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

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.

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.  

We’ve all heard catchphrases for this time of year many times: “Your biggest year yet…” or “New year, new you…” which can either excite and inspire us or intimidate and freeze us into inaction!

We decided to put together 23 exciting, inspirational, (hopefully  not at all intimidating) ideas around how and where to sell handmade crafts in the UK and beyond and help set your creativity free in 2023…

1. Build an online community using Facebook.

It becomes your very own tribe in which to thrive. Rather than searching the internet for ‘where to sell handmade crafts UK’, think about what unifies your audience and then serve their needs via the group.

2. Leading from the heart is how you start.

Do that thing that excites you as a ‘side hustle’. That way you can test what works and what doesn’t. Creativity works best when you’re not under pressure.

3. Give value to your community.

If you are concerned about giving away knowledge for free, there’s no need to worry. Just keep learning, experimenting and discovering! There’ll always be someone following in your wake, needing a helping hand. Help to create empathy by reviewing your life experience and create a link between that and business.

4. Tell your story.

Your story is unique, even though your product might not be. So many people try and reinvent the wheel when in order to be original all they need to do is tell their story to capture their audience’s interest.

5. Think ‘show’ rather than ‘sell’.

Turn to the people who have bought from you. Get them to share their experiences with reviews and videos for your group. Videos help tell the truth and truth gets traction.

6. Collections keep attention.

Taking products and grouping them as limited editions make them worth more. From fine art to figurines, investors know the power of the ‘collective’ approach. Take an original piece of art and then create a set of limited prints. If Banksy can do it, you can too! We all have to start somewhere.

7. Product placement starts where you live.

The greatest studio you have is your home, so why not start sharing your work in its place? Whether it’s a family photo or a product shoot, start at home, because ultimately, a home is where the products that people buy will be housed.

8. Go LIVE for 5.

Give people 5 tips about your product. These could cover keeping it clean, boxing it, or even the best way to frame it. Use video to give simple tips for the top.

9. Themes and seasons are so important to us all.

The fashion industry have colours and seasons, so we in the crafting business can think the same way. The best brands and marketers in the world bring accepted strategies from one industry to another. Craft is no different.

10. Give something away.

Who do you know who would benefit from what you do? Maybe it’s a charity or a local school. Givers gain attention by impacting the community around them.

11. Location, location, location.

Go to a great location and take a shot of your product. I immediately think of Castle Coombe in the Cotswolds which is famous for its fantastic setting. Use images that combine a great location with your product then use the hashtag and location in posts. It will get you noticed.

12. Double up.

Find a brand or another crafter you love and share the love. Offer an incentive to your audience to buy from you both, such as a discount or another free item! Help each other by giving each other exposure. Rather than compete with each other, complete each other!

13. Email your buyers and thank them for buying.

If you offer to email them a receipt when they purchase from you it’s an open door to further conversation and a chance to say thank you for their business. Just be nice. Remember, it’s the last thing you said that you will be remembered for.

14. Network online.

Hundreds of networks have sprung up over the last few years. Invest in a network and it will increase your net worth. Talking to strangers isn’t scary.

15. Words create worlds.

So get used to talking about why you started, loads. From social posts to blogs and even a few podcasts! Comfortable never wins. Start talking about why you do it, as much as how and what you do.

16. Get fans rather than followers.

Fans buy from you. Simple. The size of your following is not the size of your business. They need to buy into you. They might not spend all the time BUT they can tell someone else about you! Reward those people!

17. Mix the medium.

Lately, there seem to be more and more artists who have realised that their work can translate onto high street fashion. Could your cushions become a jacket? Or you picture, wallpaper? You have the product, but what else could work?

18. Get chat on your website.

You can even link WhatsApp. Be available and when you’re not, add an email address. Chat can change you opportunities x10.

19. Join your audience.

If you’re googling ‘where to sell handmade crafts UK’ then why not join your audience? Find out where they hang out and be there. If they’re at an art launch, go. If they’re on Instagram, comment. Learn how to hang out with the crowd you know you can serve.

20. Replace fear with facts.

Whatever you fear, there are 10 reasons not to worry and things you can do to mitigate the risk of failure. Fear isn’t failure, failure is letting fear win.

21. Ask more.

Just ask. Ask for the sale. Ask for the promo. Ask for advice. Ask for help. Learn to ask and you’ll get answers. If you don’t ask, you only have questions.

22. Don’t compare yourself.

The worst thing you can do is compare yourself to someone else because everyone has their own unique story. Focus on your story. Compliment others but don’t compare yourself to them. An overnight success takes 10 years at least, so keeps investing in you.

23. Invest wisely.

Your time, talent and treasure are your biggest resources. Spend them on the things that give you peace and turn a side hustle into a business with real muscle for the long term.

Hopefully you are now primed and ready, with a few more ideas  about where to sell your handmade crafts as well as inspired to do great business in the year ahead.

As we continue to support the craft industry with the very best craft insurance, we invite you to join the craft group and ensure that you’re part of building great craft businesses, now and for the future!

Welcome to this special Craft Insurance Christmas edition of our Crafters blog, in which we’ve put together our best Craft Insurance Christmas quiz for you, with a crafty twist! This is a busy time for all of us, and especially when you own a craft business, as you work flat out to meet your online orders, prepare and attend craft markets, obviously with the best craft insurance in place, and somewhere in between try to pull together your own Christmas preparations. We hope that in the midst of it all, maybe as the whirl settles down between Christmas and New Year, you might find time to make yourself a hot cup of tea, grab a treat to eat and settle down with the puzzle. Or, maybe you could use it as family entertainment, around the dinner table or for a cosy evening of games in front of the fire while the Christmas tree lights twinkle their festive cheeriness.

There are eighteen crafty questions; some you will know or can guess, some you will probably have to look up. Don’t worry if you have to check Google for the answers, at least you’ll come away with a few new fun facts which might come in useful at your next pub quiz!

Make a note of the first letter of each answer, as these will make up the winning phrase. You will need to unscramble them to make up three words. A clue; these could be a motto for our company. Happy puzzling and a very merry and peaceful Christmas to you! We wish you all the best from Craft Insurance.

QUIZ

1) What is the name of the German city which hosted one of the earliest Christmas markets?

2) What is the name of the city in the South West England which hosts a yearly Christmas market against the background of its gorgeous Georgian architecture?

3) The origin of the Christmas market is thought to be the “Dezembermarkt”, a winter market held in Vienna to allow the townsfolk to stock up on foods for the long winter ahead. The right to hold this market was granted to shopkeepers by a certain Emperor. What was his name? (You’ll have to Google this one!)

4)Franz Skarbina was a German artist. Look up his painting titled “Christmas Market in Berlin” (1892). How many trees are on the left of the scene? If you like this painting, take a look at “Berlin boy from the Christmas market” and “Christmas Market”.

5) In Finland, traditional lanterns are crafted from which natural material each Christmas?

6) What is the delicious sweet egg bread with candied fruit which originates from Saxony? It dates back to the fifteenth century and was given as a Christmas present.

7) What are the yellow buns called which are eaten in Sweden at Christmas time?

8) What is the traditional pudding eaten at Christmas time in Denmark?

9) Not quite a Christmas question, but related! What is the sauce which accompanies the turkey at Thanksgiving? We also eat it at Christmas time!

10) Our own Christmas pudding dates back to medieval times when it was more of a savoury pottage. Over the years more sweet fruits were added and by the Victorian era it looked much like the pudding we know and love today. Recipes use a variety of dried fruit, but they all have either sultanas, currants or _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .

11) What is the season which directly precedes Christmas? In the Anglican Church it starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas? We open calendars to count down the days during this time.

12) Another one on the church theme. What is the name of the twelfth day after Christmas? In Mexico this is called Three Kings Day, and is also known as Twelfth Night.

13) What was the name of the underpaid clerk in Dickens’s “Christmas Carol”? (Looking for his surname).

14) Tchaikovsky wrote three famous ballets. One of them is often performed at Christmas time as it begins with a scene in which Uncle Drosselmeya presents Clara with a gift of the same name as the ballet.

15) Another literary one… What is the first word of the first line of the famous poem by Clarke Moore, written in 1822 telling of the exploits of Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve?

16) Onto some movies. What’s the name of the 2003 movie starring Will Ferrell, about one of Santa’s helpers who heads to New York to look for his father?

17) Movies one, two and three have this one word as their title. It’s also the original reason Christmas is celebrated, and includes Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.

18) You might have a Christmas kiss _ _ _ _ _ the mistletoe.

Answers

1. Frankfurt
2. Bath
3. Albrecht
4. Two
5. Ice
6. Stollen
7. Saffron
8. Rice pudding
9. Cranberry
10. Raisins
11. Advent
12. Epiphany
13. Cratchit
14. Nutcracker
15. T’was
16. Elf
17. Nativity
18. Under

Hidden phrase: best craft insurance

When running a handmade goods business, it makes sense to have a close watch on the seasons. Structuring goods, in regard to their release and production that is centred around the four seasons including the events they bring, is something that owners can capitalise on. With these changing seasons come new challenges as well. In all circumstances you should always consider insurance for selling at craft fairs, to be covered for any of the eventualities that can occur.

You will probably have already planned out the year in terms of what products you are going to launch. For example, your main Christmas range ideas should ideally be completed by September time and then Spring lines, incorporating Valentines and Easter, can then be completed over the late Autumn/Winter months. Amongst all of this there is the need to attend the various craft fairs to sell your handmade items.

As we head into winter, here are some of the challenges you might face with the changing season that we can help you to avoid…

The weather

Living in the UK means getting used to weather that is notoriously unpredictable. As we live on an island our climate is regulated by the sea, with the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea determining rainfall and the Gulf Stream warming us in the summer months. Even though our temperate climate means moderate rainfall, spread over the year, and generally mild conditions, we are always susceptible to sudden and extreme changes. Many people remember particularly harsh winters and scorching summers with news and weather reporters using the word ‘unprecedented’ an unprecedented number of times! This lack of predictability means that you need to have some form of protection in place. If a show is cancelled at the last minute or you are unable to get to a planned event you may face a charge for a “no show”. You might also need to consider where equipment that you take with you to events such as gazebos, could become dangerous in high winds. Therefore, insurance for selling at craft fairs should be something that you can look into to cover yourself.

Floods

While it is unlikely that you’ll have to miss a show due to snow it is more likely that floods will cause an issue. Despite the recent drought we have experienced, we are told that milder, wetter winters are going to be a more common occurrence. It is a good idea to consider how you will replace lost stock and equipment in the event of a flooding. This also applies to how you store your stock and the materials that you use. Think about whether the structure is sound and regularly check for signs of damp or weaknesses in the roof and walls.

Accidents on the road

Ice is still an issue on our roads. Gritting salt has a shelf life and with the milder winters we are experiencing, its no wonder that local councils are loath to spend too much on buying huge amounts. This means that we can get caught out when the temperature really drops. Ice can be fatal to cars and their ability to grip roads’ surfaces. The same is true when it comes to vans. Therefore, you should make sure that you have insurance cover in place which means that if what you’re taking to sell has been damaged the finance can be provided to cover it. Also, be sure to plan extra time to get to your venues during the colder months and keep a blanket in the back of the car just in case!

Equipment seizing up

Depending on where you work, your equipment is vital to your success. You need to have decent materials and equipment to create the sellable masterpieces that your business produces. However, if you suddenly find that one seizes up in the colder months, what can you do to get back on track? It might be that you should look to getting some insurance for selling at craft fairs to cover yourself in case of sudden breakdown. It will work as a good contingency plan to provide you with the means to rebuild and repair the equipment and tide you over during the period of inactivity. Regularly checking your equipment for wear and tear is also a good idea so you can identify any issues quickly and resolve them. If your equipment or the items you produce require the use of water, make sure that the pipes are insulated to prevent them from freezing.

Becoming more sustainable

The changing seasons do bring challenges and worries but with them come opportunities as well. One such opportunity could be to look at how we can make our businesses become greener and more sustainable. For many businesses this has meant looking at the items that they use in their businesses and finding ways in which they can be more sustainable. Creative arts and crafts has always been ahead of the curve with this and there are many ways that homemade crafts are created from sustainable products or even from old disused items. With more and more people becoming eco-conscious they are looking for alternatives to their everyday items. This is where you can have an impact and, in doing so, even increase your sales. Think about whether there are any items that you make that could be made from more sustainable options. You should also consider your own packaging and whether this can be recycled easily. In some cases there aren’t any obvious changes that can be made and in these instances it’s nice to look at ways you can offset the carbon that is used. There are many organisations that will allow you to plant a tree for every sale you make or every profit milestone that you reach. This information can then be used in your marketing and help to show people that you care and that spending their money on your products is making the right kind of impact.

Consideration for the environment and protecting the future of our planet for future generations is a bit like preparing for seasonal change to protect our businesses and everything we work hard for. Both make a whole lot of sense.

The concept of a wreath is generally credited right back to the Greco Roman era, where wreaths were made out of leaves, twigs, flowers and even small fruit. They adorned the heads of those who wore them and their make up signified rank, status, occupation etc. Probably the best known is the laurel wreath which was worn by victorious contestants of the Olympic Games.

Many centuries later the wreath was recast in northern parts of Europe and became integrated into Christian folk lore. The story goes that when evergreen trees were first hauled from the outdoors into homes to deck them up at Christmas time, they would have been trimmed to ensure a good shape; maybe triangular as this represented the Trinity. The left over sprigs were then woven together and made into something similar to the wreaths we know today. Other symbolism was added to this tradition as time passed; evergreens were said to represent strength of life, as they could survive the harsh conditions of a long winter and the circle was said to illustrate eternity.

Onwards a few centuries again, and Advent wreaths were developed. Decorated with five candles, one for each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas and one for Christmas Day itself, these evergreen wreaths sat within churches and were lit one candle per week during Advent. Now they are found in many Christian homes too, as a good way of introducing the themes of hope, joy, peace and love as each candle is lit during the Advent season.

Maypole wreaths are another twist on the theme. While closely linked in with Greek traditions, they are also enjoyed here in the UK on May Day, where they bedeck the maypoles and the heads of the May Day celebrants. In this instance they are made from spring flowers or herbs and add a colourful accent after a long grey winter.

In our times, the humble wreath has been given a multitude of makeovers and can be a wonderfully creative invention using buttons, yarn, pottery, felt, and many other mediums. The one essential tool for wreath making is a hot glue gun!

So how could you adapt the wreath around your own particular craft business? Here are a few suggestions.

One of the joys of living in a temperate climate is the changing seasons. As human beings we generally thrive best on stability and reliably, but also need a certain amount change to pep up our lives. The gentle rhythms of the seasons provides just this; we know that winter will gradually give way to the warmer, greener days of spring, and this will in turn lead to the longer days of summer until the solstice when the days shorten and we head towards the mellow abundance of autumn before entering the darker winter days again. This cycle provides just the right amount of change within a predictable pattern. So, why not create a wreath which picks up on this and reflects all four seasons in turn? This would be ideal to sell at craft fairs and could be sold at any time of year. Just remember to get your craft market insurance in place before you head out.

Firstly you will need a base. A quick scroll through Pinterest will reveal there are a number of materials you can use for this. Your choice will depend slightly on the medium you will be using to decorate it. For example, if you are crocheting flowers, why not try a willow one?

Secondly, how can your unique craft skill be adapted to adorn a wreath, and how can your basic idea be modified to reflect the four different seasons? You may choose to make four unique seasonal wreaths yourself and sell them as spring, summer, autumn and winter wreaths individually or with a discount for all four. Or, you could put together a package: four sets of decorations and one wreath base for the customer to festoon as the seasons change. Either can be sold at any time of year at craft fairs and are sure to be show stoppers as they will be both unique and eye catching. You will almost always need craft market insurance in place, so remember to give us a call alongside booking your market stall.

Each set of decorations will need to capture all the good things of that season with a splash of nostalgia intertwined. You will give your customers a sense of excitement and hope each time they decorate or hang up a new wreath. Whatever has happened in the previous season, a new one is beginning with all the beauty of the natural world and the fun of the celebrations we observe within it.

Spring will probably involve bright colours, yellows, blues and fresh greens to reflect the new leaves and spring bulbs. Summer could involve a warmer version of these colours, or could have a specific summery theme; beach huts, camping, boats etc. Autumn, as a season of abundance and harvest, oozes rich oranges, yellows, golds and reds with autumn leaves, an array of hedgerow foraging finds, pumpkins, harvest or a lavish mix of them all. Winter, as a more barren season offers less to visually process, so would be better represented by a plainer, predominantly white themed wreath. Or, it could be a colourful and celebratory Christmas themed wreath with loads going on!

If you’re working in yarn, your decorations could be a profusion of actual flowers, knitted or crocheted. Flowers or birds could also be crafted out of felt or ceramics, as could beach huts, shells, autumn leaves etc.   Or, you could use the colours associated with each season and create an ‘off piste’ freestyle work of art.

Finally, candles are a beautiful centre piece for any table, so if you own a candle making business, could you craft four different types of candle to adorn a seasonal table wreath? Maybe you could team up with a potter and design a seasonal wreath into which your candles could be placed.

I hope this blog has left you inspired! The months before Christmas are a perfect time for creative wreath making; so ensure your craft market insurance is in place, book some craft fairs and amaze your customers with your beautiful, seasonal wreaths.

Wouldn’t it be great to know for sure the answer to the question “Which hand made products sell best?” To know exactly the market trends of the next six to twelve months and be able to produce the perfect products which will sell like hot cakes? Unfortunately, none of us can do this. And while we can certainly look back retrospectively at the hand made craft products that sold best in the previous year, and even look at what is currently trending, this should be a guide only, not a straight jacket with which to steer us in a pre-determined direction.

So, what has been trending over the last months/years? Health and beauty products and jewellery often come out at the front, alongside consumables, personalised clothing and art work.  However, market trends and consumer preferences fluctuate, so it cannot be guaranteed that these will always be at the top. A browse through Etsy or Pinterest and a quick Google search will reveal the top selling products at any one time. Maybe a more pertinent question to ask though,  is how this knowledge could impact your decision making. Do you jump onto the crest of the current trend, hoping your products will sell amongst all the others? Or do you step out and start up a completely different line, knowing it’s not amongst the top sellers? Will you try to find a niche within the trending markets?

Most crafters would agree that the business grows out of our passions, natural abilities and vision. It would simply not make sense therefore for someone who loves to work with wood and makes exquisite household utensils or children’s toys using this skill, to throw it all in and start making bath bombs instead, just because they rank highly in the selling tables.

On the other hand, what if you are already creating products in the top selling range? How can you make yours stand out from the rest? If you are selling at craft fairs, can you include demonstrations as part of your sales pitch? Could you allow for customers to be involved in a small part of the production process? For example could they choose the beads on a simple pair of earrings and watch you put them together? On social media, reels or videos are trending over pictures, so can you translate this enjoyment of watching action into your craft fair stall?  Your enthusiasm, expertise and love of your craft will shine through and act as a honeypot for the bees! Remember you will need insurance for crafters when attending fairs, so pick up the phone and we’re here to help find the best fit for your needs.

As with all small businesses, do the market research and find your niche within it. For example, hand made toys may not hit the trending list, but there is a market for them, and within that people will pay a premium for a product which is not only well made and has longevity, but also brings with it a comforting sense of nostalgia.

Whatever your chosen direction, ensure you get good competitive insurance quotes, which will not only give you the necessary foundations for your business, but will be cost effective. We are here to advise on the best insurance for crafters, and thus help you get your business onto a good footing.

Back to trending products. While it would not necessarily be a good idea to change your direction simply to be in line with current top selling craft products, you may be able to adapt your individual line in that direction. For example, if you know that jewellery sells well and you are a potter, could you make stands on which to hang necklaces or ear rings? Or burners for wax melts? Or could you expand your skills and make bath bombs to sell in gorgeously decorated bath shaped pottery receptacles?

Likewise, being aware of seasonal selling trends is also important to maximise on sales. Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day all need careful consideration, and although many of us might wish they were not so commercialised, it can work to your advantage. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of our throw away culture, and may well be looking for gifts which are more sustainable, support small businesses and will last more than a few weeks (unless of course we’re talking about mouth watering handmade chocolate fudge!)

On the subject of sustainability … it’s on everyone’s lips at present and top trending products often capitalise on this. We are also a nation for whom the desire for authenticity is on the rise.  Consumers will value an item which has genuinely been made locally and with sustainable products. Even with the current squeeze on finances, customers will still pay a premium for such products. So, can you look at where your raw materials are sourced, how workers are treated, and what chemicals are used in the manufacturing process. Can you reduce the gap in some way between the producer and you the consumer? For example, if you make wax candles can you source your wax from local beekeepers? Or use locally grown herbs for beauty products? Ultimately, it’s more about what hand made products of yours sell best than about top selling products nationally. You can chase after the current trends, but if these do not reflect your abilities and passion then they will not work for you. So, be confident in your own skill set and vision for the direction of your business. Ensure you have good insurance for crafters in place, and then set about making the best products you possibly can with enthusiasm and enjoyment.