Suzie Moore runs her home décor business, Made in the Shed, from her home in beautiful Stirling. Her range of boards are designed with love to help organise busy lives, as well as bring pleasure to the eye. A former team member here at Stirling Self Catering, we caught up with Suzie to learn more about her thriving business.
Organising life just a little more beautifully
Suzie’s boards reflect the palette and textures of the Scottish landscape
Seizing the day
Suzie launched Made in the Shed after redundancy from her public-sector job presented her with an unexpected opportunity: “I have a young family and being able to work locally, with flexible hours, meant I could have the best of both worlds! I graduated from Grays School of Art in Aberdeen way back in 1994, and I’ve found it really energising to rediscover the creative me!”
Inspiration from Scotland’s landscape
Where did she get the inspiration to create her range? “I love the colours and textures abundant in Scotland. As a dog owner I am out in all weathers, and never tire of the beauty around us – even in the rain. I have family in the Outer Hebrides, where I can soak up the colours of the ever-changing landscape. I’m also a list fanatic. I have an eternal quest for bringing some semblance of organisation to our busy family life. This is where my chalkboards were born.”
Utility and beauty
Suzie’s boards bring together utility and beauty, but what do her customers love most? “I get great feedback about the boards having a magnetic section, for organising all the important pieces of paper that follow us through our busy lives, and a section for writing up messages and notes to jog our memory. This practicality, combined with stunning Harris Tweed fabrics, and hand-formed glass magnets, provides a welcome addition to any home. I make all boards by hand and pride myself on a high-quality finish.”
Hebridean tradition
Why Harris Tweed? “This fabric is steeped in history and renowned world-wide. All of it is dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and hand-woven in the home of the Harris Tweed weaver. It’s an ecologically sound textile, and the island communities are proud to pass their techniques down through the generations.”
Perfect partners
To complement the Harris Tweed, Suzie searched for the perfect magnet for her boards. “I’m so lucky to work with Elin Isaksson who has a studio locally in Cambusbarron. Elin is an incredibly talented glass artist who creates the glass for my magnets. I love getting a delivery and seeing the individual characteristics in every piece of glass.”
Sharing the fun
It’s clear that there’s a part of Suzie that feels honoured to create something that families can use and enjoy. “It’s heart-warming to make boards as wedding gifts. My customers put in so much thought and consideration, deciding on which fabric suits the newly-weds’ taste, and the wording they choose to commemorate the big day. Sharing in the excitement is a privilege and my customers always give feedback when the Bride and Groom receive their gift. I had a ‘goose bump moment’ recently, when a customer wanted her family name on her board. She intended to pass it on to her children for when they grow up, have their own families, and begin to appreciate how hectic life can be. It was lovely to know the customer considered her board something that should stand the test of time!”
Hand-formed glass by Elin Isaksson make Suzie’s magnets something special
Suzie loves choosing fabrics that suit both you and your home
More information:
- Follow Made in the Shed here: https://www.facebook.com/madeintheshedscotland/
- Watch out for Suzie’s website online soon: http://www.madeintheshed.co.uk/
- Follow Elin Isaaksson here: https://www.facebook.com/elinI.glass/
Photo credits: All photos kindly supplied by Suzie Moore. All photos reamin copyright of Suzie Moore.