Hi there! I'm Isy, the creator of isymakesthings.

This all began back in 2020, while I was in my third year of university. In the midst of a global pandemic, I started crafting face masks for my friends and family, using leftover materials generously provided by my mum from her own sewing projects. This reignited my childhood passion for sewing and I began making more accessories which I then sold on Depop.

I have since graduated from The University of Exeter with a degree in Mathematics & Philosophy and moved to London with my partner and cat/very helpful assistant Nala. I now make and sell a wide array of up-cycled accessories available on a variety of platforms, including my own website and at markets across Kent & London.

It wasn’t until 2022 that I began stocking jewellery. My Dad had joined a silversmithing class after retiring and due to a terminal cancer diagnosis he chose to bequeath his jewellery making supplies and knowhow onto me. He sadly passed away in June of 2022 and ever since I have been making jewellery in his memory.

Below is a transparent breakdown of the materials I use in my products and packaging, so you can be sure that what you are getting lives up to its eco-friendly label.

Fabric

The majority of my fabric comes from donations from family and friends. These include things such as old curtains and other upholstery, left over material from personal projects and clothing. All materials are washed, unpicked and then processed to create my accessories.

Haberdashery

I purchase my haberdashery from James Tailoring, an independent business that prides itself on being responsible, ethical and sustainable. All thread I use is of recycled origins and the elastics are Oeko Tex certified, synthetic free, natural rubber and made in the UK.

Jewellery

The beads in my earrings either come from any left over supplies my Dad bequeathed to me, or from donated broken/un-used jewellery from family and friends. Additionally the wire I use is 100% recycled 925 sterling silver.

Yarn

All yarn has been donated from family and friends. Most notably my Grandmother, a pillar of her community and avid knitter, she is often given scrap yarn to up-cycle, which she very graciously shares with me.

Packaging

All packaging envelopes, boxes and paper are reused. Tape and stickers are recycled (from eco-craft.co.uk).

Fabric/Thread/Yarn Waste

All scrap fabric, thread and yarn are collected in a jar and then used as stuffing for cat toys, which I then share with friends and family or keep for my lovely hard worker Nala :)

Paper Waste

I take any paper waste from packaging labels or notes and turn it into my own unique paper stock and seed bombs.

10% of all Isymakesthings sales are donated to Hospice in the Weald, an absolutely fantastic organisation that cares for terminally ill patients and their families. This is a charity that is very dear to me as they provided support for my Dad and our family after his terminal cancer diagnosis in 2022. They provided equipment that allowed my Dad to stay comfortably at home for as long as possible, before being moved to their cottage hospice unit where my Mum was able to stay with him until his passing. All of this was completely free of charge to us funded by donations.

Find out more at https://www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk/