Craft Your Year - Buy the book now!
So, it’s fair to say that I’ve always had one foot in the door when it comes to crafting. I grew up surrounded by creative women; my mam did flower arranging, my nana sewed and my gran knitted and crocheted. Crafting practically runs in the family!
My first introduction to the craft industry was as a fresh-faced business management student at the University of York. During my year in industry, I went to work for a tiny little craft company which opened my eyes to an incredible industry with so much potential.
Like most people, I had made mother’s day cards as a kid, but here I discovered the world of creative papercraft. I fell in love with it, and watching, listening and getting involved in what was going on around me led to a real lightbulb moment.
Cardmakers were producing beautiful, delicate cards, then having to cram them into ill-fitting envelopes. This was an amazing gap in the market and I wanted to dive right in!
I worked with my dad and a local joiner to create The Enveloper, a tool to create bespoke envelopes for handmade cards. It sold like hot cakes and all of a sudden, I had a business on my hands!
Returning to university, I had a head full of magic, so many ideas and a determination not to let this opportunity pass by.
Crafter’s Companion was launched from my university bedroom. And to say it was a wild year would be an understatement!
By the time I graduated, I had a first class honours degree and Crafter’s Companion was turning over more than half a million. That summer I jumped straight in at the deep end and just really went for it.
Today, Crafter’s Companion is a thriving global business, with a team of more than 200 people, two stores and offices in the US and UK.
18 years on from that tiny university bedroom the company has expanded to become a market leader; designing and selling thousands of crafting products to customers across the world.
From one inventive papercraft tool, we’ve grown to encompass everything from cardmaking die-cutting and papercraft, to art, colouring, sewing and needlecraft. We have a digital channel, Crafter’s TV, dedicated to demonstrations, tutorials and sharing crafting fun and inspiration with our amazing crafting community.
And there’s still so much more to come!
Our aim is to ignite the creative spark in crafters everywhere, from total beginners to experienced makers looking for their next big project.
And not one to sit on an idea, I love that the Crafter’s Companion product range is constantly evolving. And that alongside affordable crafting essentials we’re always looking for the next innovative creative concept.
On a personal note, I’m so happy that crafting has been my full-time job for the last 18 years.
Whether presenting our products to TV shopping networks around the world, or getting stuck in from our headquarters in the North East, there’s never been a dull moment.
Showing and teaching people how to make beautiful things is my happy place. And seeing our loyal community of crafters share inspiration and support is something that brings me a lot of joy.
If you’ve ever seen me crafting live on TV or online, you’ll know that I’m passionate about the benefits of crafting. I’m a firm believer that having a creative outlet is just so good for our mental health and wellbeing. Take a look at some of my recent projects and start your crafting journey today!
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