Category: Artisans blogs

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Autumn/Winter Collection – Felt and Fabric birds

Hand stitched-felt-and-fabric-birds-Autumn-winter-collection

As the season starts to turn, the vibrant colours of Autumn start to appear, the nights get longer and there is a freshness to the air.  I wanted to add a gorgeous new collection using some remnants of fabrics from other projects, and beautiful coloured felt. 

My new collection of hand crafted felt and fabric birds finished with hand embroidery, will help you to bring the beauty of the season indoors.

I have used rich wool felt blends in burgundy, burnt orange and midnight blue, paired with beautiful contrasting fabrics to create a new range to showcase the glory of the season, from Autumn into Winter.

Each little bird is individually hand stitched and embroidered with details of flowers and tiny berries to echo the fabric designs.  As there may be very slight variations in stitch placements, this makes each little bird unique.  Also, as I only have a small amount of some of the fabrics, and not sure if I can source more, some of these will be made in a limited number.

I think this collection makes a perfect addition to autumn decoration, hang them from a window, a door handle, on a dresser or mantlepiece.  They would look amazing on a rustic themed Christmas tree, or are an ideal thoughtful handcrafted gift.

See my full Autumn range here

 Autumn/Winter Archives – The British Craft House

Hand stitched-felt-and-fabric-birds-Autumn-winter-collection

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Handmade Resin Flower Jewellery

Blooming For Beauty: Handmade Resin Flower Jewellery

There’s something magical about capturing nature’s fleeting beauty and turning it into something you can cherish forever. That’s exactly what we do at Just Like Mildred—a mother-and-daughter team creating handmade resin jewellery that preserves real flowers in timeless pieces you can wear every day.

Real Flowers, Preserved in Resin

Each piece begins with carefully selected real flowers—delicate petals, tiny blossoms, and soft greenery—that we dry and prepare by hand. Using high-quality UV resin, we encapsulate these natural treasures so they stay vibrant, protected, and as beautiful as the day they were picked. No two pieces are ever alike, making each item truly one-of-a-kind

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Designed to Last

We know jewellery should be as durable as it is beautiful. That’s why we use stainless steel components in all our creations. Stainless steel is hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, and strong, ensuring your jewellery stays stunning for years to come. Whether it’s a pair of earrings, a pendant, or a bracelet, you can wear our designs with confidence every day.

Handmade With Heart

Behind every piece is a story of creativity, love, and connection. As a mother and daughter duo, crafting together is our way of blending generations—combining skill, imagination, and a shared love for nature. Every design is lovingly handmade, meaning what you wear is not just jewellery, but a piece of our family’s passion and artistry.

A Gift from Nature, Made Just for You

Our handmade resin flower jewellery makes for meaningful gifts—perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or simply treating yourself. Each design carries the charm of natural beauty, captured in a way that never fades.

🌸 Jewellery that blossoms forever. 🌸

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The Power of Positive Memories

Do you have items which you keep merely because of the positive memories they bring to mind?

Just as when something reminds us of a happening that caused us to feel pain, fear, sadness etc., we tend to re-experience those emotions in varying degrees.

In the same way, positive memories bring a feel-good factor.  

I worked for over 40 years as a psychologist in adult mental health. The one fact that I had to work hardest to instil in people was that increasing the daily feel-good vibes in small ways, is possibly the most important step towards feeling better overall.

Who hasn’t at some stage brought back some kind of souvenir or keepsake from a holiday in the hope that, when back home in the daily routine, a glimpse of it will remind them of the happy experience and lift their spirits?

I love to make detailed decorative items that will be brought out by the family at Christmas. I picture them diving into the storage boxes each December to rediscover their treasures. Items that may have already seen numerous Christmases are greeted again with the excitement of a visit from an old friend.  

It is hoped that these may become much treasured family heirlooms brought out each year to evoke good memories of other Christmases and add to them.

Any item that the brain experiences along with positive feelings will tend to re-evoke those feelings to some degree each time it’s encountered again. Any gift presented at a happy time will be a bringer of happy feelings to the recipient. The longer a gift lasts, the more good vibes it can bring.

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How I Learnt to Sew

 

One of the things I looked forward to on retiring from my day job was to be able to “make things” all day, every day.

Like many of my generation who didn’t have video games or even TV to watch as children, I was taught to knit and sew by my grandmother.

My first attempt at sewing was when I was only four years old. The next door neighbour had given my mother two blue cot blankets. I announced that I wanted to make a dressing gown from them for my younger sister.

My grandmother, very wisely as it turned out, said I should sew the sides first and cut it afterwards. She threaded me a needle and showed me where I needed to sew. After a couple of stitches I had a brainwave. Instead of taking numerous small stitches all up the side, it would be far quicker to just take one very long stitch – which I did. 

The error of my ways was pointed out to me at which point I decided that my sister didn’t need a new dressing gown after all.

Later at junior school we had sewing lessons from a spinster lady who epitomised thrift having lived through two world wars. We did all our sewing by hand and when we removed tacking stitches we were made to pull the tacking thread out in a single piece to re-use.

We made bloomers with run and fell seams when I was nine – all by hand. The leg openings were finished in shell-hemming. I don’t think I’ve ever shell-hemmed anything since – but I know how to do it should it ever be required!

I doubt any of us ever wore the knickers – I certainly didn’t.

The following year I made a dress for myself in green and brown check cotton – all by hand. Photo shows me wearing it at the beach.

In my teens I used to frequent jumble sales in our village. In those days there were no shops selling second hand designer clothes for people. The landed gentry would donate their unwanted dresses to the local jumble sales. Such garments usually provided ample fabric for me to create something fashionable.

I’m grateful to be able to work on something knowing it’s just what someone, somewhere wants to own themselves or give away with love.

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UKCA Marking for Soft Toys

UKCA toy safety marking showing with toy bags

I have been making toy bags for under fives for over ten years. When I started hardly any of those hand making and selling their wares at fairs and markets were aware of the law regarding toy safety. I have watched the craft world slowly wake up to the need for testing and thought a very basic outline about what it is might help explain what it entails.

All soft toys offered for sale in England, Scotland and Wales must be suitable from birth and carry the UKCA mark. This replaced the CE mark which we used before leaving the EU. (The rules for Northern Ireland are slightly different as are those for selling your toy elsewhere outside the UK). 

Toy components must have been tested for harmful chemicals and this can only be done in a laboratory which is very costly on a small scale. It is best, therefore, to choose materials for which you can already obtain a testing certificate for EN71-3 and Oeko-tex. This can sometimes be obtained from the manufacturer (if they test for it) or from becoming a member of an organisation such as that listed at the end).

Once you have your “safe” materials, you then have to design your toy to pass the physical tests. Now you become a torturer… You crush your toy, clamp it, hang a specific weight from its weakest parts, drop it from a height, torque twist it and, if it’s still in one piece, set fire to it and video it to calculate the burn rate. Should your victim survive all this unscathed it must go through it all again after a soaking in cold water. Since the fire test often makes the original sample unsuitable for further testing, its often easiesr to start with 2 sample items for each different model of your toy so you go through the process with one soaked (and dry) and a second, un-soaked sample item.

When all the testing is completed and assuming your little treasure passes all the tests, you have to attach a label bearing the UKCA mark, along with your address and the batch number, so the item can be traced back to source if needed. 

You finally create a Technical File specifying the shape, size, exact materials, construction method  used, etc. You also have to keep a record of who you sell the toy to (just a contact). Finally you sign and keep in your file, so it can be produced if requested by Trading Standards etc., the Declaration of Conformity. All this data must be kept for ten years.

This has been about soft toys. If you want more details about these or other types of toys I suggest you look at https://www.cemarking-handmadetoys.co.uk/ This is a non-profit collective that is a gold mine for all hand crafted toy makers, not just soft toys, who has guided me throughout. 

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The Benefits Of Natural Handmade Deodorant

 

Why Natural Handmade Deodorant Is the Switch Your Body Will Thank You For

In a world that’s finally embracing cleaner, simpler ingredients, your skincare routine is a great place to start—and what better product to rethink than your deodorant?

We often apply deodorant without a second thought, but conventional options are frequently packed with aluminum, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives that can disrupt your skin’s natural balance. That’s where natural handmade deodorant steps in—not just as an alternative, but as a better way forward for your body and the planet.

What Makes It “Natural”?

A truly natural deodorant skips the harsh chemicals in favor of skin-loving, plant-based ingredients like:

  • Arrowroot powder – absorbs moisture and keeps you feeling dry

  • Baking soda (or baking soda-free alternatives) – neutralizes odor naturally

  • Coconut oil & shea butter – nourish and soothe sensitive underarm skin

  • Essential oils – provide light, natural scents without synthetic fragrance

Every ingredient serves a purpose, and nothing is included that your skin doesn’t need.

The Handmade Difference

Handmade deodorant isn’t just about what’s inside—it’s about how it’s made. Small batches mean better quality control, freshness, and less waste. When deodorant is made by hand, there’s a level of care, intention, and sustainability that mass-produced products can’t match.

Plus, you’re often supporting small businesses, local artisans, and makers who are deeply passionate about wellness, sustainability, and ethical production.

Why Go Plastic-Free?

In addition to being good for your skin, many natural deodorants come in plastic-free, compostable packaging—so you’re doing your part to reduce waste with every swipe. Switching to a sustainable option is a small change that adds up over time, especially with products we use daily.

Will It Really Work?

Yes—and better than you might expect. While there may be a brief adjustment period as your body detoxes from conventional antiperspirants, most users report a noticeable improvement in skin health, odor control, and overall comfort within a couple of weeks.

The key is consistency—and finding the right formula for your skin type. Whether you’re drawn to herbal blends like clary sage and juniper, or fresh scents like grapefruit and sandalwood, there’s a natural deodorant out there for you.

Final Thoughts

Switching to a natural handmade deodorant is more than just a trend—it’s a commitment to self-care, sustainability, and simplicity. It’s about choosing what’s better for your body, supporting mindful craftsmanship, and reducing your environmental footprint—all in one easy daily habit.

Your underarms (and the Earth) will thank you.

 

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Why Choose Handcrafted Jewellery

Here at Relic, you will find handcrafted sustainable eco-conscious jewellery. We are a UK-based independent business. 

So, why should you choose to buy handcrafted artisanal pieces?

Special Pieces Made with Love, Intention, and Soul Purpose

At Relic, all pieces are hand-crafted with the utmost respect for the process. Each and every piece is unique and has its own vibration and energy. While creating these pieces, ceremony and ritual are used to create a reverent process with intention and love. These vibrations are then a part of the piece.

If you are ordering a Made to Order item and you would like to make a special request for a specific intention to be imbued with your piece during the making process, please get in touch on the contact page.

Ethical and Sustainable Considerations

In many ways, the process of designing and making a piece of jewellery is as crucial as the final product. Creating from start to finish fosters a deep connection to each piece through the creative process, and means that each element of the business can be tied together under the same core values. 

Put simply, big commercial sellers source factory or machine-made jewellery which does not have the quality, beauty, skill, or love that a handcrafted piece has. Often those items will not have been sourced fairly or equitably, and will have a detrimental impact on the planet. 

Designed and Made in the UK 

You’ll often see jewellery described as “designed in the UK” — but that usually means it’s made elsewhere, often in large factories overseas. At Relic, every piece is both designed and handcrafted in the UKusing traditional techniques and mindfully sourced materials. It’s a slower process, but it means fair pay, lower carbon footprints, and transparency from design to delivery. The result is jewellery that holds real depth and intention — not just in how it looks, but in how it’s made.

Quality and Value

Handcrafted jewellery will typically last much longer because of the quality of the materials and craftsmanship which went into making it, and will therefore keep its value.

The dedication to designing and making jewellery as an ancient craft results in timeless pieces of jewellery, crafted with precision and care. Precious metals and stones are carefully selected. 

Recycled Metals

The use of recycled metals helps protect the planet by decreasing the demand for new mining, and offering metals a chance to be cherished anew. 

Your Piece is Uniquely Yours

No one piece of handmade jewellery is ever truly the same as another, nor can it ever be ‘machine perfect’, and therein lies one of its most beautiful and inspiring aspects – the uniqueness and the human touch which you can only find in handcrafted pieces. 

By purchasing handmade jewellery, you are guaranteed something special. Even if a design is recreated, it will always be unique due to the creative process. It will be made with care, and love. 

Your Support is Genuinely Appreciated

You can be sure that there is so much gratitude for every purchase of a handmade item from any artisan, and whenever you support an independent business.

Thank you for valuing the craftsmanship of your jewellery and selecting ethical, sustainable, handcrafted pieces created to promote heart-centered living, to be cherished for years to come. 

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From breakdown to balance—with wood, resin, and two garden sheds.

Woodworking has always been in my blood. There’s something grounding about taking a piece of timber—natural, unpredictable, imperfect—and slowly shaping it into something beautiful and lasting. But it wasn’t until six years ago, after going through a breakdown, that I truly discovered how much I needed it.

During that difficult time, the only place I felt fully present—the only place the noise seemed to quiet—was in my shed.

No pressure. No expectations. Just me, my tools, and the gentle rhythm of making.

Over time, that simple act of creating gave me a way back to myself. A way to focus, reset, and breathe again. What started as a quiet form of therapy gradually became a passion. Then a habit. And eventually, a small venture I now proudly call The Humble Woodshed.

What I Make

From my two garden sheds on the outskirts of Gloucester, I handcraft wooden and resin pieces that celebrate natural beauty, honest materials, and simple design.

I make:

  • Wall and mantle clocks with resin accents

  • River coffee tables and side tables

  • Tealight holders and vases

  • Bookends, chopping boards, and more

Each item is unique—made slowly, thoughtfully, and by hand. I particularly love combining timber with coloured resin to create contrast and depth. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s character.

A Small Setup with a Big Story

I don’t run a factory or a production line. I work from two modest sheds, which means I can’t make enormous pieces—but I can make things for almost any room in a house or office. From playful décor to thoughtful gifts, everything is made with care and intention.

The Humble Woodshed isn’t just a name—it’s a nod to the place that brought me peace when I needed it most, and to the kind of work I believe in: honest, hands-on, and heartfelt.

Thank You for Stopping By

Whether you’ve discovered my work on The British Craft House, found me through my website, or just wandered in out of curiosity—thank you.

Your support helps keep my workshop going. But more than that, it helps me keep doing what I love: creating pieces that carry a story and might just find a place in yours.

If you’d like to explore my latest creations or ask about a custom piece, you can visit www.thehumblewoodshed.co.uk or drop me a message. I’d love to hear from you.

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5 Things I’ve Learnt From Teaching Creative Workshops

Three women sit together at a craft venue enjoying a bead weaving workshop

When I first began teaching bead weaving workshops, I expected it to be mostly about sharing a skill that I love.  But they’re so much more than that….they’re about slowing down and connecting with others.

Learning a new skill can be challenging at times, and some people arrive a little unsure about what they’ll manage to achieve during the workshop – Will they master it enough to be able to take something home with them? Will they enjoy the making process? Will the other people attending the workshop have more experience than they have?

So … what have I learnt??

1. Many people don’t see themselves as ‘creative’, but they are.  Creativity isn’t about perfection.  It’s about the joy of making something with your own hands.

2. My workshops offer rare time to slow down.  No screens, no rush, just quiet concentration.  It’s not just about the jewellery making.  The repetitive rhythm of bead weaving calms a busy mind – a reminder that slowing down and doing something for ourselves isn’t indulgent, it’s essential for our wellbeing.

3. I love watching people create something personal, choosing colours that remind them of something, or designs that hold meaning.  Every handmade piece made in my workshops carries a story, and it’s great to hear it!

4. There’s a special kind of ease that comes with creating side by side.  Even the groups may that seem quieter to begin with, end up chatting, laughing and encouraging each other.  Connection and community are so important, and what better way to meet and make new friends 🙂

5. I wanted to give back, so I chose to donate a percentage of proceeds from every workshop to the NSPCC, supporting the amazing work that they do in supporting vulnerable children and their families, a charity close to my heart.

If you’re in, or close to East Sussex, and think you’d like to try bead weaving, I’d love to hear from you – no experience necessary, just bring a pair of glasses if you need them (the beads are tiny!) and refreshments will be provided!

Tassia x

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In the company of plants

I’ve always felt drawn to herbs and plants. As a , we used to forage medicinal herbs for the pharmacy. I drank herbal tisanes my mum made for colds and coughs, and enjoyed the hearty vegetable soup my granny cooked whenever I felt poorly — it always gave me strength. As I got older, I became interested in the healing power of aromatherapy and started using herbs more in the kitchen. This year, I’ve gone deeper into foraging and also rekindled my love for jewellery design. Plants and nature have been such a big inspiration for both my illustrations and jewellery — they always spark something in me.