of passing on skills in the crafting community continued despite the Industrial Revolution when machines began to take over from crafting processes and mass production reduced the overall demand for handcrafted items.

In the 20th century, crafting began incorporating new materials and technologies, such as plastics and computer-aided design (CAD). Then the arrival of the internet and digital tools in the 21st century heralded a crafting comeback with online platforms enabling crafters to share skills and techniques more than ever before.

Now, with accessible tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters, the possibilities for modern craftspeople have extended yet further. Not only is it possible to engage with online communities to source ideas, troubleshoot issues, and get feedback on designs, but you can also take advantage of opportunities for collaborative 3D projects with open-source designs (there is a vast library of them).

For members of the modern-day crafting community, 3D printers offer a wealth of possibilities. They can be used to produce specialised objects at home, or in your workshop, and you don’t even have to design them yourself if you don’t want to!

If you are interested in the world of 3D printing, read on, we have provided here a brief exploration of the benefits of owning a 3D printer and an insight into some of the skills and techniques you can use to broaden your crafting capacity. As an aside, if you decide to invest in a more expensive 3D printer and need to discuss your workshop insurance as a result, please do give us a call.

3D Printers

A 3D printer is a device that produces three-dimensional objects using a digital modelling file. These printers create the desired object by squeezing different materials such as plastic, metal, resin, and ceramics layer by layer. If you are interested in having a go and buying a 3D printer for yourself…

• Make sure to choose a printer that is big enough to produce objects of the size you want.
• Be aware that the resolution of the printer determines the level of detail of the printed objects.
• Different 3D printers can work with different materials, so you need to choose a printer that is suitable for the material you plan to use.
• To help the design process, the printer must have software that is easy to use.

A 3D printer can be purchased from anything under £100 to over £10,000.
Take a look here.

Here are a few ideas for 3D printing that we’d like to pass on to you in good old crafting fashion:

1. Custom Tools and Moulds:

You can design and print custom tools, such as knitting aids, sculpting tools, or specialised cutters using your 3D printer. It can also be used to create moulds for soap making, candle making, resin casting, and chocolate moulds.

2. Prototyping and Design Testing:

Before committing to a final product, you can print prototypes to test your design concepts. This kind of rapid “prototyping” allows you to make adjustments and improvements.

3. Bespoke Components and Parts:

You can print replacement parts for tools or machines which can extend the life of your equipment and at the same time, reduce waste. Whether it’s hinges, clasps or handles, they can all be designed and printed to fit.

4. Personalised Creations:

Your 3D printer can create intricate, personalised jewellery that would be difficult or time-consuming to make by hand, as well as other bespoke items such as nameplates, ornaments or keychains.

5. Complex Structures and Geometries:

Highly detailed and complex structures that would be challenging to create using traditional crafting techniques can be achieved much more easily with a 3D printer, anything from architectural models to intricate miniatures for games. 3D artists can produce sculptures with complex internal structures and very fine details.

6. Material Experimentation:

You can use your 3D printer to experiment with filaments that mimic wood, metal, or other materials and these can also be combined with traditional crafting materials (e.g., incorporating printed parts into textiles, woodwork, or ceramics).

7. Batch Production:

Small batches of items can be produced efficiently, such as a stock range for your online store or components for larger projects. 3D printing allows you to ensure that multiple pieces of a project are identical in size and shape, which is particularly useful for items that need to fit together.

8. Enhanced Precision and Detail:

With your 3D printer, you can achieve the kind of precision and fine details that are difficult (or extremely time-consuming) to replicate by hand. Furthermore, it’s easy to scale designs up or down to create different-sized versions of a product without losing detail.

9. Designs are available online

3D printer owners do not need to know how to create 3D models using a computer modelling program to 3D print. There are websites online that provide access to thousands of 3D models created by other 3D printer owners which are easy to download and print! Have a look at Thingiverse.

Crafting skills and techniques have indeed come a long way from manual or guild-controlled production, and now, with 3D printing, there is a fusion of home or workshop-based crafting and digital processes.

With 3D printing it’s also refreshing to see that, notwithstanding all the modern technology, crafters still adhere to the traditional practice of sharing skills and techniques with each other, albeit online, fostering a diverse and vibrant global community of makers.

The world of 3D print is certainly an exciting, experimental and community-oriented environment to step into! With relevant insurance in place, such as workshop insurance, a 3D printer and an internet connection, this world truly is your oyster!

The flights and accommodation were booked a few months ago as the biting winter winds and icy rain assaulted us whenever we stepped outdoors, passports have been checked and are in date and finally, the holiday countdown begins. You can almost feel the warm sand slipping between your toes as you walk barefooted along the beach, the light winds causing your sarong skirt to flap against your sun-tanned legs and the cool of the sea as you gently dip your toes into the lapping waters. In your mind’s eye, you can see the vivid pink of the bougainvillea sprawled over white-washed walls all under a sky with a depth of blue not to be found on our shores. You shake yourself out of your daydream; it’s time to get practical and to write your holiday packing list.

Holidays are a highlight of our year. We all need to rest, and getting away from our homes, work, emails and daily chores allows us to do this. Not all of us will be heading overseas. Some will be returning to a much-loved caravan parked on an idyllic spot of our beautiful British coastline, some may be negotiating the seemingly Herculean task of stuffing tents, camping gear and children into the car, some may be travelling light with hiking tents only and making for the mountain ranges of our national parks. Wherever we are going, we will need to pack clothing and other essentials for our trip. Holidays are special times; months of saving and planning precede them and excitement rises as they draw near. Adding some exquisitely handmade items to the holiday luggage will add a sense of luxury whether your destination is a family tent in the British Isles or a hotel on the Mediterranean. So, what will be on your holiday essentials list and can some of these be hand-crafted rather than mass-produced?

For those travelling overseas a travel wallet is essential. While there will be many factory-made ones on the market, a personalised one, maybe with the holder’s name or names of the whole family, will produce a smile even in those long airport queues.

Everybody will need toiletries, even those with the most streamlined of backpacks! Shampoo, soap and moisturisers made from natural ingredients which are both kind to the skin and the environment will add a sense of pampering to the holiday. Handmade shampoo bars can also be very useful for travelling as they last longer and avoid the risk of leakages.

For those heading for sunny shores, a beach bag is a must; something voluminous yet chique, able to hold towels, swimwear, books, sunscreen, water and anything else thrown in last minute, all with stylish elegance. This is an opportunity for uniquely designed and hand-crafted bags to shine!

With the beach still in mind, a light, washable, floaty wrap skirt to be worn over swimwear will be high on the list of clothes to pack. For those staying in more temperate climes, a stack of tees will be needed. For campers without easy washing facilities, an extra few for the children may well be required to see them through the holiday. If you live in a holiday destination within the UK you might like to consider making some T-shirts with a logo unique to your area; although necessity might initially drive the purchase of a new garment, the final choice may be decided upon by a design which is unique to the area.

Whatever the destination, a hat of some sort will be required, whether that be a floppy beach hat, a bucket hat or a cap. Hats brought for a holiday will also bring back memories of that time. One which is high quality, stylish and long-lasting will be a memento as well as a useful article of clothing.

At the end of a day on the beach, having showered and applied some handmade enriching moisturising lotion, it will be time to dress up and head out into a balmy evening for dinner. Jewellery and perfume will both add to the sense of occasion. We have some very talented perfumers and jewellery makers here at Craft Insurance and the summer holiday market is one into which you may like to dip your toes.

Whether you make perfumes, jewellery or another crafted item we have mentioned, you will need to look for a craft insurance company before you begin selling in earnest. There are many of these to choose from, but what makes our craft insurance company stand out from the crowd is that we, like you, are a small family business. As such we know and value each of our incredibly talented customers and are committed to giving you the best value insurance package tailored to your unique requirements. You will not be lost in a queue of clients; whether you contact us by phone or email either Sam or Naomi will be here to answer your query. So, if you are looking for a craft insurance company, why not get in touch? We look forward to hearing about your amazing business and the plans you have for it.

One final suggestion for a fun, hand-crafted holiday item, one which will certainly evoke memories; why not create a sand jar? This only needs to be small, giving just enough space for a tiny amount of holiday sand to be taken home. When those cold, dark evenings draw in again, holiday photos can be brought out, maybe a meal inspired by the local cuisine can be prepared and the few grains of sand can be poured into the palm of your upturned hand. A holiday can be remembered; the warm sun, the vivid colours, the dazzling sea and most of all precious memories made with those most special to you.