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Crafters’ Liability Insurance and Much, Much More

Maybe you’re new to selling your crafts, or perhaps you’ve tried to make a claim with your current insurer and found that there was an exclusion in your policy that you were unaware of. You scroll through the plethora of online companies and wonder which one will offer you the best deal. What type of insurance do you need? Or, could you get away without it? Money is tight, so do you simply go for the cheapest? How do you find out more? Can you talk to a real person about the best option? 

All the above are very valid questions, and we’ll go through them one at a time now.  

The first thing to say is that yes, you do need to have crafters’ liability insurance. With Craft Insurance, this includes both public and product liability with professional indemnity thrown into the bundle. Public liability insurance covers you for any claim made that you or a member of your team has caused harm or injury to a member of the public or their property. It covers legal defence costs and/or any compensation you owe. Product liability insurance covers you for any claim made that a product of yours has caused injury or harm to a customer. Again, even if it is not your fault, the insurance covers you, so you do not have to face lengthy, time consuming and costly legal battles. It covers face-to-face sales at markets and fairs and worldwide online sales. 

Alongside this, our professional indemnity insurance covers you when you are out and about teaching and demonstrating your craft. It will even cover you if you inadvertently give some wrong advice. With these three in place, there is no limit to the number of events you can attend, and you do not have to notify us of specific events. Just book yourself in, gather all you need for a successful day, and you’re good to go, knowing that your crafters’ liability insurance is in place. 

Public and product liability insurance is the basic, bread and butter insurance for crafters. However, once this is in place, you can add extra insurance to cover stock, finished products, tools or other items necessary for your business. This insurance covers you for loss, damage or theft of any of the above. Items necessary for your business include electronic devices such as laptops, cameras or card machines. You insure item by item, so you can weigh up the benefits versus the cost of insurance. For example, if you have invested in high-cost tools or equipment for your business, eg a potter’s wheel or kiln without which you could not work, you might consider insuring them. However, if you create beautiful, knitted blankets, it is probably not worth insuring your knitting needles!  

You will find that most craft fair and event organisers request that you have public liability before you book your spot. The reason being that while you will carry out risk assessments and follow all guidelines and regulations necessary for your products, it is those completely unexpected incidents which can floor us and cause serious issues for event organisers too. Curveballs that come out of nowhere. If you have the correct crafters’ liability insurance in place, you don’t need to lose sleep over these and can pour your time and energy into doing what you do best; creating and selling unique, stylish and stunning products and thus growing your business.  

Onto our third question, which is also a good one. It is not uncommon to feel the pain of the cost of insurance…in fact, you are definitely not alone. If you have come to the conclusion that you need it, then wouldn’t it be better just to go for the cheapest option and be done with it? This is where some good advice really can save you money in the long run. We at Craft Insurance may not be the cheapest up-front option. This, however, is intentional. We take care to ensure that the insurance packages we sell do what they say they do. We don’t have exclusions and we cover all your selling, demonstrating and teaching.  

Our policies are inclusive, which means there is no initial admin fee and no charge for making amendments should you need to do so. A package with no hidden extras makes it easier to budget and saves you from unexpected costs later.  

It’s also worth taking into account that we are a family business with decades of experience in insuring craft businesses. It’s a specialised area and a good knowledge and understanding of the risks involved enables us to both ensure you have the correct cover for your unique business, and also to keep the costs down. The problem with an insurer not having a good understanding of risks specific to the vast array of craft insurance we deal with, is that the policies will overcompensate for very unlikely risks; thus policy holders are charged more to cover potential shortfalls.  

As we come into land on our journey to discover more about crafters’ liability insurance, the last two questions can be answered together. Yes, you can talk to a real person at Craft Insurance. Our names are Naomi and Sam and we’d love to hear from you. You can explore the website to find out the answer to some of your questions, but as your business is totally unique, we recommend you either call us or, if you prefer, send us a message. We deal with each client individually, delving into the pools of knowledge and experience we’ve gained over the years and working out the best package for your completely individual business needs. 

We hope this has given you some clarity and answered some of your questions but do now get in touch and we can talk further.  

Selling Crafts at Agricultural Shows

With warmer, sunnier days and long, light evenings ahead of us, the season of outdoor gatherings has finally arrived here in the U.K. For crafting businesses, this brings with it a plethora of opportunities to exhibit, demonstrate or sell your crafts. Events range from local village fetes and school fairs, through larger Craft Fairs and Farmers’ Markets, to vibrant, bustling regional events held at county showgrounds across the UK.  

Of these, agricultural shows are probably the best known and have been going the longest. If you’ve never been to one or considered selling crafts at agricultural shows, now might be the time to do so! Usually held over a few days, they showcase the best of farming, livestock and regional produce and display a wide range of agricultural machinery, from vintage tractors to the immense machines used today. However, this is not all. They are unapologetic celebrations of the countryside and all that has been a part of the fabric of rural life over the centuries as well as advocates for a thriving twenty-first-century countryside.  

The first ever agricultural show is thought to have taken place in County Durham, in 1763. Initially, these were informal gatherings but, as time went by and they spread across the U.K., they became a central part of the rural calendar, attracting country dwellers for a day of fun and frivolity, an opportunity to meet up with friends, partake of local food and drink and enjoy a day off from the hard manual labour needed to toil the land or work at all the other jobs and tasks required to keep a small community functioning. At the heart of these shows were the farmers, and for them it offered a day to meet up with their fellows, share ideas, do business and show off some of their best livestock.  

In the second half of the twentieth century, these informal festivals took on a new significance in the agricultural calendar as county showgrounds were bought and they moved to permanent sites. Today, some of the largest shows are the Great Yorkshire Show, the Royal Welsh Show and the Royal Highland Show. Each show has a distinct local flavour, both literally and metaphorically, as they display the best of regional produce, crafts and country pursuits as well as the finest livestock of the area.  

Originally attended by country folk, they are now great days out for all, with young and old alike pouring out of towns and cities to enjoy a day of rural entertainment. In times when we have lost our connection with where our food comes from, County Shows offer a great opportunity for reconnection and education. Wandering through the animal sheds and coming up close to huge bulls with rippling muscles and sleek coats or seeing the astonishing array of heritage pig breeds or the fabulous variety of sheep, gives rise to respect for both animal and farmer. Watching man and beast walk the ring, handlers dressed in white coats and their show livestock shampooed and shining, gives us a tangible link to the past; and when those handlers include children walking proudly alongside their parents, we get a glimpse into the future of food production for our island. 

It’s not all about livestock though. Agricultural shows provide a great family day out for everyone. Food features prominently, with the best of local produce to sample alongside innovative street food businesses. Entertainment is the top priority with live music and often some fairground rides. You’ll see every kind of business activity that flourishes in the countryside represented with tents acting as temporary homes to bountiful floral displays (with accompanying show gardens outdoors), local beekeeping societies with honey sales, prize candlemaking displays and observation hives, and a cider or beer tent offering the best of local brews. Around the ground, you may be treated to demonstrations of traditional rural crafts such as thatching, bodging or spinning. Horses feature highly and you can marvel at their incredible agility and strength with show jumping and heavy horse parades in the main arena. You’ll see working dogs giving a taste of the essential role they play on many farms. Watch in awe as master and dog work together in sheepdog trials or even take part in some companion dog events with your own family hound.  

Amidst all this there is more…rows and rows of craft stalls, offering visitors everything from bath and beauty products to wooden and leather goods, from children’s toys and puzzles through to jewellery and cosy knitwear. Although reserving yourself a spot at a County Show will most likely be pricey, the footfall is good and as people travel from a distance, it is a great way to promote your brand further afield.  

Selling Crafts at Agricultural Shows 

If you do decide to join the throngs who are selling crafts at agricultural shows, you will need to ensure you are watertight with insurance. These are large-scale events, so public liability insurance will certainly be requested. Public liability insurance covers you for any claims made that you, or a member of staff or a volunteer, have caused harm or injury to a member of the public or their property. The example we usually give is a slip or a trip hazard, resulting in a sprained ankle. Even if this is not your fault, the insurance will cover you for compensation or any legal fees. The other two insurances you might consider when selling crafts at agricultural shows are product liability insurance and business items insurance. Take a look at our website, but, respectively, they cover you for any claim made that a product of yours has caused harm or injury, and for loss damage or theft of stock and other business items like card readers, for example.   

So, whether you’re selling crafts at agricultural shows or simply enjoying a day out with the family, we hope you have a wonderful time connecting with artisans and producers alike at these historical events! 

How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Cost?

Our job here at Craft insurance is very varied; one of the parts we love the most is hearing about all your innovative and creative businesses, and one of the most frequently asked questions is “How much does public liability insurance cost?” It is of course, impossible to answer straight away, as it will depend on your unique business and all the variables around that, but we can walk you through it on a phone call or, if you prefer, you can fill in the form on our website to get a quote for public liability insurance cost for your business.  

Most crafters discover their need for public liability insurance the first time they try their hand selling at craft fairs, farmers markets or other in person events, as the organiser will often ask that you have it in place. This might be the first time you have had to consider any kind of insurance. It can feel a little overwhelming, just one extra thing to add to your already overflowing ‘to do’ list, but we can assure you that it only takes a phone call or an email, if you prefer.  

So, what is public liability insurance and what are you getting for your hard-earned cash? It covers you for any claims made that you or a member of your team (which can include a volunteer at a fair or market) have caused harm or damage to a member of the public or their property. A classic example would be a slip or trip hazard, someone stumbling over an extension cable or storage box and twisting their ankle. While you will no doubt complete any necessary risk assessments and employ a good slice of common sense, public liability insurance is all about protecting you for those completely unforeseeable and unavoidable occurrences.  

We call this one our sleep easy insurance, in that once it is in place you can simply forget about it and put your time, energy and creativity into growing your standout business. For this to be the case, you need to be sure that what you are paying, your public liability insurance cost, covers you for what it says it will, if the need arises. You are wise to compare companies, and in doing so you will find that our public liability insurance cost may not be the cheapest. This is deliberate, in that we are determined to ensure that you get what you pay for; cover for any indoor or outdoor event, flexibility and the assurance that there are no nasty surprises if you should have to make a claim. 

In addition, as a family run business with decades of experience of working within the craft insurance arena, we can give advice from storehouses of experience as well as up-to-date training. We do not use call handlers, so there are no long queues or anonymous messages. Either Sam or Naomi are here to talk you through what is the best choice for your unique business. Or, if you prefer, we are here to pick up and reply to your individual messages. We can even walk you through the process of getting a quote through our website and then securing the insurance you need whilst you are on a call. This is something we have done for many clients who needed public liability insurance for the first time.  

So, once you have your public liability insurance in place, what else do you need to do to prepare for a successful time at a craft fair? You obviously need to have built up enough stock. It is always a bit of a gamble as to what products to take and how many of them. A little research beforehand always helps. If it is an event where there will be lots of families, you might go for some more budget friendly merchandise and even some pocket money items. If you are going to an evening event with a touch of glamour and flair, stock up on products at the higher end of your range, as gifts or as a pamper purchase. 

You will also need to think about packaging. Is there some way you can customise your packaging, tying it in with the colour theme or logo of your branding? Have a stack of business cards at the ready, to slip in with each purchase. Alongside this, it is worth considering how you can make your stall stand out from all the others, who will also no doubt be selling beautiful handmade products too! If you will be selling at a sizable number of fairs, you could invest in a custom designed transportable banner to set up behind your table. This captures people’s attention and is also an effective way to convey the essentials of your business. Or, for less financial outlay, a tablecloth in your brand colours and some shelves to add height to your stand are also attention grabbing.  

You will need to work out how to receive digital payment, as well as having a cash box with spare change. And you will need to find a way to transfer all your stock plus selling essentials from your vehicle to the stand. It could be a small trolley might be the answer, and/or someone to help! On that note, it can be a long day, and you will need a break every so often, so it is often helpful to have a friend or family member come along with you. You can both sell during the busy times and cover each other for the much-needed comfort breaks, as well as share the mercy dashes for coffee! 

If you have not dipped your feet into the world of craft fairs and markets, we hope this has given you a flavour. They are wonderful places not only to sell your gorgeous products, but also to connect with other crafters, to glean some of latest ideas and to be inspired. As you begin to do them regularly, you will find you build up friendships as you see ‘old’ faces come back each year and make new acquaintances along the way. There is often a deep sense of camaraderie, so book yourself in, pack up some gorgeously tempting stock and enjoy all the fun of the fair! 

How Have Wax Melts Become So Popular

Did you know that the area of our brain which recognises fragrance is right next door to the part which is responsible for memory? That’s why smell can be so evocative. Have you ever had the experience of catching a whiff of an aroma, followed by some vivid childhood memories flooding back? Maybe the smell of the cleaning products used at your primary school or perfume worn by your grandmother. These might bring back memories from the distant past, but fragrance can also have associations with more recent events. For example, the smell of pine needles may immediately bring to mind, the anticipation and excitement of Christmas, the scent of vintage roses could evoke memories of long, balmy summer evenings gathered outside with friends, and the tempting smell of baking cookies could enfold you in a homely glow as you recall chats over the kitchen table with a good friend.  

This strong ability fragrance has to evoke memories and emotions within us is maybe one of the reasons why wax melts have become so popular. However, their rise in popularity has been meteoric, so there must be other reasons for this too. We’ll consider a few of them, before we then look at how to ensure you have the best insurance for wax melts in place. 

Wax melts are very affordable, which in periods of economic squeezing for many make them a budget friendly treat. As times become more difficult in numerous ways, it is arguably even more important to endeavour to create a sense of beauty and peace in our homes. This could appear an impossible task and come way down the list as we juggle work demands, family pressures and all the everyday minutiae which need to be done to keep body and soul together, but the act of lighting a candle or warming up a wax melt to fill our homes with a beautiful fragrance is neither time consuming nor expensive and will immediately lift the atmosphere.  

Wax melts are also safer than traditional candles, a consideration for homes with young children or pets. They can be placed on a low wattage electric plate or on a ceramic wax burner, lit by a tea light. The former does not require any flame at all, and although the latter does use a flame, a tea light is more stable and does not have a naked flame in the way a table candle does. Wax burners can themselves be beautiful objects and be part of the aesthetic of the room. Maybe you could consider teaming up with a potter and selling locally hand-crafted burners alongside your locally made melts.  

Another advantage of wax melts is their versatility. You can swap melts easily and even have fun by experimenting with mixing fragrances. If the melt is coming to its end, you can simply pop another one in and revitalise the fragrance. They tend to ‘throw’ their scent further than a traditional candle, and with no wick, they burn evenly and with no wastage.  

Most hand-crafted wax melts will have good eco credentials, using natural essential oils and sustainability sourced ingredients. Do make sure that you promote these well on all your advertising. It may seem like a commonsense choice to you, but to your customers it could be a winning buying pull. 

As you make and use wax melts, you will be introduced to the wonderful and intriguing world of scent profiles and notes (top, middle and base). You will get to know what scents fit best in different rooms of a house, on different occasions and at different times of day. You will even discover how scents can usher in a particular atmosphere or help create a certain vibe. For example, good scents to use in the morning to invigorate and revitalise, would be zesty ones like bergamot or rosemary. If you’re looking for a fragrance with a calming overtone for the evening, you could try relaxing ones like cedar wood or lavender. 

For occasions when you’re aiming to create a sense of warmth, calm and rest, then vanilla or chamomile could be good to try, and if you’re looking to wake everyone up and inspire work and creativity, then a crisp citrus, mint of eucalyptus might be just the thing.  

When you’re planning your recipes for the year ahead, don’t forget to include some seasonal melts. You could create some specially shaped and packaged melts for the season; gingerbread men, Christmas trees or candy canes for Christmas; red and orange leaves and pumpkins for autumn; colourful flowers or fun seashells for summer. Teamed up with cinnamon, pumpkin spice or a fresh floral fragrance, these will be winners both for gifts or for an affordable treat for your hard-working customers.  

Once you have come up with your range of tempting melts, you will need to check that you have the appropriate insurance for wax melts. If you’re just starting out, the two bread and butter insurances for selling are product and public liability. Product liability insurance applies to sales online or in person and covers you for any claims made that your product has caused harm or damage. Public liability insurance covers you for in person sales, for example at a craft fair, if a claim is made that either you or a member of your team has caused harm or damage to the member of the public or their property eg a slip or trip hazard. Even if it is not your fault, the insurance will cover you for any compensation owed and legal costs; we call it our ‘sleep easy’ insurance in that it allows you to forget about potential ‘what ifs’ and concentrate on creating beautiful products and building your business. So, check out our website and get in contact either by phone or via the contact form and either Sam or Naomi will be here to talk you through insurance for wax melts. We look forward to hearing about your business! 

Summer Craft Activities To Keep You Cool

There is something deliciously ironic about being a crafter in summer. The very season that fills knitters and crocheters with the urge to make, create and produce is the same one that makes your usual materials feel entirely unappealing. Nobody wants to sit with a half-finished Aran sweater over their lap when the mercury is rising. The wool tends to get put away. The knitting needles go quiet. And for a few blissful, sweltering weeks, the question becomes: now what do I do with my hands? 

The good news is that summer craft activities are a world of their own – lighter, breezier and often just as satisfying as the cosy indoor pursuits of autumn and winter. The long, unhurried days of July and August are a wonderful opportunity to explore creative territories we might not normally venture into. So before declaring a crafting holiday to spend the summer months horizontal in the garden, read on! 

Why Summer is a brilliant time for crafters 

There is a tendency among committed crafters to think of summer as a creative gap – a pause between the productive seasons on either side. But that rather undersells what the warmer months have to offer. Natural light is extraordinary for colour work. The outdoors becomes a studio. Children are home and looking for things to do. And the relaxed pace of summer lends itself beautifully to crafts that are portable, sociable and unhurried. 

Here are some of our favourite summer craft activities to keep your hands busy and your creativity alive. 

Summer craft activities worth trying this year 

Pressed flower art 

There is something almost meditative about pressed flower art, and summer is when the raw materials are at their most abundant. Take a slow walk – through the garden, a hedgerow or a local park – and collect flowers, leaves, seed heads and grasses that catch your eye. Press them between the pages of a heavy book with a layer of absorbent paper, and leave them for two to three weeks. The results can be genuinely beautiful. Pressed botanicals make stunning greetings cards, handmade bookmarks, framed wall pieces or even decorations for hand-poured candles. It’s also a craft that costs almost nothing and produces pieces of real charm and originality. Children take to it with enthusiasm, which is always a bonus during the long summer holiday. 

Leaf printing 

One of those crafts that sounds deceptively simple but produces results that genuinely surprise. Gather leaves of various shapes and sizes – the more varied the better – and apply a layer of fabric or acrylic paint to the underside where the veins are most pronounced. Press firmly onto paper or fabric, peel back carefully, and you are left with a natural print of extraordinary detail. Repeat across a piece of cotton and you have a piece of fabric that looks entirely original. Use it for a tote bag, a cushion cover or a tea towel. It’s also a wonderful way to record the season – a print made in July will look quite different from one made in September as the leaves change. 

Watercolour painting outdoors 

Watercolour is the quintessential summer medium – lightweight, portable and perfectly suited to capturing the quality of summer light. A small artists travel kit, a pad of watercolour paper and a jar of water is all you need. Take yourself outside – into the garden, onto the beach, or to a local view you’ve always meant to sit with – and simply look. You don’t need to be an accomplished painter to find the process deeply satisfying. Loose washes of colour, impressionistic landscapes, abstract studies of light on water: watercolour is wonderfully forgiving when you let go of the idea of precision and just play. If you’ve never tried it, summer is the perfect moment to start. 

Friendship Bracelets 

Don’t let the name fool you into thinking this is only for teenagers. Friendship bracelets made with embroidery thread or fine yarn are genuinely absorbing to make, completely portable and deeply satisfying to give. The knotting patterns range from simple chevrons — which you can pick up in an afternoon — to complex woven designs that take considerably longer. They are ideal for crafting in company: at a garden table, on a blanket in the park, or waiting for the bus. The repetitive rhythm of the knotting is genuinely calming, and the finished results make lovely, thoughtful gifts. 

Decorated Tote Bags 

A plain cotton tote bag is a blank canvas waiting to happen. Using fabric pens, fabric paint or screen-printing inks, you can create something entirely individual — a piece of functional art that is actually used every day. Sketch a design in pencil first, then work with paint or pens to build up the image. Florals, typography, abstract patterns and illustrated portraits all work beautifully on fabric. A heat-fix with an iron makes the design permanent. These make wonderful gifts, sell well at craft fairs, and are a genuinely satisfying way to spend a sunny afternoon. 

Tie-Dye 

A perennial, saleable summer favourite. The basic spiral, bullseye and crumple techniques are easy to master, and the results have a wonderful unpredictability to them — no two pieces ever come out quite the same. Rubber-band your fabric, apply your dye in sections, wrap in cling film, leave for several hours or overnight, then unwrap to see what you’ve made. T-shirts are the obvious starting point, but there’s no reason to stop there. Socks, tote bags, pillowcases, tea towels and even canvas shoes all take tie-dye beautifully. A sunny afternoon’s work can produce a wardrobe of originals. 

Air-Dry Clay 

Air-dry clay asks for very little in the way of equipment but offers a great deal in the way of satisfaction. Roll it, pinch it, sculpt it and press textured objects into it to create patterns. Make small pots and bowls, keepsake trinket dishes, simple figurines or decorative tiles. Press leaves or flowers into the surface before it dries for a natural, botanical finish. The clay dries hard at room temperature over 24 to 48 hours (so ideal for outside drying) after which it can be painted with acrylic paints and sealed with varnish. It’s a remarkably versatile medium and particularly good for summer, when the warm air helps it dry evenly. 

Macramé Plant Hangers 

Macramé has had a quiet but very thorough revival in recent years, and for good reason. It requires no specialist equipment, produces results that look genuinely architectural, and suits the summer aesthetic beautifully. Sell these as the perfect gift for green-fingered friends or family members to help them grow trailing plants or herbs in pots. Ideal for someone who only has access to a smaller area such as a porch or a balcony.  

Using cotton cord in varying thicknesses, a small repertoire of basic knots – the square knot, the half hitch, the gathering knot – when combined, will enable you to make increasingly intricate patterns. Add wooden beads or copper rings for a more contemporary finish. The results will make any space feel considered and alive. 

And if you need a craft break altogether… 

Sometimes the creative well needs to refill. If that’s where you are this summer, you’re in good company. Why not use the slower months to catch up on competitors’ social media, sketch out new product ideas, plan a marketing campaign for autumn, learn a new skill, or do the studio housework you’ve been putting off. Or sleep! There is no shame in rest. It tends to produce better work. 

One thing that doesn’t take a summer holiday 

Whatever you’re making – or not making – this summer, your craft insurance should be quietly doing its job in the background. Whether you’re selling online, at a workshop, attending a summer fair or just experimenting with new materials at home, it’s worth knowing you’re covered. 

At Craft Insurance, we provide specialist cover for UK crafters of every kind — hobbyists, sole traders, craft clubs and registered businesses alike. If you’d like to find out what’s included, or if you have questions about the right level of cover for your summer craft activities and beyond, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach us by phone or email, and have a chat to Sam or Naomi, both of whom understand what crafters do. 

Seasonal success: Easter things to create and sell

While we often spend weeks in the run up to Christmas, preparing food, buying gifts, decorating our homes and organising gatherings of family and friends, Easter has a habit of sneaking up behind us and going largely uncelebrated. However, this needn’t be the case. Fortunately, apart from being assailed with displays of chocolate eggs in every supermarket we walk into, it doesn’t have the same commercial push as Christmas and we have the gift of a long weekend which we can fashion in whatever ways will best nourish ourselves and our families. 

Maybe it will be largely quiet and restful, spent with immediate family and enjoying good food, a walk in the spring countryside and watching a golden oldie or two… why not try ‘Easter Parade’ with Fred Astaire if you’re not seen it before. Or maybe it’s an opportunity to get together with friends and neighbours to catch up over tea, hot cross buns and even a traditional Simnel cake. Or, perhaps it calls for an outing to a local historical house, garden or castle for an Easter egg hunt with the children. 

Here at Craft Insurance, we love the Easter vibe. It is not just the chocolate, but the fact that it coincides with the coming of spring and alongside that a fresh sense of hope, new life and new beginnings. 

Blossom is bursting forth in all its blowsy abundance, vibrant green leaves are silently unfurling on bare, skeletal branches, lambs are hopping and skipping around their patient mothers and chickens are in full laying production after the scarcity of winter. It seems like new life is springing up all around us and it’s good to take time to savour it and allow ourselves to be restored by the spring sunshine and a hope filled weekend. 

Easter has its foundations in Christian tradition taking people from sadness on Good Friday to celebrating resurrection on Easter Sunday. So historically, Easter was a time of huge celebration, upbeat activity and a focus on new life and rebirth.  

There are so many reasons (the Spring weather and heightened activity in nature included) why Easter time feels like a prime opportunity to hatch some ideas of things to create and sell, whether this be online or in person, at Easter markets and fairs. Here are a few of our ideas of things to create and sell which could become part of a set of Easter traditions or add a sprinkle of wonder to a child’s Easter this year. 

The tradition of giving eggs has so much mileage when it comes to creative inspiration! How about bolstering your offering at craft fairs with a set of exquisitely decorated eggs? Eggs can be purchased so you don’t even need to blow them (though it is fun to do so), Sets of reusable plastic eggs are fun, longer lasting, and when transformed into decorations they can be used and loved year after year with no fear of breakages! They could even be hung on a simple Easter tree! (A simple wooden tree frame could be made to slot together.) Imagine small hands eagerly opening the box each Easter and sighing with delight, as the decoration of the Easter tree heralds the beginning of a set of another well loved family tradition! 

Another suggestion, also mirroring the Christmas tradition, is to create Easter wreaths. These are catching on in popularity but certainly not to the extent of their Christmas counterparts. A medley of coloured eggs, dried flowers and breezy, gingham ribbons all combine to form eye catching wreaths which welcome visitors at the door and hint at the celebrations that await within. 

Come to think of it, Easter decorations could be marketed as the next new thing! It would certainly be fun to gradually accumulate Easter themed decor in the same way as at Christmas. These treasures could then be brought out each year. Think bright and cheery appliqué cushions and soft, crocheted throws to curl up in on a chilly spring night; decoupage tea trays with a vintage, farmhouse vibe on on which to pile stacks of hot cross buns, some mugs of tea and a small bowl of chocolate eggs; cracked egg themed ceramic candle holders to add a gentle glow to a cool Easter evening. All these will add to the ambience of a tranquil and vibrant Easter. 

What about things to create and sell for children over Easter? Bath bombs are always a winner, and at this time of year an egg box filled with pastel coloured, egg shaped bath bombs would be a great gift for a child and an alternative to an excess of chocolate. Easter egg hunts are also greeted with much excitement and can become part of the tradition of this season. 

For many of us, painstakingly weaving sugar paper into Easter baskets at school is etched into our childhood memories. Easter baskets are a lot of fun to make and can be crafted from scratch from an array of different textiles or made by using wicker baskets as a base, which you can then line with fabric, decorate and embellish. 

Cute and cuddly Easter chicks or cheeky Easter bunnies, crocheted, knitted or felted are another alternative to chocolate, maybe with a bright ribbon tied around their necks or a flower poking out from behind their ears. Or, what about decorating some straw hats with ribbons and flowers and designing pretty Easter bonnets to be worn with big smiles by excited little girls. 

Another idea for things to create and sell which could become good impulse buys, are small hanging decorations. These can be wooden, textile, ceramic; egg shaped, chicks or rabbits. Let your imagination run wild and your creativity flow. 

We hope this has sparked some ideas of things to create and sell and that if you’re not doing so already, you’ll be booking yourself into some craft fairs or setting up an online store. You’ll need to think about insurance, so give us a ring or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to answer your questions. 

In the meantime, and in the midst of the uncertain times in which we are living, we wish you a peaceful and happy Easter weekend, filled with good and beautiful things. 

From YouTube Crafts to Online Store

From YouTube channel to online store? Have you made the leap? For some of us, hosting a YouTube crafting channel is something we only dream of, yet for those who have researched, worked hard at creating compelling content and grown their channel to showcase YouTube crafts, linking to an online store is an effective next step towards monetising crafting skills. If starting an online store is something you are considering, you’re in the right place. So, settle yourself with a warm cuppa and let’s combine some dreaming with a few nuts and bolts of practical advice.

Start with a vision. What would you like to sell? How would you see your online shop working? What level of customer interaction would you envisage? And how would you want your customers to feel as they pop over to your store? What kind of aesthetics would you imagine? Who would be your main customer base? These are only a few of the many ingredients which will blend together to set up your dream store.

There is obviously a whole line up of practical actions you need to take to expand your YouTube crafts into an online store, and lots of excellent videos and articles from which you can glean advice. We’ll look here at a brief overview and then give you the lowdown on insurance, which is our area of expertise.

The best advice is always hearing someone else’s story; the ups and down, the challenges and joys, the mistakes and the top tips. Do you know anyone who has opened their online store already? If so, have a chat with them in person or search for those practical generous souls who share their hard-earned expertise for free in online forums such as Reddit. It’s helpful to learn from each other and good to then be able to share your experiences as you go along.

You’ll need to find your niche, both in terms of customer base and of product. From your videos you’ll be able to identify the most popular crafts, so it’s probably a good idea to start with them. Another tip is to start fairly small and do everything as simply as possible.

Here are a few considerations if you plan to link your YouTube crafts channel with an online store: (n.b. It can be easier to sell with an online platform that takes care of these considerations in a straightforward manner, although you will need to take into account that there will be a monthly subscription to pay or a percentage of your earnings to relinquish!):

· Setting up a separate business account for your online transactions is always a good idea to keep everything in one place.

· How are payments going to come to you? You’ll need to set up a secure way of payment; again, go for something as straightforward as possible to begin with.

· Working out a shipping method which will fit in with your all your other daily commitments is foundational.

· You’ll need to decide upon pricing. Look at similar products sold online and remember to include postage (unless you decide to charge separately for this) and the transaction fee charged by your payment platform.

There are also tasks which will allow your creative flair to be let loose such as creating your brand and logo and then running them through your website, communications and packaging.

The next questions are: do you need insurance? And if so what type? As specialists in craft insurance, our packages include public and product liability insurance, employers’ liability insurance, professional indemnity and individual business items cover. We tailor the insurance to the requirements of each individual or business.

Public and product liability are our most popular insurance packages. Public liability covers you if you are out and about demonstrating or teaching your craft or selling your products. This is highly advisable if you are likely to combine selling at craft fairs or similar in person events with your online selling.

Product liability, on the other hand, while not a legal requirement, is definitely a prudent investment if you are selling online. This covers you in the event of any customer making a claim that one of your products has caused harm or injury; even if it is not your fault, it covers legal defense fees and any compensation required.

You might also consider taking out individual business items cover. This covers crafting tools, any electronic equipment needed for your business (especially pertinent if you sell online), raw materials and saleable stock. You decide what level of cover is right for your own unique business.

If your business grows and you take on staff to work for you, you are legally required to have employer’s liability insurance. Employees include family members or volunteers.

If this is new to you, it can sound a little daunting. However, can we assure you that it is in fact quite straightforward? As a family business, we have experience and knowledge which has been passed down the generations, and we can in turn pass it all on to you. Take a look through our website and then get in touch. We communicate directly with each of our customers, so you can either pick up the phone or send us a message, whatever works best for you. From our end, either Sam or Naomi will be here to chat through the insurance best suited for your unique business needs. During these times of financial pressure, you don’t want to be buying an insurance product you don’t need, so let us hear about your business and then talk you through the various options.

Linking your YouTube crafts channel to an online store is an exciting step to take! We look forward to hearing all about your new business as well as a virtual pop-in to your store!

The Best Thing About Crafting

One of the best things about crafting is that anyone with a passion for creating can get paid for it—and make genuine friendships along the way—thanks to craft fairs. There’s something uniquely rewarding about turning a hobby into an income stream while connecting with like-minded people who appreciate the time, skill and love you pour into your handmade items.

Creating what you love

At the heart of every successful craft business is passion. Obviously, there has to be some focus on profitability, but seasoned crafters consistently say the same thing: create the things you love first. When you genuinely care about what you’re making, that enthusiasm becomes tangible. Customers can sense it when they pick up your work—it’s built into the product.

Your passion leads you to create handmade pieces whose raw materials may require a significant investment of finances, time, and skill. The result is a range of truly original pieces that will draw attention to their beauty and workmanship—things that visitors to craft fairs are looking for. Items that they couldn’t easily make themselves. And this is where your individuality and your passion are your biggest strengths.

Many crafters use their ingenuity to combine passion and practicality. Upcycling is a brilliant example of this. By transforming old or discarded materials into something new, you can create unique, conversation-starting pieces and also keep costs low and profit margins higher. Think braided rugs made from old clothing, jewellery crafted from repurposed materials like bottles, or furniture given a second life with creative finishes. These items often stand out at a craft fair precisely because they’re one-of-a-kind.

How to prepare for a craft fair

Before attending a craft fair, preparation is everything. Start by thinking carefully about what to take with you, especially in the early days when you’re still learning what sells. Bring a range of products and experiment with different styles, colours, and materials.

Equally important is offering a range of price points. Larger, higher-value items—such as original paintings or intricate handmade pieces—can act as showstoppers that draw people in. But pairing these with smaller, more affordable options like prints or mini versions allows customers to make impulse purchases. Not everyone can spend £100 or more, but many are happy to spend £10–£30 on something special.

Understanding your audience is another crucial step. Who are you selling to? What are they looking for? Many visitors are drawn to practical, high-quality items they can use in everyday life, while others are searching for meaningful gifts or locally inspired keepsakes. Whatever your niche, make sure the quality of your work is immediately evident—this builds trust and justifies your pricing.

Finally, don’t overlook the practicalities. Having the right cover in place, such as one-off craft fair insurance, ensures you’re protected for unexpected situations. It’s a small but essential part of preparing for a professional selling environment.

How to stand out from the crowd

Once you’re at the fair, presentation can make all the difference. A well-thought-out display doesn’t just showcase your products—it invites people in. Use height and vertical space to create visual interest. Eye-level displays, raised platforms, and layered arrangements help your stall stand out in a busy room.

Avoid simply laying items flat on a table. Instead, create a display that tells a story about your work. Clear pricing is also essential. Many potential customers won’t ask for a price if it’s not visible, so make it easy for them by labelling everything clearly and indicating accepted payment methods.

Demonstrating your craft can be a powerful selling tool. Whether you’re painting, weaving, carving, or assembling jewellery, showing your process adds value in the eyes of the customer. It transforms your stall from a shop into an experience—and that experience often leads to sales.

Pricing and other important things to consider…

One of the biggest challenges for crafters is pricing. It can be tempting to lower prices to attract more buyers, but this often has the opposite effect. Low prices can signal lower quality and undervalue your time. Have the confidence to price your work to reflect the skill, effort and materials involved.

At the same time, offering a selection of lower-priced items does help attract a broader audience. These smaller purchases can add up quickly and often introduce new customers to your work.

Customer interaction is another area where confidence matters. Being friendly, approachable, and positive can significantly enhance the buying experience. Even if a fair is slow, maintaining an upbeat attitude encourages people to engage with you and your products.

It’s also worth remembering that not everything will sell immediately. Use each event as a learning experience. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns in what customers respond to, allowing you to refine your product range. And if certain items consistently don’t sell, it may be time to replace them with something new.

Throughout all of this, protecting your business remains essential. Investing in one-off craft fair insurance gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what you do best, i.e. creating and selling your work.

Taking the next step

Craft fairs offer far more than just a selling opportunity. They’re a space to connect, learn and grow as a maker. From chatting with neighbouring sellers to discovering new techniques and trends, every event contributes to your journey.

If you’re considering taking part in a craft fair, now is the perfect time to start. Focus on creating products you’re proud of, presenting them with care, and engaging warmly with your customers. Don’t forget the practical essentials, including one-off craft fair insurance, to ensure you’re fully prepared. It’s easier to set up than you might think, so please give us a ring, and either Sam or Naomi will be happy to take your call.

Ultimately, crafting isn’t just about making things—it’s about sharing a piece of yourself with others. And there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing that connection come to life across a busy craft fair stall.

A Season of Creativity

Creativity often begins quietly. A new idea arrives while you’re walking outside, sketching at the kitchen table, or experimenting with a material you’ve never used before. For many makers, the shift from winter to spring brings that feeling of renewed inspiration. As the days grow longer and colour returns to the landscape, creativity seems to wake up again. 

Interestingly, March has long been associated with creative brilliance. Several remarkable artists and musicians were born during this month, including Michelangelo and Vincent van Gogh. Looking back at their lives reminds us that creativity rarely follows a straightforward path. Inspiration comes from unexpected places, and the journey behind great work often involves both opportunity and challenge. 

Michelangelo was born on 6 March 1475 in Caprese, Italy. During his early childhood his mother was unwell, and he spent time living with a family of stone cutters. Some historians believe this early exposure to stone may have sparked his lifelong fascination with sculpture. Whatever the cause, by the age of thirteen he had already begun an apprenticeship with a master artist, learning the skills of fresco painting and figure drawing. 

His talent quickly became evident. Not long afterwards, Michelangelo was invited to live and study within the palace of the powerful Medici family in Florence. There he was surrounded by gardens filled with classical sculptures, scholars discussing philosophy, and artists exchanging ideas. It was an environment that nurtured creativity and helped shape his extraordinary artistic vision. 

Despite periods of political upheaval and personal uncertainty, Michelangelo continued to produce works that are still admired centuries later. Among his most famous sculptures are the Pietà and the towering statue of David. Later, he was commissioned by the Pope to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. What began as a daunting challenge became one of the most celebrated artistic achievements in history, with more than three hundred figures illustrating dramatic scenes from the Bible. 

Michelangelo lived a long and productive life, continuing his work through the reign of several Popes and during times of significant political change. His dedication to his craft never faded, and he remained active well into old age, eventually passing away at the age of eighty-eight. 

The life of Vincent van Gogh tells a very different story. Born on 30 March 1853 in a small village in the Netherlands, he grew up in a household where creativity and observation of nature were encouraged. His father was a minister, while his mother enjoyed watercolour painting and had a deep interest in plants and the natural world. 

As a young man, van Gogh worked as an art dealer and travelled widely across Europe. He spoke several languages and spent time studying great Dutch masters. Eventually he moved to Paris, where he encountered the vibrant colours and experimental styles of the Impressionist painters. The experience opened his eyes to new artistic possibilities and influenced the distinctive style for which he is known today. 

Yet despite the creative excitement of Paris, van Gogh struggled with fragile mental health. Seeking a quieter life, he moved to the countryside of Provence in southern France. The bright sunlight, fields of wheat, olive groves and star-filled skies inspired some of his most iconic works. 

Although he experienced moments of happiness and artistic energy, his internal struggles continued. He spent time in a sanatorium where, even while receiving treatment, he painted intensely. Later he moved closer to his brother Theo, who had always supported him. Tragically, van Gogh died at the age of just thirty-seven. 

These two stories are strikingly different, yet they share an important truth. Creativity is shaped by circumstances, places and the people around us. Support, opportunity and environment all play a role in helping creative ideas flourish. 

For modern craft makers, the same principles apply. Inspiration often grows from the world around us — the colours of blossom in spring, the textures of bark and stone, or the simple pleasure of seeing nature come back to life after winter. After months of grey skies and shorter days, many people feel ready to refresh their creative energy. 

Taking time to pause and recharge can make a real difference. A walk in the countryside, a quiet afternoon experimenting with materials, or even a day away from routine responsibilities can help refill the creative tank. Our bodies and minds were never designed to run continuously without rest, and creativity thrives when we allow space for new ideas to emerge. 

Once inspiration returns, many makers find themselves full of new plans. You may be thinking about launching a product range, booking craft fairs, attending workshops, or expanding your small creative business. At that stage, creativity begins to intersect with something else: responsibility. 

Selling handmade products, demonstrating techniques or teaching others can all involve unexpected risks. A stall at a craft market, attending a workshop in a village hall, or even selling items online may require protection in case something goes wrong. That’s when many craft businesses begin to consider craft cover. 

Having the right craft cover in place helps protect both you and your business. A typical craft cover policy includes public liability insurance and product liability insurance, which provide protection if an accident occurs while you are selling or demonstrating your work. These are often essential if you plan to attend markets, fairs or exhibitions. 

Depending on how your business operates, your craft cover can also include additional protection such as employer’s liability insurance, selected business items cover for equipment, and professional indemnity insurance if you teach or provide advice. With comprehensive craft cover, you can confidently run your craft business knowing that unexpected events won’t derail your hard work. 

Of course, many makers initially feel uncertain about arranging insurance. Craft businesses often begin as small ventures — sometimes at the kitchen table or in a spare room — so it can be difficult to know what type of cover is necessary. 

The good news is that craft cover is designed specifically for creative businesses. Policies are flexible and can be tailored to suit the way you work, whether you sell online, attend markets or demonstrate your craft. Having the right craft cover means you can focus on creativity rather than worrying about potential risks. 

At Craft Insurance, we understand the world of creative businesses because we work closely with makers every day. As a family-run company, we believe in personal service and clear communication. When you get in touch, you’ll speak directly with someone who understands craft businesses and can help you find the right craft cover for your specific needs. 

So as spring unfolds and creativity begins to bloom again, take a moment to look after your business as well as your inspiration. Visit our website to explore your craft cover options, or get in touch for a friendly conversation about the protection that’s right for you. 

With the right support in place, you can concentrate on what truly matters — creating, sharing and growing your craft business with confidence. 

March Forth with Confidence

Why now is the perfect time to review your workshop insurance 

If you live in the countryside – or even if you’ve simply stepped outside lately – you’ll probably have noticed something wonderful happening. After what felt like an endless stretch of grey skies and rain throughout January and February, spring has finally arrived. Daffodils are popping up, the days feel brighter, and people everywhere seem to be emerging from winter hibernation with a smile. 

March has a way of doing that. It feels like a fresh start – a moment to stretch your legs, shake off the winter chill, and get moving again. In fact, that feeling isn’t just in our imaginations. Historically speaking, March really was the start of the year. 

A fresh start in the Roman style 

Back in 758 BCE, the Roman calendar actually began in March. Known then as Martius, it was the first month of a ten-month calendar created under the leadership of Romulus. The year started around the spring equinox, symbolising renewal and action after winter. 

Their calendar only counted 304 days, with the cold winter period simply… uncounted. When the days were dark and dreary, the Romans didn’t bother marking time at all. It was only later that January and February were added by Numa Pompilius to fill the gap. 

Perhaps Romulus had the right idea. When winter drags on and the days all seem the same, it can feel as though time is standing still. Then March arrives – and suddenly everything springs back to life. 

Marching forth – in nature and beyond 

The Romans didn’t just mark March as the start of the year; they also saw it as the time to get moving again. The month was named after Mars, the god of war, and it traditionally signalled the resumption of military campaigns. Once spring arrived, the Romans quite literally marched forth to conquer new lands. 

Nature follows a similar pattern. Think of the famous “Mad March Hares”. As spring begins, hares can often be seen leaping, chasing, and even boxing one another in open fields. This behaviour is all part of their mating season, when energetic males pursue females and the females sometimes stand on their hind legs to fend off unwanted attention with quick boxing jabs. 

It’s nature’s way of saying the quiet months are over. Time to get moving. 

Even time itself seems to join the charge in March. On the last Sunday of the month, the UK switches from Greenwich Mean Time to British Summer Time. The clocks go forward an hour, giving us those long, bright evenings we all look forward to. Suddenly there’s more daylight after work, more time outdoors, and more energy to get things done. 

A busy season for crafters 

For many crafters, March brings the same sense of renewal. Workshops that may have sat quiet through the cold winter months begin to buzz with activity again. 

Garden studios reopen. Garage workshops warm up. Tools and equipment come back into regular use as new projects begin to take shape. 

It’s an exciting time – but it’s also the perfect moment to think about protection for the space where all that creativity happens. 

Why workshop insurance matters 

When you’re getting back into the swing of things, it’s worth taking a moment to make sure your workspace is properly protected. That’s where workshop insurance comes in. 

Good workshop insurance helps safeguard the tools, equipment and materials you rely on every day. Business equipment cover will protect the specialist items that are essential to your craft. Whatever the machinery, whether it’s hand tools, kilns, sewing machines or woodworking gear, these items represent a significant investment in your business. 

Accidents can happen – equipment can be damaged, stolen, or affected by unexpected events. Having the right workshop insurance in place means you can carry on creating without the constant worry of “what if?”. 

Peace of mind while you create 

For many craftspeople, a workshop is more than just a place to work. It’s a rather special space where ideas become reality, where skills are honed, and where handmade products begin their journey to customers who truly appreciate them. Knowing that your workspace and tools are protected gives you one very important thing: peace of mind. 

Instead of worrying about unexpected setbacks, you can focus on what you do best – designing, making, experimenting, and sharing your creativity with others. 

Ready to “March” forth? 

Spring is a season of new beginnings, fresh ideas and renewed energy. As your workshop comes back to life this March, it’s the perfect time to make sure it’s protected too. 

Take a look at the Craft Insurance website to learn more about our workshop insurance options and how they can support your craft business. If you’d prefer a friendly chat, simply pick up the phone or drop us a message. Sam or Naomi will be more than happy to talk through the cover that suits your unique setup. 

Life can throw the occasional curveball, but the right protection makes all the difference. With the right cover in place, you can march forth into spring with confidence – and get back to creating the beautiful handmade work people love.