Craft Focus - April/May 2020 (Issue 78)

78 Offering fresh papercraft ideas, Time for Tea Designs produces digital stamps, stencils, dyes and brushes. Founder Joanna Davies tells Craft Focus why retailers should be stocking the range When was Time for Tea established? Time for Tea started out selling digital stamps back in 2013. I was inspired to be more creative after watching craft TV and US designers whose stamps I couldn’t get in the UK. I decided to design my own digi-stamps and sell them online via Etsy. I managed this alongside a full-time job running our own tea shop in our home village. In 2018 I took the plunge and launched my first photopolymer clear stamp and dye range. We took the products to Crafting Live in Doncaster and met buyers at Create and Craft TV who loved the product. Two months later I did my first TV appearance – I was so nervous, but it was a dream come true to be on the channel that had inspired me to start in the first place. As our first designs were popular, we expanded the range to include stencils, standalone dyes and blender brushes. We have our own website now and a growing number of loyal friends and customers across social media. Who’s who at the company? Time for Tea is a small family-run business based in Sheffield. I run the company full-time from home. I also get the help of my patient and supportive partner, Ant Simpson, when he’s not working. Talk us through the product range. We have developed a range of products designed and created around what I as a crafter want from my papercraft stockist! All our stamps are made in the UK from the highest quality photopolymer with all artwork drawn and designed by me. We produce coordinating dyes for the majority of our stamps, which often come with fun extras or interactive elements like cuts around paws so our characters can hold items. We also produce standalone dyes, stencils, paper pads and our fabulous Beautiful Blender brushes. Our range of nesting dyes all come with a Time for Tea twist. I have always felt that the centre of each nesting dye is a wasted space and I rarely use the tiniest one. With our sets I have exchanged the smaller dyes for something more decorative and useful such as a sentiment. Our blender brushes are the most amazing tool and will change how customers use ink. They are made with super-soft synthetic bristles and are shaped to provide the smoothest blend possible. We bring out new products every four to six weeks. Do you exhibit at any shows? We will be exhibiting at several consumer shows in 2020, including Stamperama in Harrogate, Crafting Live in Doncaster and Create It in Gateshead. Storm in a teacup