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Author: cre8ion

New Look, Same Trusted Service

Posted on by cre8ion

Why we refreshed our website to reflect our polished offering

Welcome to the “new look” craftinsurance.co.uk. If you have visited us before, you will notice things look a little different, and if you are finding us for the first time, welcome. Either way, we are glad you are here.

The service has not changed, nor has the team, although we have grown richer in both years and understanding. We can now boast nearly four decades of experience working exclusively with crafters. The thing we did decide to change was the way we present ourselves and the upgraded cover we are offering, and there is a good reason for that. A website that does not accurately reflect your business is quietly working against you, and after careful thought, we decided it was time to make sure ours was doing us, and more importantly, you, proper justice.

Whilst on the subject of websites and why they need refreshing from time to time, we thought this was a good opportunity to share a few thoughts that might be useful for your own craft business too.

Where we started, and where we are now

Craft Insurance began as a side project. In the beginning, Ian Wallace (our Dad) was working as an insurance broker when a group of potter friends came to him and asked whether he could put together public liability cover for people selling crafts at fairs. No one else was doing it at the time, so Dad approached several insurance companies, assembled a scheme, and quietly filled a gap that the rest of the market had not even noticed existed.

That side project became a lifetime’s work as Dad fell in love with the crafting community. He converted his garage at home into an office, pivoting the business to focus entirely on the craft insurance scheme. In the early days, the business was modest, but as Dad concentrated his efforts on it, things changed quickly. The arrival of his daughters, Naomi and Samantha, (us) saw the business grow further and become the most established dedicated craft insurance company in the UK.

The crafting community, we discovered, was wonderful to work with, and as the feeling was pretty mutual, word spread. Recommendations followed. For many sectors of the craft world, candlemakers and home fragrance businesses in particular, Craft Insurance became the go-to provider, with new customers being told by others in the trade not to bother going anywhere else.

We have always felt honoured to be referred this way by word of mouth, but we also realise that the way we present ourselves online needs to remain up to date and representative of who we actually are. Furthermore, search engines and AI tools now do a significant amount of the work of connecting new customers with the right businesses so that needs to be taken into account. A website built for how people searched three years ago will not perform as well as one built for how they search today. That is as true for craft business insurance providers as it is for anyone selling handmade goods.

What is new for our customers

Our new site reflects a policy that has been genuinely improved. £500,000 Professional Indemnity cover is now included with every policy, at no extra cost, so every crafter is automatically covered to teach their craft, run their own exhibition and demonstrate their skills at events. To add to that, business and stock cover has been simplified, so there is no longer any need to separate saleable stock from raw materials when making a claim. Comprehensive money cover has also been added. Finally, the structure is clearer: public and product liability as the essential foundation, with employers’ liability and business and stock cover as optional add-ons.

The new website reflects all of this plainly and honestly, with pages designed to help crafters understand what they need rather than overwhelm them with options. The cover we offer is all explained in plain language, without any unnecessary jargon.

As a craft business, it’s always worth reviewing your own website regularly, or if you do not have a dedicated business website, your online presence, whether that is a personal site, a social media profile or an Etsy shop description. If it has not been updated in the past couple of years, it is very likely not doing you the favours it should.

Please, have a look around our new site and let us know what you think.

We are proud of the new site and we hope it is easier to use, clearer to read and more useful to crafters at every stage of their business journey, from the very first craft fair to a fully established operation. If you are an existing customer, it is worth taking a few minutes to review your current cover in light of the simplified policy structure, and if you are new to Craft Insurance, welcome. The new website will help you get a quote in minutes and have your documents in your inbox the same day.

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Why Traditionally Made Knives are a Cut Above

Posted on by cre8ion

It’s something we use several times a day, without which no civilisation would be able to develop and central to several professions. Let’s talk about the humble knife. Whether it be a table knife for tucking into our dinner, a butcher’s or chef’s knife for preparing our food, or a pocketknife, reminiscent of those essential for our hunter gatherer forebears, we could not live without them. Here at Craft Insurance, we are proud to support clients who are traditional knife makers, keeping skills alive which have been honed and passed down through generations.  

While many of us may quote Sheffield as being the centre of UK cutlery manufacturing since the Industrial Revolution, there is evidence that steel production in the area dated as far back to the the 14th century, with a reference being made to knife production by Chaucer in the 15th century. Skilled craftsmen, known as ‘little mesters’ worked within their own homes to produce knives made of steel, collecting materials from the surrounding countryside which contained not only wood from the forests, but iron ore as well. With the surrounding hills of the Peak District being the source of a number of fast flowing rivers, their natural energy was harnessed to drive heavy stone wheels which could be used for the sharpening of bladed tools such as scythes and knives. Thus, Sheffield’s geographical location and natural resources nurtured its initial, unpretentious beginnings of a trade which was to make it the “steel city” of the U.K., with exports that would be off around the globe. 

It was two discoveries that happened in succession, the first by Benjamin Hunstman in 1742 and the second by Henry Bessemer in 1856, which really put Sheffield on the map as a global producer of steel cutlery. By the mid nineteenth century, steel was being produced in mass by heating coke, iron ore and scrap metal at high temperatures, producing liquid steel which could be poured into moulds, all at a cost which was financially viable. Thus, Sheffield grew into a major industrial city and global exporter of steel for items such as railway lines, armour plating for ships, construction and, of course, cutlery. 

The early twentieth century saw advancements in the manufacture of stainless steel, with a surge in cutlery makers alongside this; the area in which many of these were situated, Portland Works, still houses cutlery makers today. The second half of the twentieth century, however, saw a tragic decline in Sheffield’s industrial fortunes, with the closure of many furnaces and associated loss of jobs.  

Despite this decline of large-scale manufacture, it continued to be a centre for cutlery innovation and production and over the past couple of decades has seen a revival in specialist, high end knife production. Today it is home to many workshops, housing master craftsmen making artisan and bespoke knives, keeping aflame centuries old traditions. Some of these are located in the very same Portland Works as their forebears.  

With a heritage like this, it is unsurprising that knife artisans are passionate about preserving traditional skills and techniques, as well as about using locally sourced and produced materials in their products. And of course it is not only in Sheffield that they may be found. Skilled bladesmiths have set up workshops across the country, producing knives made using a variety of techniques and traditions.  

Hand crafted knives are obviously going to be more expensive than their mass-produced counterparts, so are they worth the extra cost? And, over the long term, how do the costs compare? 

When you invest in a handcrafted knife, you are not only purchasing an implement that has longevity and character, but you are also keeping alive long held traditions and artistry. An individually crafted knife will have a life span of around thirty years and can be sharpened and mended as needed. This compares very favourably with mass produced knives which have a shorter lifespan and if they break, often discarded. Knife smiths will use locally sourced materials and techniques which are sustainable, having been used for centuries. So, you know you are investing in an item with excellent eco credentials. In addition, when you consider the cost of one of these knives with the cost of buying and replacing several mass-produced ones over thirty years, the initial expense seems much more reasonable. So, we have a single purchase which will last several decades, which is not only environmentally sustainable, but keeps alive centuries old skills, so pours money back into the local economy and brings with it a slice of history; what is there to say no to? Maybe you might start thinking of Christmas gifts? Or is there a special birthday coming up? Or maybe you could treat yourself… 

A final word to any blade smiths reading this who are not yet a part of our Craft Insurance family. We too are a family run business with several decades of experience in craft insurance cover. Like your products, our craft insurance cover is unlikely to come up cheapest in a search, but this is intentional as we aspire to sell cover that does what it says it will. Our basic package of craft insurance cover comprises product and public liability insurance, as well as professional liability insurance. As a family-owned business we communicate directly with all our amazing clients, either by phone or email, whichever suits you best. So, if you’re looking to update your cover, or considering what cover to take out for the first time, why not check out our website, send us a message or give us a call. Sam or Naomi will be here to answer your questions look forward to hearing about your unique and history filled business!  

Candle Holders and Pottery Insurance

Posted on by cre8ion

Despite the gradual cooling of the temperature and waning of long summer days, it still feels very much like summer is not over yet. The slightly crisper weather beckons us outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and late summer colours. However, as craft business owners, it is definitely not too early to begin filling shelves with Christmas stock. It isn’t always easy to cast our minds forward to cold days and cosy evenings, so we’ve come up with a few ideas to be a springboard for further creativity. 

Both Advent and Christmas are steeped in tradition, and while some decorations are simply fads and are with us one year and gone the next, many have been a part of the celebrations for centuries … or at least since the Victorian era. Delving further back still, a few have been central to celebrating Christmas for much longer; the Yule log and candles in particular.  

In Medieval times, evergreens were gathered to decorate homes, and candles were lit each evening. While the latter was obviously out of necessity, as they were the source of light, the fragrance, colour and texture of dark green leaves, brilliant scarlet berries and softly glowing candlelight must have brought cheer to the darkest, coldest part of the year.  

The Advent wreath as we know it has its origins in nineteenth century Germany. A Lutheran pastor, when faced with a group of children excited for Christmas and continually asking how long until the great day arrived, repurposed a wooden ring from an old cartwheel and set candles all around its circumference. He then lit one of these each day during Advent, gradually guiding them through to Christmas. This tradition gained momentum, eventually evolving into the evergreen wreath with five candles which we know today. One candle is lit on each of the four Sundays in Advent leading up to Christmas, and the central one on Christmas Day. The circle of interwoven evergreens represents love.  

In past times, Advent was a separate season to Christmas, a time of preparation, much as Lent was to Easter. While it has now become more of a practical lead up to Christmas, an Advent wreath can offer a small window of time each week to stop as a candle is lit. Ceramic advent wreaths make wonderful gifts, not only as beautiful table centrepieces, but as a quiet reminder of what a great time of year Christmas is.  

Candles are a central part of almost all Christmas preparations, and festive themed candle holders bring delight as they are unpacked each year. When it comes to Christmas candle holders, there really is no limit to the bounds of creativity; from elegant candle holders for the Christmas table, to fun themed tea light holders. Why not create a range that will be irresistible for your customers?  

It’s not too early to start thinking about pottery insurance either. Whether you will be selling your gorgeous creations online or at one of the many bustling craft fairs and Christmas markets, you will need to consider the level of insurance you’ll be needing. Our basic package of pottery insurance is a combination of public and product liability insurance, and as a part of this also includes professional indemnity insurance.  

Public liability insurance covers you for any claims which might be made that injury or harm has been caused to a member of the public by an activity related to your business, whether on your own site or elsewhere. At the simpllest this could be a slip or tip hazard, but we have heard any number of other incidents. Most of them are accidents which have come out of nowhere…those ones you simply couldn’t have avoided, however many health and safety checks you do. Life happens and the unforeseen is, unfortunately, a part of it. However, with the appropriate pottery insurance in place you don’t have to worry about unexpected curveballs. 

Product liability insurance covers you for any harm or damage caused to a member of the public by a product of yours. Even if none of these are your fault, the insurance covers you for any compensation owed and/or for legal expenses. 

Professional indemnity insurance allows you to teach or demonstrate your craft, free from the worry of inadvertently giving incorrect advice. This opens the possibility of running pottery workshops or courses. If you have the appropriate space, why not consider doing this during the autumn, with the aim of creating a simple Christmas themed candle holder at the end? You might also consider holding pre-Christmas pottery evenings, as an option for small businesses who want to treat their staff to something more personal than the meal, band, and dance option. This enables a team to chat and have fun together in a relaxed environment, and they come away with something much more valuable and long lasting than a headache!  

You will find that most craft fair organisers will ask that you have public liability insurance in place. In addition to this basic package of potters’ insurance, you might want to insure individual items, especially if they are of high value and are such that without them you could not work, eg your potter’s wheel or kiln. With insurance in place, you can be free from worry about all the things that could go wrong and focus on what you do best; creating gorgeous ceramic products … especially candle holders for winter evenings, for a cosy, warm atmosphere in any home.  

When the Rains Come

Posted on by cre8ion

After so many months of dry weather, it’s not just farmers who are looking forward to some good, soaking British drizzle (though with the vagaries of our weather, we may well be longing for blue skies by March next year!). The first rainfall after a prolonged time of dry weather brings with it a wonderful sensory explosion; the smell of the rain on the parched soil, the feel of the warm, wet drops on our skin, the sight of a sky swirling with deep, heavy rain clouds and the imperceptible sound of stillness as the earth is gently drenched with life giving water.

Although we most certainly need rain now here in the UK, for many countries around the world lack of rain is a yearly issue and means a poor harvest which then may often, tragically, result in famine, or at least food shortages. Hence, when the rains finally come, there is celebration all round, with many cultures and communities having their own special rituals or festivals, acknowledging water as a vital necessity for life. Some of these incorporate rain dances, seeped in a mix of agricultural rhythms, spiritual traditions and folk lore.

Others have a more modern take, as in Mexico’s “Fiesta de San Isidro”, where Catholic and indigenous spiritualities blend to form the basis of a festival extravaganza, including parades, the blessing of animals and dances to appeal for rain and a good harvest. In countries with a Christian heritage throughout Africa and even into Europe, prayers are often said for rain, with believers meeting regularly to pray or Masses being said.

In our own, usually, green and pleasant land, our vast expanses of sky and endless variety of weather patterns have been, and still are, an inspiration for many artists. Both Constable (1776-1837) and Turner (1775-1851) are known for their ability to capture not only the colours of the sky, but also the very atmosphere, with swirling clouds, whirling vortexes of wind and rain, piercing beams of light and heavy cloud formations.

Growing up as the son of a wealthy miller in Suffolk, Constable would have imbibed conversations about the wind and weather throughout his childhood, as it had a direct impact on his family’s work and income. As an adult, he had a comfortable familiarity with the natural world around him and, unusually for his day, often worked outdoors, rather than painting indoors from sketches. Both “The Hay Wain” and “Flatford Mill” portray the slow and steady rhythms of rural life, with the billowy clouds up above supplying the River Stour with a steady flow of water. His paintings have become a beloved part of our heritage, as he captured so much of the constancy and beauty of rural life in Suffolk, unchanged for centuries.

Turner also is known as a master of capturing light, and his paintings often have a more dramatic flavour than Constable’s comfortable depiction of pre-industrialised pastoral scenes.  He sometimes contrasted the old with the new, as in “The Fighting Temeraire”, where he portrays the aged grandeur of a wind-powered naval warship being towed into harbour on its last journey by a modern steam tug. The dramatic sky serves to emphasise the significance of this event. His aptly named “Rain, Steam and Speed” shows a steam train forging forwards amidst a summer rainstorm. The steam blurs together with the mist and rain, again accentuating the drama of this new technology.

Rain can also be an inspiration and a motif for artists and crafters today. The wild, windswept beauty of purple clad heather moorland, the crashing waves of the rocky Cornish coast or the heavy, rain filled clouds hovering over wide swathes of arable land are all rich in colour and texture. As well as original paintings, sets of note cards are often a popular buy especially if they depict a local landscape.

Raindrops can also be a springboard theme for jewellery; delicate rain drop shaped glass earrings or larger pendant necklaces. Blankets and cushion covers may reflect some of the colours evoked by rain; gentle blues and whites of a refreshing summer soaking or greys and purples of a dramatic autumn thunderstorm. You might like to create a weather blanket, with each line depicting a week’s weather type or temperature as you progress through the year.

With your stock of rain themed products ready to sell, you will need to look at buying the appropriate small craft insurance. Our basic small craft insurance package contains public and product liability insurance, with professional indemnity insurance included. Public liability insurance covers you for any claim made for harm incurred due to your business activities. This could be by you or one of your staff (including volunteers and family members), on your premises or elsewhere e.g., at a craft fair.

Product liability insurance covers you if a claim is made that your product has caused harm or injury. In both cases the insurance covers you for legal fees and/or compensation, even if the damage or harm is not your fault. The addition of professional indemnity insurance allows you to teach or demonstrate your craft without the worry of inadvertently giving incorrect advice.

We have been providing small craft insurance to businesses for over a generation, and we believe in the importance of delivering what our customers pay for; no opt out clauses or exceptions. We also communicate directly with each and every one of our customers. So, instead of a call queue, either Sam or Naomi will be here to answer your calls or respond to your messages.

We hope that with the coming of late summer and early autumn rains, energy levels will increase and creativity be renewed. As our crisp, brown countryside gives way to the green fields and patchwork gardens we know and love, we hope that the life-giving rain inspires many new ranges of products for Autumn.

The Best Cover for you Coverings

Posted on by cre8ion

The armchair. Let’s hear it for this unsung and often ill-used hero of most of our homes. After a long day at work what is better than to flop into our favourite armchair with a mug of tea and breathe a deep sigh before beginning on dinner prep. It is there at the beginning of the day too as we waken up and maybe take a window of calm before we head out into the day. It might be one passed down through the generations; memories of your own childhood might float back as you sink into its depths. Armchairs are a constant through changing seasons of life; maybe you cuddled your own babies from within its welcoming coziness or read numerous stories to eager little children snuggled on your lap within its reassuring confines. It will have held you in its familiar comfort throughout the stormy seasons of life and also been there as you’ve contemplated new joys and imagined fresh opportunities.  

What is your favourite armchair? It could be a family heirloom, overstuffed and gently sagging in all the right places. Maybe it’s one you purchased yourself, ergonomically perfect for your back. Perhaps it’s a rocking chair, adding an extra dimension of soothing movement to help regulate your over busy mind. Whatever it is, it will no doubt have a particular place in your home and life. While we all appreciate our dinner tables, bookcases or desks, armchairs alone have a peculiar propensity towards individual ownership. We have ‘our chair’, one we naturally gravitate towards. As we get older and the daily task of life becomes more difficult, the armchair becomes increasingly important. We may remember grandparents sitting in their own special chair, with a nearby table stacked with books, a newspaper, a mug of tea, plate of biscuits and all the other accoutrements needed to settle in comfortably for a while. 

So, what happens when our favourite armchair, or indeed any other favourite piece of furniture has been so well-loved and well-used that it is no longer fit for service? Do we need to replace it, as our throw away society would encourage us to do, or is there another option? Here at Craft Insurance, we would definitely opt for the “other” option and give a huge welcome to the many skilled upholsterers across the country.  

There are many advantages of reupholstering your furniture, rather than buying new pieces. Firstly, it means you can keep hold of that faithful friend and all the memories attached. Rather than discarding it after a lengthy time of faithful service, you can offer it a new lease of life. Choosing new fabric gives you the opportunity to freshen up the whole room, maybe as you transition from one season of life to another.  

The mass-produced furniture easily accessible today simply does not have the longevity and craftsmanship of older, hand made pieces. They are often made using environmentally unsustainable methods and materials. In contrast, joints made by a skilled furniture maker will last much longer than their factory-made counterparts and the actual process of reupholstering has a low environmental impact, has been practiced for centuries and supports local businesses and skilled artisans. By changing the fabric, you not only have a new look to your room, but also keep a solid, well-made piece of furniture which will continue to provide good service for years to come.  

It is, obviously, the most eco friendly choice. When the alternative is throwing a worn chair into landfill, choosing to reupholster seems a bit of a no brainer. You can also take this a step further and re purpose the old fabric, making it into cushion covers, lampshades or even a child’s pinafore, Sound of Music style! 

Reupholstering a piece of furniture is a highly skilled task, requiring time and skills honed over years. While upholsterers aim to offer competitive prices, it might seem at first glance to be quite an expense. It is, however, more cost effective than at first glance. By upcycling your older furniture, you will increase its value, as well as keeping the well made, solid wooden frames, build for longevity. Compare this with the cost of a newly made piece to replace your well-loved item and you will be ready to choose the fabric straight away!  

If you’re reading this and are an upholster yourself, you might be looking for upholsterer insurance. A basic package for upholsterer insurance will include product and public liability insurance, with the option to add on individual business items or employers’ liability insurance.  

Public liability insurance covers you for any claim made that you or your employees/volunteers are responsible for harm done either on your property or elsewhere eg when out and about demonstrating or selling. Product liability covers you for any claim made that your product has caused harm or injury. In both cases the insurance covers you for compensation and legal costs, even if it is not your fault. They also provide cover for you if you are demonstrating or teaching your craft, thus allowing you to hold workshops, from one day courses through to multi week programmes. 

And in addition, with our package for upholsterer insurance you will also be covered by professional indemnity insurance, thus giving you confidence to teach and demonstrate your skill, free from the anxiety of inadvertently giving any inaccurate information.  

As you compare insurance packages and prices, you’ll see that our cover is comprehensive and does what it says it will do. In addition, as a family-run business we answer all calls and emails ourselves; call queues. So, pick up the phone or send us a message from our website and either Sam or Naomi will be here to ensure you get a bespoke upholsterer insurance ideal for your company. 

Is Your Home Workshop Safe? 

Posted on by cre8ion

For many crafters, home is more than just where the heart is, it’s where their business began and where it still lives! Some are hand-pouring candles in the kitchen or creating resin jewellery in a garden studio while others are stitching personalised gifts in a spare room that could always do with a clear-out that never quite happens! But, no matter where in the house it is, your workspace will always play a vital role in your success. 

Thanks to WiFi, home deliveries and telecommunications, we can return once again to the days of cottage industry, although now, working from home offers flexibility and convenience, rather than being the sole choice available. One thing that has not changed since pre-industrial days is that working from home also comes with responsibilities. These days it’s probably less about raising pigs and chickens and more about being mindful of the state of specialist equipment, electrical appliances, flammable materials and chemicals that can all affect our livelihood if they’re not managed properly. 

As professionals who insure craft and crafters, we think that protecting your business (and yourself) makes a lot of sense, and creating a safe workshop doesn’t have to be complicated when you remember to take a few sensible precautions. 

Remembering Fire Safety  

If your craft involves candles, wax melts or any process using heat, fire safety should always be a priority. Sounds obvious, but life sometimes interrupts crafting and then oversights can happen. So never leave melting wax unattended and keep work surfaces clear of unnecessary clutter, particularly paper, fabrics and packaging that could easily catch fire. 

On this note, it’s always worth checking that your workshop is fitted with a working smoke alarm and that you have easy access to a fire blanket or suitable fire extinguisher. Knowing where your nearest exit is and having a simple emergency plan can make a real difference should the unexpected happen. 

Even if candle making isn’t your thing, it’s still good practice to review fire safety arrangements regularly, especially where heat guns, glue guns or other electrical equipment is being used. 

Giving Resin Projects Room to Breathe 

Resin is a versatile and popular medium, but it’s important to work with it safely. Protecting yourself is one way of protecting your business, as without you, it probably would not exist! 

Some resins release fumes during mixing and curing, so good ventilation is essential. Whenever possible, work in a well-ventilated area or use extraction equipment to improve airflow. Keeping your resin workspace separate, allowing projects to cure in a dedicated space will help create a safer environment while producing better-quality finished products. 

Checking Your Electrical Equipment 

From sewing machines and heat presses to laser engravers and 3D printers, there is often electrical equipment at the heart of craft businesses. 

In order to prolong the life of your equipment it’s a good idea to regularly inspect plugs, cables and extension leads for signs of wear or damage, replacing faulty items as soon as possible. Avoid overloading sockets and beware of extension leads – they have recommended limits and should not be plugged one into another. 

For specialist machinery, continuing to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance is a must to keep everything operating safely and efficiently. Developing simple habits, such as making sure to switching equipment off properly when it’s not in use, can also reduce unnecessary risks. 

Keeping Tools in Good Condition 

A tidy workshop with organised tools is a safer and more productive place to create. If you use a number of tools, it helps to have a designated place where each one lives. If you are short on storage space, even a hook on the wall with a line painted around each tool shows clearly where it belongs as well as keeping tools at a safe height.  

Then there’s maintenance. Well-maintained tools don’t just make crafting easier, but they also make it safer. Dull blades or damaged tools often require more force to use, increasing the risk of accidents. Take time to clean and inspect your equipment regularly, replacing worn parts where needed. 

Storing Chemicals Responsibly 

Paints, adhesives, solvents, varnishes or cleaning products are an integral part of crafting. It’s important to always store chemicals in their original containers with labels clearly visible and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for safe use and storage. Keep them away from direct heat, naked flames and areas that are accessible to children or pets. It’s also important to dispose of unwanted chemicals responsibly, following local guidance. 

Prepare – Craft – Insure  

However carefully you prepare and however carefully you work, accidents still happen, unfortunately. 

Fires, accidental damage or unforeseen incidents can and do affect equipment, stock and workspaces, disrupting craft businesses and preventing crafters from fulfilling customer orders. As craft insurers, we know a lot about the risks involved in running a crafting business. As an occupation, it’s not quite in the same high-risk league as underwater welding, but there are still risks.  

This specific knowledge is what brings many crafters to choose cover designed specifically for craft businesses. While good workshop practices help minimise risk, insurance can provide valuable support if something unexpected affects your business. 

Does a Home-Based Craft Business Need Insurance? 

Many people assume that because they work from home, their household insurance will automatically protect their craft business. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Business equipment, stock, public liability and products sold to customers will require specialist cover that isn’t included under a standard home insurance policy. 

If you regularly sell online, attend craft fairs, teach workshops or keep business stock at home, it’s worth reviewing your insurance arrangements to make sure they reflect how your business operates. Choosing specialist craft insurance cover means you’ll have protection that’s designed with the needs of your unique craft businesses in mind. 

Public liability insurance covers you for any claim made by a member of the public against you or a member of your team for damage to self or property. Product liability covers you for claims made for damage by one of your products. Even if this is not your fault, the insurance will still cover you, thus enabling you to have complete peace of mind. 

At Craft Insurance, we’re proud to support UK crafters and, as a family business ourselves, we communicate directly with each of our customers, so pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be keen to help. Whether you’re creating from a kitchen table, a garden workshop or a dedicated studio, we’re here to help you protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build. 

Find out more about craft insurance today and enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing your craft business has the protection it deserves. 

Wood Crafts for Beginners – from First Project to Insured Side Hustle 

Posted on by cre8ion

Original. Distinct. Stunning. Gorgeous. Durable. These are all words which can be used to describe every beautifully crafted handmade item. Wooden items, however, have a little bit extra; they offer a depth of story and longevity in their creation. Maybe it’s the completely unique grain of each piece of wood which, like our thumbprints, cause us to stop and wonder at the marvellous design in our natural world. Maybe it’s the texture of wood, the sensory input it gives us. It could be the fragrance if the product is created from freshly sawn timber. Or, maybe it’s the knowledge that the product is made from a once living tree and the space this gives us to imagine just what went on around that tree; which children might have played around it, what romance might have blossomed under its branches, which squirrels might have hidden their winter stores in its nooks and crannies and what chicks might have hatched high under its foliage. 

Wooden crafts have an enduring appeal – that’s undeniable. Our question is, how to start a wooden craft side hustle from scratch and build a sustainable business model. The purpose of this blog is to discuss the steps that could take you from experimenting with some wood crafts for beginners to forming the foundation of a business. 

As with any small business plan, you will need to find a gap in the market which you can fill, and then the general advice is to start small. Maybe choose a few high demand, low outlay items and begin batch production. Once you have sufficient stock, you could book yourself into a local fair or market and try your hand at selling your wares. This can be a good way to begin as local events usually only charge a small table fee, making it a feasible first step. 

The variety of wood crafts for beginners is vast, and adding your own unique twist to a selection of products extends the range even further. You might consider home items, such as serving platters, picture frames, tea light holders, coasters or small decorations. Or you could look outwards towards the garden and create bird boxes, bird tables, wind chimes or wellie boot holders. 

To keep initial costs low, you could consider using offcuts. As well as being cost efficient for yourself, this also appeals to customers who are conscious of treading lightly on our beautiful planet. Make sure you highlight your eco credentials in your marketing. 

You will need to find a few finishes/paints which work well for you, and also take into consideration postage and packaging if you are selling online. It is easy to downplay your own time and skill when you are initially setting prices, but to be sustainable you will have to be realistic about these. 

When it comes to marketing your products, try to think of a feature which will set your business apart from others. This could be in your logo, packaging and website (if you’re selling online), running a colour theme throughout. It could be that you develop your website and add a regular blog or videos offering your customers glimpses into your workshop and production. Or, you could focus on the wood itself, maybe showing a little about the method and process of growth, the management of woodland, the process or felling and the work of a saw mill to produce planks of wood. All from a tiny seed … 

Once you have established some wood crafts for beginners, built your initial stock and either booked yourself into a fair or decided upon an online platform, you will need to consider insurance. Craft insurance can sound a little daunting, but it is really very straightforward. If you are just starting out and have no one working for you, the main two types of insurance you will want to consider are public and product liability insurance. 

Product liability covers you for any claim made that your product has caused harm or damage to a member of the public or their property. Even if it is not your fault, the insurance will cover compensation and legal costs. It covers both online and in person sales. Public liability covers you at any event where you are selling, demonstrating or teach in your craft. If a claim is made that you are responsible for harm or damage to a member of the public, it covers legal costs and compensation. For example, this could be a slip or trip hazard at an event. 

Both public and product liability cover you for incidents which are completely unforeseen and which no amount of risk assessment and careful planning can prevent. If you sell at a craft fair, organisers will ask that you have them in place. We call them our ‘sleep easy’ insurances, as they work quietly in the background and are there it you need them, ensuring you are free from worry and enabling you to get on with what you do best; creating gorgeous handmade products and building a business through which to sell them. 

The third type of insurance you could look at is Stock Cover. This is particularly relevant as you expand and your store of tools increases. Without your stock or your tools, your business cannot run. So, it makes sense to insure it all. Craft Insurance Stock Cover can include a wide range of business items, tools, materials, stock, fixtures and fittings, display stands, card readers, laptops, iPads, etc. Basically, you can insure as much or as little as you want against loss and damage. 

Have a look at our website and then either drop us a line or pick up the phone. As a family run business ourselves, we communicate directly with our customers… no long call queues. Either Sam or Naomi will be here to speak with you. We look forward to hearing about your growing business! 

Chainsaw Carving: Where Woodworking Craft Ideas and Power Tools Meet

Posted on by cre8ion

It’s a sad sight in springtime to see a dead tree with no leaves or buds in your garden, when everything else is blossoming.

It’s a sensible idea to engage a professional to remove a dead tree from your garden to safeguard your property and your possessions. After all, you wouldn’t want it to fall on its own. But for those who like to live a little on the wild side? Well, having a dead tree to dispose of could be an opportunity to try out some woodworking craft ideas. Or even a nudge to dip a tentative toe into the exciting, increasingly popular world of chainsaw carving!

Of course, chainsaws are one of the most dangerous tools you are ever likely to get your hands on, so let’s not throw caution completely to the wind!

A good place to start if you are interested in having a go is to find someone with a lot of experience to show you how to use a chainsaw. Why not find a carver in your area and go for some lessons or at least ask them to allow you to watch some carving in person?

Or, failing that, you could make your way to one of the major UK chainsaw carving events still to take place this year:

  • Countryside Lincs: 19th April 2026 (Lincolnshire Showground) – Live carving and displays.
  • English Open Chainsaw Competition: 3rd-5th May 2025 (Sandringham Craft, Wood and Food Festival) – Features international carvers.
  • Bath & West Show: 30th May-1st June 2025 (Shepton Mallet, Somerset).
  • Royal Three Counties Show: 13-15 June 2025 (Malvern) – Five top UK carvers competing with daily speed carving.
  • West’s Wood Fair: 20th-22nd June 2025 (Chichester).
  • Historical Vehicle Gathering: 12th-13th July 2025 (Powderham Castle, Devon).
  • Cheshire Game and Country Fair: Aug 24-25, 2025 (August Bank Holiday) – Hosts the Cheshire Open Chainsaw Competition.
  • The Oak Fair: 24-25th Aug 2025 (Stock Gaylard Estate, Dorset).
  • Carve Carrbridge: 5th September 2026 (Scottish Open Championship).
  • Garnock Valley Chainsaw Carving Spectacular: 12th September 2026 (Dalry, North Ayrshire).
  • Lincolnshire Food and Gift: 29th-30th November 2025 (Lincolnshire Showground)

You’ll see the relative speed with which chainsaw carvers work. Unlike traditional hand-carving or stone sculpting, which can take weeks or months, a skilled artist can rough out a large sculpture in minutes and finish it in just a couple of days.

You’ll also see that chainsaw carving represents the sweet spot where woodworking craft ideas meet with a full-body workout! Finishing large pieces of work at pace requires some level of fitness.

So how do you become a chainsaw carver?

The Certificate (For Technical Competence & Safety)

In the UK, professional chainsaw carvers are not legally required to hold a specific, named “chainsaw licence” (as no official licence exists), but they are legally required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and PUWER 98 to be adequately trained and competent.

In practice, holding a Certificate of Competence (often NPTC City & Guilds CS30/CS31) is crucial for securing public liability insurance and is a mandatory requirement for entering official competitions. These certifications verify that you can safely operate, maintain, and cross-cut wood with a chainsaw.

The Gear

Then, with a certificate under your belt (and before you start looking for a chainsaw to purchase) it is vital to invest in the right protective clothing.

Carvers must wear specialised personal protective equipment (PPE), including cut resistant chaps, steel-toed boots, and heavy-duty gloves. This is all important, as without the right protective clothing on, you could be seriously injured, or worse. 

A respirator or a dust mask needs to be worn to prevent fine sawdust and wood particles from irritating the lungs and causing long-term respiratory damage. Also, noise-cancelling headphones or ear protection are essential to prevent hearing damage. Chainsaws produce the kind of high-decibel noise that can cause permanent hearing loss over time.

The Saw

Ideal beginner saws are often electric or battery-powered (rather than their bigger, stronger, noisier petrol-powered cousins) with high-speed, low-kickback performance for carving wood. There are plenty of recommendations online from established chainsaw carvers for brands that they would recommend to beginners. Most new chainsaws sold to consumers come as a complete package that includes the power head, guide bar, and chain – so you don’t have to buy a bar (blade) separately and put it together yourself.

The Wood

Once you have your tools, you’ll need a reliable source of wood. Getting to know good, reliable tree surgeons/arborists would be helpful as the byproduct of their work can become the source of quality crafting material for you!

The Finish

Wood will last indefinitely if it’s kept dry and indoors. You can apply any finish you want to keep it from getting dirty with fingerprints, etc. that are hard to clean off.

For finishing outdoor chainsaw carvings, Spar Urethane (an oil-based wood-finishing varnish originally developed for coating the spars of sailing ships) is often cited as the best choice. It offers high durability, UV protection, and flexibility, allowing the wood to expand and contract without peeling.

The Insurance

If you intend to sell your chainsaw carvings (or any other woodworking craft ideas) you will of course need to consider insurance. Our handcrafted product protection includes public and product liability insurance which covers you for any claims of damage made against you or your products; even if it is not your fault, it covers your legal costs. It’s our sleep easy insurance as it covers you for those completely unforeseen incidents which you cannot predict or prevent, thus giving you peace of mind to throw your all into what you love doing; creating. It’s quick and easy to set up, and as a family-run firm ourselves we communicate with each of our clients directly… no call centres. So, pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Naomi or Sam will be here to find the best package of handmade product protection for your unique crafting business.

Have a look at the work of one of our wonderful UK chainsaw carvers…

https://www.facebook.com/p/Andy-Burgess-Wood-Sculptor-100063364900627

Creating Happiness on Valentines Day

Posted on by cre8ion

February 14, Valentine’s Day. For some, it’s a day of butterflies-in-your-tummy anticipation and excitement; even of blushing and giggling. For some it’s a day belatedly remembered amid busy lives; husbands of many years doing a last-minute dash for flowers for much loved but sometimes taken-for-granted wives. For some, it’s a day of loneliness; remembering what has been, or lamenting what has never been. It’s a mixed bag indeed, but one most retailers can at least celebrate with a spike in sales.

At the same time as Valentine’s Day, there is another day increasing in popularity which has arisen in recent years. February 13, Galentine’s Day. Before we completely dismiss this as another retail festival of plastic landfills, it’s worth looking a little more closely. Galentine’s Day is indeed a recently created event, originating from an American TV show. However, the sentiment behind it is, we think, a good one. It’s a day for all women everywhere to celebrate and appreciate their female friends. For us women, it is often “the girls”, or a “bestie” to whom we go when life is tough, it is they with whom we can spend a whole day drinking tea and talking and still not have covered everything, it is they to whom we share our deepest worries over relationships and children and it is they with whom we can let our hair down, throw our responsibilities to one side and dance the night away. This does not diminish our relationships with our other halves, it’s just a different relationship, and Galentine’s Day is an opportunity for all women, married, single or somewhere in the complicated space between, to appreciate and be appreciated.

It also has classical roots. If we can be nerdy for a minute, in Biblical Greek there are four words for love. ‘Agape” is sacrificial love. “Storge” is the love we have within families…it enables a mother to survive endless sleepless nights and is what provokes siblings to defend each other against an outsider whilst squabbling constantly at home. “Eros” is romantic love. The fourth is “Phileo” or friendship love. This is what lies behind those strong and enduring female friendships; the all-consuming friendship teen girls have for their “besties” and the longevity and loyalty of women’s friendships as we grow older.

How then can we, as crafters, observe Galentine’s Day? This year, Galentine’s may well be celebrated at the weekend as Thursday night might not lend itself so well to chatting and laughing into the small hours. Can we both offer the gift of a creative event to treat a group of women and also make the most of a business opportunity for ourselves? The answer to this could be in the form of providing the wherewithal for a Galentine’s craft event. We were made to create; women through the centuries have created successful home-spun businesses, have used their creative flair to bring elegance and fun to their homes and families and even in the darkest and most financially pressing times have created splashes of colour and beauty to add to their garments. In our fast-paced modern world, the space we need to create is often squeezed out, so offering an evening for women to allow their creative juices to flow is refreshing and even therapeutic.

Why not put a kit together to encourage women to spend some quality time with their friends? To be honest, you don’t even need the excuse of Galentine’s Day, as most women will jump at any chance (any time of year) to decompress and enjoy some female company! So why not go ahead and put together everything they need to have a creative blast together? You’ll know which of your crafts are the easiest for even a beginner to have a go at. The kit can include a given number of sets of materials and a clear description of the end product along with easy-to-understand instructions (preferably with diagrams). To make it even easier, you could include in the kit some paper invites to send out to friends and these can then be passed on to further friends or work colleagues.

You will of course need to consider handmade product protection. Handmade product protection includes public and product liability insurance which covers you for any claims of damage made against you or your products; even if it is not your fault, it covers your legal costs. Handmade product protection is not a legal requirement but is well worth considering as it covers you for those completely unforeseen incidents which you cannot predict or prevent, thus giving you peace of mind to throw your all into what you love doing; creating beautiful handmade products. It’s quick and easy to set up, and as a family-run firm ourselves we communicate with each of our clients directly… no call centres. So, pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Naomi or Sam will be here to find the best package of handmade product protection for your unique business.

So, as you put together your kit for a themed Galentine’s (or any time’s) creative girly event, you might like to think of the range of products the attendees could be creating. A pamper theme would work well, so if you make candles, bath bombs or wax melts you could consider customising these in colour and scent. Jewellery is another craft which lends itself to a girls’ evening and again can be individualised so that each item brings special memories to its wearer of the enduring friendships in her life. Ceramic coasters, felted bookmarks or brooches and hand-sewn bunting or lavender bags can also be tailored to the individual with colour and style. Whatever you choose to add to your event kit, you can be sure that you will be creating a memorable evening where deep soul-to-soul conversations will happen alongside fun and frivolity as women from all stages of life are refreshed and restored within the company of loved and abiding friends.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream 

Posted on by cre8ion

Creative people can struggle when working under pressure to hard deadlines. That’s when creativity becomes stifled and we stop dreaming our creative dreams. 

So, what is the secret of staying in that creative space? Inspiration can come from anything, whether it’s different experiences, conversations or pastimes. That said, it can be challenging in busy times, working a full-time job as well as making craft for sale, to find the time to try new things. However, a variety of experiences will fill our minds with fresh ideas, and these can lead to our best work. 

Don’t your best ideas come when you are doing something else? Often, a change of environment is what we need, along with a change of focus! We all have our favourite ways to unwind and refuel our creative tanks after busy periods of making craft for sale. Changing focus doesn’t have to cost the earth, it can be achieved even when times are more challenging.  

Here, in order to add to your repertoire, we have put together some ideas that you may or may not have thought of! Our aim is to suggest some excuses to get out and about this summer around our beautiful country, to breathe the fresh air and get those creative juices flowing..!  

  1. Take a trip back through history and visit the following UK castles for free! 
  • Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in England. Its construction was ordered by William II (Rufus), who was King of England from 1087-1100 and his descendants (the Percy’s) are still living there today!  
  • Harlech Castle was built by English kings in the early 15th century, as a stronghold to control Wales, it is perched on a dramatic rocky outcrop, with spectacular views over Tremadog Bay.  
  • Kilchurn Castle is the oldest castle in Scotland, built in about 1450 and has been passed down through four generations of the Campbell family. Thanks to its picturesque location on the edge of Loch Awe, it is the most photographed castle in Scotland. 
  • Eye Castle is one of the few surviving motte-and-bailey castles from the early Norman period, built shortly after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The castle site provides wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. N.b.The grounds of Eye Castle will be used for Outdoor Theatre this summer!  

2. Invigorate your senses with a dip in the surf. 

Whether you want to battle against some waves for a swim or to try surfing for the first time, you’ll come out refreshed! 

  • Llangennith Beach on the very tip of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales is a three-mile strip of sand, ideal for catching any swells rising out of the west. This long beach is perfect for a day out in the water, no matter your ability. N.b. There is outdoor theatre taking place in Swansea Bay too this August! 
  • Croyde, Devon Croyde Beach in Devon is a three-quarter-mile ribbon of white to which every year, many surfers flock, hoping to catch one of the famous barrel waves. This is a great spot for beginners to enjoy a day in the water. 
  • The Wave off junction 17 of the M5 motorway in Easter Compton, Bristol, BS35 5RE, is a place where people can learn to surf on consistent waves all year round in a controlled environment.  

3. Get lost in nature 

They say that the best things in life are free and this is certainly true of the natural beauty with which we are surrounded. Taking time out to appreciate the wonder of the plant and animal kingdom, whether it’s in your own garden, a public park or further afield, is an absolute must for creatives. In the UK we are blessed with such an extensive and well organised network of public footpaths and cycle paths that it’s a shame not to go and use them!   

Who said lying on grass, looking up at a summer sky and letting your thoughts flow was a waste of time? Not in our book! It encourages creativity by keeping your brain engaged in a way that’s not demanding. It’s a perfect way to allow new ideas to percolate and you’ll come home freshly inspired to create more craft for sale! 

4. Let your imagination take flight! 

Speaking of the sky, birds have been providing us with inspiration since time immemorial. For a closer encounter with the avian kingdom, why not try a visit to one of the ten wetland sites around our UK coastland? For a modest amount each month you can become a member of the WWT (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust) and experience countless species of wetland wildlife close up, not just in summer either but all year round. In the sheer variety of colours, shapes and movement and in the beauty of birds in flight you’ll see things that you’ve never seen before.  

WWT sites are located in Arundel, Caerlaverlock, Castle Espie, Llanelli, London, Martin Mere, Slimbridge, Washington, Welney and Steart Marshes. 

5. Focus on the future. 

As summer hits our shores, why not spend some time with the people you love, engaging in blue sky thinking? Having a clear vision of what we want in life is the fastest way to get there. Without knowing what we want, how can we possibly have it? Rather than protecting ourselves from potential disappointment by not dreaming, if we keep our expectations realistic, we have the power to make things happen!  

Time spent with our nearest and dearest doing things that we all enjoy is fuel to our souls, so why not set some time aside (outside or inside) to create a vision board for yourselves to include all the things that you’d like to do together. What things would you do together if you had the time? Well, once you have written them down or presented them in a format that everyone can see/read and stuck it on the fridge, you are half way to seeing those things come to pass! Every day you’ll all be reminded of the things you really want to do together and you’ll be much more likely to make the time to go and do them! It’s guaranteed that most people want to go and try something new, so why not make a vision board to remind you to make a plan and make it happen!  

For our part, we are inspired daily by all of our incredibly talented customers. That’s why we are committed to giving the best value craft insurance packages tailored to the unique requirements of each person creating craft for sale. Please get in touch, either by phone or email if you need insurance for your craft business and we’d be delighted to help you.  

01202 826 127

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