How long have you been making your work and how did it all begin?
Strawberry Annie’s only began trading in July 2010, but before this I ran a fairy based business, part of which involved designing and making fairy wings and tutus. During the three years that I did this I was able to develop my skills and gain inspiration of how to improve my products.
What processes & techniques do you use in your work?
The majority of my products are fabric based, so I obviously work mainly through sewing. I have taught myself to sew, so I don’t necessarily go about my projects in a traditional way and I hate following paper patterns. The current fashion for instructions listed step by step, with lots of photographs are much better. Whenever possible I work without patterns as I much prefer this, and it makes the products unique to Strawberry Annie’s. I really hated sewing when I was younger so it has come as a great surprise to find that I really love it now and it is not as difficult as I originally thought.
What are you inspired by?
Gorgeous scrummy fabrics and ribbons in dazzling colours. Every time I look at my ribbon stash I want to make yet more bows. My tutus are inspired by the different colour combinations, that are nearly endless, and the sheer cuteness of each one, I love trying to make the tutus different from others that are available. I have worked hard to create my own style of sewn tutu, and have developed a tutu with a cotton funky waistband which I love.
Do you have a work space or studio? What is it like?
I am lucky enough to have my own room to create in. I would love to call it my studio but that sounds a little grand for my enterprise, I originally used our study so that name stuck but I have now taken over my oldest daughter’s bedroom (she blagged the dining room!) and it is now referred to as my workroom.
I painted it a blank white as I am prone to clutter and in my old study I couldn’t think straight as everywhere you looked there were fairy wings, half finished creations and bits and bobs. I am now trying so hard to keep it organised so I have space to work and to be inspired. I have to admit though it’s a losing battle!
Where can people buy your work?
My work can be purchased from my website www.strawberryannies.co.uk and I also have a folksy shop www.folksy.com/strawberryannies
How do you promote your work?
I have spent the summer trading at music festivals, and have handed a business card to every single person who has expressed an interest in my products and of course all my customers. I am now concentrating on using social media to promote Strawberry Annie’s to more people, I have set up a facebook page, a twitter account and of course I have my blog www.strawberryannies.blogspot.com
What goals do you have for the future?
* To wholesale my products to retail shops.
I have booked a stall at the Spring Fair, which is a massive trade fair at the NEC next February. At the moment I am putting a system in place which would allow me to do that properly, sorting out terms and conditions/retail packaging/finding the retailers etc.
* I also aim to increase sales via my online presence, to a viable level to pay myself a realistic wage.
What advice would you offer to someone thinking about turning their craft/art into a business?
Don’t be put off by the doubters…anyone can talk themselves out of it but if you have an idea and have an opportunity to try, than it’s worth a go.
A few of your favourites (just for fun)….
Colour: Purple
Animal: Dog (although I do have a soft spot for the Zebra)
Season: Summer definitely.
Person: I couldn’t pick one, it would have to be all three of my children and of course my husband.
Food: Cake… I’m loving the current trend for cupcakes.
Website: Well obviously mine but on a less self indulgent note, I visit loads of blogs and craft sites but I do really like http://vickislittleworld.blogspot.com/, it’s a lovely mix of craft, vintage finds and general day to day life.
Thank you for sharing your fun, vibrant and energetic work with us Kerry!
As well as her blog, website, and Folksy shop, Kerry can also be found on Twitter and Facebook. I hope you have enjoyed her photographs as much as I have!
I remember buying my little girl a purple tut when she was 2 and we couldn't get her out of it….there is something very magical about fairy tutus and I still have the pictures of her posing in it like she was a little princess. Lovely to read all about you Strawberry Annie xxx