Granny launches etched glassware shop at Stonham Barns

Dawn Tudor of Newmarket began to take her wares to craft markets after her hobby took off and hasn't looked back.

Now she has launched Designs by Dawn - a glassware and gift store at Stonham Barns Park retail village near Debenham stocking a range of hand etched products.

The mother of three and grandmother of seven previously worked in hotels, the care sector and school transport for children with special needs.

She launched her etching business three years ago after finding she had time on her hands during the pandemic and wanted to keep busy.

She ordered a glass etching hobby kit online and was soon hooked on the hobby.

Dawn began to take over the house with her etched glasses, vases, fruit bowls and ornaments so her partner installed a garden studio for the operation.

It became a small business, and she started selling her wares at craft markets in the Cambridgeshire area including Huntingdon and St Ives.

"It was hit-and-miss to begin with. I had to have a few attempts at it but it was so relaxing that I knew I wanted to become accomplished at the art of etching and here I am now making a business of a former hobby," she said.

"I didn’t ever know exactly what career path I wanted to follow when I was growing up and so I worked in a number of sectors while raising my children.

"It gave me a lot of life experience and made me realise that, ultimately, the strongest skill that I possess is one of creativity.

"One of my first commissions was to etch a special glass for a friend for a 50th birthday. I think we were both surprised at how beautiful it was and from there I started to take the whole subject of glass etching more seriously."

Setting up at Stonham barns allows her to  with other creative retailers and be a part of a leisure destination venue.

"I am so excited at the prospect of an outlet where I can work on my designs on computer and then translate them into etchings for customers.

"I love to create the designs and personalise the etching to the customers exact needs. I once etched a beer tankard for a European customer to replace one that his father broke accidentally bearing a family crest. The son told me that his father cried with happiness to have it replaced."

She has etched bridal party glasses and hurricane lamps to decorate wedding tables as well as giftware and novelty products.

Her shop stocks a range of hand-crocheted scrunchies, printed tote bags and T-shirts.

"I had no idea that work could be so much fun until I started the business. It’s so rewarding to make a living from something you love," she said. "I just wish I had started the idea sooner."