Monday 1 February 2016

Uniko...way back to the beginning!

Hey & Happy Monday to you all!

With the start of February comes the countdown to the Uniko February Release and this year is our 4th Birthday! 

To kick off the celebrations I thought it would be nice to take a look back to when, where and how it all began (you might want to grab a drink, I didn't realise how much I waffled on and apologies to those who have heard all this before!)...

Since as far back as I can remember I have always been creative and enjoyed a variety of crafts. My late Nana and Mother were both creative, enjoying various crafts from sewing to knitting to making cards. So being creative has kinda embedded itself into me! 

When I moved to the North East of the UK from the South East back in 2002 I was working as a full time nurse in the NHS, having graduated back in 2000. I was new to the area and made friends at work, but working such long hours I wanted to make friends outside of my job.

With my love of card making and stamping really taking flight in 2008 after the sudden death of my mother I found the wonderful world of blogger and began blogging and joining in with all things stamps over at Hero Arts.

It was soon after, that I found a handmade card class at one of the local further education colleges. It was so much fun getting together with like minded creative people that I went on to do another semester. The tutor of the course Joy, was a lovely creative lady who told me about a Textiles & Surface Design Degree and it was at a Paper Crafts show in Newcastle that I came across a stand with all the course details. 

Anyway, back in 2005 I started a BA (Hons) in Textiles & Surface Design. Though the course concentrated more on drawing, sewing and printing across fashion, interiors and the gift industry. I saw more and more links and associations with the paper crafting industry. In 2008 my mother died suddenly and my whole world turned upside down, I was close to quitting everything, including my degree. However, I decided that life was too short and instead of quitting the degree I quit nursing and concentrated my efforts into the degree. It was in my final 2 years that the idea of Uniko was born. 

It was during those 2 years that I concentrated my designing towards stamps, patterned papers and developing my business idea. Here are a couple of drawings from those two years which inspired my first 2 clear stamp sets and more recent ones...











So, after all that back in February 2012 on Saturday 11th, Uniko Studio (which it was called then) was open for business.




*Edited to add* 

Thanks Sandie, for the reminder to tell you how the name Uniko came about. I am a HUGE fan of Marimekko a Finnish design company and at Uni I was known as 'Marimekko Girl' by a number of my tutors! 

One of my all time favourite designs that can be found on various items around the house is by Maija Isola and is called Unikko, seen below.




So partly in homage to my favourite design, memories of going to Finland with my mother and wanting to be 'unique' compared to many of the UK stamp companies/designs that we current when I began the name & company Uniko was born.

I started small launching just 2 clear stamp sets (which are now retired, they may make a reappearance one day as trends change).






After nearly 4 years so much has happened and changed not only with how Uniko has changed, developed and grown with now over 60 products available on the website. But so much has happened to me too, I have got married, had two beautiful babies and moved house AND with all that YOU my friends, loyal customers and blog readers have stuck by me and helped me to keep going and to enjoy bringing you (in small amounts) products to use in your love for paper crafting. 

It really does bring me so much joy each time I see a new customer order and a huge grin on my face when I see a card or project around blog land with Uniko products used on it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and every one of you that makes this happen. 

Now for a little bit of inspiration before I tear up! 

As I haven't used either of them for a while, I dusted them off and made a couple of new creations using them...




For this first card I was inspired by a couple of challenges, first up a new to me challenge called Task For Two Tuesday, started by the lovely Birka and Wiebke. Each Tuesday they each post a sketch for you to use and link up your creations. Last weeks sketches can be found HERE and seen below.







I was also inspired by the current Color Throwdown challenge colours seen HERE and below. 




I decided my next card needed to be a little more feminine and I 'loved' it up a little using some hearts, and adding them to the centre of the stamped graphic flowers. A couple of the hearts are tiny additions to a couple of the February Release stamps ;)  




Again I was inspired by the second Task For Two Tuesday sketch seen HERE and below and also the new challenge over at AAA Cards HERE and seen below. 








Now, it wouldn't be a celebration without a prize, would it?! To kick things off how about a £25 eGift certificate to spend over on the Uniko website. 

To be in the chance of winning simply add your name to the linky below and I will draw a winner before the release on Thursday 11th February at 8am GMT.





That's all from me today, but I'll be continuing the celebrations tomorrow with more to share. Until then, THANK YOU for everything.


40 comments:

  1. I loved reading this Bev. Great to see how you were inspired to make your first stamp set. I have a question...why the name Uniko...have I missed something here?

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    1. Thank you Sandie & I have now updated the post as to how the name Uniko came about. Hugs Bev x

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  2. I too loved reading your story and somehow your first career as a nurse doesn't surprise me - your caring nature always shines through your blog and DT posts. Fabulous journey Bev, you're a star! xx

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    1. Thank you Jane & also for your kind words, it's nice to know that I come across that way :) Hugs Bev x

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  3. Thanks for sharing the story from the beginning. It is nice to know how Uniko came about and the history behind it.
    Great show casing of the older sets.

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  4. Congratulations on four fabulous years, Bev ... here's to many, many more! What a brilliant post, really enjoyed reading about your journey! Wonderful cards, BTW!! Hugs, Anita :)

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  5. That's one beautiful piece of writing Bev and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your crafty journey! Out of such sadness you've created something wonderful that should be treasured! Here's to the next 4 birthdays! Hugs x

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    1. Thank you Sarah for your kind words. Hugs Bev x

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  6. What a beautiful blog post! I enjoyed reading it! I love Marimekko too and its cool to read how your company name evolved from that. How about some Marimekko inspired stamp sets? Anyhow - big congrats to your 4th birthday and to the next exciting 4 years!

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    1. Thank you Cornelia and lovely to know you are a Marimekko fan too :) Yes, I have been working on some designs inspired by them, so watch this space ;) Hugs Bev x

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  7. An incredible journey through a variety of paths (and mazes, in some spots...losing your mom has me tearing up!) that lead YOU to meet with all of US! You're continuing the legacy of your Nana and mom in sharing your love for crafting. Your tutor's name, Joy, is nothing shy of remarkable: she brought joy to you and you, in turn, bring it to us. A heart-warming, touching post in every way. Congratulations on 4 years...and wishes for many, many more! We're so blessed to have you in our lives.
    Hugs~c

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    1. Thank you sweet Carol for your kind words. It is people like you and all that pop by and leave such lovely comments that make my day and keep me going through the good and the not so good. So happy and blessed to have SO many wonderful friends and customers like you around the world. Hugs Bev x

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  8. Such a heart touching story of Uniko and your life Bev!! I love the 2 sets, I don't know why those are retired, these are all time perfect for masculine cards. How wonderful to see the drawings of the first few sets. Congratulations to you for the success of Uniko. I love your stamps, actually I use them quite often, which I never thought I would be able to get my hands on - you know my story. But a huge thank you for giving me the chance to use your lovely stamps. All the best, and I wish Uniko many more happy birthdays xx

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    1. Thank you Rahmat for your sweet words & I am so happy to hear you love your Uniko stamps. I do enjoy seeing your projects as I go round blog land. Hugs Bev x

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  9. It was really interesting to hear about how Uniko came about & very touching. A wonderful journey. Here's to many more successful years xx

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  10. I really enjoyed your success story and how Uniko get named! Congratulations on 4 years of success and many many more! Beautiful designed retired stamps and love your beautiful creations Bev!

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  11. Bev, first things first, what an accomplishment, congrats! I do remember we shared our mother's passing and my mom being a nurse like you. I'm so happy that you turned a dream turn into a reality. So many wonderful things to focus on, getting married, those two super adorable beans, your business, phew what a whirlwind, lol!!! Again congrats, and thank you for sharing yourself and your beautiful products and ideas with us.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Lisa & I do remember when we shared our loss together. I think of you often & send you hugs. Bev x

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  12. How interesting to read your story! Happy anniversary!

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  13. Oh how awesome! Isn't it the greatest thing that so many different people get to know each other just with crafting and sharing? I'm feeling very honored that our Challenge sketches inspired you to your cards! We thank you so much for participating and I'm now going to check out your (new to me) website :)

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  14. thank you for sharing your story and your beautiful work. Also thanks for joining us at AAA Cards!

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  15. How fun to look back! Happy anniversary!!!

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  16. Love those swirly flowers, Bev! Lovely CAS design and the heart centers are perfect! Thanks for joining in at AAA Cards. Melissa

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  17. Happy 4th birthday. Your story is inspiring and uplifting and shows you can achieve and change your path and be happy . I do love the few sets I own, quality and good priced. A lovely trip down your memory lane. X

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  18. It has been great to read your story!! So interesting and encouraging! Congratulations!!!

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  19. Congratulations on Uniko's 4th anniversary!
    Wishing you continuing success.

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  20. Congratulations on Uniko's birthday! I've always loved those first two clock themed sets and you showcased them beautifully on your masculine design. Thanks for joining us at The Color Throwdown!

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  21. Can't believe it's been 4 years! Congratulations! Uniko have their own shelving in my craft room and are always my 'go to first' stamps. Looking forward to the February release to add to my collection. Jill x

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  22. Loved the story. Images are nice too!!
    and Thanks for a chance to win.

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  23. Happy 4th anniversary! Thank you for sharing your story and for showing your sketches - they're amazing!

    I didn't know that Marimekko inspired your company name. You should see my kitchen, we like the same designs...

    Wishing you many more years of success!

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  24. Many congrats!!!! Love reading the history and seeing some of your early designs!

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  25. So super to read how you started with Uniko and to get to know you a little bit better this way!
    What a life can change over a few years...
    Love the stamps you make; the butterfliestamps that I have are still the best and most beautiful butterflies of all that I have seen!
    Congrats on your 4th aniversary!
    Great CAS-cards again!
    Hugs, Gerrina

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  26. Congratulations, Beverley!! It was so wonderful to read how Uniko began and see how you have grown during that time! You have an eye for design and I loved seeing how your stamp sets were inspired by your drawings. I wish you continued success and growth!

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  27. Congratulations! I'm fairly new to Uniko but I've become a fan, for sure!

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  28. What a great way to get started with Uniko! I love your beautiful products and Marimekko too - -I have a complete Marimekko quilt and sheet set on my bed! Wow!
    Best of luck and wishing you many more years to come!
    Take care!
    Michele

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  29. What an amazing story Bev, thank you so much for sharing this, its always so fascinating to see how an idea started. Your new release is looking incredible, off now to look at the blog posts!!

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  30. Congrats on your 4th anniversary! And thank you for this chance to win!

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Lovely Comments Appreciated