It's been an incredibly busy few months at Maple House China.
Since setting up the business, at the beginning of the year, the number of commissions I've received has exceeded all expectations.
There were a couple of minor hiccups in the beginning – for example, the new kiln I ordered would not fit through the shed door. Luckily, that didn't faze my wonderful Polish builders, who took it apart and reassembled it in situ. And sourcing good quality bone china blanks, and getting used to the lead-free paint took a little while, too.
And now, I'm online!
A BIG thank you to Mark and Kaja for creating the website and the social media platforms for me (technology that is quite beyond me), which was 'interrupted' by Alfie Bear's arrival in July. It has since been tweaked, and more pics uploaded onto it, so do check it out. I'd love to hear your feedback.
Even before we'd managed to set up the website, the commissions were coming in thick and fast. Flowers have been a popular theme, everything from delicate passion flowers to arum lilies and agapanthus. All manner of designs have been painted; frogs, butterflies, desserts, musical instruments – even sunglasses.
Over the last few months I've been commissioned to paint everything from mugs for runners and walkers, quintessentially English serving platters, personalised bowls for cats and dogs, and big jugs to look like owls.
The run up to Christmas is always a busy time, and I'm looking forward to sourcing suitable, seasonal decorations to paint, a few examples of which can be found in the 'seasonal' section on the website. I'll be accepting orders for Christmas up until 10th December.
Thank you so much for all your support and custom, not to mention ideas for interesting commissions. Do keep in touch, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best wishes,
Kari x
Looking good! Looks like you've got a great assistant, too!