Each month at The Home Crafters we spend some time with one of our crafters, getting to know them a little bit better, finding out more about their craft and sharing their story with you. This month we are going a little rogue and introducing you to our shop manager at the same time!
June 2023, our Maker of the Month is Sophie from The Chubby Hedgehog
Sophie began her journey with us as a seller waaaay back when… she became a regular volunteer and, when I (the business owner) upped-sticks to Swindon she became our very own shop manager!…
Here's her story: .
"Sophie, tell us a little bit more about you, how you started your craft and turned it into a business…"
I went to Aberystwyth University to study Fine Art and English Literature and graduated in 2017. As part of the final degree show I had to create business cards and that's where 'The Chubby Hedgehog' became an actual name and logo for me and my creations.
The name 'The Chubby Hedgehog' I have to give credit to my mum. It all started from a conversation when I was younger, I called her a 'Chubby Squirrel' and the quickest comeback she had was 'well you're a Chubby Hedgehog' and it just stuck. I was brought up in a creative household so arts and crafts have always been a hobby of mine.
When I moved to the area I was told about The Home Crafters and joined as a local crafter selling my cards with Kirsty. I also started to volunteer in the shop one morning a week so I could get to know the customers and get talking to them to see what sort of thing they were interested in buying. Having a place to sell my products definitely gave me the momentum to keep painting and coming up with new ideas for cards, as I could see first hand people enjoying and appreciating my work... such a buzz when I sell a card!
Every finished product will have my little logo on it somewhere big or small! I have a customised stamp so I'll spend some afternoons stamping a batch of labels ready for the months ahead.
“What is it you do?"
First and foremost I paint (mostly watercolour) but I will give most arts and crafts a go! I've always enjoyed drawing, cross stitch and basic hand sewing. Since working at The Home Crafters though I've also taken up Needle felting which I LOVE, Crochet, sewing (using a machine) and most recently Embroidery.
"But painting is your first love, tell us more?"
With painting I tend to stick to animals and landscapes/nature as my subject matters. I have pets so I tend to use them as my models, they don't really get a say in the matter. Trying to create fur textures is a challenge but I love it... time consuming but so worthwhile when it goes right!
Sometimes I'll decide to try and create an image using 2 colours only, other times I'll decide to make it as realistic as possible, or I'll try to make it into a more comic 'child-like' style. I have no set style as such I'm more of a see how I feel on the day as I'm sitting painting. Once finished, I usually scan the work and make tweaks in editing software then order them to be printed on cards to sell in the shop.
“When was the last time you learnt a new skill?"
Since I'm in the craft shop all day, everyday and surround by so many art and craft supplies, I can't help but try new things. I see new items and think 'ooo I need to give that a go' then a week later I've researched, bought the supplies and had a go at something.
The most recent projects are crocheting a massive rainbow blanket for myself, I've definitely seen improvement as I go which is good and I'm glad it's not all perfect as it shows my progress in the craft.
I'm also needle felting flowers and plants to sell in the shop which is experimental. There is no right or wrong with needle felting so every piece is coming out different at the moment... utterly unique pieces!
Then, like a true crafter, another craft project is Embroidery. It's fascinated me for a while, so I've learnt a lot and now have a craft workshop booked to run in the shop in June!
“You've got a range of talent! have you ever had any unusual requests from customers?"
The biggest project I've had to date was to needle felt the alphabet as a Christmas present for a little boy. It took me a month of evening craft sessions to complete trying to work around my day at work, other commissions and making things keep the stock in the shop topped up. Some of the letters were extremely intricate but to receive a video of the little boy opening the box on Christmas morning and seeing the reaction and love for them made it all worthwhile.
In contrast, the smallest thing I make to sell is felt Christmas trees which are perfect to hang on the tree. Small in size but quite time consuming and fiddly to put together.
"With managing the shop too, what does planning look like for you?”
I make lists and scribbles and more lists!
My trusty rainbow notepad comes most places with me and is full of 'to-do' lists. I also have checklists on my phone as well as all the 'Pinterest' boards full of projects and ideas I'm yet to have a go at. Work is creative and home life is creative.
Days off I'll spend the day taking my dog for a walk and then making something in the afternoon usually.
I don't tend to plan my art pieces, I'll just go for it and alter things as I go. Sketch, paint, paint a bit more, leave it a couple days then paint over what I've already done. Some pieces will finish and I'll love them, others don't work out and that's ok. I'll re-draw and give it another go, it's never a waste of my time
“Where do you craft?"
The Second Bedroom is where I have my desk set up and all my tools. Mug of paintbrushes, boxes of fabric, paint, ink, yarn, macrame cord etc. The big cutting mat is permanently on the desk and my little speaker is primed ready to play music. Luckily, it's a big desk so I can have 2 projects on the go at once.
In the evening I tend to sit on the sofa and do an easier craft as such where I can sit cross legged, and I don't have to concentrate too hard as my dog will usually fall asleep on my lap.
“So, what’s next for The Chubby Hedgehog?"
Hopefully I'll finish some paintings I started a year or so ago which will complete the 'farm' series of greetings cards. On one of my lists somewhere is a point to make some more felt brooches to sell too!
Coming into Summer I'm thinking of things for gardens and dare I say what to make for Christmas (so if anyone has any ideas let me know).
Personal project-wise I am determined to finish my crochet blanket which I started a year ago. So many things and not enough crafting time!
Not to mention all the craft workshops I have in my head to run in the shop this year!
“Any parting words of wisdom?"
Painting was just a hobby to me and taking the leap to sell my work at The Home Crafters has led to working in the shop full time and meeting so many local crafters and makers. If you make things don't be shy to get in contact with us, it would be great to get your makes in the shop.
If you are interested in starting a hobby business, are looking for an outlet for your handmade products and maybe would love to be featured as our next Maker of the Month please do get in touch with us either in store at our craft shop in Yate Shopping Centre or via our contact us page here. We would love to hear from you!
