Crafting by Steph was running as a hobby for over 3 years and, in September 2019, became a formal business offering craft workshops with mental health and wellbeing in mind, and selling handmade/hand decorated items at craft fairs, shops and through this website.
Why did I choose this strapline for my business?
It is a well-known fact that crafting helps people to relax and provide positive time away from the stresses and strains of everyday life and, more recently, it has been proved that learning a new craft and crafting where patterns or charts are read can help to stave off dementia by keeping the mind active.
It has helped me stay sane on several occasions, so don’t feel guilty about taking time out to craft, you are keeping your mind healthy. See my blog, Crafty Chat.
The workshops are currently run regularly in South Somerset and North Dorset. Currently crochet seems to be the most popular craft, but they can cover a range of different crafts including needle felting, knitting, mixed media art, macramé and more. They are run by a qualified teacher with a wide range of experience and a range of learning strategies to help those who find learning new skills difficult. All workshops are small groups, to ensure that everyone taking part has a fair amount of tutor attention, giving a positive experience with the best chance of learning. Materials and equipment are included in the price unless otherwise mentioned There may also be an opportunity to purchase further materials to take home. See the Events page to find out more and get in touch, if you don’t see what you want.
Other activities are also available, such as crafting in your own home with friends, craft parties (e.g. hen parties or children over 10 years old), care homes (experience with elderly, dementia and learning difficulties) or any other group for one off or regular craft sessions. Contact Crafting by Steph to discuss requirements and cost
I have been an avid crafter from a very early age, having been taught to knit by my mother and crochet by my grandmother. By the age of 6, I was making clothes for my dolls. Since then, I have been accruing a variety of craft skills and continue to do so.
I am a qualified teacher of English and Maths and specialised in teaching learning difficulties for 16 years before becoming self employed. I often used my craft skills to improve understanding or reinforce learning of English and Maths with my students. I also have experience with children and older people, including those with dementia. I volunteered at a memory café, running craft activities and my father had Alzheimer’s in the last few years of his life.
I support charities whenever I can, sourcing most of my upcycled projects from charity shops, which also enables me to keep my prices down. I have a charity each year that I raise funds for. These charities are either local or have some more personal meaning to me. I am currently creating a web page with more information. In the meantime, if you are involved with a UK registered charity that may like my support, please feel free to contact me.
I love learning and take every opportunity to learn new skills from other craft tutors. Most recently, I have enjoyed, intend to continue, learning about making jewellery with silver clay.
