19/01/2007 08:57 AM – (SA)
Strand crafter uses her hobby to turn a profit
19.01.2007
A new craft shop has opened in Strand – the result of the passion for a hobby by owner Belinda McWilliams.
“After many years of teaching and sharing crafts in my spare time from home, I have been blessed to be able to open my own shop, with much assistance and involvement from my husband and our families,” says McWilliams.
“Now I am able to relish in all things crafty all the time now.” The Craft Emporium is situated at Shop 8 in the young retail and residential development called Little Greece, in George Street – between the fire station and OK supermarket.
Full range
It stocks among others the full range of DMC threads, as well as papers, embellishments, paints, craft tools, decoupage blanks and quilting fabrics.
Being a crafting enthusiast as well as a shop owner is an ideal mix that McWilliams believes empowers her to provide outstanding service to her customers.
“All hand crafted items are created with a passion and if given as a gift, it is done so with much care and love. This I believe is the essence of all crafting.
“Having had an art filled and creative upbringing and education, I have always enjoyed all crafts. Needlework has always been a favourite of mine since I was a child sitting and watching my grandmother working on a needle painting which is the finest of threadworks,” she says.
“I love that scrapbooking has encouraged us all to capture our memories creatively for future generations so that none of those special family stories get lost.” She adds that “scrapping” is a very popular craft among both men and women.
Opening the store at this time of the year has been very advantageous because this is the season when crafters are especially busy making gifts, cards and the like.
‘Inspiring and motivating’
“Joining other crafters in a creative session is always fun but most importantly, it is very inspiring and motivating. We have classes every morning from 09:00 until 12:00, Monday to Sunday, and from 19:00 until 21:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” says McWilliams.
Classes cost R45 per session, with tea or coffee included. Due to the popularity of classes it is recommended crafters pay in advance to secure a booking. The Craft Emporium has also created a Class Card loyalty scheme, offering 10 classes at R40 per class.
Last month, The Craft Emporium hosted craft classes for children every weekday mornings at R85 per class, including all materials.
From January, needlecraft classes are being taught by Lynn Read who is a master embroiderer and some magical embroidery works of art are on display in the shop to enjoy.
Other specific classes such as scrapbooking, decoupage, textile decoupage and country crafts will also start in January and will feature guest teachers. Contact the store on 853-7690.
The Craft Emporium is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00, Saturdays from 09:00 to 15:00 and Sundays from 09:00 to 12:00. There is ample parking.