This week we’re talking to Alison from Folksy shop Handprinted by A. Deegan

Could you describe your shop?

A printed cacophony of creatures chasing, leaping and fluttering their way across striking landscapes and seascapes.

Who does your Folksy shop appeal to?

Mmm we are told to know our market aren’t we but to be honest I couldn’t pin my buyers down to a particular demographic. Hopefully this means my shop had a pretty broad appeal.

Is this your day job?

I am an archaeologist by training and profession. Handprinted by A. Deegan is my secondary business.

Have you been into craft and the handmade lifestyle for long?

I’d always dabbled but lacked any real focus until after my son was born, then I began to appreciate the value of time and to use it a little more wisely. I started with painting and then got hooked on printmaking.

Where do you promote your shop?

I have a blog (http://handprinter.blogspot.com/) where I share my inspirations and work in progress, and links to new work in my Folksy shop. I am also on Twitter but I give Facebook a wide berth.

Do you have plans to expand your business in the future?

I’d love to supply my work to more shops and galleries, these places are helping to maintain a bit of diversity and independence in our increasingly homogenous towns and cities.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about opening up a shop here on Folksy?

Think carefully about your packaging, it doesn’t have to be expensive but it should reflect the same care and attention you have paid to creating the item you are sending. And be patient; don’t be disheartened if your sales are slow to start with.

We’d love to hear your comments!

Get in touch if you have an idea for an article you’d like to see on the Folksy Blog – hilary@folksy.co.uk