Betty loves Les the creation and the passion

Press Release

May 2021

 Betty Loves Les …

Brings Crafting Excellence to Stonham Barns Park!

business brings crafting culture and ‘upcycle’ art to Suffolk

 Stonham Barns Park has welcomed a new business to its retail village that can make something decorative from upcycled materials – many go overseas to countries including the US, Canada, France, Germany, Australia.

The gifts are created from a preloved product, enhanced and embellished into something beautiful and unique therefore original. Anniversary boxes, wedding gifts, handmade journals, wreaths, signs and works of art are just some of the luxury products made by founders Tim and Julie Baldwin who named the business Betty Loves Les as a tribute to Julie`s Mum and Dad

The business was founded in 2004 when Julie left a career working with young people in a variety of care situations to focus on her hobby of card making, decoupage and anything vintage. 

Explains Julie who describes herself as a mixed media artist, ‘We make beautiful gifts that our clients will cherish, so you could find something special for your special someone.  The products are often made specifically to order in the same way that you personalise birthday cards and cakes.’

‘We are dedicated to contributing to a sustainable future for our planet through reducing consumption and pollution, reusing, recycling

Julie’s husband Tim Baldwin joined the business full time when website orders took off and the business continued to expand, “we noticed there was very few craft kits available to young children, so we created some easy kits suitable for children 3years plus and from this Funtastic Kits for Kids was born. Crafts are on the National Curriculum and our kits may help with co-ordination, socialisation, dexterity but above all Fun

All our paints and glues are non-toxic”

In 2020, the couple decided to move their business to Suffolk to be closer to Julie’s sister we began looking for premises just before the move and thought we would look at the outlets available at Stonham Barns Park.  We are delighted with the look and feel of the retail village and are really looking forward to introducing a whole new set of craft lovers to the business.’