Blooming Crafty has celebrated it's 14th birthday in January 2025. Founder Jessica Notley begun the business at the tender age of 20. Shortly after celebrating the opening of her first floristry and craft shop in Ruskington, Lincolnshire. The shop was a beautiful characterful limestone listed building, set on the waters edge. Jessica's first passion was art, her second passion was animals; ducks would wonder into her shop for food and you could visit Jessica's guinea pig Rosie, who travelled to work each day in a willow basket. The shop was brimming with crafts from over 60 skilled crafters that stocked Jessica, floral scents cascaded the buckets from English growers and the workshop was often full with students keen to learn a new craft from different tutors.
Jessica taught her first willow weaving class in 2013, forming a monthly weaving class which is still running today. Her passion for traditional willow basketry is contagious, she now teaches in community and educational settings across Lincolnshire. Jessica’s approach is stimulating, refreshing and extremely therapeutic. The courses have been developed to enable beginners or intermediates to enjoy working with like-minded people in an inspiring environment.
“My belief is that craft is good for our minds. Craft has been found to help relieve stress symptoms and stimulate the neurological system to help enhance your health and well-being."
In 2017 Jessica's daughter Willow came into the world, taking Jessica's focus to the home. Upon returning to teaching, classes are now taught from various locations in Lincolnshire including Alford Craft Market, Doodles in Spalding, Gigi's Bar and Bistro Steep Hill and in Jessica's garden workshop in Walcott. If you live further afield one of the craft kits developed in lockdown with video tutorial might suit.
Jessica has a small shop in her front garden that is stocked with woven items and plant based seasonal gifts, you may even meet one of Jessica 21 pets!
If you are interested in enrolling on one of the courses, please do not hesitate to contact us for further details and to check course availability.
