Fun, quirky, stylish and simple cards

Random Facts About You?

Winter is my favourite season; I hate being hot!

I love trying new crafts and am currently experimenting with buttons.

I hate being told how to do things, I'd rather figure it out for myself.

All crafty people seem to be able to knit, but I've never got the hang of it. I'm much happier with a sheet of paper and some double sided tape!

What got you started crafting?

I had some time on my hands after I finished university and decided to take up a new hobby. Driven by the high prices of greetings cards and a dislike of shopping, I started making my own birthday cards. I guess I've always been quite creative, making anything and everything out of cereal packets and toilet rolls as a child, but this was the first time I did any proper crafting. I love it and have never looked back.

What is your source of inspiration?

I like trying new ideas and often experiment with new designs. I draw things up on my computer, cut and stick, change the shapes and colours and have a play around. I'm actually quite inspired by a blank canvas and the freedom of being able to do whatever I want. A lot of my designs are very simple, but I try to use interesting materials with different depths and textures. And I love being able to use things that were destined for the bin (they're free!), so I often get quite excited by a bit of salvaged packaging that I think I can use!

What have you made recently?

I've recently started using polymer clay to create my own embellishments for my cards. It's great as I don't like to use much at all that has been designed or made by someone else, I like to start from scratch. One of my favourite designs is a birthday card with a rectangular slab of turquoise. I stamped into the clay whilst it was soft, so the word birthday is indented as well as being inked. I was just playing around to see what would happen if I stuck things into the clay and it worked! I love this card because each one is slightly different and they have quite a handmade feel about them, rather than look a bit too mass produced.

Where do you sell your crafts presently?

I sell my cards and stationery online through Folksy. And offline I sell locally and to friends and family.

Why are handmade crafts important to you?

Because it's different. People who know me will tell you that I'm not one for following trends and going with what everyone else likes. I like finding things that are distinct and I'm much more likely to find something I like in the handmade market, because things can be produced in small batches rather than needing to appeal to the mass market to be cost effective. And it's very easy to find sellers who will personalise an item especially for you.

Find Me

Location
Hull, England

Email Address
Laura Pyke

Personal Website
http://www.sayitsays.blogspot.co.uk/

Store Website
http://folksy.com/shops/sayit

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/sayitonline