Not your normal shop…

So one of the best things I like about doing what I do is commissions. These are often far more work and stress to make than my normal pieces but are also a wonderful challenge and provide some lovely ideas for future pieces. The best thing about commissions though is that you are making something that will mean a lot to people.

I recently finished and sent off a piece made for a lovely lady who wanted to give her neighbour something to commemorate their cat who recently passed away. I worked from her initial idea and designed a personalised cat sitting in a moon looking up at a star. This is a design similar to some I have seen before so I knew the rough effect but I was so pleased I had just the perfect glass for it. I had a email a couple of days ago confirming they had given the piece to their neighbour and they all shared some (happy) tears as they loved it. I got a bit choked up myself when I read the email (no actual tears but nearly); I put a lot of time and effort into my pieces and to know it’s made a genuine impact for the better for someone really means so much. What’s also wonderful is that I think my customer realised this and took the time to thank me and make sure I knew it was appreciated.

I know not everyone can afford to go the extra and buy handmade, despite most crafters and artists basically labouring for free or far less than minimum wage. I know it’s that bit more effort to put in and not just popping down the high street. But you get unique. You get thoughtful. You get tailored. You get empathy. You get the extra mile.