Creative Crafters for Christmas: Francine’s Workshop

With Christmas just around the corner I thought it would be great to interview a number of creative crafters that can offer something unique at this time of year. This week I am delighted to feature Chloe Francine with Francine's Workshop.

Hi for those who don’t know you could you please tell us a bit about yourself?

My name’s Chloe Francine and I started Francine’s Workshop with my husband Mark, who is an artist and graphic designer. We share our home with our gorgeous dog Macy and cheeky rabbit Dasher. We both love the great outdoors and anything handmade (especially if its personalised!).

What sort of creative business do you run?

Currently we make personalised children’s prints and also sell my husband's original artwork, running the business from our home in Muswell Hill, North London. We are hoping to keep expanding the business with new items such as cards, wedding invites and items for other events; we had a commission for a Christening which was fun. Most of our family and friends have children so that seemed like the right place to start. Slightly longer term we hope to open a small shop to sell our items and maybe look to support other local artists and designers.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a go themselves?

It may sound corny but I would say just go for it! If you have a passion for something and it makes you happy there is absolutely nothing stopping you. There are so many online market places these days which makes finding your customers so much easier but sticking to something you know and love will really help you succeed. We had spoken about starting a business a few years back but never found the time. Then one day I was browsing through Not On The High Street and my husband said “I could make something like that” so I turned and said “Well let's do it!” and that was the start of Francine’s Workshop!

How do you juggle creative work/life?

We are actually really fortunate with this, I work full time running another business but my husband works from home as a writer so between us we find the time. He spends his days working on designs and I run the business side, coming up with new products and managing social media and sales. It does mean coming in from work and spending my evenings working but like I mentioned earlier, if you find something you really love it doesn't feel like work.

  

Where can we find you?

The best place to find us is on our Etsy Shop here. Our Instagram here and on Facebook here. We hope to see you soon!

Thank you, Chloe for taking time out of your busy schedule to be interviewed.  If you are a creative crafter and would like to be interviewed on a future post in this series please get in contact.