Welcome To Studio@316

Allow me to introduce myself!

Studio@316 is a multifaceted business, which could benefit from a little explanation for those who are new to this site.  It's a bit long, so make yourself a drink and pull up a comfy chair!

I'm Barbara, and I started out as a Hobby Demo with Stampin' UP!, a papercraft direct sales company which originates from the USA.  I have always loved crafts, especially Stamping, Cardmaking and Scrapbooking, so becoming a Demonstrator was a no-brainer to be able to get my own supplies at a generous discount.  That evolved into running a papercraft club and other classes in the local area, moving to online classes during the Covid 19 Pandemic. 

But the Pandemic didn't only mean moving my SU business online - it also gave me an opportunity to dust off my sewing machine and start making Face Coverings which then led to a friend from Church asking if I was able to make soft toys!  She had seen a Memory Bear made from a child's School Uniform and wondered if I would be able to make one for her Daughter who was leaving Year 6.  

Always up for a challenge, I gave it a go, and LOVED making her bear.  Word got around as my friend showed other Mum's the bear and pretty soon I had bags containing various uniforms all over the living room!  And so - Studio@316 - Memory Bears & More was born.  Over time I was asked to make toys using clothing from loved ones who had passed away, as well as a cushion from a Brownie Uniform and a Quilt from a friend's Granddaughter's baby clothes that she could have on her new, big girl bed!

My Husband, Ian, and I (along with our youngest son) volunteer at a Scout Water Activity Centre in London's Docklands - Dockland Scout Project.  When they bought a rather large, commercial embroidery machine they were looking for someone who would be able to use it to embroider logos on the uniforms - and someone to maintain it.  So, I offered to give it some house room with the agreement that (for a donation from each embroidery job) I could use it as part of Studio@316 as embroidery would compliment a new addition to the business - Garment and Apparel Personalisation Services using my newly acquired vinyl cutter.  So - I now had three sides to my business.

During Lockdown, I started working with a great Business Coach, Claire Macpherson, and a group of very supportive business women on Facebook, which has been encouraging and enlightening in so many ways.  I did a lot of work with Claire around who my Soul Client is, what their needs and wants would be and what I can do to help resolve those needs and wants, looking at all three aspects of the  business.  After much discussion I decided to have all three sides of the business under the one name - Studio@316 - but as individual ‘branches’ of the business with their own sections on here (studioat316.co.uk) and individual social media platforms (it was kind of running like that already, but there has been a lot of overlap which has been getting confusing, so I decided to make more of an effort to run these separately).  The three branches became known as:- 

Studio@316 - Memory Bears & More

Studio@316 - Garment & Apparel Personalisation Services

Studio@316 - Stampin’ UP!

As a “born again” Christian, I had been wrestling with the feeling that I was being encouraged to include my faith within my business, and having discussed this with Claire and my family, I decided that I did want to do this. 

So, in August 2021 I started including some more Christian faith-based items through Studio@316 - Garment & Apparel Personalisation Services.  I also want to start doing more bible journaling and maybe starting a Bible study group based around paper crafting where we can join both hobby and faith in a creative way. I won’t be including my faith in everything, so there will be a mixture of Christian and secular projects for you to take part in. 

Where will the business be going from here?

I have restarted my in-person classes with regular Coffee and Crafts sessions on the first Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 12pm (UK time). The cost is currently £9 and includes a full kit for you to join me in making that month’s project as well as unlimited Tea or Coffee, or one cold drink.

My other monthly class is my With Product Class which takes place on the fourth Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 12.30pm. The price of these classes vary depending on the kit.

Both classes are held at the Travellers' Home, Long Lane, Barnehurst, Kent, DA7.  The pub does a range of tasty breakfasts which you can purchase separately and we’ve also been known to munch of a plate of cheesy chips towards the end of the sessions!

The link to my Online Stampin' Up Shop as well as class details can be found on my Stampin' Up! Facebook Page

As for Studio@316 - Memory Bears & More and Studio@316 - Garment & Apparel Personalisation Services, I am fully open and taking orders for handcrafted Memory/Keepsake Bears (and other soft toys) using yours or a loved one’s clothing to create a lasting memory of a person or occasion - I have recently been making more of our Leavers Bears for those Year 6 Pupils who will be moving up to Secondary School in September, which has really been an honour to do.  And don’t forget, I also make Quilts and Cushions as well - in fact I’m always up for a challenge so if it can be made from old clothes, I’ll give any pattern a try (the only thing I can’t do is draft a pattern myself, although if we end up with another lockdown, that may be something to learn!) 

I’m also taking orders for T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Hoodies, Bags, Water Bottles or anything else that can be personalised with Vinyl,  Embroidered or Printed, so now is a great time to get new clothing etc for your community group or team.  I do offer a discount to all Scout and Guide Groups, and give a donation to Dockland Scout Project from all embroidery orders as a thank you for loaning me their machine (I also maintain it and do their embroidery at ‘mates rates’!). Without their support, that side of the business wouldn’t be possible!  

You can also find some great gift ideas in our Online Store suitable for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Weddings and more including bags, purses & wallets, phone & tablet covers, mugs & tumblers and lots more.