Looking For Fine Arts Insurance Near Me

February 26, 2026 by Craft Insurance News in Insurance | Comments Off

We hope you’ve enjoyed our previous two articles as we’ve taken a look at fine art, some of its history and its important role within a thriving society. We now come to the nuts and bolts of insuring artwork. Looking for fine arts insurance near me? Here’s a little about what artists and galleries should know.

In the financial climate in which we are living, no one wants to pay for something they don’t need, and we all want to make sure that when we do make a purchase, we are getting value for money. Although we are focusing especially on fine arts, much of this will also be relevant to any crafter, whether they are searching “fine arts insurance near me” or any other kind of insurance.

Let’s start with public and product liability insurance, products that many individual crafters and business owners decide to invest in. The reason for doing so is that when you have invested hours of your time, a significant amount of money and a huge chunk of your talent into a project, you don’t want to risk losing all that through a claim made against you. It is virtually impossible to predict what could go wrong and hence what claim might be made against you.

This is the whole point of insurance: cushioning yourself against the unforeseen. If we could have a pound for every perplexed call we’ve had regarding a curveball incident which requires compensation, we’d be able to plan our retirement! However thorough your risk assessment is, and however closely you adhere to professional guidelines, you simply cannot rule out those unforeseeable accidents.

You can probably think of a few incidents that have happened in your own life, hopefully whose consequences haven’t been too serious, but which have come completely out of the blue. While you couldn’t predict them, you will have kicked yourself afterwards, with lots of “if onlys”. A series of events and circumstances, of people and timings all worked together towards an unexpected occurrence. If it can happen in general life, it can happen in business and this is why so many artists choose to take out insurance to cover their work, their exhibitions and their gallery events.

Fine art insurance will include public liability insurance. This covers you against any complaints that injury or damage has been caused on your property, by your equipment or at an event. Even if it’s not your fault, it will cover legal costs and any compensation owed. For example, events could conspire together for a particularly vulnerable visitor to collide with a slip or trip hazard with a resulting injury. Our public liability insurance would cover you financially. We often call it our sleep easy insurance, in that it allows you to have peace of mind over the unforeseen and thus pour your energy, time and talent into what is most important; producing, exhibiting and selling beautiful artwork.

If you run a gallery, it might be that you employ staff or have volunteers helping out during exhibitions. In this case, you will need to get Employer’s liability insurance. This is a legal requirement for anyone who employs staff or hosts volunteers, even if they are family members. It too covers you for any accidents or harm caused to your employees or volunteers while working for you, with compensation or legal fees.

Professional indemnity Insurance covers you in the unlikely event that a commissioned piece of work is not considered satisfactory. Art, obviously, is subjective and while you would do your best to ensure that you are fulfilling your client’s instructions there is, as is said, ‘always one’ who may put a spanner in the works and not like your completed work. A dispute would take up a chunk of time which could be used for better purposes, as well as potentially cause damage to your reputation. Professional indemnity insurance would cover you for such a circumstance, again saving you money and stress. Professional indemnity insurance also covers you if you unknowingly make a mistake. For example, if you use an image protected by copyright without permission, or even if you breech the restrictions of a royalty free

image. With the extensive use of social media, however careful you are, a copyright breech is not impossible.

Another arm of insurance which you might consider, is Business items insurance. This is also one which is not legally required but which many artists and crafters choose to take out. It insures you against loss, damage or theft and can include raw materials, tools, saleable finished products and items related to your business eg laptops, card readers or cameras. We quote individually, around your unique requirements, so you don’t need to pay for something you don’t want.

If you google fine art insurance near to me, you will find a variety of options and insurance companies. We have been providing art and craft insurance for over three decades, so our service comes with generational experience. We know we are nothing without our clients, so we communicate directly with each one of you. When you contact us, it will either be Sam or Naomi who answer your query, so no long call queues. We have zero excess on public and product liability insurance, and our professional liability insurance covers you for teaching and demonstrating as well as selling your work.

So, take a look at our website and then drop us a line or give us a call. We look forward to hearing about your fine art business, be it large or small, and tailoring an insurance quote around your specific needs and requirements.

Fine Art Insurance in the U.K: How to Safeguard your Collection, Studio and Exhibitions

February 19, 2026 by Craft Insurance News in Insurance | Comments Off

Historically, fine art has been distinguished from other forms of creative expression and traditional crafting skills by the fact that it is created for its own sake; it serves no functional purpose and carries an expression of the artist’s emotional, intellectual or sometimes political perspective. It is designed for display, to be enjoyed and studied. As such, in times past fine art was generally the prerogative of the wealthier classes who had the financial resources to visit studios or exhibitions, and for a few this even included a tour around Europe to compare and learn from artists in different countries.

“Fine” does not refer to the superiority of the art but to the purity of it. Traditionally, fine art consisted of five art disciplines: painting, sculpture, architecture, music and poetry.

Today, the boundaries between fine and applied arts and crafts have become much more blurred, and thankfully, with many galleries free to the public, the opportunity to study art forms and appreciate the skill of the artists is open to many more.

However, one distinction does still remain between ‘pure’ art and applied crafts, and that is its lack of any practical functionality. It is beauty for beauty’s sake, and this is arguably not only delightful, but also an essential part of the development of a culture and the cohesive sustainability of it.

The cave paintings that were etched by tribal bushmen are not only incredibly detailed but will have no doubt provided much enjoyment to both the artists and those living within the cave dwellings, as well as providing a narrative of their daily lives to be handed down through the generations. The carved reliefs of the ancient Babylon, Assyrian and Persian Empires reflect much of their culture and history and in the case of Assyria, were also used as a sort of early propaganda, pointing to the victories and strength of the king.

Moving on to the last millennia, we see the influences of the Church in the art and architecture of the Medieval era. Contemplatives painstakingly copied out portions of the Bible and exquisitely illuminated them, sometimes with real gold plate. The soaring buttresses and jewelled rose windows of many a cathedral, beautifully worked icons and The Book of Kells all reflected and contributed to an era of high art, music and literature in which the Church not only funded the creatives of the time but also provided much of the inspiration for much of their work.

The Renaissance brought with it fresh ideas and a whole new era of fine art, funded now by the wealthy families of the time, initially the Medicis in Florence. This was a period of magnificent art in which talented artists sought a patron and, if successful, were free to work solely on their art. Michelangelo’s Sistine chapel ceiling and David sculpture and Leonardo Da Vinci’s many masterpieces are amongst numerous examples of the fine art of this time.

As both paper and then paints became more affordable and easier to use, artists had the freedom to go outdoors ‘en plein air’ and experiment with further techniques and ideas. The Impressionists, whose work is appreciated around the globe today for its light and its colour, emerged from this time.

Moving into more recent history, the disciplines of the fine arts have still reflected and shaped cultures and societies, and sometimes it’s art that demonstrates the direction of a society more than anything else. Thing about the starkly utilitarian architecture of Soviet communism where, in some Eastern European cities, dull concrete buildings stand cheek to jowl with exquisitely decorative edifices dating from previous centuries.

It could be argued that a nation’s fine art is a barometer for their culture. If we lose the ability to create and enjoy beauty for beauty’s sake, to create artwork which lifts the mind of the beholder to something higher than ourselves, we could all become dull and directionless.

Thus, fine art maybe does have a purpose in addition to display: an immensely valuable one. So, be encouraged if you spend your available time creating works of beauty for others to enjoy, keep at it. Your country needs you!

How then are you going to exhibit and sell your art? You may be part of an Arts Quarter or work in a shared studio which enables you to welcome the public in to view your work. Or, you could look out for local open studio events, where lots of different arts and crafts people open their workspaces for a co-ordinated trail. These can get good footfall and a lovely variety of visitors. However you display and sell, you will need to ensure your paintings – the products of your talent, time and money – are well protected.

If you type fine art insurance uk into your search engine you will have a considerable range of policies from which to choose. Which is the best? Should you just go for the cheapest, or should you look too at the specifics of the cover that is provided? Fine art insurance uk could become quite complex! However, let us reassure you that it need not be. Of course you will be looking for value for money; you have to know that you are buying a product you need and not paying for something unnecessary.

As a family run business who have specialised in craft cover and fine art insurance uk from one generation to the next, we have time-tested knowledge and experience of providing excellent value for money insurance for artists and crafters. We value each of our clients … without you we have no business… and as such we make sure we communicate with each of you directly. No call queues; either Sam or Naomi will be here to pick up your call or answer your email. So, whether you need to safeguard your collection within a studio, a gallery, an exhibition or elsewhere, get in touch and we’ll make sure you get the best fine art insurance for your unique requirement.

Protecting Your Art on Display, Public Liability Insurance for Art Exhibitions Explained

February 12, 2026 by Craft Insurance News in Insurance | Comments Off

How are you all feeling as you settle down to read this week’s missive from us here at Craft Insurance? Although February is in fact the shortest month of the year, for many of us it feels like the longest. However cold and wet November and December are, the expectation, even if it is somewhat hyped, and the twinkly lights of Christmas carry us through. Then in January a mix of left over Christmas cheer and the sense of a new year with fresh beginnings spur us onward. However, this has usually well and truly run dry by February and the wet, grey days can be reflected in our mood, in our patience with our loved ones and in our outlook. We make it through each day, but often with a sense of guilt that we’re not flying or achieving enough and head wearily to bed each night possibly feeling drained and dejected.

However, we want to offer a few suggestions to help you not only limp through to spring and the warmer, lighter days ahead, but to make the most of this often-dreary month. We can’t change the weather, but we can work with it and even find beauty within it. Not everyone is an artist but we can all paint a different scene in our minds!

If you close your eyes for a minute and reflect, February might not seem so bad after all! Allow some images of this month of February to come to mind. Try and remember somewhere you’ve been in the past couple of weeks. Even if it’s just been walking down the street, have you noticed the days are stretching out and collecting children from some after school activities can be done in the daylight? Or have you seen any snowdrops bravely peeking their heads up above the cold, damp earth? And the freshness of blue sky when it does appear? If you’ve been out in the countryside, you may have noticed some aspects of your surroundings which, shrouded within the stillness, you would not have observed in the bustle and brightness of Christmas or the sunshine and colour of summer. Maybe you will have noticed anew the delicate silhouette of a bare tree, the tiny buds appearing at the end of sturdy twigs or the exquisite marking and colouring of our native birds.

Despite the grey days, or maybe because of them, we are able to observe some of the perfection of nature, to stop for a moment and realise that the world is gently waking up, in its time honoured and well-ordered rhythm. It is still waiting, with energy levels yet building, ready to burst forth with abundant life in a month or so. Maybe we can learn a little from this. Maybe we can acknowledge our own energy levels might be low at the moment and February might not be the month to make pivoting decisions; maybe we don’t need a magic fix, maybe we just need to keep plodding slowly until our heads peep above ground and we can feel the sunshine seeping into our weary souls again. Maybe what we need is to carve out time, however small, to be generous to ourselves, to observe the slowly awakening world around us, to sink into a cosy chair with a warm mug of tea and a good book, to bake a cake, to pick an interlude in the rain to go and splash in some puddles, to watch a good movie or share a good meal with friends.

Grey days such as these aren’t so bad and can be kept as mental images of hope over the next few weeks. For those amongst us who are artists, maybe you are creating your next range of pictures, ready for sale over the coming year and the grey February days are full of activity, finishing pieces. Although painting outside is most likely not an option, you will no doubt be planning to attend exhibitions or events in which to display and sell your artwork. If so, you will need to consider public liability insurance for art exhibitions. If you are new to the world of selling your artwork, insurance can sound a little overwhelming, but we can assure you that it need not be. In fact, it can be something straightforward enough that it can be done even when energy levels are low in February!

So, what is public liability insurance for art exhibitions? Public liability covers you for any claim made against you, a member of your staff or even a volunteer in relation to your business. It covers you for any mishaps or accidents which, with all the risk assessments in the world, you could not have foreseen. Even if it is not your fault, it will cover any compensation you owe and your legal fees. It is not address specific, so the only address we need is your correspondence address; you will then be covered for any exhibition you attend throughout the year.

Public liability insurance for art exhibitions will also cover you if you are teaching or demonstrating your art. We often think of it as a sleep easy policy in that once in place, it is there as a back stop allowing you to concentrate on what is important, creating beautiful images and building up your sales.

As a family run business ourselves, we know the importance of ensuring you get value for money, that you don’t pay for something you don’t need. Our policies will probably not be the cheapest when you compare them with others, but they are comprehensive and we make sure you know exactly what is covered so you don’t have to second guess. Our policies also have a zero excess. And finally, as a family run business we like to communicate with each for our customers directly; no long call queues to speak to an anonymous advisor. So, if you’d like to know more, either drop us a line via the website or give us a call and either Sam or Naomi will be here to answer your queries.

As we head into another week, let’s be kind to ourselves and those around us as we gently move towards the end of February.

Friendship and Hand Made Crafts

February 6, 2026 by Craft Insurance News in Tips for Crafters | Comments Off

Technology is not the only factor that has profoundly affected the way people interact with one other in our times. The media, education, developments in global politics and movements of people all lead to a change in attitudes, behaviours and what is considered to be “normal”. New generations coming through experience life differently to how it used to be and as experiences differ, so do values, ie. what is most important to each generation.

It’s hardly surprising then that traditions change with the people who practice them. Some traditions are even becoming less of a ‘thing’ in our Celebration Economy where consumers are increasingly creating their own special occasions rather than waiting for life’s traditional milestones.

One such is Galentine’s Day, celebrated on February 13th, as an addition or alternative to Valentine’s Day. It evolved out of a fictional television series and became a major global phenomenon. Created in an episode of Parks and Recreation, the day is dedicated to “ladies celebrating ladies”—a time for women to honor their friendships, often with brunches, gifts, and heartfelt tributes. 

In the TV programme Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope hosted a brunch for her friends, leaving husbands and boyfriends behind. Then, over the next 15 years, it shifted from a niche, fan-driven event to a mainstream cultural touchstone, particularly favored by Gen Z and Millennials. In the US, searches for “Galentine’s Day” have surged over 554% since 2019. Now it has been added to the dictionary, defined as a “day for women to celebrate their friendships with their lady friends”. 

Why is Galentine’s Day so popular among the younger generations?

It certainly provides a pressure-free alternative to the romantic expectations of February 14th, allowing people to celebrate love regardless of relationship status. Amidst a rising tide of isolation in society, Galentine’s addresses a fundamental human need for connection and appreciation and emphasises the crucial contribution of friendships to our mental and physical well-being. The day has even been extended further into “Palentine’s Day” where anyone can get involved!

How is Galentine’s Day celebrated?

Celebrations might include brunch, exchanging of thoughtful gifts such as handwritten notes, chocolates or flowers, spa days and themed parties (often red, pink, and white) whilst other groups go for activity-based outings like pottery classes or cooking workshops. But whether it’s a cosy brunch or a climbing session, laughter and heartfelt chats are going to take centre stage. It’s a wonderful excuse to pause from the hustle of everyday life and make lasting memories with your closest friends.

Galentine’s Day and hand made crafts

There is a wealth of opportunity for crafters surrounding Galentine’s Day. For starters, people are searching for meaningful gifts and cards to give and many retailers stock dedicated Galentine’s Day merchandise. There’s also the fact that many groups of friends will be seeking crafting activities to do together on Galentine’s Day and crafters have the ingenuity to kit people out with ideas and resources to create some fabulous memories and crafts that will keep.

Here are a few ideas for Galentine’s Day activity packs and resources to provide for time-poor customers looking to enjoy some quality time crafting with their friends!

Friendship bracelets

Probably one of the most appropriate activities for a day celebrating friendship! Packs of embroidery thread cut to the appropriate lengths and bagged could make a simple but effective activity pack for a Galentine’s Day party.

Canvas tote bags

You could also offer sets of inexpensive plain canvas tote bags with acrylic paint – these would even be useful afterwards and everyone can make their own design.

Card decorating

Provide a set of plain cards and resources to decorate them with. The group could then present them to each other with heartfelt messages inside to treasure.

Photo frame decorating

Why not provide a set of inexpensive photo frames and resources to decorate and personalise them. The group could even take a group pic to put inside!

Crafters and Galentine’s Day

As crafters, we can help inspire people to make the most of this relatively recent tradition. After all, working on hand made crafts together is itself a time-honoured tradition that has always provided an opportunity for conversation and relationship-building.

Our gifts, cards, ideas and resources will help those either planning a big event or a quiet catch-up over coffee, also helping those women who work hard and struggle to “fit it all in” to show their friends how much they mean to them. It’s not about grand gestures or expensive plans but the thought and effort put into making the time to connect.

Galentine’s Day is about celebrating the people who make life brighter. It’s a reminder that friendship deserves just as much recognition as romantic relationships. So this 13th of February, take a moment to raise a toast to the women in your life. Whether near or far, their support, laughter and love make all the difference. Let’s keep celebrating these bonds in ways that are as unique and wonderful as the friendships themselves.

Sun, Scissors and Sales

January 29, 2026 by Craft Insurance News in Tips for Crafters | Comments Off

We may have got through the winter solstice, and the days are perceptibly lengthening, but we are still very much in winter here in the UK. Scotland has seen heavy snow falls, the South West of England endless days of rain and we’ve all shivered through the dark mornings and been blown around by great gusts of wind as we trudge, head down, about our days. With all this we may feel the need to indulge in some escapism and plan our summer holidays. Do you dream of sunny beaches, walking barefooted along the warm sand to the sound of gently lapping water? Or maybe of exploring ancient towns, wandering through cobbled streets and enjoying balmy evenings at a local taverna. Perhaps you like a more active holiday and your planning involves maps of mountain terrain and checking over your camping and walking gear.

The great thing about day dreaming is that we can go anywhere, without the confines of a budget, the hassle of airport queues and the stress of organising home, work, pets and the multitude of other minutia before we leave.

Crafters can add an extra dimension to these kinds of sunny dreams and get ahead at the same time. It’s not too early to start planning a summer selection of gorgeous products to entice your customers and help them get ready for their own holidays.

We’ve put together a tempting selection of summer craft ideas to set you on your way.

Firstly, think clothes and accessories. For those who can wield a needle, strappy tops and maxi skirts, flowing dresses and beach shorts are all must haves to pop in the bag as we head off in search of summer sunshine and blue skies. If you’re looking for something a little less complicated to whizz up, what about a range of over the shoulder or tote beach bags? Let your creative juices flow; think about your material choice (cotton, jute, beach stripes, floral fun, bold and plain), your decoration (appliqué, beading, embroidery), lining and pockets and come up with a unique design. Bags can be customised too, allowing customers to choose from a range of colours and designs.

Jewellery is next on the list of summer craft ideas – an ideal for first time craft sellers as it’s possible to start with fairly low set up costs. From bold and funky to understated and stylish, the sky is the limit. Beads and resin are both good starter materials. For the skilled and experienced jewellers amongst you, remember to create some eye-catching ranges for all the upcoming summer weddings. You might also consider, if you have not done so before, creating bespoke items for the bride and bridal party.

Cosmetics are next on our list. For those of you who already run successful cosmetics or bath products businesses, take the opportunity to develop some new ranges as well as recreating those which sold well last year. For those new to this, bath bombs are great as they require minimal start up costs. Think fresh summer colours and fragrances evocative of long summer evenings. You might consider delicate and floral, exotic and tropical or zesty and citric. Add a sparkle with biodegradable glitter and give your customers a luxurious treat for the end of a hot day.

Handmade cosmetics find their niche at any time of year, but with hot summer weather, natural products may seem even more appealing. Natural beeswax, essential oils and other natural oils (coconut, olive etc) are both good for dry and dehydrated skin and for our beautiful world which we all enjoy as we go out and about these summer days. Have a think about promoting products which travel well. For example, shampoo bars are great to pop in a beauty bag and won’t leak, and a small pot of lip salve is a must have for hot days.

While we all look forward to going away for a summer holiday, most of the season will be spent at home, so here are some summer craft ideas to make which will decorate our homes and gardens and usher in some warm summer vibes.

Starting with our front doors; what about creating a range of summer themed wreaths? You could go for a floral theme; generous bunches of dried flowers, delicate felted bouquets or whimsical crotcheted blooms. If you live by the seaside, you could muster up a sea breezes and wanderlust vibe with shells and starfish on a wreath beautifully constructed out of driftwood.

Summer themed bunting is another great summer craft to make and sell. Whether it is strung between bookcases and cupboards indoors, or flutters gently in the breeze in the garden, it is guaranteed to bring out some smiles and to create a relaxed, festival atmosphere. It’s great as decoration for parties and barbecues, but also to have up all summer long, ready to welcome gatherings of family and friends for a leisurely meal or long catch up over tea and cake.

As you plan your gorgeous summer products, remember to take a look at what craft fairs, markets or festivals you could book yourself into over the summer. You may be required to book early for the larger ones. If this is your first time selling, you will need to consider insurance, probably public and product liability. This can sound daunting and costly, but let us reassure you that it need be neither of these. As a family run business ourselves we are both aware of the importance of value for money on your part and of valuing our customers on our part. We therefore communicate with each of our customers personally; no long call queues. So, as part of your summer planning, pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here. We look forward to hearing about your summer craft ideas and will make sure you get the insurance you need for your unique business.

Inspire Your Customers To Hold Their Own Light Craft Workshops This January

January 22, 2026 by Craft Insurance News in Tips for Crafters | Comments Off

January arrives with a mix of emotions. For some crafters, it’s a burst of fresh energy: new sketchbooks, new planners, new ideas waiting to be stitched, painted or printed into life. For others, the New Year can feel heavy. The calendar changes, but the challenges don’t, and motivation can feel harder to come by.

This is where a light craft workshop idea such as vision board making can be wonderfully refreshing. Who doesn’t enjoy time to focus on what they really want out of life? Vision boards are simple, creative, uplifting projects that don’t demand specialist tools or advanced skills. They offer gentle structure, plenty of creative freedom, and meaningful results. Better still, vision boards aren’t just for personal inspiration – they can also become a thoughtful, sellable craft product. Why not help kickstart a January of a different kind for your customers by offering them a kit to put together a light craft workshop with family or friends and visualise a different kind of future? Or even make one yourself?

So, whether you’re a maker looking to refocus your own goals, or a small creative business thinking about new product ideas for the year ahead, vision boards tick a lot of boxes.

What is a Vision Board?

A vision board (sometimes called a dream board or goal board) is a visual representation of your goals, intentions and dreams. Using images, words, colours and textures, you create a collage that reflects what you want from your life or your business.

As a product to encourage buyers to indulge in a light craft workshop, vision boards are ideal. They’re accessible, low-pressure and adaptable to different styles – from minimal and modern to colourful and eclectic. That flexibility is exactly what makes them appealing to so many crafters and customers.

Why Vision Boards Work So Well

1. They make you slow down and get clear Creating a vision board forces you to pause and think properly about what you want. Not in a vague “someday” way, but intentionally. What matters to you this year? What do you want more of – creatively, financially, emotionally? Putting those ideas onto a board takes them out of your head and gives them shape.

2. They get you moving in the right direction! Creative people are often busy people. Orders, deadlines, admin and everyday life can leave little room for reflection. Vision boards break routine. Cutting images, playing with layouts and following intuition can reawaken creativity and help you step outside autopilot mode.

3. They provide daily visual motivation Vision boards work best when they’re seen regularly. Hung on a wall or propped near a workspace, they act as a daily reminder of what you’re working towards. Visual cues are powerful; they keep goals front of mind even on difficult days.

4. They build emotional connection Seeing images that resonate with you can spark excitement and belief. That emotional connection is what turns ideas into action. When you feel inspired, you’re more likely to spot opportunities and take small, consistent steps forward.

5. They’re genuinely fun to make There’s no pressure to be perfect. Vision boards don’t have to follow rules, colour palettes or design trends. They can be messy, bold, calm or playful. That sense of freedom is why they’re such a satisfying activity.

Turning Vision Boards into a Craft Product

For craft businesses, vision board kits are a great product idea. Easy to package, post and personalise, they are ideal for online shops and craft fairs.

You could offer themed kits such as “Creative Business Goals”, “Mindful Living”, or “Seasonal Intentions”. Customers love products that feel thoughtful and purposeful, especially in January when reflection is top of mind.

Vision board kits can also work well year-round. Goals change, seasons shift, and many people enjoy refreshing their boards several times a year.

Vision boards are also wonderfully low-cost and adaptable. You won’t need more than a cork or mounting board, recycled cardboard, scissors, glue, tape, magazines for images and words, printed images from Pinterest, Google or Instagram, stickers, markers, photos, quotes or handwritten notes.

Do They Really Work?

They can, but only when they’re used actively. A vision board isn’t magic on its own. It works because it reinforces focus, intention and motivation over time. Stored away in a drawer, it’s not that powerful. Visible and revisited regularly, it becomes a quiet but consistent source of encouragement.

Crafting Confidently

If you’re selling vision board kits, it’s important to make sure you’re properly covered. If you’re unsure what cover you need, or want friendly advice tailored to your craft, you can always call into the office and speak to Naomi or Sam. They’ll be happy to help you understand your options and make sure you’re crafting with confidence this year.

Here’s to a creative, inspired start to the year – it’s time to start dreaming!

Easy Craft Ideas To Make And Sell For Beginners

January 15, 2026 by Craft Insurance News in Tips for Crafters | Comments Off

A visit to an artist’s studio, a wander around an Arts Quarter or an evening spent with a Knitters’ Circle are just a few of the ways we can catch a glimpse of the incredible skill and creativity of these crafters. As with any masterpiece, natural talent needs to be honed by years of practice, self-discipline and sacrifice to produce the stunning creations that we can both enjoy and which generate in us a sense of awe. These master craftsmen and women deservedly gain our praise and admiration, and our homes and lives are richer from the beauty their products bring to us.

However, we all need to start somewhere, and if you are in a position where you have a few spare hours a week and are looking for some way of earning a little extra cash around your already fairly full life, please be inspired by these veteran crafters, rather than intimidated by them. Very few of us will reach the level of craftsmanship displayed by some of our incredible artists, but most of us, with a little natural creativity, some extra time and a lot of determination, can begin small and then see how it develops. Many small businesses have begun life as a kitchen table venture, often by a mum with small children at home working away during nap times. Others start as side hustles, alongside full-time work, where passion eventually turns into a fully-fledged business. Yet more begin as retirement looms, when the decrease in income and increase in time are an impetus to step out into that long-held dream.

So, if you are in a position where you have some flexibility in your day and need to earn some extra cash, making and selling crafts could be just the thing for you! You may have a particular skill which you want to develop, or you may be happy to try your hand at anything and looking for some easy craft ideas to make and sell. If this is so, then you’re in the right place! If you’re just dipping your toe into the mighty and exciting waters of selling handmade crafts, you will want low set up costs and some easy ways to market and sell your products.

We’d certainly recommend scrolling through Pinterest for easy craft ideas to make and sell but here are some of ours. Greetings cards are a great starter as the initial cost is low, and you can use a huge variety of techniques to create them. There will always be birthdays, weddings, babies born and new homes, and as this circle of life continues in its rhythm, we love to mark these special events with cards. There are also lots of possibilities to expand, maybe into packets of note cards, gift cards or even wrapping paper. The possibilities are endless!

The next in our lineup of our easy craft ideas to make or sell are resin-based products. These will probably have a slightly higher startup cost, but this is still low compared with buying a kiln or a potter’s wheel. Again, there are endless possibilities with resin crafts, and potential products include jewellery, coasters, paperweights, key chains and candleholders.

If you’re looking for something a little niche but with universal appeal and within most budgets, why not consider making some bird seed ornaments? You could tie marketing in with the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch which takes place on 23-25 January. Awareness of our feathered garden friends will be heightened and as the days get longer an item which both provides nourishment for the birds and looks good in the garden could be a winner.

Bath bombs are another low budget gift idea. While making soap and creams take more skill and equipment, if you’re looking towards the beauty product arena, bath bombs are a good place to start. Once you’ve made the base mix to the correct ratios, the colours, fragrances and botanicals are open to your own brand of alchemy! Get mixing and come up with some gorgeous products; a perfect present for mum, a great birthday gift for a girlfriend or an indulgent self-care treat for any weary, hardworking lady.

One of the many advantages of buying locally produced, hand-crafted products over mass produced ones is that their production has a lower impact on our planet. You could further reduce this by making products from recycled items. If you live near a beach, why not head out for a blustery walk and do some beachcombing? Then try your hand crafting them into beautiful products you can sell. If you live in an urban area, you might like to visit a scrap store and have a rummage for some materials you could repurpose. Or use everyday items such as bottle tops or plastic bottles to create your own unique range of recycled gifts.

Once you have decided upon which direction you will take, you will need to think about promoting and selling your products. Initially, go for free or low budget options. Use social media to your best advantage to promote and sell your new range of goodies. Depending on how IT savvy you (or a family member or good friend) are, you could also set up a website and sell directly from there. Then think about booking yourself into some local craft fairs or markets. Check out some of our previous blogs about these but suffice to say they are great ways of both selling your products and making good connections with other crafters. You could start with a school fair, a church bazaar or any other local fundraising event. These are generally very friendly and good fun.

We hope we’ve inspired you with some easy craft ideas to make and sell. Dream a little and then gather what you need to get started and go for it! Enjoy the process and let us know how you get on!

Artisan Business Ideas for Making Crafty Cash in 2026

January 9, 2026 by Craft Insurance News in Tips for Crafters | Comments Off

Happy New Year to all our crafting family! We hope you feel somewhat refreshed, if not totally rested, and ready to begin a new year of growing your business and branching out in more creative endeavours. January can be slow for sales, but is often a good time to dream some big dreams, to design some new ranges, to plan ahead and then to hone your vision into practical, achievable and measurable steps. If you are an experienced crafter but have not as yet stepped out into making your passion pay, why not take a good look at what you would need to put in place to dip your toe into running a crafting business? It could be an exciting year ahead for all!

What then, are some artisan business ideas you could consider either as you start a business or to boost sales in your existing business? Whatever your craft, here are some marketing ideas which you could implement throughout the year ahead.

Why not consider creating some seasonal ranges? If you start planning and creating now, you could include Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day, Guy Fawkes and Christmas as well as products which reflect each of the seasons. For example, if you make soap and other bath and beauty products, you can theme colours, oils and botanicals around these occasions; glorious pink frothy valentines bath bombs; luxurious soap for Mother’s Day; fun, fizzy bath bombs for kids around autumn; spiced Christmas fragrances in December. If you work with textiles, your range could include seasonal bunting as well as some for Easter and Christmas, over the shoulder beach bags for the summer, cosy looking cushions for autumn and stockings, tree decorations and gift bags for Christmas.

Focusing on special occasions opens up another arena for artisan business ideas. Weddings, birthdays, christenings, a new job, retirement….there are many significant milestones as we walk through life and it’s good to mark and celebrate them. For card makers these are bread and butter, but they can also be incorporated into other crafting ranges. If you work with wood, photo frames make great gifts for many of these events. Jewellery also can be designed around celebratory occasions with distinct ranges as well as bespoke items. Ceramics lend themselves to speciality gifts as friends and family are often looking at a higher price range than they would normally consider to celebrate significant occasions. At the lower end of the pricing scale, themed resin coasters, paper weights or tea light holders make personal and welcome presents to mark achievements such as a new job, a graduation, or a retirement.

The next of our artisan business ideas to add to your planning calendar is around the seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter. These can be reflected through just about any medium, using colours, patterns, textures, fragrances or words. Lift your customers’ spirits after a long, grey winter with vibrant yellows, blues, pinks and greens, an exuberant display of the colours of nature which are bounding back to life after a season of hibernation. As the vivid greens and yellows of spring give way to summer, your palette could include the bountiful spread of warm and blowsy colours which adorn our flower gardens and hedgerows.

With the diminishing of sunlight hours and drop in temperature come the rich array of autumn golds, reds, yellows and browns. This is the time when our thoughts turn to home so is an opportunity to produce items which will add a sense of coziness and warmth to the darkening evenings. Finally, winter comes, usually overshadowed by all the fun and festivity Christmas. However, once the twinkling lights and cheerful Christmas trees have been taken down, our homes can look empty and cold. We still have a couple of months until the sun strengthens and the days lengthen, so why not consider making a range of products for this time, using cool, crisp palettes of wintery white.

Focusing your thoughts onto your immediate locality, are there any regular festivals, carnivals, fairs or other traditions within your area? Or any landmarks or local history which could be recognised within your products? Scotland has the glorious celebration of Burns night to brighten up the dreary winter months, and each of our four nations have a Patron Saints day to celebrate; David, Patrick, George and Andrew. All these could be springboards for some crafty artisan business ideas.

Once you have come up with your unique rage of goods which will reflect seasons and celebrations, you will need to have some promotional tools at the tips of your fingers to make sure your products stand out from the rest. One of the benefits of buying hand made items over mass produced ones is that customers can have a connection with the skilled crafters behind their purchase.

If you have a website, spend some time over how you introduce yourself and your business. Customers will be interested to know how your passion turned into a paying concern. Did you start as a side hustle, or jump in at the deep end? What are the challenges and rewards? How does it fit in with your home life? (consider what you are comfortable to divulge). You could write regular updates in a blog; new ranges both current and upcoming, some background to the materials or techniques you are using, any craft fairs or exhibitions you will be a part of. You may like to hone it in a little more on yourself, giving customers a glimpse into your life and how your craft business blends in with and reflects who you are. You could do a ‘day in the life of…’ or write about somewhere you’ve visited or a walk you’ve taken from which you’ve gained fresh inspiration. You could include videos of yourself working, showing some of the techniques you use, or of snippets of non craft related parts your week. Use social media to your advantage!

We hope we’ve given you some fresh artisan business ideas as you start your year, and wish you success and joy as you grow your business.

Back to the Craft Workshop

January 7, 2026 by Craft Insurance News in Tips for Crafters | Comments Off

For most of us these days, Twelfth Night hardly registers, arriving quietly as it does on 5th January, it serves as a gentle nudge that Christmas decorations should come down and normal life should resume. Trees are dragged to the curb, fairy lights are boxed away and thoughts turn firmly (and sometimes with relief) toward a return to routine — and to the craft workshop. Yet for centuries, Twelfth Night was anything but ordinary. It marked the climax of Christmas, a night of feasting, role reversal and merriment that rivalled Christmas Day itself.

Twelfth Night was the final evening of the twelve days of Christmas which began on Boxing Day, with Christmas counted as the First Night. The twelfth night, falling on 5th January, ushered in Epiphany on the 6th — a feast commemorating the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem. Epiphany once held immense importance, long before it faded into a footnote on the calendar.

In Tudor England, Twelfth Night was celebrated with great enthusiasm. At court, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I marked the occasion with lavish banquets, masques, music and pageantry. Records from 1532 describe over 200 dishes being served, with temporary kitchens erected to cope with demand. Elizabeth I even employed a personal gingerbread-maker, creating edible likenesses of the queen and her guests. At the heart of these celebrations was deliberate chaos and a joyful turning upside down of the social order.

This spirit of reversal extended far beyond the royal court. In towns and villages, households gathered to share food, drink and the famous Twelfth Night Cake. Hidden inside the cake were a dried bean and a dried pea. Whoever found them in their slice was crowned King or Queen for the evening, regardless of their usual status. Servants ruled masters, rules were gleefully bent, and laughter reigned.

By the 18th and early 19th centuries, Twelfth Night revels were still going strong. Regency households hosted lively parties featuring charades, games, wassail and punch. The Twelfth Night Cake grew increasingly elaborate, decorated with frosting, gilded paper and ornamental figures. Guests often drew character slips from a hat and were expected to remain in role all evening. Jane Austen herself is recorded as embracing the tradition with enthusiasm.

Literature preserves much of Twelfth Night’s original energy, none more famously than William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Commissioned around 1600 and first performed in 1602, the play was written specifically to close the festive season. Its plot — built on mistaken identities, disguised gender, and social confusion — perfectly mirrors the spirit of the holiday. Characters swap roles, servants outwit nobles, and order is only restored at the end, just as Christmastide itself gave way to everyday life.

Although Twelfth Night has waned in Britain, it remains vibrantly alive elsewhere. In Spain, for example, the night of 5 January, la Verbena de Reyes, is as significant as Christmas Eve. Children leave out shoes for the Three Kings to fill with gifts, and colourful parades flood the streets. (In Barcelona on 5th January, the Three Kings arrive in the port by boat!) On 6 January, families gather to give each other presents and share a Roscón de Reyes, a crown-shaped cake hiding a small figure and a bean. The finder of the bean must buy the cake the following year. In France, La Fete des Rois is also celebrated with a special cake, La Couronne Des Rois (King’s Crown). As in Spain, the Couronne des Rois contains a tiny figure of which the happy finder gets a crown and the status of King or Queen for the day!

So why has Twelfth Night faded here in the UK? Partly, it is the consequence of modern schedules and commercial Christmas front-loading celebration into December. By January, most of our energy is spent, along with most of our money! The feast that once rivalled Christmas now marks its conclusion as a practical deadline rather than a joyful finale.

Twelfth Night has always been about endings as much as excess — the last laugh before the rules return, the final spark before work resumes. Today, that return may be less festive, but the rhythm is the same. As the tinsel comes down and tools come out, there is comfort in a return to the norm.

It’s time for a return to creativity, no less for occasional crafters who aren’t full-time business owners. Even if you only sell at the occasional market, this week will probably involve packing away decorations and returning to your creative side hustle. If you are an occasional seller, don’t forget that one day public liability insurance gives you flexible, affordable cover just for when you need it.

You’ll be protected if someone claims they’ve been injured or had property damaged as a result of your actions, or even something as simple as a trip hazard at your table. Whatever kind of events you are attending this year, one day public liability insurance ensures you’re not financially exposed if something goes wrong. Just give us a call, and we’ll help you get the right cover without overcomplicating things.

So, as our modern day Twelfth Night draws in, and the last pine needle is swept away, we look forward to another year of supporting our amazing community of crafters as they head back to the craft workshop to start dreaming for 2026.

Christmas Tradition and Nostalgia

December 22, 2025 by Craft Insurance News in Tips for Crafters | Comments Off

We thought we would have a look back this year at some of the history behind the traditional UK Christmas. Where did these well-worn, much-loved practices that we return to year on year originate, and what is it that covers Christmas with such a strong sense of nostalgia?

Well, perhaps no other period in history has shaped the way we celebrate Christmas in the UK quite like the Victorian era. Many of the traditions we now think of as timeless – and which continue to inspire festive arts, crafts and handmade gifts today – emerged during Queen Victoria’s long reign from 1837 to 1901. From decorated trees and Christmas cards to gift-giving and family gatherings, the Victorian Christmas laid the foundations for the season we recognise and cherish today, a legacy that still covers much of how we celebrate.

Before Victoria came to the throne, Christmas was often a far less cosy affair. Celebrations were limited, sometimes rowdy, and rarely centred on family life. Many people worked straight through the festive period, with little time or money to spare for leisure or celebration. By the end of the 19th century, however, Christmas had become the most important annual celebration in the British calendar. Industrialisation brought new wealth, especially to the growing middle classes, while changing attitudes placed greater emphasis on home, children and charity. The royal family played a crucial role in setting the tone, with their customs widely reported and eagerly copied.

For much of the population before 1837, there were no Christmas cards, no crackers, no decorated trees and no turkey dinners. Most people did not receive time off work, and festive meals were modest at best. As factories and industries expanded, however, families in England and Wales increasingly gained the ability to take time away from work to celebrate Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Boxing Day itself takes its name from the boxes in which servants and working people collected gifts or money from wealthier households – a reminder of the strong charitable element that covers the Victorian Christmas story.

Gift-giving as we know it today truly flourished during this era. While presents had previously been exchanged at New Year, Christmas became the focus for family gifts, particularly for children. Advances in manufacturing meant toys could be mass-produced, making dolls, games, books and clockwork toys more widely available – at least for middle-class families. Adults tended to receive practical or modest gifts such as books or fruit. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert helped popularise the tradition through their “present tables” at Windsor Castle, where unwrapped gifts were laid out for the family, much as they were for royal birthdays. Victoria’s diaries record the many gifts exchanged, from jewellery and artworks to sculptures and paintings. Particularly charming are the handmade items she received from her children and grandchildren, including embroidery, drawings and handicrafts – a tradition that still resonates with makers and crafters today.

The rise of Christmas cards was another Victorian innovation. The introduction of the Penny Post in 1840 transformed communication, allowing letters and cards to be sent anywhere in Britain for a single penny. This simple reform paved the way for the first Christmas cards, which quickly grew in popularity. When the cost was reduced further with the introduction of the halfpenny post in 1870, card-sending became a widespread festive habit. Early cards were often beautifully illustrated and reflected the era’s love of design, print and decoration.

Food traditions also evolved significantly. Although turkeys had been brought to Britain from the Americas long before Victoria’s reign, they were initially too expensive for most households. Regional traditions varied: roast beef was common in the north of England, goose was favoured in London and the south, and poorer families often made do with rabbit. At royal Christmas feasts, Queen Victoria’s table featured beef and even roast swan. Over time, however, turkey rose in popularity, aided by royal approval. Victoria herself came to enjoy turkey at Christmas, and gradually it became the centrepiece of festive dinners across the country.

Christmas trees, another enduring symbol of the season, gained prominence during the Victorian era. Although Queen Charlotte, the German wife of King George III, had introduced the tradition earlier, it was Prince Albert who truly popularised it after bringing a tree to Windsor Castle in the 1840s. The royal household reportedly had multiple trees – one for the Queen and Prince Albert, others for their children and for the Queen’s mother. In 1848, the Illustrated London News published an image of the royal family gathered around a decorated tree, and the fashion quickly spread. With it came a demand for ornaments made from glass, metal and brightly coloured materials designed to shimmer in candlelight. Mass production and improved printing made decorations more affordable, while many families combined shop-bought items with handmade ornaments and edible treats tied on with ribbon.

The Victorians also gave us Christmas crackers. Invented in 1846 by London sweet maker Tom

Smith, crackers evolved from simple paper-wrapped sweets into the familiar festive staple containing mottos, paper hats, small gifts and a cheerful bang. Music, too, flourished during this period, with many beloved carols written in the mid-19th century, including O Come, All Ye Faithful, Once in Royal David’s City and O Little Town of Bethlehem.

Together, these traditions reflect a Victorian love of creativity, craftsmanship and togetherness – values that continue to inspire Christmas celebrations, handmade gifts and festive crafts to this day.

From all of us at Craft Insurance, we’d like to echo some of the sentiments of a creative, Victorian-style Christmas and send heartfelt goodwill from our family to all of our customers. 2025 has been a year of hard work and progress, and we are looking forward to the New Year and everything it promises. We wish you and your families a truly wonderful Christmas and New Year.

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