Category: Tips for Crafters

What might a perfect Mother’s Day look like? Maybe it’s an afternoon ramble in the countryside bathed in sunshine, surrounded by brightly coloured spring flowers, blowsy magnolia and delicate apple blossom, rounding up with tea and a generous slice of cake all in the company of a brood of well-behaved children. Or maybe it would be a trip to an art gallery or exhibition with lunch at a trendy cafe. Many mums of small children will happily settle for some sticky, jammy toast and weak tea enthusiastically made by small hands in the morning and an undisturbed bubble bath in the evening. Mums of teens may well feel that a whole day without any arguments would be a blissful win. Mothers of adult children may await with barely suppressed excitement a visit home from said young adults and grandmothers might anticipate a phone call from the parents of their grandchildren.  

While these are all snapshots of motherhood, we also acknowledge that Mother’s Day can be bittersweet for many, and downright painful for some. It can be a difficult day for those who have lost dearly loved mothers, for children who are adopted or in foster care, or for those who are far away from their families and would love a hug from mum.  Mothers hold a special place in the hearts of most of us.  

Despite, or maybe in some way because of, the deep pain which can be a part of motherhood, mothers play a central, if often undervalued, role in every society. They not only provide food, clothing and a taxi service to their children, but they also create a home, a place of safety and security in an unsure world, offer words of wisdom born from years of experience and are there to comfort when life hurts. They model kindness, integrity and hard work. They open windows to art, to music and to good stories. They celebrate every day wins as well as birthdays, yearly festivities and just being together. Alongside dads, they are nurturing and shaping the future of our nation as they raise the next generation.  

Mother’s Day is, therefore, much more than another event to sell mass-produced products; it’s an opportunity to honour and appreciate all that our mums do and give. And what better way to do this, than with a beautifully made hand-crafted gift? Each of our families is completely unique, each mothering journey will be completely different, and so a uniquely hand-crafted gift is especially poignant. For crafters, this is an opportunity not only to sell your stunning creations but also to know that they will be given with a message of love and appreciation and often cherished for years. 

Whatever theme you choose for your Mother’s Day range, pampering needs to be paramount. Mothers generally buy for themselves last, and so this is an ideal opportunity to give something which is a treat, which is not strictly essential and which will bring with it a feeling of being special, loved and valued. Bath products fall easily into this category, as do candles. Maybe you could gather together some pamper baskets or boxes, with attractively packaged luxury bath items for that ultimate, indulgent soak in the bath. Hand-knitted socks or blankets, made with deliciously soft lambs or Alpaca wool are also guaranteed to make a mother feel spoilt every time she slips on the socks or wraps herself up in a cosy blanket. 

Individualised jewellery will always lend itself to a perfect Mother’s Day gift. Whether it be a necklace, bracelet, brooch or earrings, it will be completely unique and treasured for years to come. There will be a demand for cards too; dried flowers are an especially good choice for this occasion, with maybe a bookmark to match. 

As well as providing well-made, unique products which are both environmentally and ethically sound, small craft businesses have the flexibility to offer bespoke products. Ceramic mugs with mum’s name, plates, cushions or pictures which include the names of her children, or for a granny maybe a piece of artwork with includes the birth flowers of each of her children and grandchildren. Let your imagination loose! 

With a full stock of individualised gifts, you will be needing to look into some custom goods liability insurance. Custom goods liability insurance will generally include both product and public liability insurance. These basically cover you for any claim made against either you or your products, even if it is not your fault. This insurance will cover legal costs or compensation required. Custom goods liability insurance is not a legal requirement but it does protect you from those accidents which are completely unforeseeable and therefore which no number of risk assessments can prevent. As a family firm ourselves we communicate directly with our customers and will talk you through the best insurance package for your unique business. We always love to hear about your amazing craft businesses, so pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to talk with you.  

As we approach Mother’s Day, crafters play a special role, helping people show their mothers how much they are appreciated, by providing those carefully chosen, unique, hand-crafted gifts. No need for a rush to the garage for a bunch of flowers when there is an abundance of stunningly crafted gifts made by local crafters at hand!  

A look at some of the fascinating traditions from yesteryear that have influenced life on our shores – and how they could inspire arts and crafts today. Some of these pieces could even be more saleable online to overseas markets as they depict a piece of little old England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland! 

Spring – Possibly the Most Inspirational Season of the Year!  

Spring is a time of renewal, bursting with vibrant colours, fresh ideas, and centuries-old traditions that continue to inspire creative professionals. With hedgerows in bloom and wildflowers painting the countryside, it’s easy to see why artists, writers, and crafters alike find this season their muse. Whether through painting floral landscapes, crafting seasonal decorations, or designing traditional folk art, spring customs provide endless artistic inspiration. 

St David’s Day – Crafting the Welsh Spirit 

In Wales, spring officially begins on March 1st with St David’s Day, celebrating the nation’s patron saint. While English poetry has immortalised the beauty of daffodils, the Welsh prefer to wear them! Cities such as Cardiff and Swansea host parades where people proudly display daffodils and leeks. For craft enthusiasts, this is a great time to create St David’s Day-inspired decorations – hand-painted daffodil motifs, embroidered Welsh dragon banners, or even handmade traditional Welsh dress replicas for dolls and figurines. 

Shrove Tuesday – Pancakes and Paper Crafts 

Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, is another spring festivity with deep-rooted traditions. Originally marking the start of Lent, it was a way to use up rich ingredients before the fasting period. Beyond the delicious pancakes, this day is a source of fun craft ideas! Illustrated recipe cards, or decorative aprons featuring traditional English folk art. Pancake races, like the famous one in Buckinghamshire dating back to 1445, can even inspire whimsical illustrated prints or handmade greeting cards. 

St Patrick’s Day – Celebrating Through Craft 

On March 17th, the UK turns green in celebration of St Patrick’s Day, and in Northern Ireland, in honour of their patron saint, everyone enjoys a bank holiday. While the parades and Guinness are a staple, this tradition also provides creative professionals with a wealth of crafting opportunities. From shamrock-themed jewellery and Celtic knot embroidery to hand-painted wooden signs with Irish blessings, there are countless ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day through arts and crafts.  

April Fool’s Day – Playful Crafts and Practical Jokes 

April begins with a day of laughter and fun. The origins of April Fool’s Day are unclear, but it has been observed for centuries. This playful tradition is perfect for novelty craft ideas—think handmade prank gifts, joke greeting cards, or even DIY trickster toys. If you create humorous or novelty crafts professionally, having creative professional insurance ensures that your work is covered, even if your customers laugh at their own expense! 

Easter – A Time for Traditional and Modern Crafts 

Easter is the most significant Christian celebration, bringing with it a rich history of arts and crafts. Before chocolate eggs became widespread, real eggs were decorated and exchanged as gifts. Today, Easter-inspired crafts include: 

• Hand-painted wooden eggs in folk art designs 
• Embroidered or appliqué Easter banners 
• DIY Easter bonnets for parades 
• Handmade wreaths featuring spring flowers like tulips and daffodils 

For those selling Easter-themed crafts, creative professional insurance is essential to protect against unforeseen issues such as lost stock or event cancellations. 

St George’s Day – Traditional English Craft Inspiration 

On April 23rd, England celebrates St George’s Day, honouring its patron saint. This day is rich in medieval heritage, making it a fantastic inspiration for historical crafts. From hand-forged dragon sculptures to illuminated manuscript-style calligraphy, the creative possibilities are endless. And if you intend to take your Anglo-Saxon-inspired creations and join the ranks of craft vendors at fairs you’ll require creative professional insurance to safeguard your unique handmade goods. 

May Day – Maypoles and Handmade Flower Crowns 

May Day on May 1st is a joyous celebration of spring, known for its maypole dances and floral displays. Traditional crafts associated with this festivity include: 

• Handmade flower crowns and garlands 
• Painted maypole-themed pottery 
• Folk-style wood carvings depicting dancers and greenery 

Whether selling online or at local fairs, artisans should consider creative professional insurance to protect their work and business investments during the busy festival season. 

Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling – The Quirkiest of Traditions 

One of the UK’s most eccentric spring events is Gloucestershire’s Cheese Rolling, held on the last Monday in May. While the race itself might not be craft-related, it inspires countless quirky artworks, from illustrated prints of tumbling racers to cheese-shaped pottery. This event is a testament to Britain’s love of the unusual – and a great source of inspiration for humorous or themed craft pieces. 

Crafting Through Spring – Protecting Your Creativity 

Spring traditions continue to inspire the UK’s thriving arts and crafts scene. Whether you’re a painter capturing the beauty of daffodils, a textile artist embroidering Celtic patterns, or a woodworker carving maypole figures, these customs offer endless creative possibilities. 

For those turning their creativity into a business, protecting your work with creative professional insurance ensures that your craft is safeguarded against unexpected setbacks, allowing you to focus on bringing tradition to life through artistry. 

Looking to secure your craft business? Explore our creative professional insurance options today and keep your passion protected through every season! 

Saturday 8 March marks the celebration of International Women’s Day and here at Craft Insurance, we thought this would provide a good opportunity to look at the various ways in which women have contributed to society through crafting traditions. Almost all of the crafts represented in our community can trace their routes back throughout the centuries and it’s an interesting exercise to see how your craft has evolved, often from providing everyday articles of necessity to a current resurgence of creating beautiful and lasting products in a sustainable way. Consumers are choosing these over their mass-produced counterparts for their longevity, ethical production and simple beauty. However, before the Industrial Revolution and mass migration to our factories and cities, many of these crafts provided staple goods for the community and much-needed cash for families.  

Spinning, lace making and straw plaiting were all handcrafts which were passed down through generations of women and used to supplement the family income. In pre-industrialised Britain, families were often large and even with a small plot of home-grown vegetables and maybe some hens, one wage was not enough to buy family essentials of food, clothes, boots and schooling supplies. Hence, the rise of cottage industries filled this gap. Children were often involved in the production of goods, and thus skills were passed on and a new generation of crafters was trained.  

Having a means of earning an income from home enabled mothers to take care of their children and run the family home alongside, though as any woman who has juggled all this in our day knows, this was not as idyllic as it sounds. Life was hard, and while there were arguably many benefits from living this way, it often meant that younger children were brought up by their older siblings and as older girls joined in the family cottage industry they might be less likely to go into service, thus bringing in a wage from outside, giving them the opportunity for limited advancement and freeing up bed space in the family home. Obviously, this might have been a positive choice for many girls, and it’s interesting to note that while life choices, especially for women, were far more limited in previous centuries, some of the principles on which they made those choices remain the same even today. 

As Britain became industrialised, many families moved into the cities to find work in the burgeoning factories. Thus, the slower, less efficient way of producing goods through cottage industries was replaced by large-scale coal-fired factory production. While this brought to our world the way of living, we take for granted today, it arguably gave girls and women less agency over their lives as they were unable to grow their own food and run their own families and businesses on their terms, becoming beholden to factory bosses alongside their husbands and children.  It also saw the decline of many handcrafts which had been gently honed for centuries. 

There were, however, some notable and regional exceptions to this. For example, the distinctive hard-wearing, blue “Gansey” jumpers, continued to be knitted by women in the fishing communities off the east coast of Scotland to keep their menfolk warm as they faced cold and often treacherous conditions. Even further north, jumpers in the classic Fair Isle tradition are still created to this day, with the technique passed down through the generations. 

From the mid-nineteenth century, the Arts and Crafts movement began to emerge and quickly gained momentum as artists and artisans reacted against the mass production of factory-made goods and the decline of the decorative arts. Names such as William Morris are synonymous with this movement, but less well-known are those of May Morris, his daughter and Annie Garnet a crafter from the Lake District. Both were inspired by the natural world around them, with May creating exquisite embroidery and Annie eventually founding her own textile business, reviving traditional spinning and weaving techniques.  

However, it was not until the period between the two world wars that more women began to turn their crafting skills into businesses on a wider scale. Maybe the combination of confidence built, and skills learnt through working outside of the home during the war, together with the amassing of new ideas through an increase in global travel led to this burgeoning of small-scale businesses. These women were wise, savvy and hard-working. They studied well-established techniques and used these solid production methods but added a fresh twist in design to form more contemporary looks. In this way, they influenced the direction of future crafting design. 

We hope you’ve been freshly inspired by these women who pioneered their crafts through the changing seasons of time. If so, you’re probably beginning to bubble with new ideas for your own business. As the sun is starting to make an appearance after the dreariness of winter, the temperatures are rising and spring flowers are cheering our homes and gardens, you may feel encouraged to plan a few in person sales events. If so, you’ll need to consider creative professional insurance. Creative professional insurance will generally include both public and product liability, although it could also include employer’s liability insurance. Public and product liability insurance covers you for any claims made for damages caused by either yourself or your products. Even if these are not your fault, the insurance covers your legal and compensation costs. This is not a legal requirement, but most craft market organisers will request you have it in place.

As a family firm ourselves, we communicate directly with our customers (no long waits at a call centre) so pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to work out the best creative professional insurance package for your unique business. We look forward to to hearing about the next wave of crafting businesses set up by women with skill, perseverance, grit and creative flair. Have confidence in yourselves and your business vision!  

You’re offered some choices; half a day ring-fenced to work on a new crafting venture or the same time to work on your business accounts; a day at a crafting event or art gallery to be freshly inspired in your own creativity or a day catching up with admin. Most of us would choose the first option. However, as owners of crafting businesses, there are many management tasks which need to be kept in order and finding an approach to this which works for each of us will save time and trouble in the longer term. 

We are each wonderful and completely unique; no other person in the world has your special blend of talent, personality, character traits, strengths and way of seeing things. Each of our brains and bodies work differently so while there is good general advice we can give to help with the running of the business side of your venture, why not think through what your own challenges are in this area and how best to meet them? For example, some of us are early birds and some are night owls; acknowledging this will help set the rhythm of our days. Some of us thrive off order and routines while for some these are anathema. Some concentrate best with music playing in the background and bright lights while others prefer complete silence and a calming candle. Taking some time to figure out how we function at our best is worth the investment of time. 

Most business owners would cite managing finances as their number one stress. As small business owners ourselves we can only say that we understand, but in our decades of running a successful business have found ways to navigate this. We are living in an especially challenging time economically for which each business owner needs wisdom to navigate. Make sure you have good advisors when mulling over business decisions, those who will challenge you, not just agree with your plans. Take time to weigh up decisions which will have financial implications. Find a good way to chart your budgeting, whether that be spreadsheets or an app; use whatever works best for you. Try to keep some margin in your finances, so that when difficult times come, which they will, you have a little leeway.  

Closely associated with this is filling in tax returns. Depending on the size of your business you may be able to afford to pay someone to do this, and if so, you could well be saving money as you receive advice from them. If your budget doesn’t stretch to this, check out the many apps and other resources available online and ask fellow crafters what they use.  

Managing staff is a big responsibility and can be a significant cause of stress. Hiring new staff requires wisdom and insight as you try to assess both character and personality as well as the more obvious experience and expertise they would bring. However big or small your team, keeping good communication flowing is the bedrock to a happy, productive team. Try to nurture your staff, making sure you have regular staff meet-ups and letting them know you have an open-door policy if they need to talk over any concerns. Team meetings could involve tea and cake, and a Christmas meal is always good for staff morale. You do not need to have a large budget to make your staff feel valued; the ability to listen and show concern, to be understanding around work hours and family commitments and the occasional thoughtful gesture such as a thank you card or team cakes to celebrate a success will go a long way to good staff relationships.  

Most of us do not enjoy the multitude of general admin tasks involved in running a business, but they have to be done and allocate regular time for them, settling down with a warm drink of your choice in an environment which suits you (lighting, music etc.) can all help. We all tend to delay tasks we don’t enjoy or which feel overwhelming, but putting things off in this way increases our stress levels, so it’s better to tackle whatever situation it is as soon as possible. One task which can often seem daunting if you’re establishing a new artistic venture is to find the appropriate artistic venture cover. Artistic venture cover will usually include both public and product liability insurance, which are required by most craft market organisers. They cover you for any claims of damage or injury caused by you, your staff or your products. Even if it is not your fault, the insurance covers the legal costs or compensation. As a family business ourselves we communicate directly with our customers, so pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to talk you through artistic venture cover and help you get an admin task ticked off your list! 

Other tasks mentioned as stressful are often to do with juggling your many roles as a small business owner; none of them are overwhelming in themselves but which occur periodically such as dealing with customer complaints, keeping up with relevant regulations or managing unexpected change. Looking after your general well-being is probably a large factor in how you cope when curveballs are thrown your way. Try to ensure you make time to exercise as well as eating a nutritious, balanced diet. Ensure you have some good confidantes and advisors, be they family, friends or other crafters with whom you can bounce ideas around, offload concerns and seek advice. None of us have it all together, so don’t be afraid of being honest!  And finally, take time to celebrate your wins and nurture your own creativity. You could start by taking some restorative time out this weekend even if it’s only half an hour, or by penning in a coffee with a friend, a day out in the countryside with your family or an afternoon set aside to spend in whatever way restores you best. Enjoy! 

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.

This week, (2nd Feb) was National Hedgehog Day, but it’s not too late to celebrate this spiky little national treasure! The humble hedgehog has featured prominently in the work of UK artists and crafters over the years and has been an inspiration for many cosy, homespun or crafted items.

Whether through art, craft, or conservation efforts, hedgehogs deserve to be celebrated and protected!

Where can you find hedgehogs these days?

Hedgehogs can be found across Europe, Africa, and Asia, but in the UK they are most commonly spotted in woodlands, farmland, parks, and gardens where they spend much of their lives asleep. Through the cold winter months of November to mid-March, they hibernate in nests made of fallen leaves in sheltered spots and when they emerge in spring, they remain nocturnal, only venturing out after sundown to forage for food.

What kind of food are they after?

Contrary to folklore, these little creatures are lactose intolerant and would rather see a feast of worms, slugs, earwigs, millipedes, beetles, and other small insects on their hedgehog menu. So, if you want to feed a hedgehog, provide wet cat food, apples, plums or pears, and nuts, such as unsalted peanuts or brazils. Or, if you want to go the whole hog (!) buy them some special hedgehog food which you can buy at most garden centres.

Even with their voracious appetite, hedgehogs only grow to the size of a pineapple! They can measure between 20-25cm in length and weigh up to 1.2kg. Despite their tiny size and relatively poor vision, they can move at speeds of up to 9.5km/h (around 5mph), for short bursts when they need to escape from predators. Their keen hearing and sense of smell help them to navigate at night

Hedgehog numbers are declining

Unfortunately, evidence suggests hedgehog populations have fallen by over half in rural areas and by a third in urban areas since the year 2000. The fact is that although hedgehogs can live for up to six years, the average lifespan is much shorter—just two to three years due to accidents involving road traffic, lawnmowers, pesticides and chemicals which all affect their longevity. To help counter this, avoid using slug pellets and pesticides or only as a last resort. Instead, try using one of many natural alternatives, like sprinkling crushed eggshells or coffee grounds around the plants you need to protect. If you have to use pellets, place them under a slate that’s inaccessible to hedgehogs. Also, in autumn, it’s always a good idea to check leaf piles for hedgehogs before starting a bonfire or be hedgehog-aware when mowing the lawn.

Celebrating hedgehogs in art and craft

Given their charming features and cultural significance, it’s no surprise that hedgehogs have been a beloved subject in UK art and craft. Artists and makers have long incorporated hedgehogs into paintings, sculptures, textiles, and handmade jewellery, capturing their distinctive shapes and characters in beautiful and imaginative ways.

Ceramicists create delicate hedgehog figurines, felt artists craft adorable soft sculptures and illustrators bring them to life in storybooks and prints. Whether carved in wood, embroidered onto fabric, or sketched in fine detail, hedgehogs have found their place in the hearts of crafters and collectors alike. Protecting this artistic heritage is essential, and that’s where handmade business protection comes in.

What can be done to help hedgehogs?

To support hedgehog populations, you can make small but meaningful changes in your own outdoor space. Leaving a hole in your garden fence allows hedgehogs to move between areas in search of food and mates. Providing fresh water and hedgehog-friendly food can also make a big difference.

Join the hedgehog appreciation movement!

If you’re inspired by their quirky charm, it’s not difficult to take part in countrywide efforts to protect the hedgehog population for generations to come. For example, did you know that in 2024, The first-ever National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy has been published to suggest ways for people to get involved with hedgehog conservation?

For those with a garden, creating 13cm x 13cm square holes in or under a garden fence – known as Hedgehog Highways – to connect neighbouring gardens, is the best starting point. This is crucial as it allows hedgehogs to move between green spaces searching for food, shelter and mates. Once connected, creating wild patches, providing water and places to nest such as leaf and log piles or a hedgehog house, are all great ways to help.

Or why not take a moment to appreciate these unique little creatures by creating your hedgehog-themed craft or by supporting artists who feature them in their work? And remember, if you are the one producing hedgehog-inspired handcrafted items, handmade business protection is key to safeguarding your passion and livelihood.

Let’s work together to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the sight of these beloved spiky mammals in our gardens, countryside and craftwork and please do get in touch if you require handmade business protection.

Any savvy business owner would give a lot to have a window into the future; the economic climate, global events, national occasions. To a certain extent, we can all get a feel of what our customers will be looking for simply by keeping our eyes open, our antennae up and listening to neighbours and friends. Our world is shifting so quickly that it can sometimes feel like we are living in quicksand, and the constant 24/7 news does nothing to still any anxiety we may feel because of this. However, if we dare to switch off our news feeds for a while, take some deep breaths and begin to take note instead of what is around us, we may find that our natural instincts will do us better than any number of newsreel predictions or TikTok trends.

Why not try having a few pertinent questions to hand that you can gently pose to those with whom you come into contact. What are you looking forward to this year? Are you planning any holidays and if so, where? What are your main concerns for the year ahead? What would you most like to change in your life/your community/our nation?

A little gentle prodding will not only reveal the “temperature” of those around you but will probably enable you to come up with some astute strategies for new lines and products for your craft business. For example, the holiday destinations planned are an indication of disposable income. If people are looking forward to working on their garden or allotment or taking walks in the countryside, they might be drawn towards products with an earthy bent. If there is a general wariness of uncertainty ahead, a comforting vintage style harking back to more stable times might be appreciated, and if there is a longing for something better, then bright, vibrant colours will be lapped up.

Having had a few of these conversations, you may well find that a quick internet search will confirm your own hunches; it did ours! Retro and earthy are the staples, accentuated with the vibrancy of bright colours and experimental new styles. Reuse and recycle is a safe bet for any upcoming lines.

If you work with crotchet or knitting, the current trends of chunky, textured and big are set to continue. Think large needles and bulky yarn; cosy hats and scarves with a home spun look, snug jumpers and homey blankets. Consider texture rich patterns and combining crotchet and knitting in a single product to enhance its appearance and tactile feel.

Reusing textiles and transforming them into new products with a fresh lease of life is also very much continuing in popularity. This is good for business as it keeps your own costs for raw materials down, and enables you to pass this on to some extent to your customers. Become a charity shop squirrel, gathering together old curtains and bedding. Then, pour your creative flair into them and watch the transformation into new garments, bags, lampshades, cushion covers, journal cases and a myriad of other tempting products.

Dried flowers also continue to be a popular choice; their longevity, ease of care and sustainability factor as well as natural rustic charm all come together to make them a winning choice when it comes to “saying it” with flowers. This is good news for crafters as there are numerous ways they could be included in your ranges. Cards, gift labels and bookmarks embellished with a few thoughtfully arranged dried flowers look both beautiful and stylish. Turn these into personalised birthday cards or gifts by using pressed flowers. A rustic dried flower wreath or a pressed flower frame both make gorgeous gifts. Bath bombs and soaps with a floral twist are not only eye-catching but also have good sustainability value. Look for local market gardeners who grow dried flower varieties as well as a good range of annuals and perennials and make sure you advertise your local credentials.

As you plan your upcoming ranges for the year, you will also be looking at your marketing strategies and how and where you will be selling. Whether this is online or at crafts and markets, you will need to consider creative industry insurance. If you are new to selling your creations, the whole idea of creative industry insurance can sound somewhat confusing. However, let us assure you that it is actually remarkably straightforward. Depending on your crafting business needs, it usually includes public and products liability cover; you may also need employers’ liability.

Public and product liability covers you for any claims made against you or your products, even if it is not your fault. It covers defence costs and any compensation required. While you will obviously do all you can to ensure you are never in this position, the whole idea of creative industry insurance is to protect you and your business from the unforeseeable. For this reason, we call it the “sleep easy” insurance. Having this in place enables you to get on and do what you do best; creating beautiful and stylish hand-crafted products with will bring joy and delight to your customers.

So, why not pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to guide you through and ensure you have the best creative industry insurance for your unique business?

Many business owners are heading into this coming year with a sense of uncertainty and even some trepidation, and it is helpful to acknowledge this. We live in uncertain times. However, a general longing for stability from which the trends for homespun charm, vintage elegance and natural beauty are birthed is good news for crafters. Large retailers will try to copy what you produce in reality. As you walk into this next year, be wise in your decision-making but confident in your locally produced, environmentally kind and steadfastly beautiful products.

As we welcome 2025, it’s time for craft business owners to embrace a fresh start and reflect on ways to make this year a success. Whether it’s fine-tuning strategies or addressing lessons from last year, the new year offers a perfect opportunity to grow your business. For many, it’s also the season to plan event schedules and compare options for public liability insurance for a day – a key consideration for craft entrepreneurs attending fairs or markets. 

Here are five resolutions to help small craft business owners thrive, save time, and stay protected in the year ahead. 

1. Keep Cash Flow Under Control 

Cash flow isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet – it’s the backbone of every decision you make. Effective cash flow management allows you to plan better, ensure timely payments, and maintain healthy relationships with suppliers and customers. 

Start by maintaining a detailed, up-to-date cash flow statement. This will give you a clear understanding of how much money is coming in, where it’s going, and what’s left over. By setting payment schedules and adhering to them, you can avoid unnecessary late fees and maintain your reputation as a reliable partner. 

Additionally, tracking cash flow helps you spot hidden costs that don’t appear in profit and loss statements. These insights can guide smarter spending decisions and highlight areas where you can cut costs without sacrificing quality. The result? A stronger financial foundation for your business. 

2. Master Delegation to Stay Ahead 

As a small business owner, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do everything yourself. However, overworking can lead to burnout and limit your business’s growth potential. The solution? Delegation. 

Start by identifying tasks that can be assigned to team members, supportive family members, or freelancers. This frees up your time to focus on what truly matters – like creating new products or planning your next big event. 

Many small business owners hesitate to delegate due to concerns about quality or a fear of losing control. To overcome these challenges, provide clear instructions, set achievable goals, and establish realistic deadlines. Training your team through workshops or well-documented processes can also ensure they’re equipped to handle responsibilities effectively. 

Remember, delegation isn’t about perfection. It’s about results. Trust your team to get the job done, and resist the urge to micromanage. As your business grows and you attend more events, having public liability insurance for a day will protect you against unforeseen risks, giving you peace of mind to focus on what’s ahead. 

3. Build a Strong Digital Presence 

In today’s market, having a robust digital presence isn’t optional – it’s essential. Your online platforms are often the first touchpoint for potential customers, so make them count. 

Start by ensuring your website is mobile-friendly and user-friendly. Optimised landing pages with clear calls-to-action, product details, and customer reviews can significantly boost conversions. Address potential customer concerns with FAQs or engaging blog posts that position your brand as trustworthy and knowledgeable. 

Email marketing and blogging remain powerful tools for connecting with your audience. Use transactional emails, nurture sequences, and newsletters to share updates, educational content, and special offers. Incorporate SEO strategies into your blog to target the right customers and improve your visibility on search engines. 

Consistency across all digital platforms is key. Ensure your branding, tone, and messaging align across your website, social media, and email campaigns. And don’t forget—if you’re showcasing your products at events or running promotions, protect yourself with public liability insurance for a day to cover unexpected risks. 

4. Revamp Your Social Media Strategy 

Social media offers a unique opportunity to connect with your audience and showcase your brand’s personality. However, success on these platforms requires a well-thought-out strategy. 

Begin by identifying the platforms where your target audience spends their time. For example, LinkedIn is ideal for reaching professionals, while Instagram or TikTok is better suited for younger audiences. Focus on quality over quantity; a few well-crafted posts that resonate with your audience are far more effective than dozens of generic updates. 

Develop a content calendar to ensure regular, consistent posting without scrambling for ideas. Highlight customer success stories, offer behind-the-scenes glimpses, or share educational tips related to your products. Native content, such as reels or stories, can address customer pain points and demonstrate how your products provide solutions. 

Engagement is just as important as posting. Respond to comments, share user-generated content, and participate in trending conversations. Building an active, engaged community around your brand will pay dividends in loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. 

5. Leverage Digital Tools for Efficiency 

The right digital tools can save you time, money, and stress. From AI-powered chatbots on your website to accounting software that simplifies financial management, technology can streamline your operations and enhance customer experiences. 

Consider using project management apps to keep your team on track or social media scheduling tools to maintain a consistent online presence. AI tools can also help you analyse data, predict trends, and tailor your marketing efforts. 

As you embrace new technologies, you may find yourself with more time to attend events, explore opportunities, or create new products. When you do, ensure you’re covered with public liability insurance for a day—a simple yet effective way to safeguard your business against unexpected incidents. 

Looking Ahead 

As the New Year unfolds, we wish all our craft business customers success, growth, and creativity. By setting clear goals and adopting these resolutions, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle 2025 with confidence. Whether you’re scaling up your digital presence, delegating more effectively, or protecting your business with the right insurance, every small step contributes to a brighter future. 

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! 

The fun and festivity of Christmas are all around us! Our towns and cities are bedecked with strings of sparkling lights, Christmas markets firmly ensconced in many of our town centres and ancient marketplaces, and our village greens are adorned with mighty Christmas trees ready for people to gather around, sing carols and roast chestnuts. Well-known songs merrily waft out of every shop and radio station and our screens have a seemingly limitless supply of feel-good festive movies to watch. The Christmas season is well and truly upon us.  

Despite all this merriment, we are still in Advent, traditionally a season of quiet reflection, preparation and even fasting! Christmas is the time of year when Christians remember and celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus and the traditional Christmas period lasts for twelve days, from Christmas Day until Epiphany on January 6, which commemorates the visit of the magi to the child Jesus. Hence, the carols and poems about the twelve days of Christmas focus on those days after Christmas Day itself. 

Within the last few decades, however, the seasons of Advent and Christmas have gradually merged into one, and the traditional time of preparation and contemplation has given way to glitz and tinsel. Undoubtedly, many of us would welcome reclaiming a quiet bit of downtime before Christmas hits! Our first thoughts will always be towards crafting, and so below are some suggestions for twelve crafting activities for families to do quietly at home and take a break from Christmas fever! They are all simple low-cost projects to work on peacefully, carving out some quiet time away from the general bustle. Remember to make yourself a warm mug of your favourite beverage, put on some gentle music and light a scented candle to add tranquillity to your oasis of calm and creativity. Then, if you decide to sell your beautifully made creations, maybe at a festive fair or market; don’t forget about Craft Public Liability Insurance UK.  

Or, you might choose to gather family, friends or neighbours for a crafting session. This too could be a haven of peace amid all the busyness. Crafting together offers a perfect opportunity to chat; share memories, exchange traditions and reflect on the year past and the one to come. A glass of mulled wine and a plateful of mince pies will add to the homely atmosphere. Of course, if children are involved, the noise levels will be raised, but they too need to have the volume lowered sometimes and some focused activity with time to talk – it could become a new family tradition!  

So, here are our twelve suggestions. Enjoy!  

A Christmas wreath

This could be as large or small a project as you like. There are many ideas online, or you could buy a base from a florist shop and decorate it with greenery, ribbons and other trinkets. You could prelude this by a walk in some local woods or fields, collecting evergreens and berries.   

Advent calendars

Buying new calendars each year can be costly for both your purse and our planet. There is certainly a market for durable handmade fabric calendars (don’t forget your craft public liability insurance UK). However, if you want to make an easy, no-sew calendar with your children, we suggest using felt. You can glue twenty-four small pockets onto a large rectangle of felt, held up by a piece of dowelling. The children will have fun cutting, sticking and decorating and enjoy seeing their creations come out each year. 

Christmas stocking

There is a market for these too, but if sewing is not your thing, felt and some basic blanket stitching will produce stockings which last for years. Your children can decorate their own! 

Paper chains

A fun way to spend an afternoon for your family, these will add an instant seventies party vibe to your home.  

Candy cane decorations

Another easy one for children, using either red and white beads or twisted pipe cleaners.  

Snowmen

These can be made with toilet rolls, cotton wool and coloured cardboard? 

Christmas cards

Either a good family activity or a peaceful time with friends, chatting around a table of card supplies. Friends and family will be delighted to receive a unique hand-crafted card through their letterbox. 

Potato print wrapping paper

A great, though potentially messy one for little ones. Spread a roll of brown wrapping paper on the floor and allow your small artists to print away with their potato stamps. We suggest doing this towards the end of the day, followed by a bubble bath, easy supper and Christmassy bedtime story.  

Origami stars

These are fun to make and you can put a little LED tea light inside to add extra charm. 

Christmas tree crochet bunting

This is a project you can take out and about with you or work on in the evening while watching a Christmas movie. 

Clay stars

This is a great one for regulating any over-excited children. Kneading dough or clay is very calming and it’s fun to cut out stars with cookie cutters. 

Felt tree decorations

A quiet one for yourself; gather some felt and embroidery threads and create stars, hearts and gingerbread men. These could be great to sell, so do check our website for craft public liability insurance UK. 

We wish you some peaceful hours of creating beautiful crafts, precious memories and new traditions!  

(Breathe deeply. Slow down. Allow each of the stresses to momentarily fall away.)

We’re amid a Christmassy, wintery whirl where our to-do lists can become out of control, we can feel as if we are running around in circles and our relationships can become strained. Maybe it’s time to take some time out, and what better way to do this than to pull on some wellies, wrap up warm and head out into the serenity of the natural world?

When our brains are on overload simply to get through the challenges of each day, they have little room left for creativity; therefore, we need to find the space to get our minds and bodies back into balance before we can expect any great spurts of creativity.

Walking in the outdoors has so many benefits to both our physical and mental well-being. It is generally understood that a thirty-minute walk several times a week can increase cardiovascular fitness, maintain bone strength and keep weight in check. Walking a short while after a meal can moderate blood sugar and aid digestion. In addition, walking during the wintertime can boost your immunity as a burst of cold increases the production of white blood cells which are the frontline defence against infection.

The benefits to both our mental and emotional well-being are also well documented. This is backed up by our own experience. Exercise per se is a stress buster, helps us deal with anger and frustration, and lifts our mood. Time spent in nature gives us a fresh perspective of our problems and we often come back feeling more peaceful. When we combine exercise with being outdoors, the benefits are doubled! So, why not carve out some time and head out for a good, brisk walk or a gentle amble this weekend?

Wherever you have chosen for your walk, be it a secret woodland, a muddy footpath across fields and vales, some wide-open moorland or a swathe of beautifully landscaped parkland, you can appreciate your surroundings with all your senses. Slow down and focus on the fresh, frozen world around you, and let your creativity begin to flow. Come on a wintry walk with us to find some fresh and frosty inspiration!

What can you see? The skeletal winter tree line can have a stark beauty in its own right as it stands tall and resolute against a steely grey sky. Crimson berries stand out in contrast with evergreen hedgerows and clambering ivy. If you look up, you may spy some mistletoe with its white berries and dusky green leaves. A conifer wood will have plenty of fallen pinecones; take a look at their intricate spiral design. Could you gather some of these delights and create a stunning, natural wreath, a candle holder or maybe a striking table centrepiece?

What can you hear? If you’re in a woodland, the rustle of leaves or the crunch of pinecones beneath your feet is very satisfying. Why not take a flask of tea or hot chocolate and a package of cake, find a sheltered nook and sit for a while enjoying your surroundings? In the stillness, you will hear a variety of bird songs and may also hear the swishing of branches overhead or even the scurry of tiny mammals.

What can you feel? For children who explore the world through touch, any outdoor space is a sensory delight. If you have come out with the whole family, maybe you can send the children off on a sensory treasure hunt. Ask them to bring back objects with the following textures: smooth, rough, soft, hard, bumpy, slimy, cold, warm (a glove or mug of tea!), squishy, bendy, brittle…the list is endless. All these wonderful textures can spark our creativity too; what about some felt tree decorations, some chunky yarn bunting or some silky-smooth ceramic candle holders?

What can you smell? Take any dog for a walk and you’ll know quite how many fascinating smells there are in our countryside! For us too, it’s worth taking some deep breaths and luxuriating in the delicate scents all around us. From a mossy, musky woodland aroma to the freshness of a heathery moorland, nature inspires us with fragrance. If you make candles, wax melts or soaps this indeed is a veritable feast for your imagination. For the rest of us, while we can’t bring these scents home with us, we can add some other ones to our Christmas decorations using cinnamon sticks, dried oranges and cloves.

What can we taste? Unless we know a little about foraging, there is a limited supply of edible plants during the winter. However, you can enjoy that warming flask of tea and some safe cake!

Once you’ve invested in your well-being and enjoyed a wintery walk, you may have come back bursting with an idea or two for the next crafting project. Or, you may just be feeling more relaxed and ready for a hearty casserole and a cosy evening around the fire. Either is good! However, if you have some ideas brewing, you might think about a craft stall in the next few months. If so, you’ll need to consider craft stall insurance UK. If you take out your craft stall insurance UK with us, we will look at your unique business and ensure you have a package which suits your business requirements. As a family business ourselves we highly value each of our customers and communicate directly with you. So, pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to answer any questions you have about craft stall insurance UK.

We hope that during this Christmas season, you will make time to enjoy the beautiful world in which we live; while this might take more effort for those of us living in the middle of a big city than for our fellow crafters in the remote Scottish Islands and Highlands, it is well worth the investment of time to come back feeling better and re-inspired. Happy walking!