Let Me Introduce....Naisy

This month, we seem to have had a bit of an 'interiors theme', with Old Farm Interiors featured at the beginning of the month, followed by today's fantastic small business feature.  Ladies and Gentlemen allow me to introduce, Naisy!

Naisy, a handmade interiors brand, is the alias of it's crafty creator Nai Lodge.  Her wonderfully bright and happy brand, named after her nickname since forever

(she loves Daisies - a wise choice), was born from a love of making cards for friends and family ever since she could pick up a pencil.  After some cajoling from impressed friends, including the lovely Vicky from This is Lullaby, and in her final year at Music college, Nai set to work on the sewing machine, creating some of the Naisy masterpieces she is selling today!

Just one look at Naisy's website, you can spot her main source of inspiration immediately.  Houses.  Lots of houses! Naomi uses collage and applique techniques to create cute, house-shaped decor such as these gorgeous keyrings and doorstops.  As a proud home-maker herself, Nai remains very inspired by her upbringing in the Cotswolds, where no two houses are the same to look at.  In Naisy's designs, the attention really is in the detail, she wants to provide something that will brighten up your home in a unique way.

If you live in and around the Manchester area, you may well have seen Naisy's goods at local craft markets, though you can find Nai on Etsy too.  Naisy's best sellers, at the moment, are these lovely handmade greetings cards; their simple sewn designs are really special.  Nai's favourite products to make are her custom embroidered house pictures; to order, you simply send a picture of the house in question and Nai does her thing to transform it into a beautiful replica.

  One of Naisy's real stand-out products, for me, is the 'New Home' gift pack - the customer can choose a card and house keyring to be sent to the new home owner's abode, with a personalised message.  These make perfect, unique gifts for friends and family and Naomi's even had lovely customer feedback, saying they had trouble parting with her lovely items.

As a start-up business, Nai's short term plans are to expand her collection with new product ideas and work with introducing a new technique she has mastered, free-motion embroidery.  She loves the thought of creating embroidered artwork to sit in the homes of many.  For now, Nai is happy building a customer base for Naisy and continuing to sell through her online shop and at local events.

In short, if you are looking for a unique or bespoke gift, Naisy's products are perfect for all occasions.  Everything has been created with such care and attention, that it seems as if a little bit of Nai's bright personality comes with her products!  Don't delay in taking a peek at what she has to offer today!

Why not follow Naisy on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest

Let Me Introduce...Old Farm Interiors

As you will know, I love to feature small independent businesses on Life is Peachy.  I think blogs are such a great platform to get up and coming brands out there and I think, as someone who has launched into the world of the self-employed herself, that it is really inspiring to hear successful start-up stories.  So I was absolutely delighted when I was contacted by Catherine Evans, owner of vintage and shabby chic interior brand, Old Farm Interiors.

Catherine finally realised her dream of running her own shop, after ten years working in Financial Services and, with the support of her wonderful boyfriend, began to piece the puzzle of a vintage and shabby chic inspired interior business together.  From sourcing products and brands to stock, to running her own blog about Old Farm Interiors, Catherine is not afraid of hard work to promote her brand and get her name out there.  

While vintage and shabby chic continues to be such huge business in the UK and beyond, Old Farm Interiors really sets itself apart from its competitors, by offering a very unique and personalised experience.  Though only online based, consumers have the benefit of Catherine being the overseer in each and every aspect of Old Farm; which makes for great shopping, great products and outstanding service, time and time again.  Old Farm's products also really reflect her own tastes, being a lover of beautiful vintage decor; she does have to compromise on the decoration in the home she shares with her boyfriend (don't we all).  Catherine does not believe you can sell something if you do not love it yourself, so each product is carefully handpicked to add to this beautiful brand.  Old Farm Interiors is not just a business to Catherine, but also a hobby and a passion, which is evident through her work, blog and relationship with customers.  Not to mention, Catherine's dedication to her business, means that she makes herself available to answer queries at any time of the day, you couldn't ask for much more from an online business.

Catherine admits that setting up her own business had its struggles along the way, but since quitting her job and soul-searching to find Old Farm, she has never looked back.  A glance at her website is nothing less than a real joy.  There is a strong 'nature' theme running through many of her products, which is a huge trend running into AW13; such as this amazing Otter Cushion by Magpie, that I absolutely LOVE and sits pride of place on my wicker chair in my lounge!  Everything for a vintage-inspired homemaker can be found here; from animal soft furnishings to shabby chic kitchen accessories, chalk-board garden accessories and gorgeous classic reclaimed oak furniture.  Prices are very reasonable and some of Catherine's best selling products include these gorgeous Pondlife cake tins and vintage milk churns, those pieces we purchase to make our homes that little bit unique.

Pondlife Cake Tins

Wildlife Nesting Tins

At the moment, Catherine's goal is to continue building her brand in the short term and develop an awareness of Old Farm Interiors and what it has to offer.  In the long-term, Catherine wants to continue to grow the business, but does not want to lose sight of the personal and unique service that she really prides herself on.  I can certainly see myself popping back for all my home decor needs in future - why not head over to her website and check out Old Farm Interiors for yourself?  I'm sure you won't be disappointed! 

Why not give Catherine a follow on Twitter, Facebook and my favourite time-waster Pinterest, to be kept up to date with the latest Old Farm happenings and new product lines!  I'm sure I'll be heading back over to kit my home out with some beautiful pieces before long!

Peachy Review: A Study of Rodology

A few months ago, I received an email from a somewhat intriguing man, who went by the name of 'Rodology'.  How could I NOT want to know more??!

A purveyor of all things photography, sculpture, quirky jewellery and art; all-round creative talent, Rodology is the 'stage name' of Roderick Barker-Benfield.  Just a glimpse at his Website, you are transported to a world revolving around a fascinating brand, creating wonderful and unique accessories, not to mention exquisite attention to detail, something Roderick prides himself on in his work as a freelance artist.

With a focus on his handmade jewellery, I absolutely loved Rodology's collection of brooches, pendants, cufflinks and earrings.  The designs, handmade from , are simple in shape, but really use the intricate work of cogs and timepiece 'innards' as their unique design feature. 

Mr Darcy Cufflinks from Rodology

Rodology's pieces would make perfect gifts for him or her - the 'Mr Darcy' cufflinks are a particular favourite of mine, a must-have for any dandy gentleman!  Yes, that's right too, Rodology's latest 'author collection' pieces are all named after famous literature heroes, in continued satisfaction of the 'romance' of the brand.  Having had his various forms of work regularly featured in such publications as The Guardian, I was thrilled when he sent me one of his creations; a 'Lady Emily' pendant.

The pendant itself is lightweight and subtle, with an intricate silver and gold watch design pendant - it fits perfectly with my penchant for vintage dresses and adds unique character to my otherwise (and often) accessory-less attire.   Pendant prices start at £15 and other items, such as the cufflinks, start at £30; they make perfect keepsake gifts and are sure to sit as real stand out pieces in any collection.

In short, if you are looking for something a little different alongside lovely craftsmanship, look no further than the fascinating work of Rodology.  If you're lucky enough to live in or around London, you can often catch him selling his beautiful wares at various craft markets; when he's not busy creating or riding around on his beloved motorbike!  

Having cracked the London craft market scene - Rod will be appearing at the following in the next couple of weeks, why not head down and speak to the man himself?

Wonderhill Market, Tooting

Crafty Fox Market, Brixton 

To be kept up to date with Rodology's latest news and collections; check out his Facebook, Twitter and, of course you can purchase online from his wonderful Website

Let Me Introduce: Vicky Davison

I'm forever in awe of some of the lovely designers and small business owners that I come across on Twitter.  Today's handbag designer is no exception.  Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce, Vicky Davison!

Graduating from Northumbria University in 2003 in Fashion, specialising in Textiles, it wasn't until Vicky became a full-time mum to twins a few years later, that she decided to pick up her needles again and start creating. Since 2008, Vicky has been slowly building up her collections and customer base, whilst juggling Motherhood and a part-time job.  Vicky Davison's creations are now in full swing and open for business!

By sticking with her fail-safe bag and purse designs, Vicky takes great care to create interesting new designs using gorgeous fabrics and often upcycled clothing.

You might find a trouser pocket on your bag or another quirky embellishment; either way, your bag from Vicky will be one of a kind!  And whilst she enjoys shopping around for gorgeous fabrics to use, Vicky works on each design individually to find the best use for each fabric.  She cites inspiration from almost anywhere, pretty much anything she comes into contact with on a day to day basis - from interior designs to art!  Just looking at some of her work, I love the slouchy totes and her use of layered fabrics is really exquisite!  Prices start at around £48 for a bag and around £33 for a purse or cosmetic bag - I've personally got my eye on her beautiful butterfly cosmetics bag for anyone who might be interested!

Of course, life as a Mother can be inspiration in itself, and Vicky's new cross-body bags were designed from her own findings as a mum of two, body bags always equal free hands - a must for any mum to young children. 

This design is something she is particularly proud of and she has worked hard to create simple but beneficial embellishments - inside zipped pockets and a magnetic clasp make this design safe and easy to use, for a mum in a hurry!

You can purchase Vicky's lovely designs from her FOLKSY shop.  Why not check out Vicky's work HERE

And don't forget to give her a follow on TWITTER

 

Let Me Introduce: Love Lammie

Issy Weekend Bag - Love Lammie

Fashion - we all love it, we all have our favourite eras.  I really resonate with the women's fashion of the 1940s - elegant, classic and figure-hugging.  And for many different reasons, today's featured business has taken a lot of inspiration from the same era.  Ladies and Gentlemen - allow me to introduce, Love Lammie.

Working as a designer for many high street stores, Love Lammie was the brainchild of owner Victoria, whose dream became a reality just before the birth of her first child.  Inspired by the use of oilcloth shopping bags in the 1940s and 1950s, plus the ecological benefits of oilcloth as a reusable material; Love Lammie began to produce lines of beautiful bags for everyday use.  What's more?  These gorgeous bags are produced right here, in the UK.

Love Lammie Bibs

Since its conception, Love Lammie has gone from strength to strength, from humble beginnings of Victoria designing, making and then selling at artisan fairs and markets; through to being stocked by several independent retailers.  Shortly after exhibiting at a few trade shows, Victoria realised that she could no longer keep up with the supply and demand of her bags, so they are now manufactured here in the UK, as the companie's success continues to grow.

Victoria cites her most popular products as her weekend bags, Signature Handbags (Love Lammie is launching a new design at the end of this month) and cosmetic bags - great for gifts.  What is so inspiring about Love Lammie, aside from the success Victoria has gained from her initial ideas, is that she approaches each aspect of Love Lammie with a positive attitude, accepting the good and bad of running a small business, with her designing skills just the tip of the iceberg of what needs to be done to run Love Lammie successfully.   If asked for advice about running a business?  Victoria says 'be prepared to learn and listen to all of your customers, but most of all, be open-minded'.

Love Lammie Large Cosmetic Bags

At the moment, Victoria is working hard on stamping her place as a popular lifestyle brand in the UK, though she does have longterm goals of taking Love Lammie worldwide.  She is very keen to continue working with her principles of promoting UK manufacturing and works tirelessly to design new products and ideas.  And when she's not too busy, Victoria loves nothing more than scouring antiques fairs and markets for new inspiration!

Why not take a look at Love Lammie's beautiful products HERE

Love Lammie is also on TWITTER - give her a follow to be kept up to date with the latest Love Lammie news!

EXCLUSIVE OFFER TO LIFE IS PEACHY READERS! Love Lammie is offering a wonderful 20% discount to all my lovely readers! Simply like Love Lammie's FACEBOOK page and tweet Love Lammie to let them know.  You will then be sent your code!  Definitely worth a like for some discount on these beautiful things! 

The Snoob Revolution

There is nothing like featuring a business that's pretty much hot off the press!  I love to use Life is Peachy as a platform for new small businesses that I feel my readers would be interested in.  And what could be hotter than a business launched just this May!  Welcome to the Snoob revolution!

Launched in May 2013 Snoob's founders, Becky and Angelique, had begun planning Snoob's launch over a year before when they both decided they wanted to focus on something new that would slot easily around their children's busy lives.  Both had children and Becky's youngest had just started school. Angelique's Snoob brainwave came along after brainstorming various ideas and, after a period of design and research, the 100% Jersey Cotton Snoob was born!

A cotton circular feeding scarf, the Snoob allows the wearer to breastfeed in a discreet manner, does not need to be removed when switching to breast number two and works comfortably for tandem twin feeding!

Based on a one-size fits all design, the versatile Snoob can double up as a blanket, can be thrown in the washing machine and, perhaps the best thing of all, cannot be pulled off by babies.

Since their mid-May launch, Snoob have received a number of stockist enquiries and have run a number of competitions in collaboration with other baby-related products.  In short, Snoob have really honed their marketing and promotions of Snoob, and the hard work is really starting to pay off.  Feedback from customers has been incredibly positive, customers swear by the Snoob and the discreet way in which they can breastfeed, whilst others say they will wear theirs long after breastfeeding finishes!

Whilst Snoob goes from strength to strength now, the ladies see its future development as organic and remain both excited

and open-minded about where Snoob will take them.  It is important to Becky and Angelique that Snoob continues to be manufactured in the UK and that they can maintain a hands-on approach to the product and retain control over the brand and its development.  For now, they are happy with the strength of their product and look forward to a bright future with the Snoob revolution!

Becky and Angelique with their children!

Check out Snoob's designs and grab one for yourself HERE

And dont forget to give Snoob a follow on TWITTER for all the latest news and events!

Nurturing Mums: For All Your Post-Natal Needs!

As a new mum, your life is suddenly filled with excitement, fun and breathing life and soul into a new little human being.  It can be the most exciting and challenging of times, but it can also be the most anxious and fearful of times.  

One of my earlier posts talked about the anxiety brought on by the media, regarding dangers in cosmetics and household products for pregnant women, which you can read HERE .  But it isn't just pregnant women who are bombarded with scare-mongering articles; long after your bundle of joy is born, you are still battling with your conscience over what is best for you and your baby, not to mention whether you are raising your child in 'the right way'.

Everywhere you look, there seems to be confusing advice and information; health visitors and midwives from different sectors of the same city often have conflicting opinions and the last thing you really feel you can trust, is your own instinct.

Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Nurturing Mums.

Set up by two lovely ladies, Gemma and Elise, who have 5 children under 9 years old between them; Nurturing Mums was created to bridge the gap between ante-natal support (yoga) and post-natal leaflets (too much paperwork) for women who desire more information/help post-natally with aspects of bringing up their babies. And no, not just with abs toning and weaning information!

As a new Mum myself, I was really interested in what Nurturing Mums had to offer, particularly as both Gemma and Elise had set up this company based on difficult first births themselves.  They had struggled with feeding, had felt judged for bottle-feeding and one had even suffered the trauma of the dreaded Emergency Caesarean.  The lack of consistent advice and help left them wondering if there was a gap in the market for women who, like themselves, had found aspects of new motherhood challenging. 

Based in North London, Nurturing Mums encourages the 'social' aspect of new Motherhood and offers post-natal courses offering practical advice and the chance to, of course, make new friends and learn together.  Their range of courses cover a huge range of troublesome problems such as getting babies to sleep,to baby stimulation right through to dealing with changing relationships after birth.

 All of this is offered in a consistent and non-judgmental environment, just the right sort of atmosphere for women who have just been through the biggest changes in their lives!  Since their launch, the ladies have had some fantastic feedback from their courses and many of their clients have formed strong bonds with each other and have continued to meet up on a social basis.  Why not read some of their testimonials HERE, to see why and how other mums have used their innovative services?  The reaction to Nurturing Mums has been a huge success so far, and for people like me, who dwell in other parts of the UK, there is even more good news; the ladies are rolling out courses both across London and the UK in the coming months!

With new courses and information being added all the time, why not pop over to the website Nurturing Mums and check out more specific course information - the lovely ladies are waiting to hear from you.

You can read about other Mums experiences on the websites 'Nurturing Mum of the Month' too HERE

Let Me Introduce...Scrapunzel

In my books, anyone who describes their Twitter location as 'Twirling in the Midlands' is someone I can get on board with.  Add to the mix a constant timeline of cheer and rainbow-coloured, unique designs and ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Scrapunzel.

Scrapunzel, AKA Niccy, is a truly one of a kind designer, creating beautiful and original clothing that wouldn't look out of place on a fantasy film set. 

Think fairy tales, think Lord of the Rings and think ethereal; there you have a little slice of the Scrapunzel pie!

Growing up without a TV, Niccy developed a great love of crafting and learnt how to both construct and deconstruct garments.  A strong talent you might say, but it wasn't until researching the alternative clothing industry that she found she could bring a niche to the market.  Concerned with both the environment and the problems the industry faced with sizing, Scrapunzel was born - selling handmade festival style clothing to suit all.  And to top all that, she uses locally sourced fabric as much as she can.  Her designs are based on clothes that she likes to wear and how she likes to wear them, you can't get more honest than that for a clothing brand.

Just a browse at Scrapunzel's website is a joy!  There are plenty of rainbow colours, pointed hoods, flared skirts and rustic patchworks to feast your eyes on.  Everything about Scrapunzel's collections screams 'experimentation and nurture'; if I didn't know better I would almost believe these beautiful garments had grown and flourished themselves.

What I find most inspiring about Scrapunzel, aside from the fact that she clearly loves all things Scandinavian as much as I do, is that she is completely self-taught and has managed to develop such brilliant skills for her business.  Much like Vivienne Westwood, who is a huge inspiration for Scrapunzel, she has had no formal training has developed a unique and beautiful style in a very organic way. 

Check out Scrapunzel's website here --> http://scrapunzel.co.uk/ 

Why not give her a follow on Twitter too to keep up with the latest news: @Scrapunzel 

Let Me Introduce...Crafty Lil' Lel

Well, wedding fever is riding high at the moment (no, not my own); as my Best Friend is due to get wed next year and the planning HAS commenced!  I take my role as chief bridesmaid very seriously - so it was lovely to come across a small business, which has grown from the owner's own creativity, when it came to putting her wedding together.  Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce...Crafty Lil' Lel.

Crafty Lil' Lel, or Lesley Pamphilon Fox as she is known to her friends, dreamt up her card business after planning her own DIY wedding.  As Lesley and her beau were paying for their big day themselves, Lesley handmade as much as she could to make the day as affordable as she could. 

This set off her brainwave of creating beautiful, unique and affordable handmade cards, bags and gift tags for the masses.  Not one to be deterred from her already busy workload (Lesley helps to run the family business by day), she very much endorses her tagline 'where every card has its day', by creating designs for more unusual occasions from Twin Birthdays to Thank Yous for Teachers, something she feels we don't see enough of in the the commercial card market.

Taking her inspiration from magazines as well as ideas from her younger siblings, Lesley creates individual designs and never makes the same design twice.  She says whilst it is hard to pick out a best seller, her butterfly designs (much like the button butterfly opposite) are hugely popular, as everyone of any age loves to receive butterflies!  The most important ethos that she has built her business by, is ensuring that she creates cards that she would buy, therefore, appealing to a like-minded customer base.  Her latest collection, named 'Lel's Buttoned It', features a collection of designs with buttons.  Like this lovely card for a teacher.  After the success of her button-themed Christmas cards, this new collection revives her button designs in a new, colourful and unique way.

 

Whilst she enjoys running her card business and is proud to have seen it grow from its humble beginnings, Lesley says life as a small business owner can be challenging, often she works full weekends at craft fairs and this can leave little time for her social life.  Things don't seem to be slowing down though, as Lesley's cards have just been accepted to be sold in Realitas, a shop in Peterborough and she has plans to have her lovely creations sold in more independent retailers too!  No rest for the wicked, indeed!

If you are in need of cards, why not pop over to Lesley's site here --> http://www.craftylillel.co.uk/ and why not head over and give her Facebook page a like too, to be kept up to date with her latest designs and events, here -->  https://www.facebook.com/CraftyLilLel

Crafty Lil' Lel can also be found on Twitter https://twitter.com/craftylillel

Kickstarting Business: HandmadeHour

For those Twitterites amongst you who read Life is Peachy regularly, you may be aware or even have taken part in the awesome #handmadehour hashtag session.  Every Wednesday between 7.30 and 9.30pm, the crafting cream of British crop gather together to tweet their wares and show support for handmade businesses up and down the country.  It really is an inspiring hour, I've already met lots of really talented people - many of whom have appeared or are due to appear on the blog soon.  Plus, it will be my go to twitter account for help marketing my crafts when I set up my shop, to run alongside Life is Peachy, in the coming months.

But the creator of HandmadeHour, the lovely Owen Birkby, has gone one step further and has set up a crowdfunding campaign to launch a website promoting handmade businesses and he needs YOU!

What had started out as providing help for small businesses on a budget, when Owen's wife started up her own business Neverland Creations, Owen helped to market the business through Facebook and, today, the business continues to grow successfully.  Owen set up his social media management company, SocialHighs, from this experience and then Handmade Hour became another platform to support small businesses on Twitter.  The gap in the market, it seemed, was an easy marketing platform for people who dreamt of turning their hobbies into businesses, but were short on time.

Cut to 2013, Owen and his handmade accomplice, Becky Doggett, have decided to set up a crowdfunding campaign to create a website space for handmade businesses to showcase their products and a hub for resourcing relevant support and advice.  There are plans in the pipeline for membership deals and events - but Owen does keep schtumm about some things, after all, it is very early days.  On the back of HandmadeHour's twittering success, they already have an ever-growing list of retailers looking to stock handmade products, not to mention the thousands of Twitter followers who may be one step closer to making their dreams a reality.

And it doesn't stop there.  Owen and his HandmadeHour team are looking to bring deals from all over.  They are currently negotiating with a PR firm for a cracking percentage off deal and they have already agreed a deal with @Popupstall for businesses to have 50% off room hire so they can run their own workshops!  It is early days, but they are looking to do more with other businesses to bring similar deals both within the business sector and outside! 

Need to hear any more?  Let me leave you in the company of Owen himself, who had this to say:

     "We do not have the funds to pay for the website ourselves.  We're not in this for the money, we want something that is beneficial for the small and handmade businesses that use it.  We're just working really hard now to raise the funds through membership sales and advertising sales.  We're working around the clock with business partners to negotiate some pretty fantastic deals.  We really appreciate all the support, both financial and words of encouragement that we have received so far but there is still a lot of work for us to do.  We are determined to make this a reality and help support all the amazing talent that there is out there!"

For more information on Owen and Becky's campaign follow the link here --> http://www.gofundme.com/3crtbk 

For an array of wonderful handmade businesses why not give @HandmadeHour a follow on Twitter and get involved with the Wednesday hashtag #handmadehour to find out more.

We Are Delish! A Cake Pop Tutorial

I first came across Neli, of the wonderful Delish Cake Pops fame, at a craft fayre we were both trading at, in Beeston last year.  Her stall truly resembled that of a child's Willy Wonka-fantasy shop - gorgeous brownies, chunky homemade marshmallows and hundreds upon hundreds of colourful cake pops.  So when I set this blog up, I approached Neli to see if she would be up for doing a tutorial with me about making these little balls of heaven, and she was more than happy to teach me the basics! 

Neli has been running Delish for 2 years, a successful sideline to her day job, which often means she is travelling around the world.  She was originally inspired by the POP Bakery, the home of the English Cake Pop, and has brought her inspiration to Nottingham and the surrounding areas.  I have lost count of the times I have ogled her Instagram with wonderful pictures of candy-pink cakes, themed cake pops and delicious marshmallow treats.  So to get into the workings of Delish was really something quite special for me!

Ingredients for Cake Pops
A baked 9 inch sponge - chocolate or otherwise
A small amount of frosting
Coloured Candy Melts - available from suppliers or online
Plastic Sticks - Neli prefers plastic to wooden 
Confectioner's Glaze and Paints for decorating small details.

To begin, Neli had prepared the cake pops, by baking a 9 inch sponge, allowing it to cool and crumbling the cake in frosting, rolling by hand to create ball shapes.

Once this was completed, we had two coloured candy melts and microwaved for 4 minutes on a low heat, to avoid burning.  You can also melt these on a hob but they will take a lot longer.  We checked their consistency half way through warming, to make sure they weren't too stodgy.  If this happens, it is best to add a bit of vegetable oil to soften the melts up.  Once the melts have the consistency of soft, melted chocolate (which is essentially what they are), you are ready to begin decorating!

In the spirit of the blog, I wanted to try making little peach cake pops, so we popped our cake balls on to their plastic sticks and dipped, making sure the whole ball was covered, in the yellow, then placing on a polystyrene tray to dry off.  Once dry enough (after about 5 -10 minutes) we dipped again in the orange - double dipping is very important to make sure there are no holes and that you have an even coverage on each pop.  

Once our second layer was dry, we were ready to decorate!  Using edible paint, Neli painted on some delicate leaves on the top.  But why stop at round shaped objects?  I got a sneaky peek at how to shape and make a Russian Doll too?  The overall effect was beautiful - tasty, moist cakes and fun decorating!  Perfect for occasions, wedding favours, the list is endless!  I had so much fun with Neli, I'm hoping she might set up cake pop workshops again and if she does I can thoroughly recommend them!

Want to find out more?  Visit Neli's website to see some of her wonderful work, or get in touch to discuss a possible order - she loves to be challenged AND offers Mail Orders too! The website address is here --> http://wearedelish.com/

Why not give her Facebook page a like too? Here --> https://www.facebook.com/WeAreDelish
And her Twitter timeline is often mouthwatering! @wearedelish

Are you a small business?  Do you have a craft you would like to give me a tutorial on?  I would love to hear from you!  Email missemmaberry@gmail.com

Kickstarting Business: Waffly Nice

Kickstarters and Crowdfunding projects are of the utmost interest to me.  I think it's a fantastic way of the public getting involved with starting up and sponsoring small businesses and really gives that sense of community I so long for!  I am currently in the early stages of planning a Crowdfunding project myself - information on that to follow in a few weeks!

As a major foodie, how could I not dedicate a post to the lovely Sam and Liz, of Waffly Nice, who emailed me with details of their Crowdfunding project for their food project?  The lovely couple, pictured here,

are big fans of creative food and had a dream to share their passion and creativity with their hometown community of Canterbury, not to mention, the world!  Encouraged by friends and family, they decided to unleash their ideas for a waffle van to dominate soggy sandwiches and boring lunches!  Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding opportunities in the United Kingdom, they decided to turn to the idea of Crowdfunding to raise money for their outside eaterie, Waffly Nice.  I love food, I love waffles and I love communities - these people might as well by my new best friends!  I urge you to take a moment to read about Waffly Nice's Crowdfunding Project here - http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/waffly-nice-street-food-cart

What really struck me, when talking with Liz, was the 'food with a conscience' ethos that both her and Sam seem to share in their business.

Whilst the pair dream big, a fleet of waffle vans here, a friendly waffle cafe there, a dreamy cookbook to top it all; they are conscious of the impact they want to have on society and have pledged not only 10% of their profits, but also as much time as they can spare to a local charity.  They want their potential investors to be just that, investors in their business who retain some sort of power over the direction the business eventually takes; helping to shape its long-term future and, most importantly, contributing to the local community.  I have it on good authority that 'badass merchandise' will also be in plentiful supply to Waffly Nice's investors.  Need I say more?

Having overcome many obstacles, Waffly Nice still needs OUR support and has recently just relaunched.  Waffly Nice has received lots of local interest, but need to raise funds for materials, equipment, set up of the Waffly Nice website and a marketing campaign.  I have been given exclusive rights to publish this mock-up of the proposed van - soon to be hitting a market square near you.

So do not delay in giving a little of your support where you can - help the lovely Waffly Nice guys fulfil their dreams and give back to their community!

Follow Waffly Nice on Twitter for regular updates @WafflyNice

Do you have a campaign or Kickstarter project you would like to be featured on Life is Peachy?  I would love to hear from you!  Email missemmaberry@gmail.com

Let Me Introduce...This is Lullaby

If you're anything like me, it's not just your own clothes shopping that can be a nightmare.  Sometimes I like to look for really individual little things for Little D and that's where my love of small, handmade businesses come in.  Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce the lovely Vicky from This is Lullaby to you!   

This is Lullaby, is a unique business selling handmade children's clothing from vintage and upcycled materials.  Vicky set up the business in May 2012, when her daughter, Lucie, turned one year old and she has not looked back! 

Inspired by her own love of making, sewing and breathing new life into old fabrics, Vicky's business is an extension of a 'hand-me-down' tradition and she uses her talent to bring unique and individual products to the children's clothing market.  Vicky designs the majority of patterns herself, though on some she does modify existing patterns to suit her designs.  The only downside to making such beautiful clothes is that she gets a lot of adults saying, 'I want that in my size'.  After flicking through her shop on Etsy, I am quite happy to join them!

Just look at this beautiful dress she made, made from beautiful vintage florals!  I'm envious of Lucie's wardrobe!

Although based in the UK, This is Lullaby's majority of custom comes from the US, who are in love with her classic styling and use of more unusual and traditional fabrics.  Her use of lovely fabrics such as Herringbone and Tweed, make her quite the go-to business for more formal children's clothing such as Christening or wedding outfits. 

Vicky's designs really stand out as she does not use children's fabrics (though Lucie would love to be head to toe in Peppa Pig), I'm wondering if she might branch out to adult clothing too?!  This is Lullaby caters for clothing aged 0-24months and prices start from £7.00 for a bib through to about £25.00 for a lovely dress.

In short, Vicky loves what she does.  Everything is made by hand at her home in Manchester and she is (rightly) proud of setting up her business and makes a point of stressing the importance of celebrating every small success along the way.  Running a hands-on business with a toddler running about must take it's toll, but overall, Vicky loves being her own boss and the opportunity to introduce and sell her designs to another country has been a real positive.  

In the future, Vicky would like to see This is Lullaby gain more customers in the UK and she has plenty of product ideas developing right now that she wants to roll out in the near future.  What is so interesting about talking to Vicky, is that she is so keen to keep improving her ideas and products as her business develops.  I'm predicting big things for this brand, Vicky certainly caters for my type of 'mum' shopping - unique, with a little bit of history.

You can view Vicky's Etsy shop here --->http://www.etsy.com/shop/thisislullaby
While you're at it, why not give her a like on her Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/thisislullaby