Crafting Archives - DIY Arts and Crafts

Are you ready to unleash your creativity and take your crafting projects to the next level? If so, it’s time to get acquainted with Cricut! In this guide, we will walk you through the process of getting started with Cricut and provide you with essential tips, techniques, and information to make the most of this versatile crafting tool.

Introduction

Crafting has always been a popular way to express creativity, and with the advent of technology, new tools have emerged to make the process even more exciting and efficient. Cricut is a cutting-edge machine that has revolutionized the world of crafting. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, Cricut offers endless possibilities to bring your ideas to life.

What is Cricut?

Cricut is a brand that produces electronic cutting machines designed for various crafting purposes. These machines utilize precision blades to cut a wide range of materials, including paper, vinyl, fabric, and even thin wood. What sets Cricut apart is its integration with technology, as it allows you to control the cutting process using computer software and design files.

Types of Cricut Machines

Before diving into the world of Cricut crafting, it’s important to understand the different types of Cricut machines available. Currently, there are three main models: Cricut Joy, Cricut Explore Air 2, and Cricut Maker. Each machine has its unique features and capabilities, catering to different crafting needs and skill levels.

Cricut Joy: The smallest and most portable option, perfect for quick and small-scale projects.
Cricut Explore Air 2: A versatile machine suitable for a wide range of materials and projects.
Cricut Maker: The ultimate powerhouse, capable of handling intricate designs and cutting thicker materials.

Getting to Know Your Cricut Machine

Once you’ve chosen the Cricut machine that suits your needs, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its components and functions. This includes understanding the buttons, ports, and basic setup requirements. Additionally, you should learn about the different tools and accessories that can enhance your crafting experience.

Essential Tools and Materials

To make the most of your Cricut machine, it’s crucial to have the right tools and materials at hand. From various cutting blades to different types of mats and materials, having a well-stocked crafting arsenal will enable you to explore a wide range of creative projects. We will delve into the essential tools and materials you should consider for your Cricut crafting endeavors.

Setting Up Your Cricut Machine

Setting up your Cricut machine properly is the first step towards an exciting crafting journey. This includes unpacking and assembling the machine, connecting it to your computer or mobile device, and installing the necessary software. We will provide you with a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth setup process.

Exploring Cricut Design Space

Cricut Design Space is the software platform that powers your Cricut machine. It’s where you will create and edit your designs, select materials, and send instructions to the machine for cutting. We will explore the features and functionalities of Cricut Design Space, empowering you to navigate the software with ease.

Creating Your First Project

Now that you have a solid foundation in using Cricut, it’s time to dive into your first project. We will guide you through the process of selecting a design, preparing materials, and cutting your project using your Cricut machine. Get ready to witness your creativity come to life!

Understanding Cricut Mat and Materials

Cricut machines rely on mats to hold the materials in place during the cutting process. Different materials require different types of mats, and understanding the appropriate mat and material combinations is crucial for achieving precise and clean cuts. We will discuss the various mats and materials available and offer tips on selecting the right combination.

Tips and Tricks for Successful Cricut Crafting

To take your Cricut crafting to the next level, it’s helpful to have some insider tips and tricks up your sleeve. We will share valuable insights that will enhance your workflow, improve the quality of your projects, and save you time and frustration along the way. From designing tips to cutting techniques, get ready to elevate your crafting game.

Advanced Techniques and Features

Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to explore the advanced techniques and features offered by Cricut. This includes working with specialized materials, utilizing the machine’s drawing and scoring capabilities, and incorporating other craft mediums into your projects. We will inspire you with creative ideas and provide guidance on expanding your crafting horizons.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Like any technology, Cricut machines may encounter occasional hiccups. We will address common issues you may come across during your crafting journey and provide troubleshooting tips to help you overcome them. From connectivity problems to cutting errors, we’ve got you covered.

Cricut for Business and Personal Use

Cricut is not only a tool for personal crafting projects but also a valuable asset for businesses in the creative industry. We will explore the applications of Cricut in different business settings, including personalized gifts, event decorations, and small-scale production. Whether you’re a hobbyist or an entrepreneur, Cricut can help you unleash your creativity and turn your passion into profit.

Maintenance and Care for Your Cricut Machine

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Cricut machine, proper maintenance and care are essential. We will provide you with guidelines on cleaning, storing, and troubleshooting routine maintenance tasks. By following these tips, you can keep your Cricut machine in top shape for years to come.

Conclusion

Congratulations on embarking on your Cricut crafting journey! In this article, we have covered the fundamentals of getting started with Cricut, from understanding the different machine models to exploring the tools, materials, and software. We hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and inspiration to create beautiful and intricate projects using your Cricut machine. For more, make sure you visit Printiverse.

FAQs

1. Can I use my own designs with Cricut? Absolutely! Cricut allows you to upload your own designs and even convert hand-drawn sketches into cutting files.
2. What materials can I cut with Cricut? Cricut can cut a wide range of materials, including paper, vinyl, fabric, leather, and even balsa wood.
3. Is Cricut difficult to learn for beginners? While there is a learning curve, Cricut provides user-friendly software and extensive online resources to support beginners in their crafting journey.
4. Can I use Cricut without an internet connection? Cricut Design Space requires an internet connection for design creation and machine operation. However, once a design is loaded, you can cut without internet connectivity.
5. Can I use Cricut for iron-on and heat transfer projects? Yes, Cricut machines are compatible with iron-on and heat transfer vinyl, making it perfect for customizing clothing, accessories, and home decor.

Color theory is the science and art behind understanding the various properties of colors and their interactions. The use of colors plays an important role in various fields, including arts, crafts, design, marketing, and psychology. Understanding color theory is crucial for artists, designers, and crafts enthusiasts, as it helps them create aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing pieces of art.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding color theory in arts and crafts. We will discuss the principles of color theory, the color wheel, color schemes, and applications of color theory in various arts and crafts projects.

The Principles of Color Theory

The principles of color theory are based on the three elements of color: hue, value, and intensity. Hue refers to the pure color, such as red, blue, or yellow. Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color, while intensity refers to the brightness or dullness of a color.

Another important principle of color theory is color harmony, which is the visual balance of colors. Color harmony can be achieved through the use of color schemes, which are a combination of colors that are aesthetically pleasing and visually balanced. There are several color schemes, including monochromatic, complementary, analogous, and triadic color schemes.

The Color Wheel

The color wheel is a visual representation of the relationships between colors. It is based on the primary colors of red, blue, and yellow, which cannot be created by mixing other colors. Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors, while tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a secondary color. The color wheel can be divided into warm and cool colors. Warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, create a sense of energy and warmth, while cool colors, such as blue, green, and purple, create a sense of calmness and serenity.

The color wheel is an important tool for artists, designers, and crafts enthusiasts, as it helps them choose colors that are visually appealing and balanced.

Color Schemes

Color schemes are a combination of colors that are aesthetically pleasing and visually balanced. There are several color schemes that are commonly used in arts and crafts, including:

Monochromatic color scheme: A monochromatic color scheme uses shades, tints, and tones of a single color. This creates a harmonious and sophisticated look.
Complementary color scheme: A complementary color scheme uses colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple. This creates a bold and vibrant look.
Analogous color scheme: An analogous color scheme uses colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, such as blue, blue-green, and green. This creates a subtle and harmonious look.
Triadic color scheme: A triadic color scheme uses three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel, such as red, yellow, and blue. This creates a vibrant and balanced look that is bold yet harmonious.

The choice of color scheme depends on the desired effect and mood that the artist or crafter wishes to convey. For example, a monochromatic color scheme can be used to create a calming and serene atmosphere, while a complementary color scheme can be used to create a bold and vibrant look.

Applications of Color Theory in Arts and Crafts

Color theory has numerous applications in various fields, including arts and crafts. Artists, designers, and crafts enthusiasts use color theory to create aesthetically pleasing and visually balanced pieces of art. Some of the applications of color theory in arts and crafts include:

Painting: In painting, color theory is used to create harmonious color schemes and to mix colors to create new shades, tints, and tones.
Graphic Design: In graphic design, color theory is used to create visually appealing and effective designs for logos, websites, and other visual elements.
Fashion Design: In fashion design, color theory is used to create visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing color combinations for clothing and accessories.
Home Decor: In home decor, color theory is used to create harmonious and visually appealing color schemes for interior design and decoration.
Jewelry Making: In jewelry making, color theory is used to choose the right color combinations for beads, stones, and other materials used in creating jewelry.

Conclusion

Color theory is an essential part of arts and crafts. It helps artists, designers, and crafts enthusiasts create aesthetically pleasing and visually balanced pieces of art. By understanding the principles of color theory, the color wheel, color schemes, and applications of color theory in various fields, one can enhance their creative skills and create beautiful and meaningful pieces of art.

So whether you are a professional artist or crafter or just someone who loves to create, understanding color theory is a valuable tool that can help you take your art to the next level.

If you’re looking for a fun and easy craft project, sticker crafts may be just what you need! From decorating your laptop or phone case to creating unique wall art, stickers are a versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating your own sticker crafts, from selecting the right materials to putting the finishing touches on your project.

Materials Needed for Sticker Crafts

Before you get started, you’ll need to gather a few materials. Here are the basics:

Stickers

Choose stickers that suit your personal style and the project you have in mind. Stickers come in a variety of sizes and designs, so consider what you want to create before making a purchase.

Surface

Select a surface to decorate with your stickers. This could be a notebook, laptop, phone case, water bottle, or even a piece of cardboard or canvas if you’re making wall art.

Scissors

You may need to cut some of your stickers to fit your project or create a specific design.

Glue

If you’re using stickers on a surface that isn’t adhesive, you may need glue to ensure they stay in place.

Other Decorative Materials

Consider incorporating other decorative materials into your project, such as washi tape, markers, or paint.

Steps for Creating Sticker Crafts

Once you have your materials, it’s time to get started! Follow these steps to create your own unique sticker crafts:

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Before you start sticking your stickers onto your surface, plan out your design. Consider the placement and order of your stickers, as well as any other decorative materials you want to use. Sketch out your design on a piece of paper or use a digital design program to create a mockup.

Step 2: Prepare Your Surface

If you’re using stickers on a surface that isn’t adhesive, such as a canvas or cardboard, prepare the surface by applying a layer of glue or double-sided tape.

Step 3: Start Sticking

Carefully place your stickers onto your surface, following your planned design. Take your time to ensure that each sticker is straight and properly aligned.

Step 4: Add Other Decorative Materials

Once you have your stickers in place, consider adding other decorative materials to enhance your design. Use washi tape to create borders or frames around your stickers, or use paint or markers to add details or accents.

Step 5: Cut and Trim

If necessary, use scissors to cut and trim your stickers to fit your design or surface.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once you’re happy with your design, step back and assess any areas that may need additional touch-ups or adjustments. Make any final changes to ensure your design is perfect.

Tips for Creating Great Sticker Crafts

Here are a few tips to help you create the best possible sticker crafts:

Use High-Quality Stickers

Invest in high-quality stickers with a top company that will last and won’t peel or fade over time.

Experiment with Different Surfaces

Try using stickers on a variety of surfaces to see what works best for your project. You may find that certain surfaces are more receptive to stickers than others.

Consider Color and Contrast

Think about the colors and contrast in your design. A high-contrast design with bold colors may be more eye-catching than a more muted design.

Get Creative with Placement

Experiment with different sticker placements to create unique designs. Consider layering stickers or overlapping them for a more dynamic effect.

Wrapping Up

Creating your own sticker crafts is a fun and easy way to express your creativity and personalize your belongings. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to create unique and eye-catching designs that will make your projects stand out. Remember to have fun and experiment with different materials and techniques to find what works best for you. With a little creativity and patience, you’ll be creating amazing sticker crafts in no time!

FAQs

Can I use any type of sticker for my projects?

Yes, you can use any type of sticker as long as it suits your design and project.

Do I need special tools to create sticker crafts?

No, you only need basic tools such as scissors, glue, and a surface to decorate.

Can I create sticker crafts with children?

Yes, sticker crafts are a great activity to do with children, as they are easy and fun.

Can I remove stickers from my surface once they are applied?

It depends on the type of sticker and surface. Some stickers may be easily removable, while others may leave residue or damage the surface.

Can I sell my sticker crafts?

Yes, you can sell your sticker crafts as long as they are your original designs and not infringing on any copyrights or trademarks.

One fun and easy DIY craft idea is to make your own picture frames using popsicle sticks. Popsicle sticks are inexpensive, readily available, and can be easily transformed into a variety of different crafts.

To make your own picture frame using popsicle sticks, you will need:

Popsicle sticks
Glue (craft glue or a hot glue gun)
Scissors
Paint or markers (optional)
A picture or photograph to frame

Instructions:

Begin by laying out the popsicle sticks in the desired shape for your frame. You can make a rectangular frame, a square frame, or even a heart-shaped frame.
Once you have the desired shape, use the glue to secure the sticks together. You can use either craft glue or a hot glue gun, depending on your preference.
Let the glue dry completely. This will take a few hours or overnight, depending on the type of glue you used.
Once the glue is dry, you can use scissors to trim the edges of the frame if needed. This will give your frame a more polished look.
Optional: You can paint or decorate the frame using markers or paint, to give it a personal touch.
Once the frame is dry and decorated, insert your picture or photograph into the frame, and it is ready to be displayed.

This is a fun and easy craft that can be done by anyone, regardless of their crafting experience. Popsicle sticks can be easily found in craft stores, and the project can be completed with just a few basic supplies. Not only is this craft inexpensive, but it also provides a great opportunity to get creative and personalize the frame to your liking. This DIY picture frame is a great way to display your favorite memories, and it can make a great gift for friends and family.

Another great aspect of this craft is that it is versatile, you can make different sizes and shapes of frames and also you can use different colors or decorating techniques, making each frame unique. This craft can be a fun activity to do with kids as well, as it allows them to be creative and learn about different shapes and colors.

In conclusion, making your own picture frame using popsicle sticks is a fun, easy, and inexpensive craft idea that anyone can do. It’s a great way to display your favorite memories, and it can make a great gift for friends and family. It’s a versatile craft that allows you to be creative, and you can make different sizes and shapes of frames. This craft can be a fun activity to do with kids as well, as it allows them to be creative and learn about different shapes and colors.

I’m personally not a big fan of price promotions for handmade products, for various reasons.

Firstly, discounting sends out a certain message about your products: I’ve got left over stock, it’s piled high, it’s all about the new season, this isn’t “the thing” any more.

Secondly, it hacks away at your profit margin, which may be slimmer than you would like to start with.

Thirdly, it sets a dangerous precedent – we have all been conditioned by retailers, and in particular online retailers, to wait for the next price promotion: there will always be another 15% off and free delivery around the corner, so why buy today?

Fourthly, you are hopefully working hard to demonstrate to your customers why a handmade product is worth a premium. We know you can’t compete on price with mass produced products, so you have to have a really strong added value proposition: your products are better, and therefore worth more, because of the detail, the quality, the uniqueness, and the heart and soul that you poured lovingly into their design and manufacture. That is why they are worth a premium, and your real customers will appreciate that.

So, for those reasons, I don’t recommend you build discounting and MASSIVE SUMMER MADNESS sales into your business strategy. (You weren’t going to, were you, I needn’t have worried.)

However, you are competing in the real world, against companies who do discount, in a market when it’s not easy to get people to part with their money, and you have a living to make. So what to do?

If you have stock that is ageing, seasonal, or failing to move for another reason, you may have to consider putting it on sale. Now might be a good time. People do love a bargain, and there is no doubt that discounting does stimulate sales. Stock that has been hanging around for months or even years is not good for your cash flow or your energy, so a cheeky discount may get things moving again.

On the subject of cash flow, this can be another good reason to hold a sale: if you can see funds starting to dry up, and are worrying where you will find the cash for the next month’s bills, emergency measures may be required. You may have to park your pride and profit predictions for a short while and use a sale to avert a cash crisis.

Don’t just hold a sale because everyone else is doing it. If you are happy with the level of business you are generating, then fine. But if you do feel under pressure financially, you can still hold a sale without losing your dignity or damaging your brand. All in the best possible taste.

Avoid falling into furniture warehouse speak: “MUST END SOON” and “PRICES SLASHED” are probably not on-brand, so make sure you communicate your sale to your customers in your usual tone of voice.

Think of clever ways to promote your discounts – perhaps you only offer them to your top customers as a thank you, thereby keeping them exclusive and creating goodwill among your most valuable audience. Rather than applying blanket discounts to everything, create some promotional bundles: three cushions for the price of two, or buy a necklace and get free earrings. These offers add value for your customers without feeling cheap.

Consider partnering with a magazine or blog to create a reader offer. Again, this gives an element of exclusivity, and can also promote your sale to a wider audience.

Finally, give people a clear timeframe for the offer. They need to know it’s not open ended. In other words: “MASSIVE SUMMER MADNESS MUST END SOON!”.

If you are running a sale, please feel free to post a link to your site in the comments box below. We will be covering pricing and selling in more detail on the Create a Craft Business e-Workshop, which starts 8th September.

It’s very likely that the energy you put into your business will ebb and flow over time, especially if it has been set up for the very purpose of providing balance, security and flexibility to your life. Nothing compares to the heady start-up phase, where you fall dizzily in love with your new venture, and pour an unreasonable amount of passion and time into making your dreams a reality.

But what happens later on, when the honeymoon period is over and you find your personal circumstances have changed: perhaps a baby comes along, you suffer a divorce or illness, or find yourself relocating? Luckily, by nature small, creative businesses are relatively easy to scale up or down (I know, I did it when my second baby came along and I was juggling two under 2s whilst trying to cope with health complications that left me feeling drained).

When your situation shifts again, as it will, and you find yourself ready to breathe new life into your work, how do you do this?

Dogs by Maggie Mumford

I spoke with Maggie Mumford, a talented artist who specializes in creating bespoke tiles and ceramics that feature her appealing designs. Maggie is facing this challenge right now, and has kindly shared her thoughts with us.

Maggie, you are refocusing on your business following a break – can you tell me a bit about that?

My business was pretty well established after 7 years, then I took some time out to be with my daughter, which turned out to be longer than I expected I would need. I was happy to take on work that came my way during this time, but without any proactive marketing, this obviously declined, and has left me feeling that I need to build things up all over again.

So what do you feel are the biggest challenges you are facing now?

Getting my name out there again; people forget so quickly! Also, fitting everything in with reduced working hours; I can’t work the hours I did before, so I am going to have to brush up my time management considerably!

What can you do to address these challenges? Do you know how and where to get help?

I have just taken somebody on part time to help me with PR, so she has been contacting the home magazines to get editorial again. I am also starting to do some advertising.

My daughter can spend some time in school clubs and day camps during the holidays, but I am also trying to keep the balance of spending time with her too. A universal problem for working mothers I expect.

I try to have a clear structure to my day – first thing after drop off and dog walk I check my emails and Facebook and then go straight into the studio. I have to be really disciplined and get in there for Woman’s Hour or I lose valuable painting time. If I start looking at “new pins you may be interested in” I’m doomed.

Love & Kisses by Maggie Mumford

Hopefully the advertising should not only attract new clients, but help you leverage editorial with those magazines too. And yes, I don’t think there is a solution to the working mum’s dilemma, so I try not to waste too much time searching for one! We all muddle through in the best way we can!

Have you set some goals for where would you like to be by the end of this year, and next year?

By the end of the year I would like to be somewhere near where I used to be with my workload but that may be a little ambitious. By the end of next year I definitely want that and more. I really miss juggling different projects and coming up with designs for bespoke clients, it feeds my creativity.

What are you most afraid of and is there anything you putting off doing?

I’m afraid that all of the above may not happen – I think I have lost a bit of confidence. I’m not putting off much – it’s all systems go!

Glad to hear you are feeling the fear and doing it anyway! Sounds like you are pretty fired up, which tells me this is the right time for you to be scaling things back up. What excites you most about the future of your business?

I’m excited about my new website – the designer was brilliant and I think he has done a great job. Also, I’m really enjoying the new designs that I have been working on. I have finally embraced Facebook and Pinterest and that has been a revelation, I’m surprised at how much I enjoy them. I’m happy and optimistic about the future and looking forward to “achieving” again and having a healthy bank balance.

Finally, what one small thing could you do today to make a difference to your business?

I could (will!) chase up the emails that I sent out last week and haven’t had replies for. Not much, but 1% everyday…

I think that’s more than 1%! Thank you so much for sharing your honest thoughts which I’m sure many readers will relate to and feel inspired by. I have no doubt that you will see things gather momentum quicker than you are expecting!

Visit Maggie’s Website and see her beautiful handmade tiles here: maggiemumford.com.

Thinking back to when I was running my own jewelry business, one of my happiest moments was peering into a heavy glass & polished wood display cabinet in the fashion accessories department of Liberty of London, and seeing my jewelry designs twinkling back at me. It wasn’t easy getting it there: it took approximately 18 months of cold-calling the buyer (a challenge in itself, as her answer machine was perma-on and perma-full) until I got an appointment, and I often think how different things would have been if I had given up after 3 months? 6 months? A year? (A valuable lesson in perseverance).

That was back in 2007, but nowadays there is a way to get in front of a buyer at Liberty that requires less terrier-like-tenacity. It’s called The Liberty Best of British Design Open Call and takes place every January.

It’s designed to discover and support new and emerging design talent, and having pre-registered, designers queue around the block to spend a few minutes presenting their products to some of the most influential buyers and industry experts in the UK. The lucky few will go on to receive orders and see their products appear in store.

Jewelry designer Kirsten Hendrich was at the 2014 Open Call a few weeks ago, and has kindly agreed to share her experiences with us here. If “selling to a department store” is on your list of things to do this year, I hope you will find her honest insights, clear sense of focus and enviable pragmatism as inspiring as I do.

Hi Kirsten, thanks for talking to me. Can you tell me a bit about your work, and where you currently sell it?

Elodea Pendant

I specialize in making handmade jewelry in silver, gold and platinum, inspired by natural forms such as pondweed, dandelions and tree bark. At the moment I am focusing on selling at craft and trade shows such as Desire, which is based in Winchester, and also at RHS Wisley in Surrey. I also sell through my own website kirstenhendrich.com.

Going forward, I would like develop my list of stockists and begin to really get my work out there in trusted galleries and shops over the course of 2014. I will be attending the British Craft Trade Fair in April, so I hope to meet potential stockists there.

So how did you hear about the Liberty Open Call and what made you decide to apply?

I heard about the Liberty Open Call event through Facebook. I had seen on Facebook and Twitter that a few other makers had attended the Open Call event in 2013, and decided that it was something worth pursuing. It seemed accessible to all and although I was a bit intimidated, I felt it was worth attending. Liberty also announces Open Call events on their social media networks so you can easily find out when they are next scheduled.

I decided to take the leap and register for the Open Call event in January 2014, mainly because of the well renowned reputation of Liberty. I visit Liberty often and love to explore the jewelry section. They stock a lot of jewelers I admire such as Alex Monroe and Monica Vinader and I can only dream of one day seeing my own designs within the historic walls of Liberty.

While I had no expectation to be accepted within the Open Call process through to the next stage of selection, I thought if anything it would be a great opportunity to meet professional buyers. Their buying team travels the world meeting a wide range of designers, so I felt their experience and knowledge could lead to some very valuable advice, and that they might be able to give me a few pointers or suggest ways in which to develop my collections or brand. I have never met with buyers before, so I was attending for the experience – the concept of pitching, speaking to professional buyers, and presenting my work in a formal manner, it’s a great opportunity to practice!

What was the process before you went – did Liberty give you much information on how to prepare?

Liberty publishes a section on their website about the Open Call event each year. It allows you to register for the next event and provides a short paragraph about the event itself. There is also a video which gives you an insight into the process on the day. I had no idea how formal the event would be; how I should present my designs and even what to wear. I was nervous about entering such a prestigious establishment and coming across as a complete beginner and harming my brand image, but the video really helped calm my nerves and helped me prepare.

So, once you were calm (!) how did you prepare and what did you take with you?

Billowing Dandelion Seed Pendant

Beforehand I Googled to see if other makers had been to the event and written about their experiences. I found a few designers had given an insight into what occurred on the day. I also received an email from Liberty after I registered, with a simple list of questions I might be asked (about pricing, delivery times, target customers and so on.) I decided to have all the information ready in mind to answer any questions, but I steered away from a formal pitch. I prepared one of each of my designs and price sheets giving the retail and wholesale prices of each design ready to pass onto the buyers.

Did you have a clear idea what outcome were you hoping for?

Realistically I really wanted feedback and someone with professional buying knowledge to steer me in the right direction and give me some advice: Was there something missing? Did I have enough within each collection? Did my design have a commercial appeal? I generally went seeking feedback in which to work from. I decided if I didn’t get in this year, I would simply return and try again.

All really useful stuff. So what happened on the day?

On the day I arrived at 8.30am; I wanted to get a place in the queue early. The queue had already started to build up outside the store, but as the doors opened at the back we all moved through quite quickly. We were led up the back staircase to the top floor where shop space had been cleared.

Once the queue reached the top of the winding wooden staircase, makers were separated into two halves, fashion or homeware. I was lead to the fashion seating area. Each maker signs in with the most appropriate buyer with the help of Liberty staff to guide you.

Within the fashion area there was a wide range of designers waiting for their turn to pitch and show off their wares, from children’s clothes, jewellery, scarves, accessories, hats and fashion garments to beauty products; it was buzzing with creativity.

There was a lot of competition, but still the environment was so supportive. It was a great opportunity to meet others and everybody was wishing each other luck and calming each other’s nerves, it wasn’t cutthroat at all.

I waited for about an hour and a half until I was called through to the adjoining room ready to meet the buyers. The room was a hive of activity. I was quickly called to meet Isobel and Sarah at one of the tables. There were other makers busily pitching their designs to other buyers. It was by no means an intimidating Dragons Den type of environment.

The pitch seemed to go really fast, I unpacked my designs and gave an introduction about the business, the designs and the inspiration behind them and Sarah and Isobel asked a few questions about my target audience and price points.

Their feedback was positive. They felt my designs were well made, unique and interesting and could have a place at Liberty. They told me they would pass my details on to the head buyer. I was thrilled!

That’s fantastic, well done! So how will you proceed from here?

I am really pleased with how the day went. Now I must chase up the head buyer to gain some feedback and hopefully arrange another meeting to show her my designs. If nothing comes of it, I will simply return next time and try again.

Thanks so much for speaking to me Kirsten, and you absolutely must let us know what happens next, we are all dying to hear how you get on.