FAQ’s
What is a pocket pirate?
The name surfaced from many a pirate-clad festival. I was always the littlest of our group and the term ‘pocket pirate’ was coined. The irony being that I now live on a boat in Cardiff Bay, crafting handmade treasure to sell. It is funny, how these things come about.
What products do you make?
For my main range of products I currently make purses, clutch bags, kindle cases, Pocket Emergency Kits and greetings cards. I also offer a bespoke service, through which you can commission me to make something to your own specification.
What are your bags and purses made from?
My textiles items are made largely from reclaimed materials – I recycle both leather and fabric from swatch and sample books that would normally be thrown away by suppliers when the season ends. The majority of my buttons are also old ones I have recycled.
How do you decide on the combinations for your textiles items?
Usually I put together a leather swatch and a fabric swatch with several different button options, then leave them all laid out on the table in my studio. This way I keep passing them and reassessing my decision - I like to see how the components sit together, and often how they change next to each other. Some of the combinations can stay in this unassembled form for over a week until I am satisfied that I have made the right choice…even then I often change the button at the last minute!
Where do you get your buttons from?
The majority of my buttons come from Ebay! It’s perfect for buying large lots of hidden treasure…it’s so exciting digging through them when they arrive!
Bespoke Service – can I request something specific?
The simple answer would be yes, of course! To date I have made phone cases, jewellery rolls, wallets, make-up bags, artist’s brush wallets, laptop cases, glasses cases and personalised Pocket Emergency Kits. I am always open to new ideas so if you like my style of making but have a different product in mind please feel free to contact me about it – as far as I’m concerned the possibilities are endless.
As an alternative you could select one of my existing products and then choose your own fabric, leather and button. I can offer you a selection of my own fabrics to choose from or if you have some of your own that you would love to see made into something, then this is also an option.
