Siop y Pethe is extremely proud to be supporting arts and crafts makers from Wales; all our products have been created by makers here in Wales or from Wales, and many are exclusive to us. Each month we’ll be doing a meet the maker feature, an opportunity for you to meet these talented individuals who create our beautiful products!
We’ve decided to feature Glesni, from Crefftau’r Bwthyn for our first article! She was our first supplier when we reopened the shop and the crafts section on the first floor in November 2016.
Full Name: Glesni Haf Arfon – Powell
Where are you from?
Llanerchymedd but I now live in Ceredigion.
When and why did you set up Crefftau’r Bwthyn?
I started the company in September 2014. I had just had my first son, Iago, and I was looking for Welsh products for the house, but I couldn’t find any that I liked! I’ve been making things for years, I learnt the skills from my Gran and my Mum, so I decided to give it a go. The company’s been going from strength to strength, especially since Siop y Pethe started selling my products!
How did you choose the name ‘Crefftau’r Bwthyn’?
Bwthyn means cottage, and the word cottage was in the name of the house where I was brought up and it’s now part of the name of our own house in Ceredigion. I make my products in the house, in the ‘Bwthyn’, so it just made sense!
How would you describe your products?
I use old things to make new things. I hate waste. I make cushions, frames, bunting, slate products, cards and decorations. All available to be personalised.
What’s the most difficult thing about the job?
The fact that I’m a perfectionist! I also juggle this business with my job as a vet and a Mum, and I have another baby on the way! I really enjoy it though, and I get so much pleasure from seeing other people using and enjoying my products.
Has Siop y Pethe helped you and your business?
Definitely! Having a shop window is very important, and having honest feedback from customers who don’t know you is also important. The response has been overwhelming, and I spend more hours making things than I spend being a vet by now! The shop displays the products well and takes them to other areas in Wales when they attend the Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh, so more people see my products. It’s given me the confidence to develop new products. I have created a new and exclusive collection for Siop y Pethe’s stand at the National Eisteddfod, and I’m really excited about this!
Creffatu’r Bwthyn’s products are available in the shop and on our website.
Diolch – Thanks to Glesni for taking time out to speak to us and continue creating all these beautiful products!