My name is Ann and I am a traditional upholsterer, breathing new life into antique and vintage furniture using traditional methods and materials.
I believe in recycling, upcycling, repurposing (whatever you like to call it!) and minimising waste. So much gets thrown out that could have a new use. I apply this to off-cuts of fabric from my upholstery work which I turn into a number of craft items.
Several years ago I also started making keepsake bears. Initially this was with just children's clothes - most parents have some hidden away somewhere that they never look at but want to keep - and it expanded into all sorts of clothing fabrics and even a table cloth!
This part of my business felt like it should have its own identity so Cariad Keepsakes was born. Being based in West Wales, I wanted the name to reflect this. The word "Cariad" means love and is used as a term of endearment which seems apt for these adorable bears and the treasured memories they represent.