Fostering moments & championing creativity

A pillar of fostering is being a champion of creativity and allowing our children to embrace the power of their own creative flair.

Whether that’s submitting an entry to our Easter contests, or pursuing a dream career; creativity, art and space to explore their individualism is a valuable asset. Our goals are to encourage all our looked-after-children have strong ambitions and are confident in their pursuit of those goals.

This Fostering Moment, we spoke with SS – A young person placed with carer Carla in the South East. SS had always been creative and her handmade jewellery had always been a hit with friends, she decided starting her own business was a way to get her wares out there. Together with Carla’s support and a trip to the V&A with Practise Team Manager Liz, SS was suitably inspired to take the plunge!

How did the idea of selling jewellery come about? 

I used to make jewellery myself for myself. But I enjoyed it and gave some jewellery to friends and they liked it. So I thought make it and sell it. 

What’s the creative process like?

I use some prepacked jewellery and copy some ideas but most of the time I become creative as I go. I made the necklaces and bracelets and earrings as I would like to wear them.

Have there been any obstacles in the creative process? 

Sometimes the technical part of the earrings is hard work and has taken lots of practice to get right.
I have a learning difficulty so following written instructions is a huge obstacle. I either look at picture diagrams or I make it up as I go. 

Are there any designers or styles that inspire you?

I absolutely love CoCo Chanel and Vivienne Westwood. I love their jewellery clothes shoes bags everything. I am very lucky to have some Vivienne Westwood clothes jewellery and a pair of her shoes.

How has Carla helped you pursue this venture?

I spoke to Carla about making jewellery, candles, resin jewellery and ornaments. We sat and looked at what I needed to be able to start it all. CFT gave me Christmas money and I spent this with Carla buying supplies. Carla helps me to understand the process of how to use the candles and resin as I find it hard to read and we watch YouTube videos on easier ways to make them. 

Liz also mentioned you’re off to the V&A on a trip, is there anything you’re looking forward to seeing?

I am so excited and can not wait. I’m excited to see everything and anything. I love all fashion the crazier the better. It’s going to be the best day.

How does it make you feel, seeing people wear your creations? 

Makes me really happy. Nanny wears all my jewellery I make for her and people ask her all the time where did you get that. And nanny is very proud to say my granddaughter made it for me ……she is super clever …..and can make you anything you would like. My nanny is a good egg!

Hi Carla! How did you encourage S to pursue this venture? Did she need encouraging at all?

S has said for many years now that when she grows up she is going to be a fashion designer making clothes jewellery candles ornaments bath bombs etc. she told us that she will create a business in the cabin at the bottom of the garden. She had fun making her own jewellery that she decided that she wanted to sell. She did not need encouraging at all. S needed guidance in how to start, by researching how to buy materials etc and how to make a profit on it. She chatted with an amazing lady that will host a craft evening for her and only her to show off her creations. This was the boost that S needed and now there is no stopping her.

Has this required you to learn anything?

I needed to quickly learn what resin was and how it was made and how to purchase the solutions and moulds. I needed to learn the differences between jelly wax and actual candle wax and the different things you can do with them. 
I learnt that due to S having SEN there are no jewellery making or craft making courses available for her to access. S is very clever and is able to make things using her own skills. Once S leaves school she will be attending college but not a creative course. So we have a plan B which is online courses. S has chosen jewellery making, jewellery business developing, candle making, soap making and fashion design courses. S will find these difficult but I will be able to read the content to her, ask her the questions and scribe her answers. This will be all her own work I will just be her PA. Fingers crossed this will give S qualifications in the areas of expertise that she has. 

How has this impacted S at home?

S now has her very own creative space where she can work on her items without the craziness of home life and three boys interfering with her creations.  

Maintaining an inquistive streak

Championing creativing alongside a carer that’s ready and willing to learn aswell sets children and young people on a path to success. An important step on the road to independence.

S and CFT Carer Carla are testament to the power of pursuing your dream career in earnest. We’re so proud of them both!