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

It's been a while...

Well, yet again, it's been a while since I wrote.

What have I been up to I hear you ask?

Well let me tell you:

In January, I joined The Arts and Crafts Emporium.
A team of Artists, who collectively sell their Artwork, once a month, based on a Theme, creating 'One off' and 'Bespoke' items, which link or are inspired by the theme.  Some Months sell out well, but if the artist does not sell that month, they have usually learned loads, been able to challenge their creative juices, sell elsewhere and have had a lot of fun developing their new piece.

The first Theme I joined in was Fibonacci.  

Now to tell you the truth, this theme scared the living daylights out of me, as maths is not my strong point.  But once I got my head around it, I realised that the spiral was used in dance, and so inspiration kicked in and I created this Ballerina Canvas, using a mix of Free Machine and Hand Embroidery.

Fibonacci is a series of numbers which creates a spiral
1,2,3,5,8 etc

'Four Seasons' Spring

'Four Seasons' Summer

 Next was 'Four Seasons'.
By this time, I was knee high in Commissions, and only had time to create 2 Seasons, Spring and Summer.
These, I thoroughly enjoyed making.

They are still available here:

Michelle Corbin Design

'Under the Waves'

Developing new techniques, was something I was keen to do, with inspiration from ACE, so here I tried a technique I had played with previously, but never really created anything with.  

I decided to take advantage, a Coral Inspired bowl developed.  

With the use of Water Soluble Fabric, this bowl, was created purely by interlocking the threads using a Free Machine Embroidery Technique.  The bowls were very well received I'm happy to report.

A Poem I created to accompany my Mermaid Embroidery

Ace, has been an incredible experience for me.  I have been inspired, developed new techniques, and learned so much from my peers.

It has really encouraged me to develop my work further, and not to be scared of trying something new.

It has also helped me to enhance my Commission Work and be more inventive with my designs, and I hope that it shows in my recent work.

Words Of Wisdom

If you have been tempted to try a new skill, but your self doubt has stopped you, I would like to encourage you to ignore it and GO for it!!!  What have you got to lose?  

It might not work the first time, hell, most things don't, but practising and practising will help it to become great.  Ignore self doubt, ignore those people who don't believe you can do it, and prove them all wrong.  If it is something you want bad enough, you'll do it.  

You CAN do it.  Give it a try, and most of all - ENJOY!

I'm so happy I joined Ace, as it has given me the chance to ignore my self doubt and be a little more adventurous. 

Please join us on Facebook for our next theme 'Rainbows and Butterflies'

Here's a sneak peek of my Work in Progress

Thank you for reading.  If you have any comments, I's love to hear them, perhaps, you have tried something new and would like to share your experience?

Happy Stitching (and painting and drawing and knitting and baking and designing and.......)

Much Love

Michelle

xxx

Fabric Addict

Oh me oh my!!

I have had such a busy few months since I last wrote (September, can you believe it?)

There have been sooo many commissions keeping me busy and quiet, that I just had no time to breathe, let alone sort out my fabric stash - and oh what a stash it was!!

So New Year, New Start

A reorganisation was well over due in the sewing studio, so I set to and pulled everything out.  I filled the dining room and some of the lounge 

(I have no idea where I had been keeping it all!)

I began to clean, which then lead to a fresh lick of paint (more on that in another blog)

Once finished, it was time to sort, organise and purge!!

First up was The Fabric Stash!

"Aaaaaaahhhhh" I hear you fellow fabric lovers shouting

Don't worry it didn't hurt, well a little, oh, who am I kidding, it hurt a lot, but now I see the end result, it was definitely worth the pain!!

It all began, with the sorting, from scraps I knew were too small to reuse, to larger pieces I knew in my heart, I will never use, and really didn't love.  These all were sorted into bags, here comes the purge - 2 full of bits and scraps for the bin, and 3 ready to take to the local Art College!  

Then my favourite bit, the organising!  

The larger and beautiful pieces first (after a little distraction from Pinterest looking for ideas of how best to store my fabric) I came across some boards you can wrap your fabric around.  As far as I can see they are only available from the US, but I will get the link and if I find them here in the UK I will add that link too.  I set to thinking of a 'here and now' instant solution, and Bingo a light bulb moment was struck!!

Here's what I did:

First I Pressed, then let it cool.

I then folded the fabric to the size I was happy with.

And sourced some card from my stash.

Next I placed to sheets of card (it was a little thin) onto the freshly pressed fabric

I left a little fabric to one edge, to enable me to fold it over, and taped that edge to the card with masking tape

Folding the fabric with the card, I rolled it over carefully until I reached the end.

Ensuring I did this neatly, so as not to crease my freshly pressed fabric.

Taped the end neatly and voila!!

Sorted fabrics into colours and designers.  Place on my desired shelf, then admired 

I'm so happy with the result.  If you try it, let me know, I'd love to see pics.  One day I'll get the folding boards, but this suits me for now.

Thank you for reading.

Happy Stitching (and folding) xxx

Wedding Fever

It's been a little while, since I last wrote.  But it has been a hive of activity though, with the School Holidays, and sewing on evenings - there has been no rest for the wicked, but it has been such fun.

Wedding Season, has been in full swing, and I have enjoyed creating some beautiful Bespoke Commissions, as gifts for the Bride and Groom on their Wedding Day.

 These, Handmade Personalised Wedding Hearts, have been created with a mix of Hand and Free-Motion Embroidery.

I love the colour choices, and the little bit of sparkle from the diamante.

See more hearts here

Introducing the New Horseshoe Design

I am super proud as to how this has turned out.  The brief was from the Brides Mum; a heart or a horseshoe, for a little Flower Girl to give to her Mummy on her Wedding Morning.  

Isn't that just a lovely thought?

I doodled a few sketches and came up with this Horseshoe/Heart combination.  It is very unique and can be adapted to suit any theme.  The colour scheme, you may notice, is the same as the heart above right.  This is because they were made to match.

On first completion

All finished and ready to gift

The beautiful Bride Sophie, holding both of her gifts

Next, was a slightly unusual brief for a Wedding Heart.

Apparently the Bride really loves Foxes and the Groom loves his many Trainers!!

So this commission was based with this in mind.  The Fox, Trainer and all of the wording has been Hand Embroidered, based on the colour scheme of the Wedding.

The Heart was slightly larger than usual, as Rebecca, has a collection of Hanging Hearts, and my customer wanted this one to stand out more.

Well I'm sure it does!

It was such a lovely piece to make

Also, my 7 year old daughter's teacher of this last year, and the teacher the year before, were getting married through the summer.  She loved both of them and loved being in their classes, and so wanted to make something for them.

She decided that as they were marrying in Italy, that she would draw a picture for them, and then asked if I would make it into a collage for them - how could I refuse?

She printed off the Castle that they were to be married in - in Italy - she then drew it alongside her teachers within a heart.  We chose the fabrics together and whilst I set to work sewing, she painted the frame to the colour she wanted.

Some beautiful Handmade Keepsakes to treasure, I hope you agree

Thank you for reading, I'd love to hear your comments
Find me on Facebook

Happy Stitching xx

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

DIY v Hand Crafted Skills

We've all done it haven't we?  We see something we like, look at the price tag, then think

 "I could do that"!!

But truth be known - can you really??

Take my bathroom for instance, we moved into our house in 2002, and not long after, the bathroom leaked, so we decided to refit the whole thing.  We both had good jobs and were able to afford good fixtures and fittings, so we purchased exactly what we wanted.  

We then had a couple of tradesmen round, to give us quotes on the work.  Mr C, didn't like those quotes and decided to do it himself.  Now to be fair, in our old house he had refitted the bathroom with the help of my dad and it was great, so I was pretty confident.

This time though, Mr C started well, but then as time went by, he lost interest, and things didn't quite go to plan.  I was incredibly disappointed, because I had had a vision, and my vision was of a high standard.  Unfortunately it took 2 years to complete the bathroom, and it was ok 

(yes, good, but not great).

We married in 2004 and received vouchers as gifts to refit our kitchen, during the refit, I found out I was expecting baby no 1.  Then, the bathroom leaked!!  So here we went again!!

Whilst pregnant, we also had the bathroom and kitchen in turmoil!!  Luckily the kitchen turned out well, but the bathroom needed redoing in preparations for baby! 

A couple of years past and another leak occurred, and then in 2010, 2 years after baby no 2 had arrived, DISASTER STRUCK!!

We had just decided to redecorate our lounge (do you see a pattern?) and just as we were getting started, yes, you guessed it, the bathroom leaked yet again!  This time it was worse, and had actually been leaking for some time, unbeknown to us.

It was worse this time, as the tiles needed to come off, but the plaster behind all came off too, and the room got worse.  Mr C did what he could, but his skills were minimal, I had just started my part time business, and we had 2 small children, money was tight, so we had to leave it in dismay until we could afford to finish it.

This is the only photo I dare show you of before :(

As you can see, we were left with Breeze Block walls - so not what you want in the room you use to get clean!!

The room remained like this for 4 whole years, as the economy had changed, and things were tighter than ever.

This year however, things are beginning to brighten up. :)

This is how my bathroom looked yesterday, and today, tiles are being put on the walls - by a Tradesman!!

The moral of the story:

Expensive lesson!!

If we had paid out for a Tradesman in the first place, we would still have the original bathroom, to the standard that we really wanted.  I will update you in my blog of the finished bathroom.

So now, what does this have to do with sewing or crafting?? 

Well, if you sew, or craft, how many times, have you designed something, sourced the highest quality of components, then spent hours creating your design, with such love and care, only for someone to say "That's too expensive, I can't wait that long to have one made, I will make one myself, or get Joe Bloggs to, as they are cheaper"!!?

Hurts doesn't it?

Or

Do you look at lots of hand crafted items and think they are over charged for what they are and that you or a friend can recreate them, for half the cost, only for it to come out, not as great as the one you saw in the first place?

This is because:

Professional

Trades People, Crafts People, Crafters, Artists, Sewists etc

They all spend a lot of time and money learning and perfecting their SKILL.  They do their job day in and day out and gain lots of experience in their field (as with any profession).  

They spend hours designing and preparing ideas, sourcing the best materials to create their vision, and usually they do this because they absolutely love what they do, they have passion, and want to create the best of the best item for the customer to love.  

Please bear the Experienced Skilled Person in mind, next time you see something you think you could make or do yourself.  *Editted to say, I am not against trying something new, but just consider the professional and consider whether you really can make/create something to the spec you see in front of you.  And please also be aware that if you are wanting to make things to sell, please do not copy.

We learned the hard way, that we weren't capable, but tried.  

Trying is good, but getting it right is better.

Michelle Corbin Design

 Maker of all things to treasure, from Keepsakes to Soft Furnishings

Happy Stitching

Michelle xx