LANGHOLM Lass Iona Murray is a well known face on the local craft circuit and is often seen helping her mum ‘Horncraft’ at craft fairs all over the country, but whilst shielding during the lockdown, Iona has launched her own business and brand ‘Foil & Shine Gifts’.
In a recent interview, Iona told DGWGO ” I live in a lovely toon, which is called Langholm but is also known as ‘The Muckle Toon’ in the Scottish Borders. Lived around this beautiful countryside all my life. It’s great known you have the ability to walk into the roaming hills which surrounds Langholm in minutes. When going out walking I have my best friend wee Ted my miniature Yorkshire terrier, keeps me on my toes for sure. Usually ends up me carrying him part of the way!
In 2020, as we are all aware COVID-19 brought the country/world to a standstill, I never ever thought I would be told to stay in my house.
Due to being on the vulnerable list, I had to shield for 19 weeks last year which was hard. To fill my time in I sat and made friendship bracelets to raise money for NHS Heroes which kept me very busy, raising over £200 for a fantastic cause. However, I did eventually return to work, then after the Christmas break, we were back in the same situation. Told to go back into shielding once again. Long dark days this year when shielding.
Then I decided to start up a wee business. I wanted to spread positivity, kindness, and make people smile & shine again. I did watch Tiktok which made me start trying different crafty ideas. The aim of my business was to shine, I was recently looking into hot foiling images. It’s very interesting once you start designing, then when you hot foil your design. Well, it looks amazing and shines bright which I love, makes you feel so happy knowing someone will be receiving one of my cards for a special occasion. So this is why my wee business is called ‘Foil & Shine Gifts’.
While time went on I wanted to add some more colourful items to my business, so I started to draw again which haven’t done for a few years. I got my iPad out and started drawing which was odd but so relaxing which was very good for my mental health. I started to draw gnomes which I absolutely love. They are so colourful, cute, happy, kind souls.
It all came about when I purchased two Christmas gnomes for decorations, so cute just had to start drawing them. I have done a lot of different styles of gnomes and many different sayings which I foil onto the cards. I also have my designs in dome pins which I love, there are more pins in the making as I am writing this article. Also started making my own stickers, trail run really. Wall art I love the positivity that can be shown in an A5 print which I also make. With COVID-19 all craft fairs, country shows have been cancelled this year also making it essential to go on to Instagram, TikTok & also set up an Etsy shop
Iona continued “My family has a crafty background so I know that having your own business is hard work, you need to put everything into it to make it work. There will be 40+ years of doing craft fairs and country shows in my family so I have been brought up in a crafty lifestyle. Very interesting seeing all the many talented people out there making unique gifts.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey starting my wee business ‘Foil & Shine Gifts’ it would be very much appreciated if you follow me on Instagram also have a wee peek at my Etsy shop. Thank you again.
I hope to meet you all at some craft fairs this year if everything settles down.
Iona x”
Instagram – foil_shinegifts
TikTok – @foil_shinegifts
Etsy Shop – www.foilshinegifts.etsy.com
Email – [email protected]
