Shop Talk :: Print for Love of Wood

This week we’re talking to Jaqui from Folksy shop Print for Love of Wood

Could you describe your shop?

Letterpress in a modern world. I use traditional skills and antique equipment to produce eco friendly cards and prints. It’s a labour of love inspired by a passion for trees, print, the smell of ink, vintage typography and an ever growing collection of wood type and vintage blocks.

Who does your Folksy shop appeal to?

People who love vintage, and typography geeks (like me)

Is this your day job?

I’m a freelance Graphic Designer, letterpress is an extension of my business and goes back to original route craft of graphic design. I’m also a full time degree student and mum to three boys so woking for myself allows me to work round my family.

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

Ever since I can remember I’ve been drawing and making anything and everything, my mum taught me to sew and my dad how to use a drill. I was brought up with a make do and mend attitude and my house if full of furniture that has once seen better days, I love the feeling of giving something new life and a new purpose.

Where do you promote your shop?

On my blogs Letterpress in the UK and www.printforloveofwood.blogspot.com also Facebook and Twitter. Letterpress in the UK was my first blog before I started my letterpress business and where I share hints, tips and lists of suppliers. I’m a great believer in sharing my process and helping others as we can all learn from each other.
I also do craft fairs and workshops where I take my small press along which proves really popular, especially with the kids.

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

Tailored workshops from my studio when I’ve finished my degree in June and a larger range of cards and prints. I’m also looking at new products on fabrics, lots of ideas in my notebooks just finding time to get them in motion. Building a website is one my to do list as I need to showcase commissioned prints.

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

If it wasn’t for Folksy wouldn’t be where I am now. I found out about my first craft fair through the forum which then led to a chain reaction of workshops in gallerys and colleges.
I was also contacted through Folksy by Your Home magazine which featured my Make Do and mend print in a full page photo shoot with a link to my Folksy shop of course!
Folksy is a great place to test the waters for your products as you have a broader target audience than craft fairs, good photos are a must and don’t under value your time I see too many wonderfully crafted products selling too cheap! Working by your self can be lonely so don’t be afraid to blog, I’m rubbish at writing but without my blog I would never have met such friendly creatives who inspire me no end.
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