Based in Stalybridge,
Laura has a connection to Leeds after having lived here for 4 years and working
at St James' Hospital. Her work is based around wooden gifts and decorations
and she likes to create new designs regularly not only to interest customers but
also to stimulate her desire for designing.
Prior to setting up
Calico Gifts, Laura worked in the health care setting but had to give up her
career due to suffering from severe migraines which had the same symptoms as a
stroke. Moving to Stalybridge to be nearer family who could help, Laura decided
to set up her own business so that she could still work but be more flexible
should she be taken ill. She chose to set up a craft business as she has always
been very creative. Her grandparents were both artists and her GCSE's were all
based around the arts.
The main material that Laura uses is wood. She chose wood because
her father has always been creative and has all the tools necessary for cutting
the shapes and designs that she requires and one thing that Laura wanted when
setting up her business was to keep it local so by working with her father she
is able to achieve this. There are many beautiful products which can be created
using wood and Laura mainly takes her inspiration for her products from her
children.
Laura's children are both very young and so the majority of the
products which you will find as part of Calico Gift's range involve nursery
decorations, christening gifts and designs aimed at children. As well as
working mainly with products for children, Laura also offers wedding gifts, new
home ranges and many more.
The product which Laura enjoys making the most are the
free-standing wooden stars with a chalk board star encorporated which have a
countdown to when a baby is due written on it. She likes to imagine the
excitement and anticipation which the parents-to-be have whilst they mark down
the weeks on the star.
Since Calico Gifts was established in 2011, Laura has grown her
business to now provide her with full time working hours and enables her to
focus on this and be proud of what she has achieved since leaving her
career.
As well as making general gifts, Laura also make personalised
items which can be ordered through Fabrication in Leeds too.
