I didn’t set out to write a book. In fact, when I started Watership Down Crafts, I barely knew what SEO stood for, let alone imagined I’d ever be publishing Tote Bags & Tenacity on Amazon.
But after nearly two years of building my handmade business from scratch—through trial, error, tenacity, and more Google searches than I care to admit—something shifted. I realised I wasn’t just creating products. I was also collecting stories, lessons, and small, unexpected moments that felt worth sharing.
Why I Wrote a Book About Crafting as a Business
This isn’t a guidebook. There’s no blueprint, no guaranteed 10-step formula for success. Tote Bags & Tenacity is a relatable read for anyone exploring crafting as a business in the UK. It’s a collection of honest reflections from someone who started a creative business from home later in life, with no budget and very few clues.
I wrote it because I couldn’t find this kind of book when I needed it. Everything I read about how to start a craft business from home felt either too polished or completely out of touch. I wanted something real—something that captured the ups and downs of building a handmade business in real time.
There are a few funny bits, a few eye-roll moments, and more than a few things I wish I’d known sooner. But mostly, it’s about persistence. Even when it’s slow. Even when you doubt yourself. Even when the only sale that day is the one you made to yourself.
If you’re searching for real stories about turning a hobby into a small craft business—or thinking about starting your own—you might find this book more useful than you expect.
You can also take a look at my handmade tote bags, which are where this all began. Every product tells a bit of the journey.
According to Enterprise Nation, more and more people across the UK are turning their creative hobbies into full-time businesses from home — proof that it’s never too late to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this book a guide to starting a craft business?
A: No — it’s not a step-by-step manual. It’s a true, funny, honest account of what really happens behind the scenes when you try to build a handmade business from scratch.
Q: Do I need to be over 60 to enjoy the book?
A: Not at all. Anyone running a small creative business, or thinking about starting one, will recognise the moments and mindset.
Q: Will it help me if I want to turn my craft hobby into a business?
A: Yes — especially if you want something realistic. This is about what happens when you build a craft business from home without a plan, a team, or a clue.
Tote Bags & Tenacity is available now on Amazon.
Thank you to everyone who’s been quietly cheering me on in the background. This one’s for you.
