Garden or herb plant markers - ♥ Gardening & Outdoor Gifts | Little Wren Gifts

Slate is a lovely material and we are proud that of our Welsh heritage given that a lot of things have been manufactured from the originals of slate that has come from many of the valleys and mines in Wales. Displayed here are our wonderful plant markers that are so versatile, durable and give a shabby chic charm to any plant pot.

Garden or herb plant markers - ♥ Gardening & Outdoor Gifts | Little Wren Gifts

Slate keyrings for men | Little Wren Gifts

Well,  its nearly half way through the year as June is nearly here.
Please note that we have completed another update on our website namely www.littlewrengifts.co.uk to mark World Fair Trade Day today (which aims to raise awareness for fair prices and good working environments for workers) and Nettle week! Also we can't forget also that Father's Day is approaching, so we have added a few of our best gifts for Dads and Grandads on that blog too !

We hope you enjoy reading as much as we like writing the blogs

Slate keyrings for men | Little Wren Gifts

Fabric Russian dolls by Cariad | Little Wren Gifts

These cute fabric dolls have been handmade and could be a lovely stocking filler when you are giving little presents. They have been made by a Welsh artist based in Llanwrst, North Wales. They could be used for a pin cushion or small charm for children and adults alike !
 
Fabric Russian dolls by Cariad | Little Wren Gifts

Not surviving, but thriving !

Gifts: Being passionate and also responsive to our customer base

Soon after our recent Father' Day blog, we find ourselves writing another update. Please note, we have changed our blog appearance – it looks more rustic and we hope its easily accessible to all, especially for people with dyslexia or for those who require assistive technology packages to access information. Don’t hesitate to contact us via Twitter or Facebook if you wish to send any feedback on this subject or indeed if you want to comment on the style of the new blog. We are hoping there is not a mad rush of people saying they liked it the way it was before, but... hey if that happens we will need to take it on board as this forum is really about you and a good read !!

Handmade bookmark

We have found after almost two years of learning IT skills, mainly through trial and error,  our confidence has tentatively grown in playing with creativity on IT systems and packages on the computer,  despite the fact that we only had basic training in the bare basics years ago on ancient word programmes. It’s no mean feat, especially when we grew up with the introduction of computers … we can still remember the old sinclairs. 

Like most things, some of the best milestones are through experience and some of the greatest lessons are from the mistakes and mishaps on the way ... these are vital times for learning and they become the assets for building a platform for better things IF you ensure that you reap all the information that you gain from these situations. 

We can relate to the singer, Jon Bon Jovi's point when he said "success is failing nine times and getting up ten!!" At Little Wren Gifts, we think that we have been there.... it has been a big rollercoaster in terms of learning and maintaining motivation, but some of the things that have spurred us on have been our passion, the kind words from others (including positive comments on twitter and Facebook), but also thinking that somewhere people are having the joy or pleasure of opening a parcel with anticipation - giving, (even if indirectly and we acknowledge our commercial motives here too) is a wonderful thing!!

With the passage of time, we have tried to learn what customers like and what products they would enjoy seeing online – we appreciate that we need to do alot more work in obtaining this feedback as it’s not always easy to gain such soft information in the virtual world. We are hoping our new ventures at Applegates antique and craft centre, near Chester will offer a greater interaction with people who visit and if you do pop over,  then we would really like to hear from you. 

Applegates antique and craft centre on the A41

We have recently broadened our product range and really excited to be launching even more Welsh handmade goods as well as new artists work across Britain – there is so much talent out there and we think that there is a fresh awakening for the cottage and small industries which is fabulous. There are some gifts and homewares  being uploaded. These include slate keyrings, Welsh prints, necklaces by Noa, wooden dragons, colourful windmills, teddy motif baby grows and metal fish hooks. The list continues and it’s a case of watch this space for more goodies, many gifts are handmade in the UK or originate from small British businesses. 

New local products from Little Wren Gifts

Finally, we are keen to hear from more artists, especially from people with dependents, retired people and folk with either hidden or notable disabilities if they wish to supply to Little Wren Gifts.  It was so pleasing this week to see the Arts Council and the Creative Forum promote the UK’s first national literary competition for marginalised and disabled writers which is around crafts which indicates that there is a recognition of such diverse talent from people who may bring their own story, making their work unique and special. 

Just to leave with a few lovely words that sums up where we are today. They come from the iconic writer Maya Angelou famous for the book I know why the cage bird sings. 

Maya highlights  the question is not how to survive, but how to thrive with passion, compassion, humour and style  

....... What a wonderful quote ! Until next time from all of us at Little Wren Gifts 

 

Great gifts for Fathers Day -16 June 2013

A day for saying thanks to Dads, Granddads and important men in families on Father's Day

It's that time of year that you may be searching for that distinct present for a special  Dad or Granddad whether he is your birth relative, stepfather, adoptive parent or just a charming family member/ friend in the world (or make up) of different family units !

Father’s Day has been celebrated for over 100 years originating in the USA in 1910 and it has grown globally over the years. Poor dads ……their national day takes second place to Mother's Day, nevertheless it is as important occasion and can be a lovely way to mark this paternal role and what the person means to you. 

At Little Wren Gifts, we feel that special days like this are about signalling appreciation that can last more than a day. Choosing and giving a present can be a great reminder for people as time goes by,  especially if you don’t see your loved ones often due to different commitments, geographical differences, work ties or generally because of the complexity of family life !! 

On Father’s Day, there is an opportunity to give a gift to signal how much you appreciate them all year around for all the little things they do. This can be things like that warm smile or word of encouragement when needed; that bail out when times are hard or those times when they are on hand fixing that leaking tap !! 

We’ve found some great products that will last an age and not go out of fashion …. Gifts that will be loved and cherished because they are given with thought!

 

 

      

Happy Father’s all and we hope you enjoy the day from all at Little Wren Gifts !

 

  

What does 'Great Blog Content' mean to you?

What does 'Great Blog Content' mean to you?

Unique handmade cards by Linda Miller | Little Wren Gifts

Unique handmade cards by Linda Miller | Little Wren Gifts