Who is Little Lids Siobhan

I am a mammy, a wife, a full time worker and a crafter. I guess I am a lot of things to a lot of people, but becoming a mother made me start my business. I originally started making items for Isobel when I was pregnant, I wanted her to have pretty things and not all shop bought.  Also I suffered from low blood pressure while I was pregnant and found myself bound to the couch at times. So from here a crafty business began.

I am a mammy to the gorgeous Isobel who is five and started school last year. She is the inspiration behind the hats and now is at the age where she has her own ideas and opinions and is only too happy to share them with me.

I am a wife, I married Barry in 2014 and we live in Mountmellick with Isobel. Even on my wedding day I had the personal touch using many items which I made myself including my own bouquet.

I also work full time in Laois County Council for the past 15 years. At present I work in the Environment Section, a lot of my work is with the Tidy Towns. I am lucky to be able to say I love that job, its very rewarding and it's nice to work with the Tidy Towns Groups and feel that I can make a difference.

And finally when I have any spare time between work, homework, lunches, dinners and other tasks, I LOVE to craft. From making things for Isobel and family, I have grown my craft into a business and am always looking for ways to expand. If you want to see some of my creations check out my Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/littlelidssiobhan

I can also be found on the following social media sites:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/littlelids1
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/littlelidssiobhan
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/littlelidssd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlelidssiobhan

Craft Fairs

There is great nerves and anticipation for Craft Fairs. Its a great time to showcase your work but can be nervewracking meeting new people and having them stand and examine your works. I have taken part in a few over the last few years and along the way I have picked up some tips which might help other crafters out.

As I make crochet items most of my fairs are Winter / Christmas period.

Promote:

• When booking ask the event organisers if they have any advertising budget and plans. I have gone to a few  fairs where the organisers had done no advertising or promotion of the event and I in return didn't even make enough money to cover the price of the stall.
• Create events on your page for the upcoming fairs and invite people. Make sure and let them know all the details and website / Facebook page if available.   https://www.facebook.com/littlelidssiobhan
• Promote yourself on selling pages / local pages for that area so people will know you are there.

Location Location:

• Is your event inside or outside, make sure and dress for the occasion and the weather. I find for outdoor fairs (which I usually do in around the Winter / Christmas period) that layers are best. That way if you get hot or cold you can work accordingly.
• Bring a spare pair of socks in your bag, they will help if you get cold or you can change during the day to freshen up. 
• Research the area if possible and ensure you have parking space and change for if it has to be paid for.

Essentials

• Scissors
• Markers
• Business Cards
• Sellotape
• Bags - I usually keep any shopping bags / gift bags I get during the year and reuse if anyone asks for a bag.
• Banner
• Chair / Stool
• Food / Snack and a drink
• A project to work on. I always try and make some items if it is quite. Also I find people like to see you at work and it helps engage them into your stall and products.
• an essential for me is a mirror for people to see the hats on themselves.

Don't :

• Don't chew gum, its just bad manners when people are speaking to you.
• Don't ever argue with a potential customer, even if you don't agree with their comments or opinion try end the conversation on a positive note. 
• Don't leave any litter or belongings behind when you leave.

Do:

• I know it can be a long day but I do find it better to be standing at your table. It is easier to see people and greet them.
• Say hello and interact with as many people as possible.
• Make sure you are clean and presentable, exercise hygiene where appropriate i.e handling food and money. 
• Say hello to other stall holders, swap business cards and later check on their website, facebook etc and make connections. That way you can build a network and help promote other businesses. You will also find out from other stall holders other events they have attended and if they were successful or not.
• I encourage people to try on my hats or feel the wool. I find its easier to make a sale with someone who is holding your item and engaged with your products.

Don't be afraid to give that personal touch or attention to detail, this is exactly what will make the difference and help boost your sales.

A Crafty Business

As with every little girl at some stage all those pretty dolls end up with their clothes lost or washed and shrunk, but thankfully I had my Nanny to crochet them their own little outfits and bonnets. I always thought they were so pretty and no one else’s dolls had them. Even then my little fashionista was bursting out of me.

Then there was the interest in my mam who makes beautiful bed spreads and does lacework as well but she never thought my patience would stick the crochet. So out of pure stubbornness and about 2 years of giving up and getting back at it, i produced a bag of granny squares to her one day to put together and low and behold my first bedspread was born.

Then more important stuff came along like playstations, boys, going out and it was put in the back of the press again. But on the news that I was going to have a beautiful little doll of my own, my idea of having her own blankets and hats and clothes came floating back so I got busy again. From there friends asked me to make items, then people who had received the items asked me to make more and my little business has grown from there.

I have often been told I could charge more or use other quality items. But as a parent and in the current economic climate, I like to think that I am being fair and leaving something affordable and to a standard that will last. Each item is handmade and where possible I like to keep items unique. When I don’t have the needle or glue gun in my hand, I can be found with a pencil sketching new designs or online doing some research. 

Now my own daughter who is only five is ever so eager to help out. While learning to crochet is taking time she is quite handy and happy with the pom pom maker. When her cousins come to play, they don't want to play with any of the toys they want to have a wool party. 

Autumn Time

The clocks are changing, the evenings are getting darker. Its time to get those Winter woolies out and wrap up. But there is no need to hibernate or hide just yet.

I am working on a range of  adult accessories which  as well as being functional are full of the colours of Autumn, you will be able to match your accessories with the Season at hand.

The selection of warm colours and wool will keep you toasty over the Winter period.

Check out my collection and as always I welcome comments and suggestions.