My Crafty Business

This month (September) is the beginning of a new Season.  It's nearly Autumn, which comes, not only with new colours and a crispness in the air, but it is also the run up to the Season we call

CHRISTMAS!!

Oh yes, it is here, and for this Season, I have decided, that I need a bit of a fresh start.  I will be designing and creating some new Christmas Makes, recreating some of last years, but also I have set myself a Goal!  Oh yes, it's time for me not just to be the 'Sewing Lady' as I know many call me, but I now need to put on those 'Big Girl Pants' !

This is after all a business and well, I sometimes to be honest forget that, because I love to create so much.  Creating special Keepsakes for you and your loved ones to treasure, makes my work so special.  

I will also be continuing to work through my Waiting List, creating your Keepsake Bunnies, Quilts and Cushions, for you to treasure your memories, as always, but I need to get a little more 'smart' with my numbers - booo!

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a phobia against numbers and maths, but as a 'grown up' and a 'small business' I need to use them - booo again!!

Sooooo...... I signed up to do a little challenge.  

It's a 100 Day Challenge, and for it, I had to set a goal - and Achieve it!!

So I popped on my 'Big Girl Pants' and reviewed my previous years in business.

These were my findings:

•  I really enjoy, designing, sewing and creating
•  I really love my customers and appreciate their custom
•  I really love my family and appreciate the opportunity to work around my childrens needs

But..

• I haven't taken a proper wage for a few years and we can't afford for me to do this anymore
• My Commission Work, does not earn me enough to take a wage
• I have not reviewed my numbers regularly enough to be 'Business Wise'
• I forget all too easily that this is a business and not a hobby.  I may enjoy it, but I also need to feed my children and contribute to our household bills
• I can't continue, just putting all money earned straight back into the business for stock etc, I need to live and provide for my family - Properly!!!!!

Conclusion:  I NEED to feed my children, pay for their hobbies, and pay our household bills.  Unfortunately, money does not grow on trees, and I needed to set out a plan.

Who knows what I will achieve, and whether I will get there, but if I don't get smarter, I will have to rethink my whole business, so I have to achieve it.  I really hope you will continue to support me, as I really appreciate each and everyone of you

Achievements so far: Website, is now up and running and has lots of new Goodies listed.  Ranges include Christmas, Weddings and New Arrivals, with more to come soon too.

www.michellecorbindesign.co.uk

Etsy, is now link to this Blog, has some new additions, and is regularly being updated

www.etsy.com/michellecorbindesign

I also, have some new ideas and products in the planning stage, and with the help of 2 very good friends, I think they will be worth waiting for.

I'll keep you posted on my achievements.

Much Love

Michelle 

xxx

Keepsake Bunnies

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Creating Keepsake Bunnies, is something I enjoy doing very much.  I love the whole process from start to finish.

Sisterly Love
Both hold special memories

 Being ask to create something from some outfits and blankets, that hold special memories in the owners heart, is always an honour, and to be trusted with these special garments was just that.

A Flower Girl Dress worn by big sister to mums wedding
A dress big sister bought for little sister
Little sisters Baby Blanket

See how these Little Bunny Keepakes Began

The Process:

A sketch and a plan for layout and design

Next comes the details.  Carefully unpicking the details from the garments, placing and cutting the pattern, then adding the embroidery and appliqué.

Keepsake Bunnies are then born

Nicole's was predominantly made from her beloved Baby Blanket
Details were picked out and appliquéd to the body and ears
A little part of the dress big sister bought her, was used on the ears
Hand embroidered details were added for those finishing touches

True memories wrapped up in a Button Jointed Bunny xx 

Chloe's was created, using her Flower Girl Dress form the '90s
Picking out the details, so it still looked like the dress.
Lace overlay some of the fabric for more interest.
Parts of the dress she bought for her little sister was added for interest, details and of course memories.
A little part of Nicole's blanket was added for the ears, as a special touch.

True memories wrapped up in on Original Keepsake Bunny xx



See how I create another Original Keepsake Bunny here

From every cut and stitch, each one is carefully tailored to suit the client's needs. 

Michelle Corbin Design - Find me on Facebook
Maker of all things to treasure, from Keepsakes to Soft Furnishings

Thank You for reading
Happy Stitching
Michelle xx

*Little Bunny Keepsakes, are 'sit on the shelf' items and are not suitable as toys, due to the fabric and small parts used.  They should not be left with a child under the age of 14.  They are a Collectable, potential Heirloom, which should bring lots of your love and memories to life*

The Wedding Couple

Well it's been a very busy few weeks here at MCD HQ!

The bathroom is now completed (post about that to follow)

See how my bathroom looked for before

So what have I been up to I here you asking??   Well I enrolled on a business course via

The Girls Mean Business

I took this leap mainly because I knew I needed to update some of my format for 

Michelle Corbin Design, as I want to be able to provide my customers with the best service that I possibly can.  It really is giving me food for thought, encouraging me to spend more time on my little Cottage Industry, rather than just in it sewing away!!

By doing the course I am achieving more of my short term targets (daily lists) more efficiently.  Focussing on what I need to do first!

I've completed some lovely bespoke commissions, and continued on with a large Keepsake commission.  Little and often for that job, but it's coming along nicely ;)

One job I have been working on, is updating my website and Etsy Shop.  They are both still work in progress, and probably always will be, but this brings me on to: 

The Wedding Couple

This happy couple are my newest design and make, and I have just listed them as a pair.

£70.00 + £5.00 UK postage

Having received the stunning Vintage Upholstery Fabric from 

FabricCentric, I decided that I must make something really special with it.  The quality is wonderful, and instantly I was inspired.

First I made 2 Keepsake Bunnies: one with fixed arms and legs, and one that was button jointed.

Fixed Bunny - Sold

Button Jointed Bunny - Sold

Then came The Wedding Couple 

Having a sweet little kiss xx

The bears have been button jointed and created with the beautiful vintage fabric.  The boy is wearing a little waistcoat and dicky bow, whilst the girl wears a tulle veil, with ribbon and button detail.  She also carries a small bouquet.

I have to say, that this pair is my favourite keepsake to date, and I actually am tempted to keep them, as I am super proud how they turned out.

 However, I think they would make the perfect Keepsake gift for a Bride and Groom on their Wedding Day.

What have you been making lately?  I'd love to see!

Michelle Corbin Design

 And this is me, maker of all things to treasure, from Keepsake items, to Soft Furnishings

Thank you for reading

Happy Stitching

Michelle xx