Made With Love

People often ask how Made With Love began, and the truth is that it was born from love, loss, and finding a way to heal.

For over 20 years, I worked in the new homes industry, a career I thoroughly enjoyed. A few years ago, I made the decision to move my elderly dad closer to me when his health began to decline. I found him a lovely bungalow and, within a matter of months, sold his previous home, packed everything up, and helped him settle into his new one. It was a fresh start, and he was so happy to be nearby. We looked forward to spending more time together and creating many more precious memories.

Sadly, just a few months later, our lives changed forever. Shortly before Christmas, my dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure during his working life. We were told he had only a month to live.

I took time away from my career to care for him full-time, as he was frightened of dying in hospital or a hospice. I promised him I would do everything I could to help him stay at home, and I was honoured to keep that promise. Thankfully, we were blessed with another year together—time that became more precious than I can ever describe. We made memories while we could, and when he became too poorly, I cared for him day and night until he peacefully passed away on Christmas Eve. I like to think he chose that day so I could spend Christmas with my husband and daughter, knowing he had been cared for with love.

Losing my dad devastated me. I tried to return to work, but the grief was overwhelming. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to leave my job because I simply wasn’t ready. The days became incredibly hard. I lost all motivation, even for my lifelong passion of wildlife photography, something my dad and I had both loved.

During those difficult months, I discovered pyrography. I decided to buy a wood-burning machine and try something completely new. It became much more than a hobby—it became my therapy. Instead of lying awake consumed by grief, I found myself thinking about new designs, new ideas, and new projects to create. Slowly, creativity helped me find a little light again.

Friends began encouraging me, buying my work and giving me the confidence to continue. As time passed, I started to enjoy wildlife photography again and gradually returned to doing something I had always loved. Before long, I was attending local craft fairs, where my range grew from personalised chopping boards to cheese and charcuterie boards, seafood platters, placemats, coasters, keepsake boxes, egg cups, spoons, and many other handcrafted gifts.

More recently, I began showcasing my wildlife photography alongside my pyrography. The response has been overwhelming, and I have been incredibly grateful for the support from customers who have purchased my mounted and framed prints, greetings cards, and handmade creations.

Although I miss my dad every single day, I know he would be proud of what Made With Love has become. Every piece I create is handcrafted with care, and every photograph I take reminds me of the wonderful memories we shared together.

I named my business Made With Love because that’s exactly how every item is created—with love, care, and a little piece of my heart. I truly believe my dad is watching over me with every design I burn into wood and every photograph I capture.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting my small business. Every order means more than you could ever know.

These and many more pieces of my work can be purchased in my Store in the All Things Norfolk Shop by clicking here

Bev ❤️.