I better introduce myself.... I'm Eliza, I live in Portsmouth and have a passion for traditional British crafts. I am a weaver by training and love the thought of making an item that will be used for many years to come. Needless to say I live in a two up two down with a growing family and don't have the space for a loom but my passion for traditionally handmade items continues. I enjoy encouraging and supporting others and the directory is an ideal space to do this. So how did it all start..
The birth of Portsmouth and South Downs Handmade Directory came shortly after the birth of my second son. I wanted to shop locally, handmade and sustainably for the Christmas period but due to the little fella it was hard to get out to local craft fairs.
I used Facebook as a tool for networking and occasionally selling craft myself so I knew there was a wealth of talent but found it impossible to access local pages. I realised that a directory would help local people find local businesses and would provide an alternative avenue to shop hand made.
The Portsmouth and South Downs Handmade Facebook page has been inundated with requests to join from the moment it was created. We have the privilege of adding an eclectic mix of makers daily from artists and illustrators to chain saw sculptors and lots in between. I am proud that larger businesses are also taking us seriously and asking to join the directory. Recently Karen from Okeapple agreed to co admin the page with me and the pace has quickened yet again!
The future vision for the page is developing and is quite exciting, face to face networking opportunities and marketing spots at local craft fairs to name a few.
Karen and I are not brave enough to put a photo of ourselves on here but we look forward to chatting and getting to know you in the months ahead.
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