The Christmas Craft Gift List
Christmas is just around the corner; community carols sung around an outdoor tree, warm mugs of hot chocolate at the end of a winter’s walk, twinkling lights bedecking our homes and towns, building gingerbread houses with starry-eyed children, stirring up cakes and puddings with mouth-watering ingredients, a house filled with secret surprises and delicious fragrances….We hope you will enjoy some of these, but the reality is often very different from our ideals and the sugar-coated movies (but don’t we love them anyway?). Busyness often tends to be the overriding ingredient in this season, and it can be especially so for small craft business owners with Christmas orders to process and craft fairs and markets to attend. In the midst of this, we need to squeeze in our family preparations, including buying and wrapping gifts. We hope that in amongst it all, you will be asked what you would like for Christmas. There are lots of gift lists for crafters online, but here at Craft Insurance, we want to offer you some slightly different suggestions. We know that the essence of Christmas is not found in mass commercialism; we are conscious too of using the resources of our beautiful planet well and not buying unnecessarily; we are aware that financial resources are tighter for most families and finally, we know that as sole craft traders, you work extremely hard and would like to think that you might receive some gifts this Christmas which will give you a much-earned lift throughout the year. So, here are our top ten gift suggestions for crafters; environmentally responsible, economically savvy, locally produced where possible and bringing delight for more than just a day. We hope you might find something which you would enjoy and gain ideas for your crafting friends.
1. Always useful are tools and materials for your business, be this soft and colourful wool, new hand tools for your wood-turning business, or a fresh supply of resin.
2. As your business grows, so too does your need for storage space; think about what might help your organisation and hence make everyday tasks easier. This might be storage carts, stacked boxes, a shelving unit, a beautiful new bag for wool or maybe a new stationery tidy for all the admin tasks.
3. If your craft involves a mess, maybe a card-making business or ceramic workshop, you will be wearing aprons daily, A new one will brighten your workspace and lift your spirits at the beginning of the day. See if this can be sourced locally.
4. Effective self-care is often more about the small, regular habits which speak to us that we matter and that our bodies, minds and souls are worth caring for and cultivating. So, what about some small treats, which will make your working day more comfortable? Maybe soft, warm woolly socks, a pair of cheerful fingerless gloves or a shawl to wrap around yourself during the cold days of winter? If possible, you could source these from another local crafter.
5. On the same theme, part of nurturing yourself is continuing to develop your mind and skills. Why not look out for a book which would encourage and inspire you to go further in your craft? There is much online, but it’s not the same as the rustle, texture and scent of turning fresh leaves in a new book, especially if it includes some exquisite, colourful pictures.
6. Here at Craft Insurers we believe in the value of a local community, and the benefit to our well-being of getting together with like-minded people regularly. One of the ways you could include this in your busy week is by meeting with fellow crafters either in the form of a club, where talks and demonstrations are given or in a more informal setting of a cafe for a crocheting or knitting circle. These will generally require a small donation or club membership fee, so you could ask for money towards this and enjoy connecting with fellow crafters on a regular basis throughout the year.
7. Another way to meet with fellow crafters and continue your professional development is by attending a national weekend event. These are excellent ways to join with others who share your particular passion, have the opportunity to talk shop and be inspired by experts in your particular skill and business. Maybe you could pick an event you’d like to attend and ask for contributions towards it. Don’t forget to book it and pop it on the calendar!
8. As a small business owner, the financial buck stops with you. Recognising the current financial squeeze, here is an ultimately shrewd, if not romantic, business suggestion. Why not ask for someone to buy your sole traders public liability insurance for the upcoming year? If you will be out and about selling, teaching or demonstrating your craft, sole traders public liability insurance is something well worth considering. While it is not a legal requirement, many organisers will require it, and it could save your business if the unforeseen happens and a customer decides to take legal action for damage, even if it is not your fault. Check out our website and contact us for more information. Naomi and Sam are here to help and although it might not be a traditional Christmas present, having sole traders public liability insurance will enable you to worry less and sleep more peacefully.
9. Here’s a fun suggestion but one which you could possibly source locally, or at least purchase from a fellow crafter: a “handmade by” stamp for your products. Another extra idea on the same theme is a door sign for your workspace. Something to bring a smile and sense of pride and purpose wherever you see it.
10. Our final suggestion is for a workshop experience for a craft which is not your own. Maybe you could go with a friend and have a fun day learning a new skill.
Whatever you receive for Christmas, we wish you a season of peace and refreshment and for a year ahead of firm foundations and flourishing growth for your business.