New specialist store goes all out for gorgeous gifts and novelty products
Designs by Dawn a business that launched at Stonham Barns Park retail village almost a year ago is supplying quality hand etched glassware products to buyers from the region – and it’s finding new customers as demand is growing for items for wedding table decoration and gifts.
The designs are made in small batches, some are commissioned. Dawn is now finding that she is supplying the glassware for weddings – etched bridal party glasses and hurricane lamps to decorate the wedding tables and keepsake presents for the guests.
The business was the result of another creative concept formulated during lockdown. Dawn Tudor – a mother of three – admits she can never sit still. Bubbling with energy, she discovered that she had a flair for creativity that could not be suppressed.
Dawn began turning her hand to various crafts to keep herself busy when not working. She ordered a glass etching hobby kit online and her journey began. Says Dawn, ‘It was hit and miss to begin with. I had to have a few attempts at it but it was so relaxing that I knew I wanted to become accomplished at the art of etching and here I am now making a business of a former hobby.’
Dawn, who lives at Newmarket and who had previously worked in hotels, the care sector and for a while in school transport for children with special needs, explains: ‘I didn’t ever know exactly what career path I wanted to follow when I was growing up and so I worked in a number of sectors while raising my children. It gave me a lot of life experience and made me realise that, ultimately, the strongest skill that I possess is one of creativity.’
Dawn began to take over the house with her ‘workshop’ as she increased her output of beautiful glasses, vases, fruit bowls and ornaments before moving to Stonham Barns Park retail village in January of this year. The idea from the pod at Stonham Barns Park has come from the thought that Dawn wanted to engage with other creative retailers and be a part of a leisure destination venue.
‘I love the fact that my work is so mixed. All of the glassware seems popular for gifting and the other gift and novelty products I produce are often bought for their originality. I like gift and home products to be different, outstanding and it seems my customers do too!’
Dawn also stocks a range of hand-crocheted scrunchies, printed tote bags and T-shirts and mugs to make customers smile. ‘Humour sells and I do like to source fun products to sell. One of my favourite children’s messages reads … My Mum Says I’m A Little Madam. My Gran Says You are Just Like Your Mum!’
For further information contact Dawn Tudor at Designs by Dawn on 07889 690 855.
To find out more visit: www.stonhambarns.co.uk/retail/retail-village/
