Hello!
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my Made by Harriet website. And a special thank you for reading my very first blog!
I thought a blog would be a good place to let you know a little bit more about Made by Harriet and to share some behind the scenes photos, some videos of product making, and of course a bit of Doughnut (my 40kg lurcher/helper). (He has his own Instagram).
Today I wanted to take you behind the scenes of packing orders. Okay, so it's maybe not the most exciting part of what I do, but it is a large part of what I do. And I've never really found the right place to talk about it. If you follow me on Instagram and Twitter you'll know I (over)share quite a lot of what goes on behind the scenes with photos there, but not so much the space to write about what I goes on.
I create most of my items in my studio in Wiltshire. This is sunrise from my house. (I know right), I feel so very lucky to live here. I work in my studio conservatory which has some good points and some bad points, perhaps we will explore these another day.
Pretty much everything you see in my shop is created or hand illustrated by me.
It can be a labour of love as sometimes the kiln gods are kind. Sometimes they are not kind.
I pack each order using recycled materials where possible. If none are available, I will do my very best to use materials which can be recycled once you have received your item.
With most ceramic items, I will use tissue paper to make a cosy bed for your order.
This is then placed into another box and padded out, usually with recycled materials. I have found empty tape rolls to be especially robust and useful!
Once complete, I go a bit mad with the fragile tape and stickers, and maybe a drawing or two if I have time.
It then gets weighed and postage applied before heading off into a grey mailing sack and off to the local post office. Here I am being very weak.
There are probably faster and less eco friendly ways to pack orders, but for me, its important to reduce, re-use and recycle as much as I possibly can. I don't always have time to illustrate the boxes I'm sending out, but if I do, I really hope it brings a bit of extra joy to whoever is opening it.
I would honestly really love to hear from you. Drop me a comment below to know what you might like to read about on future blogs, or what you thought about this one. More photos of Doughnut?
Harriet x
Comments
Kirsten Mooring said:
Beautiful pieces 💕
October 12, 2020
CIndi Berry said:
Hi Harriet,
LOVE ALL of your items for sale. Just so full of joy, and especially fun for dog and animal lovers. Your packaging is like an extra gift in itself! Thanks so much for everything you do and share. It brings oodles of happiness. That’s what art is supposed to do! You are one of the BEST artists on the planet!
June 27, 2020
Maggie said:
Love your work Harriet – it makes me so happy! x
June 27, 2020
Jean said:
I love absolutely everything you create! Each item brings immense happiness. Not to mention your packaging. Your thank you cards, etc., adorn my window sill, too.
June 27, 2020
Penny said:
I LOVE how special you make every order. It makes the arrival of a parcel from another artist feel such a let down when it arrives in a plain brown envelope. Loving what you do❤
June 12, 2020
Penny said:
I LOVE how special you make every order. It makes the arrival of a parcel from another artist feel such a let down when it arrives in a plain brown envelope. Loving what you do❤
June 12, 2020
Nana Woof ;) said:
Hey Harriet ! Great idea to make a blog , I will follow and enjoy. Your packages are the most adorable on the Planet. And as I told you before: I just WANT almost everything of your gorgeous stuff :) say hi to Doughnut from Frieda and the rest of the pack ! Cheers from France
May 29, 2020
Diana Hall said:
It is such a treat to get a parcel from you. The illustrations you put on your packaging are a real smile factor and very intriguing if the parcel is a present so you have no idea what’s on the inside. Super special to me as we have had 3 lovely lurchers. So good to see the care and attention you give to all your work from start to despatch. Please keep up the blogs. x
May 29, 2020
Emily said:
I LOVE your work! I have been ordering gifts for all of my friends and family whilst I can’t see them and everyone has been so, so happy with them! Mugs, plates, cards, socks, coasters & prints – I think I’ve ordered them all!!
Keep up the truly great work <3 xx
May 28, 2020
Alx and Dobby said:
Yay! Fabulous blog and very nice to be able to see the artist and her hound in their natural habitat!!! You must make some more of the flower pots with noses!!!! Dobby says woof to Doughnut x
May 28, 2020
Leah said:
What a lovely post, keep up the amazing work x
May 28, 2020
Emily said:
Love the first blog, really interesting see behind the scenes!
May 28, 2020
Stef Anaya said:
Love these photos, what a gorgeous view from your studio. Doughnut is adorable. What made you start drawing dogs?
May 28, 2020
Moira Carson said:
Hi Harriet love the new website. Keep up the good work. Lots of love to you and D xx
May 28, 2020
Paula Prime said:
You are so super talented Harriet. I’m so proud and honoured to be able to call you a friend. I love all your creations and would easily spend a fortune in your shop if I could. Love seeing photos of doughnut. Congratulations on all you’ve achieved. You’re going from strength to strength. Xx
May 28, 2020
Jane said:
So happy that the website is up and a great first blog entry!
Doughnut content will always be welcome. I’d also love to hear about how you started to work with ceramics alongside the illustration.
May 28, 2020
Stephanie said:
I really love It when something from ‘Made by Harriet’ arrives with a unique doodle or design on it! Add to the quality and personal feel, definitely adds to the joy!
May 28, 2020
Sarah said:
Love, love, love everything that you do! You are so talented! Please keep us updated with what you do. Xx
May 28, 2020
James Goddard said:
Lovely blog and love the pictures of Doughnut!
May 28, 2020
Caz said:
I love you. More photos of doughnut please. Maybe a process of you painting one of your ceramics would make an interesting blog?
May 28, 2020
Peter Lowther said:
Excellent website.
Really like the quirky designs.
Most importantly each one is unique
May 28, 2020