With the whole crazy Covid-19 situation we're all living through at the moment I thought that I’d make the most of being at home more by doing a couple of blog posts – seeing as the last time I did a post was in 2018! So, I’m starting with a few of the questions I sometimes get asked, if there’s anything else you can think of, then get in touch!
Do I need my own uniform?
Not at all! Whilst having an item made from your own uniform can make it even more special, and keep the cost down, it’s not essential, I am able to track down most items to use, for an additional cost. The extra cost will depend on how much I can purchase the uniform for, for example a uniform jacket can cost anywhere between £30 - £65 (or more!) depending on which uniform it is.
Some items might not cost that much
more, if I can make them out of a skirt, or trousers, or they only need a small amount of uniform fabric, as I do have some stock, but it’s just something to be aware of. For example a handbag similar to the one pictured here would be £145 if you are able to send me your uniform, if not, it will be around £175, depending on what uniform and badges you would like.
I have my own uniform, but I’m missing rank badges/medal ribbons, does that matter?
Not a problem, I can source most badges and medal ribbons easily enough, although it will add a little to the cost, depending on the cost of the badges you need. For example, a cap badge will usually add between £7.50 - £10 to the cost of a clutch bag depending on the branch/service.
Do you only take orders for military uniform items?
Although most of my custom upcycling orders are for military uniform, I’m happy to work with anything you’d like me to. I’ve also made teddy bears from shirts, trainee nurses uniform and babsy clothes, as well as cushions from rugby jerseys, and blouses – I’m happy to have a look at anything really! And I still make items using Harris Tweed cloth, a fantastic heritage cloth, handwoven in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, and have a wide range of colours and patterns to choose from, get in touch for choices.
Do you make anything for the gents?
Of course! Although most of my items are handbags and clutch purses, I can also cater for the guys too with wallets, cufflinks, and unisex medal pouches and messenger bags, as well as the cushions.
Can you make other designs?
I’m happy to have a look at anything, so if you have an idea for something you’d like made, then get in touch and we can chat about it. As well as all my regular items, I have also made footstools, covered a cigar box, and a picture frame!
How long does it take?
Normally (when there’s not a global pandemic going on!) I aim for around 4 weeks turnaround, however, this can take longer depending on supplies, and also how busy my order book is – I’m a one woman operation, and sometimes my other life as a corporate photographer can get in the way. If you have a particular date/deadline then let me know and I can try and meet it.
How do I order?
There’s a couple of different ways to order:
Via Etsy – if it’s one of my regular lines, then you can visit my Etsy shop here: handbagsandhome.etsy.com and you can find them there. If they’re not showing up, then I may be waiting for stock, for example, the clutch purses need frames/cases etc…
Via Facebook: If you prefer to order via my Facebook page www.facebook.com/handbagsandhome then send me a message over there, Facebook is the best if you want to chat about your order, and discuss various options. When it comes to placing your order I will then ask you for an email address and send you a PayPal invoice which will have a link to pay, either via PayPal, or using a debit/credit card.
Via Email: if you would rather email me to chat then it’s heidi@handbagsandhome.co.uk
Can I just pay a deposit initially?
If you don’t want to pay the full balance up front then I’m happy to take a 50% deposit, with the full balance due before I post your items to you. If you order via Etsy then unfortunately you will have to pay the full balance, due to the way the site works, however if you message me to order either via email or Facebook I’m able to arrange for the PayPal invoice to be just for a 50% deposit amount.
How do I get my uniform to you?
Once you’ve placed/confirmed your order I will send you my postal address to send your uniform to. If you are local to me in Weston-super-Mare, then I’m happy to discuss meeting up in person (Current Covid situation permitting of course!)
For more information, or if you have any other questions, then please get in touch, and feel free to come and find me over on my social media channels!
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