Category Archives: business woman

Supporting Other Creative Artisans – Sylvan Stories

Handmade Haven, Sylvan Stories Pyrographer, Hogwarts Crest, paint and dot work pyrographyI first met Claire at the school gate, when our boys went to the same school.  I love the style she uses…dot work…as it’s different to the normal pyrography you see.  The above was a gift for my 40th birthday a few years ago as she knows about my love for Harry Potter.  Then I’ve bought the House Stark plaque, the reindeer decoration, the flower plate and the absolutely gorgeous ivy bowl.

  • Handmade Haven, Sylvan Stories Pyrographer, House Stark, dot work pyrography
  • Handmade Haven, Sylvan Stories Pyrographer, Reindeer Christmas Decoration
  • Handmade Haven, Sylvan Stories Pyrographer, Floral Plate, dot work pyrography
  • Handmade Haven, Sylvan Stories, Pyrography, Ivy leaves, wooden bowl
  • Handmade Haven, Sylvan Stories, Pyrography, ivy leaves painted with dot work pyrography
  • Handmade Haven, Sylvan Stories, Pyrography, close up of the pyrography dot work

It seemed only natural that I would ask her if she’d like to collaborate on something for my business, so last year these gorgeous little wooden decorations were finished, and they now appear on the large gift sets.  The wood she used for these ones came from fallen branches and some re-purposed table legs.  Perfect!  Claire is still on maternity leave at the minute but if you’d like to take a look at her other work, you can find her here and here.

Handmade Haven, Sylvan Stories Pyrographer, Gift Set Decorations, Pamper Gift Set
Handmade Haven, Sylvan Stories Pyrographer, Gift Set Decorations, zero waste decorations
Handmade Haven, Sylvan Stories Pyrographer, Gift Set Decorations, Pamper Gift Set, natural gift sets, zero waste decorations

Supporting Other Creative Artisans – Sessa Ceramics

It’s hard work running your own little business, especially when you have a family and you make everything yourself, but it does make me incredibly proud (if a little grey-er sometimes!).  The one thing that I commission someone else to make are my gorgeous soap bowls.  I met Kjersti at a local craft fair a few years ago, where I’d been admiring the goodies on her stall.

Handmade Haven Shaving Bowl Pale Blue

She made a sample for me, we’ve tweaked it a couple of times in between, but she’s been supplying my shop ever since.  I love that as self-employed business women we are able to support each other in this way.  When you hear of so many small businesses struggling it is very heartening.

Handmade Haven, draining stoneware soap bowl.

She makes the cutest little animals… Pop over and say hello to her on her Facebook page.  She’s attends many local events in and around Hull if you’re ever about.