TELFORD MUM LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESS

When a Telford couple were faced with an irritating wedding day dilemma, they had no idea their crafty solution would develop into a new business.

Emma Lloyd and partner Mackenzise Gearing both suffer from hay fever, and needed an alternative to fresh bridal flowers to prevent a sneezy service on their big day.

Keen crafter Emma came up with the idea of creating her own bouquet, bridesmaids’ flowers and buttonholes from fabric – all hand embroidered and embellished with gems, buttons and beads.

When she posted the results on Facebook, the overwhelmingly positive response she received from other people wanting similar gifts for themselves spurred her into action - and new business Felt Truly Fabulous was born.

Emma, a full-time mum of three from Randlay, said: “Mac and I didn’t want our wedding vows to be made through a handful of tissues, so we needed flowers that wouldn’t trigger our hay fever. We looked at artificial options, but nothing really appealed to us.

“As I spend a lot of time at home with the children, I decided to make my own posies and bouquets during the winter months. I am always sewing anyway, so it was just the next step in my obsession with all handcrafts.

“The response from friends on Facebook was really encouraging. Everyone said they had never seen anything like my bouquet and people began to ask for gifts for their friends and family.

“So, I set up my own brand – Felt Truly Fabulous – and cleared a workspace at home. Now every evening when Mac gets home, I get to work.”

Bridal flowers can incorporate personalised embroidered messages or special items of jewellery and each item is unique, hand stitched and made to order.

When launching the business, Emma also developed a range of small scented cushions that can be hung from a door handle, in the wardrobe or car. Each is decorated with hand embroidered felt flowers, buttons and beads and containing either dried lavender or scented beads.

As each item is made to order, scented hangers can be created in colour combinations to match the home interior and prices start from as little as £3.50.

“I can also make wedding invitations, special occasion cards and have even turned my hand to making unique tiaras,” said Emma. “I love to create beautiful things, and see how much pleasure they give to other people.

“Setting up my own business has been exciting and rewarding. Before the babies I always worked, and being at home with toddlers can be a bit isolating. Now it is great to make a living doing something I enjoy, I get to meet customers and I think it sets a good example to the children, to see mum being so positive about work.”

Examples of Emma’s work, and details of how to order, can be found at the Felt Truly Fabulous group on Facebook or by contacting ftfabulous@hotmail.co.uk or 07530-273835. She also has plans to offer her products through ‘at home’ parties and craft fairs.