Artist spotlight: Claire Hewie and her Scottish craft business, Enchanted Tweed

My name is Claire Hewie, a busy mum of 2, wife and part-time Practice Nurse and I live in the small but beautiful town of Kelso nestled in the Scottish Borders. I created Enchanted Tweed in early 2015.

My aim was to design magical gifts for the home that were handmade and unique. Initially the main seller was my Deluxe Fairy Doors and Needle felted gifts with the majority of customers located in the South of England and USA. I have now developed the business to offer new home interior accessories such as lampshades, cushions and clocks with the help of Needcraft!

Before setting up Enchanted Tweed I had years of trying different crafts such as jewellery making and creating fascinators but have always had a love of home interior design.

After a recent house move I was searching for special pieces to finish off our décor but couldn’t quite find what I was looking for and was introduced to Needcraft Lampshades Kits by my friend and owner of my local FABULOUS Craft shop, Beadelicious.

Great! This was my chance to add my personal touch to our brand new family home. After making a few for myself and showing to friends and family the orders started streaming in.

Since then Enchanted Tweed has been producing bespoke lampshades for customers privately and commercially, my inspiration being the British country side, but most importantly the fabric that I use NEEDS to be of high quality and I try to support British Designs where possible (my favourite is SCIONs Little Fox…he is sooo cute!).

I have a really positive feel about 2016 and aim to introduce my cushions and lampshades to my Etsy Page.

Here are a few of my main business tips!

Invest in a great photographer, they will make your products look even more amazing and will boost interest AND sales!
Follow your heart, if it feels right it probably is…GO FOR IT!
Don’t hurry your projects, a perfect product is made from lots of love, patience and practice
Don’t under sell yourself, have faith and confidence in your products
Face to face contact is paramount, it generates interest and rapport and people WILL remember you!
Don’t be afraid of social media… it works! It is your chance showcase your work to the world!