DIY KITS V CASTING COMPANIES

Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

Why spend more use a casting or impression company when you can get DIY kits cheaper?

 
All too often we see clients who tell us of the issues they have faced when using home DIY kits to capture that special memory of their child’s tiny hands and feet. It appears to be more common than the parents realise and they often think its something they are doing wrong. So what is the problem with these kits and why do companies offer products that are not fit for the purpose they were intended for?

Castings and Impressions require a skill and both need to be produced by someone who has undertaken the training to use the materials and has developed the techniques.

A DIY kit is marketed very well.  Good Packaging of what you can achieve is on the front of each box and they are not necessarily that cheap.  The materials supplied are often minimal and of poor quality, which makes the task in hand difficult but also puts added pressure on the buyer to get the cast or impression right the first time they have a go.  Sadly, experience has shown that this can be a false expense which results in parents contacting companies to re-do the casts once they have been unable to get the result they desire. Companies which specialise in this field will ensure that your casting or impression is created with minimal fuss to both you and your child. When choosing a company, don’t always go by the price, do your research.

Things to consider:

·         How long have they been trading?

·         Do they have a good testimonial page?

·         Go on recommendations.

·         Can you view their products online and at events before booking?

·         What materials are used and at what level are the pieces produced too?  Eg, A company with the ability to produce pieces from plaster to hallmarked sterling silver clearly understand how to create stunning pieces of intricate work for clients.

·         How are they displayed? The cast or impression should be finished to a high standard with a good quality frame.

·         Do the artists have their own children or experience of children? If they can’t relate to children and realise that every child is different then do you want to work with them?

·         Are they insured?

·         What happens if the casts don’t come out well, do you have to pay extra due to extra material being used?

·         What happens if your baby needs a feed mid casting?

Often calling an artist will answer most of your questions and you will be able to gauge from your conversation if they are professional and someone you wish to use.

Tips for the day

·         Think about where your final piece of artwork will be displayed this will then enable you to consider your final choice wisely. 

·         When going for a casting or impression with a baby, where possible, feed them before so they are contented or during the casting as this can often help make the process smoother.

·         Ensure the Artist has allowed enough time so it allows you to stop to change your baby etc if required

·         Most importantly, relax and enjoy.

     

Precious Memories Berkshire offer 2d impressions, 3d casts and stunning silver jewellery and are based in Berkshire.

For more information or to make a booking please contact Nicol Doherty on 07900 254059 or nicold@precious-memories.co.uk

LONDON PET SHOW 7-8 MAY 2011 – stand DR3 DISCOVER PETS AREA

Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

PAWS FOR THOUGHT!

It is now just under a week before Precious Memories embarks on attending a whole new type of event for the company.  Over the last couple of months the number of enquiries we have had from pet owners has dramatically increased and so too has our range of gifts.  Precious Memories firmly believe that “A house is not a home without a pet and our products enable owners to create truly bespoke keepsakes to remind them of their love and loyalty”.

Our 3D Casts are created using a thick rubber moulding material, to create the foundation to produce a precious paw or hoof.  Meticulous care and attention is given to define every intricate detail and the final cast is available in a variety materials Slate, Marble, or bronze resin.  Or for the ultimate in luxury, Lead Crystal Glass, Solid Bronze or Hallmarked Sterling Silver.

Our 2D Impressions are created using terracotta clay.  It only takes us a few minutes to take a clay impression from which, each piece is then carefully handcrafted to a high professional finish and can be complimented with your favourite picture in one of our stunning frames. 

Our very popular Petprint Jewellery is created using a special inkless wipe.  This magical mark is then transformed into a piece of Sterling Silver Jewellery.  There is also the facility to hold your original prints on file, so you can re-order items at a later date.

For many of us acquiring that one special gift to reflect genuine thought, love and care can be a real challenge.. Not anymore, Precious Memories Pet Prints, can help you to create an enchanting & charming gift for all pet owners, simply go online and buy your gift voucher today.

So if you are a pet owner and already have a ticket for the London Pet Show at the Olympia please do come along and look at our fabulous range.  If you don’t have a ticket then you could win a PAIR in our current compeition we are running – all you need to do is visit out Precious Memories Pet Print Page on Facebook and post a reason why you deserve to win.  Competition ends 5th May.

Well Precious Memories certainly hopes this article brings paws for thought!

Can You Give a Dog a Home?

Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

Blue Cross Animal Charity Lends a Paw to Precious Memories

Precious Memories Worcestershire made the short trip up to Bromsgrove this week to visit the lovely guys at Catshill Blue Cross Animal Charity. They and their gorgeous four legged friends are celebrating an amazing 25 years of rehoming animals this year!! I remember when I was a little girl my Dad took me there for a visit just after they opened in 1986. Needless to say we came home with a tiny ball of fluff, a puppy named Victor who grew to be the most wonderful playmate and my very best friend. Victor lived to be nearly 18 and since we lost him we have gone on to rehome more amazing dogs (the latest being Spotty a 6 month old Jack Russell who is trying to sit on the laptop as I type ha ha) All my dogs have all been fantastic and wonderful in their own different ways and I can’t imagine my life without them.

In celebration of their wonderful achievement of 25 years of finding these gorgeous animals, great new families I went to visit the dogs at Blue Cross and see if they would be ‘barking’ enough to model for our new paw print range, one of a number of beautiful pet keepsakes precious memories now offer.

Precious Memories offer pawprints onto silver to create stunning charms for keyrings, pendant and necklaces.  3d casts in plaster and framed in a range of stunning frames or for the ultimate luxury 3d cast,  sold bronze or hallmarked sterling silver and our third range 2d paw impressions which can be framed alongside your favourite pet photo.

I fell in love with Jasper a gorgeous 5 ½ year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier who has the most wonderful nature. He was full of licks and cuddles for his paw-print session, he even managed to have a dribble in my clay (I think he thought it was a rather large slab of steak). Jasper loves his friends at Blue Cross but desperately want’s a forever family of his own. If you think you could give Jasper or any other Blue Cross animal a home please do contact them. http://www.bluecross.org.uk/2566-82492/Jasper.html

0121 453 3130 & become part of the legacy of their next 25 years!

If you would like a pawprint in honour of your own faithful friend please contact emmaw@precious-memories.co.uk 07816143404

March 2011

Mums Who Juggle

Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

Black Eyed Peas is blasting out on the radio, as I sit in the kitchen writing this with my youngest daughter who is eating baked beans for lunch. No-one could ever describe life at the Hickmott home as normal. This morning began with Savana throwing up (so no need to call the office to say I can’t come in), a list of emails to do, laundry, tidy the house, food shopping and completion required on a proposal for a huge corporate company to which I am visiting the head office after the weekend. To say I have learnt to juggle is an understatement, but would I change my life?– quite simply “no”.

Since I became a mum 7 years ago, I was in the fortunate position to stay at home when my daughter Bailey was born. However, I was not one to sit and twiddle my thumbs, so taught myself to create 3d casts. At the time, it was for family and friends but as time passed, my hobby became a business, which today exceeds all expectations. I am constantly asked “how on earth do you do it?”, I do not have any magical answers, it is sheer hard work requiring endless amounts of energy, and I have certainly learnt to juggle my time as a mum, wife and business owner. But in summary I would say some of the key aspects are:-

Time – Management:- As a mum I ensure that I have quality time with my girls and work just has to wait. There have been times when plans have changed, but I have always talked things through with my girls and at 3 and 7 they are incredibly supportive. When I first began creating casts the nature of the job allowed me to do this with the girls around and this is a significant factor in why so many mums are now joining the company. Without fail they go to bed by 7 pm every evening and are brilliant at doing so. Routine was key and from an early age I have never had any problems at bedtime with them. I then know I have time to do my emails and telephone calls and have a glass of wine!

Support:- Having a good support network is key, sharing taking and collecting the girls from school with my husband and other mums. Within the company, they have my support as well as the support for each other.

Multi-tasking – I am often doing 3 or 4 things at the same time without realising it. The moment you become a mum you learnt to adapt often using one arm as you carry your baby in the other. Buy the shopping, whilst confirming a booking on my mobile, and watching your child does not run off to the sweet aisle. Being able to adapt naturally has helped me to juggle my daily life.

Flexibility:- Throughout life I have always had an open mind and when you become a mum your life is turned upside down. The ability to adapt in different situations is so important and I love the fact that I am now in a position where I can offer a job which offers flexibility for others.

Work :- No matter how good the deal, there are always cons. These include being constantly busy and telling myself there is only so much time in a day, so set myself realistic targets. I remain very grounded and take each day as it comes knowing that without a certain amount of self- belief, the business would not be where it is today. Against all odds in the current climate, I am thriving and feel very honoured to now be in a position where I can offer an attainable low cost entrance fee back into work helping a large group of frustrated mums to find a way out from a mundane job, encouraging them to build on their creative skills in a job working around their family.

Products Offered by Precious Memories:-

Head Office based in Aylesbury which creates unique keepsakes for adults and children including:-

3D Casts of hands or feet in various luxury materials in frames or with mounts

 2D Impressions of hands or feet set in beautiful frames with client photographs

Unique silver jewellery set with imprints from adult or child fingerprints, footprints or drawings

These are sold, produced and delivered by a network of franchised mums operating across the UK.

Current positions available within the company:-

Jewellery Makers £100 plus VAT wendypw@preciuos-memories.co.uk

Jewellery Agents £150 plus VAT contact janu@precious-memories.co.uk

2D Impressions £1000 plus VAT (half amount paid up front other half in commissions) info@precious-memories.co.uk

3D Cast Artist – £1250 plus VAT (half amount paid up front other half in commissions) info@precious-memories.co.uk

http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

info@precious-memories.co.uk

telephone 01296 399280

Hands, Feet & Boots

Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

Hands, Feet and Boots!!!



So, at the crack of dawn on Monday I ventured to Huddersfield for the last part of my 3D cast training at Laura Lambert’s studio. A very productive day was had and I found myself getting covered in white dust, then glue and liquid silicone, getting a little light headed on spray paint and finally perfecting my handwriting skills!


As much as we would have liked to have enjoyed a large glass of wine that evening there was still work to be done to prepare for Tuesday’s very exciting Precious Memories casting day within the Children’s department of Boots in Meadowhall, Sheffield. So we set about stacking up boxes of example frames, clay, water bottles, order pads, and wet wipes (essential!!) for the next day.


Despite terrible traffic on route from Huddersfield to Sheffield we made it in plenty of time to set up the casting station for our first client. Mummies had booked in to have 3D casts, 2D impressions and silver hand, foot and fingerprint jewellery and keepsakes of their little ones at slots booked at 45 minute intervals. The atmosphere in store was great and all the appointments went very smoothly. Many of the mums I was chatting to said how good it was to have their cast done in store, because it meant they could do some shopping straight afterwards! One lovely lady who had booked in to have a 2D cast done on her daughter Rose, loved the 3D frames so much she decided to have a 3D cast done too!


We were also overwhelmed by the number of people coming up to us asking “when were we going to be in store next?!” – the answer to which is hopefully soon!! We took people’s contact details and promised to let them know by email once a date had been set! The day drew to a close at around 4 and I drove back to Essex that night…and thanks to the lovely M25, 5.5 hours later I was home! Got to love it!


Being involved in such a busy casting day has got me even more fired up to build up my own client base in and around Chelmsford!! I have already received some enquiries through Little Smilers Photography and have approached some local children’s boutiques with which I hope to be running some incentive offers! So watch this space!!


Laura Gooderson


Precious Memories Essex Studio (Chelmsford)






Mob : 07817 981951


Email:  laurag@precious-memories.co.uk


Web : www.precious-memories.co.uk


Join our Facebook Group: Precious Memories – Baby Hand and Foot Castings

Christmas Competition – Win £195 worth of Toys & Bespoke Gift

Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

WIN £190 worth of toys & a personalised bespoke gift*

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED THE WINNER WAS A LOVELY LADY BY THE NAME OF MANDY GREAVES!

• 2d Single Impression in Natural Wood Frame – £60* (see http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/)

TOYS GALORE!

• Strawberry Shortcake Café Playset £34.99
• Speedstars Transformers Bumblebee Track Set –£29.99
• Speedstar Transformers Mini Vehicles – £2.99
• Ocean In My Pocket Coral Reef Playset – £19.99
• Ben 10 Alien Force Plumbers Communicator – £17.99
• Littlest Petshop Pet Vehicle – £14.99
• Mirco Pets i – £9.99

– courtesy of Toys R Us UK – Toyologist Programme (please note that the toys will have been tested but are in fantastic condition)

 For a chance to win all of these FANTASTIC PRIZES just in time for xmas –  all you need to do is complete the following famous Christmas Carol:-

Jingle …… 

PLEASE READ ALL THE RULES BELOW:-

  

1)  Post your answer Jingle ….. &  WE LOVE CHRISTMAS WITH TOYSRUS AND PRECIOUS MEMORIES – BABY HAND AND FOOT CASTINGS also – on BOTH Facebook Pages:-

a) Toys R US UK
b) Precious Memories – Baby Hand and Foot Castings

 2) Entrants MUST BE A FOLLOWER/LIKE ON BOTH FACEBOOK PAGES

3)  Entrants will NOT be counted if they are only on one of the Facebook pages.

4) The Competition is open to entrants in the UK only.

5) Competition closes at MIDNIGHT on 14th December 2010 and a name will be picked out randomly.

 *2d impression offer valid for 3 months from 14/12/2010

Happy 1st Anniversary to me

Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

I cannot believe I have reached this milestone of my first anniversary since opening my Precious Memories studio in sunny (snowy) Huddersfield so I thought I would do a little blog to tell you how things have gone.

It’s hard to believe it was a year ago that I was waiting for my first client to turn up – 5 week old Tess Ledgard – with owner and trainer Glenda Hickmott at my studio. I had been shown how to roll the clay, take impressions….but I chickened out and allowed Glenda to do the impression whilst I watched!! Ha ha

How things have changed, fast forward a year, 144 casts later and I am thrilled, and honoured, to now be Operations Director the company, responsibly for training our new mums as they come on board in both 2D impressions and 3D casts. I work closely with Glenda and our hard work is paying off – we now have 13 locations across the UK offering our fab products with two more due to open in January 2011! We have exceptionally exciting and big plans for 2011 which will see Precious Memories moving forward but I won’t kiss and tell, you’ll just have to wait and see!

I love and adore my job. I love dealing with the clients that come to me, the thought that I am creating this beautiful handmade product they will have on their wall for years to come still amazes me. So far I have come across sleepy babies (who don’t stir whilst having their cast done), screamers (who scream blue murder whilst it is being done), gigglers (who just laugh either at me singing to them or the sensation of the alginate setting) and nonchalant babies who couldn’t care less! After starting with 2D impressions and progressing to 3D framed casts, I now offer the full range of luxury 3D items, from solid bronze through to clear resin, and our 2D casts have seen MANY MANY ex-Kindercast customers coming through the doors to have replicas done of their originals once more babies arrive in their families.

My favourite cast – hard to say because sometimes it’s not about the cast, it’s about the relationship between me and the client – there are some truly lovely mothers out there.
Worst moment – when opened a 3D cast to find all 5 fingers missing and the hand detached from the wrist – thank god for taking duplicate copies!!!
Funniest moment – chasing Glenda’s alsation around her kitchen whilst trying to hold the bag of alginate on his paw to get a 3D cast. Amazingly it came out perfectly!!

I have heard stories of absolute heartbreak and stories of pure miraculous joy. I have been pooed on, sicked on and had my hair pulled more times than I care to remember (I am generally talking about the children, not their parents!!). This job is not just about ‘taking a cast’ it is truly about creating a ‘precious memory’ and I love it. Here’s to the next year.

Jingle Bells Jingle Jingle all the way to our FB or Blog and win a prize!

Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

Chistmas Time – Great Giveaway!  WOW it is only 36 days left until Xmas and the team at Precious Memories want to thank everyone for helping to keep us busy! As a good will gesture we will be giving 1 lucky person either a single 3d handcast wooden frame or a single 2d impression wooden frame – WOW. So what do you need to do?

Simply become a fan on our BLOG and or/ facebook page Precious Memories – Baby Hand and Foot castings saying PLEASE ENTER ME FOR THE PRECIOUS MEMORIES FREE PRIZE DRAW and you will be automatically entered.

*please note that the photo has a pair of feet and the prize will be for a single hand or foot

Invite a friend – and make sure they mention you! and your name will be entered again – INVITE 100 and you will get 100 chances to win. The offer is open to residents living in the UK and a name will be randomly picked next Saturday 27th November 2010. So what are you waiting for????? http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

Personal Thanks to a great team!

Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

Wow who would have thought it – turning 41 and recruiting 5 more mums to my home business all in the same week.  Precious Memories is truly turning a new corner in the world of business.  I am due to hold my first official company meeting later on this month.  It is going to be a fantastic opportunity for all of my mums to meet under one roof, chill chat and talk PM!

I never imagined when I started 7 years ago that I would now be in the position that I am in today a mum, wife and BUSINESS WOMAN giving a fantastic and very different opportunity for other mum’s in the UK.

In today’s climate it is often both parents who have to go work and often the woman who has to sacrifice their personal aspirations. There are not many jobs which offer the money and flexibility to work around a family and often they are also faced with expensive child caring costs so work just becomes a necessity rather than something to be enjoyed.

I believe that my business, Precious Memories offers an attainable low cost entrance fee back into work helping those frustrated mums a way out from a mundane job, encouraging them to build on their creative skills in a job working around their family. Furthermore, many women have often lost their self-confidence being at home for several years and find the whole aspect of returning to work incredibly daunting. As a mum myself, the key to this business is I am able to offer life changing opportunities for mums in a great company which believes in one-to-one long term support, working with a colleague who creates one of the other key products and networking.

My own two daughers who are currently 3 and nearly 7, see a very busy mum and know that it is through my business that they have the fantastic opportunity to attend a great school.  I feel very privileged to play a part in the lives of some great mums who have great drive and enthusiasm for my company.  They are all currently VERY BUSY with the xmas season upon us and are creating some truly unique bespoke gifts for families all over the UK.  I would like to say a personal thanks to each and everyone of them.

To view their work visit our comapny webstie http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

Christmas is coming…

Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/

My lovely West Yorkshire studio is flooded – not with water which is usual for Huddersfield – but with orders. You name it, I am doing it! 3D casts, 2D impressions, luxury handclasps of mother and baby, Precious Prints jewellery orders…..I am shattered!

What is difficult to ascertain is whether this fabulous influx of work is due to the festive season, or are people just learning about the fabulous products Precious Memories produce? I suspect a bit of both.

This week alone I have had a gorgeous 3 week old pop by for a 3D casting, held a casting day at Tiny Toes Play Centre in Horsforth, Leeds with lots of lovely clients, met with the wonderful Meet Your Baby Team http://www.blogger.com/www.meetyourbaby.com as we are now working in partnership together offering fabulous EXCLUSIVE discounts to our mutual clients, fully booked our casting day at Boots, Meadowhall on Tuesday 12th October, finished off 7 framed casts and given out to happy clients………….oh yes and done the housework, taxed the car and looked after my boys JJ (3.5 years) and Leo (16 months).

Does anyone mind if I sit down?

Joking aside, Precious Memories may have taken over my life but what a happy experience this is. I did tell one dad that I loved having cuddles with my clients – but then quickly backtracked to explain I was talking about his son not him!!! It is great holding these beautiful babies but being able to give them back!

So what for 2011? Well I have just bought my new diary and already have 3 appointments booked in for January 2011 as well as popping our Boots, Meadowhall casting day in for 25th January 2011.

If you would like to contact me to arrange an appointment in the meantime – I promise I will squeeze you in! As long as you don’t mind having a cuddle…….

Laura

laural@precious-memories.co.uk or 07834 421148