Sun, Scissors and Sales
We may have got through the winter solstice, and the days are perceptibly lengthening, but we are still very much in winter here in the UK. Scotland has seen heavy snow falls, the South West of England endless days of rain and we’ve all shivered through the dark mornings and been blown around by great gusts of wind as we trudge, head down, about our days. With all this we may feel the need to indulge in some escapism and plan our summer holidays. Do you dream of sunny beaches, walking barefooted along the warm sand to the sound of gently lapping water? Or maybe of exploring ancient towns, wandering through cobbled streets and enjoying balmy evenings at a local taverna. Perhaps you like a more active holiday and your planning involves maps of mountain terrain and checking over your camping and walking gear.
The great thing about day dreaming is that we can go anywhere, without the confines of a budget, the hassle of airport queues and the stress of organising home, work, pets and the multitude of other minutia before we leave.
Crafters can add an extra dimension to these kinds of sunny dreams and get ahead at the same time. It’s not too early to start planning a summer selection of gorgeous products to entice your customers and help them get ready for their own holidays.
We’ve put together a tempting selection of summer craft ideas to set you on your way.
Firstly, think clothes and accessories. For those who can wield a needle, strappy tops and maxi skirts, flowing dresses and beach shorts are all must haves to pop in the bag as we head off in search of summer sunshine and blue skies. If you’re looking for something a little less complicated to whizz up, what about a range of over the shoulder or tote beach bags? Let your creative juices flow; think about your material choice (cotton, jute, beach stripes, floral fun, bold and plain), your decoration (appliqué, beading, embroidery), lining and pockets and come up with a unique design. Bags can be customised too, allowing customers to choose from a range of colours and designs.
Jewellery is next on the list of summer craft ideas – an ideal for first time craft sellers as it’s possible to start with fairly low set up costs. From bold and funky to understated and stylish, the sky is the limit. Beads and resin are both good starter materials. For the skilled and experienced jewellers amongst you, remember to create some eye-catching ranges for all the upcoming summer weddings. You might also consider, if you have not done so before, creating bespoke items for the bride and bridal party.
Cosmetics are next on our list. For those of you who already run successful cosmetics or bath products businesses, take the opportunity to develop some new ranges as well as recreating those which sold well last year. For those new to this, bath bombs are great as they require minimal start up costs. Think fresh summer colours and fragrances evocative of long summer evenings. You might consider delicate and floral, exotic and tropical or zesty and citric. Add a sparkle with biodegradable glitter and give your customers a luxurious treat for the end of a hot day.
Handmade cosmetics find their niche at any time of year, but with hot summer weather, natural products may seem even more appealing. Natural beeswax, essential oils and other natural oils (coconut, olive etc) are both good for dry and dehydrated skin and for our beautiful world which we all enjoy as we go out and about these summer days. Have a think about promoting products which travel well. For example, shampoo bars are great to pop in a beauty bag and won’t leak, and a small pot of lip salve is a must have for hot days.
While we all look forward to going away for a summer holiday, most of the season will be spent at home, so here are some summer craft ideas to make which will decorate our homes and gardens and usher in some warm summer vibes.
Starting with our front doors; what about creating a range of summer themed wreaths? You could go for a floral theme; generous bunches of dried flowers, delicate felted bouquets or whimsical crotcheted blooms. If you live by the seaside, you could muster up a sea breezes and wanderlust vibe with shells and starfish on a wreath beautifully constructed out of driftwood.
Summer themed bunting is another great summer craft to make and sell. Whether it is strung between bookcases and cupboards indoors, or flutters gently in the breeze in the garden, it is guaranteed to bring out some smiles and to create a relaxed, festival atmosphere. It’s great as decoration for parties and barbecues, but also to have up all summer long, ready to welcome gatherings of family and friends for a leisurely meal or long catch up over tea and cake.
As you plan your gorgeous summer products, remember to take a look at what craft fairs, markets or festivals you could book yourself into over the summer. You may be required to book early for the larger ones. If this is your first time selling, you will need to consider insurance, probably public and product liability. This can sound daunting and costly, but let us reassure you that it need be neither of these. As a family run business ourselves we are both aware of the importance of value for money on your part and of valuing our customers on our part. We therefore communicate with each of our customers personally; no long call queues. So, as part of your summer planning, pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here. We look forward to hearing about your summer craft ideas and will make sure you get the insurance you need for your unique business.