Hi, my name is Rachel,
I’m a keepsake maker based in Swansea, I live with my husband, our daughter, and a completely crazy puppy dog!
I have been making keepsakes since 2017, which seems forever ago now… Over the years I have perfected my techniques and extended my range to include several different styles of keepsake.
Initially I just made bears, then I added bunnies, elephants, giraffes, unicorns, and reindeer to my range. I wanted to create a rounded collection of keepsakes, so that my customers could choose from traditional bears, to classic nursery animals to home wear. Each pattern that I have added to my portfolio has been chosen to compliment the others, so that if you choose more than 1 style they will look great together.
What types of clothing can be made into keepsakes?
Keepsakes can be made from any type of clothing that is precious to you. The majority of my keepsakes are made from babies clothes, as a lovely way to remember that first year. I also make a lot of bereavement keepsakes. These are made from the clothes of loved ones who have passed away, and can be a source of comfort.
I also make keepsakes from school uniforms, and sports uniforms – if you have clothing you treasure and you want it made into a keepsake I can do it for you
The keepsake making process
I love being able to create keepsakes my customers will love and cherish. The skill of making a keepsake is not just in the sewing technique but also very much in choosing where to use each piece of clothing. Every time I create a keepsake, I speak with my customer to find out which clothes and details they would like me to give the most focus to.
Before I started keepsake making…
Before I worked as a full time keepsake maker, I worked in retail. I worked as a wine shop manager for 6 years and then in the Co-op for 11 years. I didn’t intend to work in the supermarket for so long, but after a couple of years in that job our desire to have a child took over and in time that became an endless series of tests for infertility, and fertility treatments…
After the struggle to conceive her, my determination to create a better work life balance and spend time with my daughter was huge! Eventually I resigned from the supermarket so I could make keepsakes during my daughter’s school days and be home with her the rest of the time.
Swansea
If you live in Swansea and would like a keepsake made you can bring your precious clothing to my house, and pick your completed keepsake up from me. Some clients are unsure which clothes will work well for their keepsake and I can work through your items with you to help you decide.
To talk about your keepsake requirements click here to get in touch…
If you live further afield I post all completed keepsakes carefully and securely packaged and sent ‘Signed For’ to keep them safe. Click here to see my shop for postage costs and all other details
Rachel xx
