Crafts from the Valley
Introduce Crafts from the Valley: We are a husband and wife team. Colin was Dragon Wood Crafts and Helen Jane was Helen Jane’s Designs. Since 2005 we work together as ‘Crafts from the Valley’. Colin makes beautiful and practical items from wood and where possible he uses reclaimed or recycled wood. One of his very popular makes is his trugs which are made completely from scratch. For example each little slat is cut and made individually.They could be used to make a gift hamper. Colin also makes a fantastic range of handmade oak chopping boards as well as many other lovely items. Helen Jane who’s name in Greek means ‘light’ and ‘a person who can do anything she puts her mind to’, and that she can. Her main profession is in Graphic Design, but she has many strings to her bow including sewing, wire wrapped jewellery, card making, pyrography, encaustic wax, and painting to name but a few.
Tell us about leading up to your recent move: We moved our business to Brecon in April 2021 after relocating from Craig-y-Nos Country Park and enjoyed nearly five happy years running our business from there. Prior to this we exhibited at craft events around the UK for many years. When we originally moved to 9 Lion Street, Brecon in April 2021 we thought that the premises was big enough but it was soon apparent after a while that we needed more space. Fortunately we had a two year break clause on that lease so we started looking around in the summer of 2022 to see if there was anywhere suitable if we decided to definitely move. There were a few possibilities in the town but even at that time there was already interested parties.Towards the end of the year, and knowing that if we were going we would have to give notice we almost lost all hope of staying in Brecon and nearly considered venturing elsewhere! But as luck would have it we heard about a premises at 12 Lion Street just a few doors up from where we were that would be vacant in early 2023 and the rest is history so they say.
When did you start the business and why? We both had stressful previous jobs.We decided to star t a business in Tewkesbury back in 2000. We ran this for nearly five years. We then moved to Wales in 2005 and believe the relocation was meant to be because if we had stayed our shop would have been partially under water in the 2007 floods. We both love running our own business and we really take pride in all that we make and do.
What products can be found in the shop? All sorts from fridge magnets, handmade cards, sheep footrests, beautiful oak chopping boards etc. Far too many lovely things to mention so please come and see for yourself.
Who makes these items? The majority of the items we sell are made by ourselves. We also showcase locally selected artisan works.
For those thinking of visiting your Craft & Gift Shop, what would you say? We offer something a bit different to other shops. We are not just the business owners but we actually make the items that we have for sale, which is unique.
Anything else you’d like our readers to know? As we are also product designers we can offer custom work so please do ask if you would like a personalised item and if we can we will do our best to help and make the item for you.
We look forward to welcoming you to our lovely shop.