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The Birchcraft name is synonymous with beautiful, hand crafted decorations, gifts and home wares. Each product lovingly designed in-house to appeal to those who are looking for something a bit different...that special, timeless mix of quality, subtle charm and originality.
Founded in 2000 by Carol Smith and Mary Stone in the little Cambridgeshire village of Barnack, Birchcraft is a small, design led company that has grown in reputation and sales both nationally and internationally, into a well respected company renowned for its unique brand and personal service.
The creative team consists of designers Mary Stone and Helen Fitzjohn. The sales and marketing team comprises of Carol Smith as the business manager and Lis Faulkner in sales and admin. Together they will endeavour to keep customers up to date with product developments and communicate about orders.
All of us attend trade fairs to meet customers old and new. Behind the scenes Tracy Green is in charge of the accounts and Alex Sandall is working in the warehouse processing orders.
2010 has started well with a new range of romantic gifts in time for Valentines Day and beyond consisting of lots of bright colourful hearts in pinks, reds and whites. February saw the launch of the Christmas cake decorations which compliment the birthday cake and party decorations launched in 2009.
There are many new designs in the Christmas collection and a new illustrated brochure can be sent to you if requested see the enquiry form. As an alternative to folk art and rustic charm we have the Mexican stars whose bright siesta designs have been inspired by Mexican art. We also have new figurative designs created from memories of Christmas past and complementary additions to the rustic and folk ranges.
Birchcraft customers range from small independent retailers to mail-order companies, galleries and specialist chains. All of whom choose our products because they appreciate the unique, hand-crafted quality and originality of our designs.
If you think our products would sell well in your shop, please contact us for details of how to become a customer. As a small company, we endeavour to treat our customers well, offering a personal service where your business and our promises really mean something!
We are looking to increase our export sales and welcome interested resellers from Europe and North America.
Carol Smith
Carol has had a varied background which included teaching Science in Secondary Schools and running her own photographic business. Carol initiated the founding of Birchcraft. It is her motivation and her skills in sales, marketing and finance which have allowed Birchcraft to grow.
Birchcraft exhibit at a number of trade fairs every year and Carol is often present on the stand to meet customers. Carol’s role is to manage and develop the business. She also takes an active role in assisting Mary to plan future product ranges. Carol is married and has three children.
Mary Stone
Mary comes from a design background having a degree in silver-smithing. Mary has worked in the jewellery retail business where she was responsible for window displays, assisting in the workshop and dealing with customers. She has also been involved in various aspects of the antiques trade. This interest in antiques is often an inspirational source of her designs.
It was the popularity of her hand made decorations at local fairs and fetes that was the inspiration to start the business. Mary’s role is predominately in the design of the product range. Her skills in sample production enable Birchcraft to achieve the right end result. Over the past five years she has drawn on her passion for folk-art. She has always had a love of beads, jewellery, fabrics, colours, paints and textures. Mary uses various materials to create individual pieces; these are modified and gradually evolve into a Birchcraft product range.
Mary has many ideas and it is her style of painting and metal work that is highly appreciated by Birchcraft Customers. Mary is married and has two children.
Lis Faulkner: Sales / Administrator
Lis joined Birchcraft in 2004 and is involved in the sales and marketing of our products. She is often present at exhibitions and is in the office to help with orders.
Helen Fitzjohn: Designer
Helen joined the design team in 2005 to assist Mary and create new products which complement and enrich the Birchcraft range. Helen comes from a design and craft background and has plenty of creative flair.
Tracy Green: Accounts
Tracy is responsible for the accounts and debt.credit control.
Alex Sandall: Warehouse Chief
Alex has a key role in the warehouse packing orders, keeping it tidy and stock control.
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