Meet the maker Clare Porter-Carey

I have been creating for as long as I can remember – from pasta necklaces to long stitch tapestry with activities for ‘rainy days’ thrown in and makes from Blue Peter. I simply know no other way to be.

I grew up watching my Grandmother knit and crochet, my Mother cutting patterns, sewing and knitting and my Great Aunt knitting and being fascinated with the tailors chalk and pins, remnants from the days when she was a tailoress/seamstress.

I lost my creative way during my teenage years – oh the urge was there but it was mainly channelled into doodling my school note books (and shirts – yes with fabric pens). It wasn’t until I became ill with ME that I re-found myself. I re-discovered cross stitch and lost myself in it rhythm and the joy of creation and the sense of achievement.

Over the years I have re-discovered other passions the main ones being sewing. I love to create snuggles and cushions – to take fabric and give it life.

I have also discovered the joy of jewellery making. I like to use a mix of materials but I have to say that my favourites are sterling silver and real gemstones for their beauty and warmth.

Recently through the encouragement of my husband I am drawing and painting – a secret passion for many years because I simply thought that I wasn’t good enough. Not a lot of people realise but part of my degree was in design – it was environment design but I still had to learn form, function and legibility (oh and drawing was involved).

LittlemouseLilly was born out of my need to create. For many years I have made gifts – cushions, dog beds, snuggles...

And for years people have said that I should sell my creations. But I never before took the leap. I dipped a toe in once – I had an exhibition and sold a couple of cushions. But I have now decided that I don’t want to get old and wonder “what if” so I have taken that leap.

My inspiration comes from my upbringing in rural Essex. Time spent wondering fields, by the coast and in a castle. Fascinated by Arthurian legend, Boudicca, Magic and Fey (Fay/Fairies).
And then there is Oxford – I have been privileged to call Oxford my second home (a family history and time at uni) walks in the park, along the river, Alice in Wonderland and dinosaurs. Oh and not forgetting the amazing architecture – gothic, defensive, Victorian gothic, Victorian, Georgian.....Medieval streets, ghosts stories, the covered market and the tavern that my head has no idea where it is but my feet do.

I now live in Nottinghamshire bordering Derbyshire and I soak up the rural landscapes and look forwards to further exploring, always with my trusty camera, wonderful husband and dog (and coming home to the rest of the family – 4 cats and 3 rabbits).

You can also find me on:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LittlemouseLilly
Twitter - https://twitter.com/LitlemouseLilly
Blog - https://twitter.com/LitlemouseLilly
DeviantArt - http://littlemouse-lilly.deviantart.com/

Policies

Payment:
Payment is due within 48 hours of placing an order. If payment is not received within this time, or if I don't hear from you the transaction will be cancelled and the item relisted for sale.

Please pay by PayPal - you dont need to have an account and it is super easy if you have any problems then please contact me.

For UK buyers payment by bank transfer is also possible please contact me for more details.

Shipping:
I aim to post items within 48 hours of payment, if there is any problem with posting within this timescale I will contact you with further information and options.

UK Shipping - I will post using First Class, but for any item over the value of £15 I will post your order using First Class Recorded.

International shipping - I will post using Royal Mails Airmail Service - please note that it can take between 1-3 weeks for your item to arrive and you maybe liable for any taxes that your country levies.

If you would like to have your order shipped by a trackable service please let me know - extra charges will apply.

Please note that where possible I do reuse outer packaging eg bubble wrap, cardboard, I want to try and be as environmentally friendly where I can.

If you would prefer all your packaging to be brand new this is not a problem please contact me when you make your order. I try to buy recycled and eco-friendly products where possible but on occasion please be aware that this may not be possible.

Refunds:
You can cancel your order and get a refund within 7 days after receipt of your order, notification of your request must be received in writing (email/shop contact it fine).
It must be returned unused and in its original packaging. Your refund will be issued once I have received the returned item.

It is your responsibility to pay return postage.

If there is any problem with your purchase then please contact me and I will do my best to resolve the issue or offer a refund.

Additional information:
Commission Orders:
If you see something that you like but feel that it needs to be tweaked for your need or you feel that I could bring your idea into a reality please contact me.

Jewellery:
If you see something you like but need it longer or shorter or need a different type of earwire or clasp please contact me as it maybe possible to make changes or for you to commission a similar piece.

Lavender:
Please note that any item containing lavender I will only ship within the UK

LittlemouseLilly is the trading name of artist Clare Porter-Carey

littlemouselilly [!at] live.co.uk

37 South Street, Eastwood, Notinghamshire, NG16 2PF, UK