Meet Me!

I can't settle to rest today, lots of ideas and issues in my head so thought I would do a meet me page to go with the others I have posted.

What is your craft?

I like doing all sorts of craft and don't focus on one in particular, I'm sure it would be easier if I just did one thing.  The main things I do are card making, quilting, knitting and beading.  I am strictly amateur league at them all.  I also cross stitch occasionally and like to try out new crafts if I can understand them or get someone to help me.  I used to work with children so have an interest in children's crafts, the messier the better as long as I don't have to do the clearing up!!

How did you get started and when?

My grandma and mum taught me to knit when I was at junior school and I knitted from then on.  Over the years I learned cross stitch and simple machine sewing.  I got into card making just over 10 years ago, mainly to use up bits and bobs that I had around, but it kind of went mad and I started to buy products and make more cards.  I set up my website Crafty Jane's to sell the cards and take orders for personalised cards.  Well actually my husband set up the website, I am not that technically minded.

Do you have a business name?  What is it and how did you choose it?

My website is called Crafty Jane's, not very imaginative really.  I have thought of changing it, but as I own the domain name that is still what the URL would be, so not worth changing.  My blog is called Crafting with ME a play on words as I have ME/CFS. 

What is your favourite part of your craft?

Finally finishing something.

What is your least favourite part?

Tidying up and never having enough time or energy.

Do you have a favourite thing that you make?  Do you have a picture of it?

My favourite thing at the moment is the stitched cards I make, using patterns from sites like Stitching Cards, Ann's Papercraft, Form a Lines

I was also very impressed that I managed to make a quilt, there is a mistake in it, but I don't think it's too obvious.

I think this necklace has to be the most impressive thing I have made, but I have never worn it as the ends are sharp so its uncomfortable to wear :(

I have to say I am impressed with the way this necklace turned out and I actually have a picture of me wearing it!

Do you have a website or Facebook page?  If so what is the URL?

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My website is http://www.craftyjanes.co.uk/ Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/jane.singleton.775 and Pinterest is http://www.pinterest.com/emilysmummy/

Do you sell your makes?  If so, how and where?

I don't sell things now as I don't have a lot of time to make things.  I stopped making and selling when Emily was born in Feb 2007 and crafting took a back seat.  I am trying to get back into things, but its very slow and a struggle to make the things I want for my own use let alone anyone else's.  I cannot sell the stitched cards as the patterns are copyrighted.  I do occasionally make things for friends and family to give if they have a request.  I would like to make and sell a few things to make some money back on the things I buy, but it outs me under too much pressure, but I would consider occasional requests.  I think crafting and making has come a long way and I am not able to keep up with the techniques and ever more complicated designs, so don't really feel that there would be much call for my things anyway.

What is your favourite craft product?

My bone folder for creasing cards and my paper trimmer, could not manage without them.  Double sided tape is fantastic.

What is your favourite craft supplier?

There are so many and I have a huge page of links when it is all uploaded.  I think the most impressive place has to be Patchwork Garden in Sheffield

Personal Details

Jane Shaw

Age 42 (nearly 43!!!)

Location Leeds UK