Mum's Who Make To Make Ends Meet Special Feature.

Today's special feature focuses on Mum's who make to make ends meet. The crafting world is made up of some very talented people from all walks of life; young, old, married, single, men and women, crafting does not discriminate! But out of all the groups there is an growing number of mums out there that are crafting as a way to make ends meet be it due to a family illnesses or disablities causing them to be both carer and breadwinner to their families or for those just wanting to pay for the little things in life including holidays and treats.


Many of these mum rely on word of mouth and friends of a friend to earn what they do, so here is our attempt to get the noticed by a wider range of people. You will find good quality, often overshadowing that of high street equivalents, handmade and unique goods for sale. 


We have a wonderful collection of businesses and their items to show you, so grab a brew and settle down for some great shopping!


Hair Accessories Boutique - Based In Ireland - Posts to the UK and Ireland

Used with permission from Hair Accessories Boutique

This is run by a stay at home mum of 4, who tired of spending a fortune of her daughters hair accessories decided to make her own and business took off! You will find a gorgeous collection of hair accessories, made with bright fabrics and a lot of care you are sure to find something you love. You can find a fully gallery of their work available on their facebook page. 
http://www.facebook.com/hairaccessoriesbowtique


Butterfly Candles and Soaps - Posts across the UK

Used with permission from Butterfly Candles and Soap

Looking for some time to yourselves? Candles and great smellies? Then look no further, here you will find an amazing collection of handmade candles and soap, made from quality ingredients and presented beautifully, you won't be disappointed with what you see. For a full gallery of their work please visit their website and facebook page.
http://www.butterflycandlesandsoaps.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Butterfly-Candles-and-Soaps/106239439442322

Clips & Glitz - Posts within the UK

Used with permission from Clips and Glitz

Mum of 2, she began making and selling hair accessories after being unable to find something different and unique to put in her little girls hair and the business grew into designing and making hair clips, headbands and bracelets for other people. If you are looking for cute designs made with quality fabrics then these are for you. You can even design your own hair band and clips for a more personalised touch. For a full gallery of their work visit their facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/ClipsAndGlitz

Happy Plants - Plants can be delivered around Swansea and Llanell everything else can be delivered across the UK.

Used with permission from Happy Plants.

After deciding to take a career break to look after her youngest at home this business has to pay for all the extras including day outs and school trips. They have a beautiful range of handmade candles, wooden giftware and of course plants. If you are looking for something unique and beautiful as a gift then look no further. For a full gallery of their work visit their website and facebook page.
http://vickyshappyplants.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/HappyPlants


Sok-tastik animalz - Posts within the UK

Used with permission from Sok-Tastik Animalz

A small family run business offering personalised sock animals. If you are looking for hand made unique gifts of the cuddly variety then look no further. These beautiful animals will be loved from the first day. They have a wide variety of materials to use so that you can request the perfect sock animal for you. For a full gallery of their work visit their facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sok-tastik-animalz/111757562233409

Della's Sweet Treats - Will be able to post within the UK

Used with permission from Della's Sweet Treats.

Setting up her business in the hope that she can stop working full time and be at home more, Della's Sweet Treats opens on the 15th June. If you have a sweet tooth, looking for a great gift or wanting to cater for a wedding or occasion and need wonder wedding favours then look no further, handmade using quality ingredients truffles, chocolates and more. For a sneak peek of what'll be on offer visit their facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/DellasSweetTreats


Gifts 4 The Family - Posts within the UK

Used with permission from Gifts 4 the Family.

Using the money made from sales this mum treats her kids and uses whatever's left to buy more materials. You will find nappy cakes, hampers and more here. They have such a great range your sure to find something you want, whether your looking for a gift to treat yourselves or to treat someone else you won't be disappointed. For a full gallery of their wares visit their facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gifts-4-The-Family/182143941823822


Little 'erberts - Posts within the UK

Used with permission from Little 'Erberts.

Any extra money made is a bonus to this mother of 4. If you are looking for unique children's clothing that have personality then look no further. You will find amazing, bright and cute clothing for your little ones. There are both girl and boy designs. For a full gallery of their range please visit their facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/littleerberts

Belladumpling - Posts within the UK

Used with permission from Belladumpling.

This stay at home mum uses the money made to subsidise her family's income in a financially tight economy. So if you are looking for handmade and personalised wooden home wares then these are for you. Suitable for children's rooms, wedding gifts, birthday's and more. You will find a full gallery of their work on their website and facebook page.
http://www.belladumpling.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Belladumpling/122514194493006


Hand Made Sparkle - Posts within the UK


If you are looking for jewellery making supplies at great prices then this is the place for you. They have a wide range of glass beads, charms, crystal beads and findings so you are sure to find something you like. You will also find a small collection of handmade jewellery for sale. For a full gallery of their wares please visit their facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-Made-Sparkle/147387301952501


Making rainbows. Sun catchers by Tracey - Posts within the UK


Do you love sun catchers? Then you will love these, gorgeous handmade sun catchers in a variety of designs, perfect for the summer, you are sure to find something you love. For a full gallery of their works visit their facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Making-rainbows-Sun-catchers-by-Tracey/199524506752813


Caroline's Creations - Posts within the UK

Used with permission from Caroline's Creations

This single mum needed extra income to supplement her 2 day jobs without working nights and decided to work from home making and selling fantastic handmade bath bombs and other great looking bath products. These make wonderful gifts and are great if you need a night in with yourself. For a full gallery of their work visit their website and facebook page.
http://www.carolines-creations.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carolines-Creations/168138703196382


Baby Name Pictures - Delivers worldwide

Used with permission from Baby Name Pictures

This mum has been making and selling products since her daughter was born.. 5 years ago! You will find a wonderful collection of handmade, hand painted individual pictures for children and babies. These make wonderful gifts that last. You will also find a wonderful collection of Wedding and Christening pictures too. For a full gallery of their work visit their website and facebook page.
http://www.babynamepictures.co.uk/index.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baby-Name-Pictures/139538419443416


There you have it, fantastic items made and sold by fantastic people. 


You can find all these and more on our facebook page and our website. If you love shopping then visit our page and see for yourselves what's on offer!
http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts
http://www.ourlocalcrafts.co.uk/
If you know someone who would be interested in this feature or others we publish please feel free to pass it along :)

Our Services

This is just a quick blog (if it's possible for me!) to let everyone know the services we offer, as we are growing quite rapidly now and my posts on the FB page are kind of getting lost :)


My aim is to get UK small businesses noticed, proving to everyone that small business is alive and kicking and in most instances 100% better quality than most high street retailers (Friendlier too!) therefore promoting our items and services and in return getting the sales we deserve.


Every day on our facebook page I hold special shout-outs for businesses in specific areas. Posting those showcased in our blog here and on our website, tweeting it and promoting them through my personal and own business pages. Our FB page is also where you can find up to date information on fetes and fairs in your area. We have plenty of people on there who advertise their available stalls and up and coming markets. 
It's also the place to go if you are looking for a specific item either custom made or pre made as we have quite a lot of businesses advertising and regularly using our page.


Our website is where you can find our business directories for both retail and services. It is also where you will be able to find information on reviewed products from both me and members of our community, this feature will be available from Wednesday 20th April.


The majority of our services are free including being added to our directories, however we do have a new paid service available this will include:

• Your business showcased, with a full write up of what you offer, where your based, prices, links, pictures and what special offers you have on if any.
• Advertised on our website, twitter page, blog and FB page.

This service costs £3.99

I can be contacted via our website or by emailing sales@yummyspirit.co.uk

http://www.ourlocalcrafts.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts

East of England Business Showcase

Today's showcase brings you fantastic businesses from all across the east of England. Have a look for yourselves what's available:


Cherished Heart Jewellery 
Based in Norwich you will find stunning unique personalised jewellery and keepsakes, including fingerprint jewellery. They make wonderful gifts and you are sure to find something you love, pop over to their page and see for yourselves. If you know someone who would be interested please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/cherishedheartjewellery


Hair Clips and Head Bands
Based in Skegness you will find handmade hair clips and hair bands at fantastic prices. Pop over to their page to see some of the cutest clips around and if you know someone who would love them please along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hair-Clips-and-Head-Bands/151721061559455


www.designershoesnotdesignerprices.co.uk
Based in Northumberland you will find a gorgeous collection of designer shoes at fantastic prices. If you love shoes then this is the place to go and if you someone else who loves shoes then please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/designershoesnotdesignerprices


Rosewood Flowers 
Based in Cambridge you will find a beautiful range of handmade wooden rose bouquets, table decorations and other stunning creations. Pop over to their page and see them for yourselves and if you know someone who would love them too please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rosewood-Flowers/148788755187014


My Little Paintpot 
Based in Suffolk you will find brilliant hand painted artwork for both adults and children. Canvasses can be personalised so if you are looking for something special pop over to their page and see if you can spot something you'd love, if you know someone who would enjoy their work too please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/mylittlepaintpot


Baby knits, bows and clips 
Based in Essex you will find a wonderful collection of hand made baby knits and cute hair bands. If you are looking for something special then pop over to their page and see what they have on offer and if you know someone who would be interested in their items please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baby-knits-bows-and-clips/200102796688859


Cupcake Crazy (Norwich) 
Based in Norwich you will find a beautiful (and tasty looking) range of bespoke cupcakes made to order from tiny cupcakes to the wonderful looking mega cupcake your sure to find what you want here. Pop by their page and see for yourselves what's on offer. If you know someone who would love these then please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cupcake-Crazy-Norwich/197968796888182


Pearlies 4 Girlies 
Based in Cambridge you will find a stunning collection of beautiful pearl jewellery for both young and old. They would make wonderful gifts so pop over to their page and see the range on offer. If you know someone who would be interested please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pearlies4girlies


Handcrafted - 'Especially for you'
Based in Milton Keynes you will find a brilliant range of handmade comforters, sock monkeys and cats and other hand sewn items. Pop over to their page to see what's on offer and if you know someone who would be interested please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Handcrafted-Especially-for-you/180170205363654


Zebra Print & Design - Darlington 
Based in the North East you will find a wide range of printed and graphic services from them including both businesses (Signs, Leaflets and More) and personal (Wall Art, T Shirts) Pop over to their page and see what they can do for you and if you know someone who would benefit from them please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zebra-Print-Design-Darlington/160973167256165


Lily Mai's Children's Boutique 
Based in Darlington you will find a wonderful collection of accessories and clothing for your little ones. Beautiful and bright you'll find something here that you'll want. Pop by their page and see for yourselves these adorable items and if you know some one who would love them too please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/LilyMaisChildrenBoutique


Cards and Candy 
Based in Cambridgeshire you will find some truly beautiful handmade cards and keepsake boxes. Well worth a look at their page to see for yourselves what they have to offer. If you know someone who would like their work please pass along their details and if you spot them at a craft fair make sure you grab yourselves a candy jar!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cards-and-Candy/122561844487663


Missy Lissy's Homemade Crafts (Sock monkeys, cooking, knitting and more) 
Based in Norfolk you will find a wonderful collection of sock animals, knitting and fudge! Everything to make a wonderful gift for someone. Pop over and take a look for yourselves what's on offer. If you know someone who would like any of these items please pass their details on.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Missy-Lissys-Homemade-Crafts-Sock-monkeys-cooking-knitting-and-more/185273468150831


LJ Creations
Based in the East Riding of Yorks you will find a great collection of handmade woolly items for all ages including hats (even hats with ears!) and great woollen gifts ideas perfect if you love handmade cute items. Pop by and take a look yourselves the items on offer and if you know some one who would love them please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/CreationsbyLJ


Butlers Financial Directors & Chartered Accountants 
Based in Essex you will find help and information regarding a variety of financial issues. Pop over to their page to see if they can help with your business and if you know someone who might benefit from them please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Butlers-Financial-Directors-Chartered-Accountants/165026080221527


BeaDevilish 
Based in Bedfordshire you will find stunning handmade jewellery that will make gorgeous gifts for either yourselves or others. Pop over to their page and see for yourselves what's on offer and if you know someone who would love their creations please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BeaDevilish/108350269244635


dilly dally 
Based in Cambridgeshire you will find a beautiful collection of handmade gifts and home accessories. Pop over to their page to see what they are offering, I'm sure you'll find something you adore. If you know someone who would love their work then please pass along their details.
http://www.facebook.com/dillydally2009


All these are fantastic businesses and I'm sure you be able to find something your interested in!


You can find all these and more over on our facebook page and our website.
http://www.facebook.com/OurLocalCrafts
http://www.ourlocalcrafts.co.uk/businessdirectory.html