A few months ago I was introduced to Leyla, by my sister, and she is quite possibly one of the nicest people on the planet. The three of us were chatting about our love of crafting and the dream of working for ourselves, and we just clicked. Once home, I checked out the Leyla Creates Facebook page and instantly fell in love with the bags (especially the bee print) and other items that Leyla and her mum Gigi have created.
Remembering that during our discussion I mentioned wanting a new macramé plant hanger, Leyla proposed a trade of the hanger for some of my Christmas cards. Fast forward a week and I have the most beautiful white hanger in my conservatory which I just love. I highly recommend that you check out the Leyla Creates pages - you will not be disappointed.
Leyla Creates is a small independent business based in Bournemouth, Dorset. The business was founded by Leyla (all things crafts and keepsakes) and Gigi (seamstress extraordinaire). Leyla has wanted to launch her own craft business for years and finally in 2020 Gigi gave her the push she needed.
We love creating bespoke handmade gifts and bags
Leyla & Gigi's Tips:
Tis the season of stressful shopping and last minute panic buying so we thought we would give you some tips on how to avoid the madness. One big mistake I always use to make is setting a budget for each family member and if their present was under then buying more to ‘top it up’, all the while feeling the pressure of present guilt. My advice would be set a budget, set the number of items you are going to purchase and break them into categories. For example this year for my close family members I am buying everyone 3 presents, something family focused or sentimental so a desk calendar or photobook of our last family holiday, something handmade by either myself of another small crafting business and then something silly. Last year I brought the adults in my family remote controlled cars and we raced them around the dining room for hours.
This year has been incredibly tough on independent retailers and small businesses and now more than ever they need our help. Whole industries have been put on hold while the creatives who work in that field are forced to diversify. This year I have set myself the challenge of sourcing the majority of my Christmas Presents from small independent businesses and asking friends on social media for recommendations. It has really made me stop and think about the buying power I have as a consumer and also knowing that I am spreading some joy. I have the biggest smile on my face when Leyla Creates receives orders or reviews, it makes all the hard work so worthwhile.
Leyla Creates Top 3:
1. This is a keepsake I made for a bride and groom from their wedding bouquet, this is definitely my favourite make of this year. Knowing that I have made something for them to treasure forever brings me so much joy.
2. Bumblebee Bag – This is one of the first designs Gigi and I put together and has been so popular with sales.
3. Girl Power collection of Enamel Pins – Say it with a pin... My favourite is Fight Like a Girl because anyone who thinks women aren’t tough has obviously never met one! £1 of every sale of these pins is donated to Women’s Aid a fantastic Charity who support women and children who are affected by Domestic Abuse.
Thank you so much Taryn for including us in your Friday Focus, to celebrate our first feature we are giving a 10% discount on any of our products with the code FridayFocus. To use the code you must like both Live Laugh Create's and also Leyla Creates facebook or Instagram pages