When the pandemic hit final spring, Libby Mewes was furloughed from her job on the Lyceum Theatre within the West Finish and needed to begin shielding.
25-year-old Libby, from Rotherhithe in South London, has cystic fibrosis: a situation which causes mucus construct up within the lungs and digestive system leaving her susceptible to lung infections and notably susceptible to Covid-19.
“I am comparatively fortunate with my cystic fibrosis, I normally have one hospital admission a 12 months for about two weeks. I take nebulisers and numerous therapies however that is fairly minimal in comparison with lots of people with CF,” she defined.
Nonetheless, when the pandemic took maintain Libby strictly adhered to lockdown guidelines and shielded at house, not leaving her home for a complete of 14 weeks on the peak of the primary lockdown.
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Furlough meant that, fortunately, she did not have to fret a lot about her earnings, however with countless lockdown days to fill she turned to getting artistic with greetings playing cards and watercolour paints.
She mentioned: “I’ve by no means had any inventive talent, however I’ve all the time made playing cards for my buddies.
“I prefer to make playing cards for events that playing cards do not exist for, should you want a penguin-themed card for a random Tuesday, they do not exist. So I simply used to make them.
Cherry Blossom from Lib’s Playing cards’ ‘The Flowers’ vary
(Picture: Libby Mewes/Lib’s Playing cards)
“Then in June I purchased some watercolours to attempt one thing out that I would by no means achieved earlier than. I used to be simply portray flowers with watercolour paints and realised how pretty it was, how a lot I cherished it. And I wasn’t horrendous at it.
“I despatched some messages spherical to my buddies asking, ‘What do you assume? Ought to I try to promote some flowery playing cards?’ and so they mentioned sure.
“I simply began Lib’s Playing cards like that.”
Libby mentioned the suggestions she received on her first playing cards was wonderful, and he or she was honoured to see folks near her have been shopping for from her enterprise immediately.
“I do know they in all probability weren’t superb initially, however folks simply wished to help me,” she mentioned humbly.
The enterprise has taken off via word-of-mouth, with Libby’s family and friends spreading the phrase on social media.
Now she will get bespoke commissions from members of the general public everywhere in the nation.
She mentioned: “Once I began, I actually thought I would just make some good flowery playing cards, and that will be all I would do.
“The individuals who purchase from me are the people who encourage me to do extra issues.
“They’d ask me, ‘are you able to make a card that is themed round afternoon tea?’, and I mentioned, ‘I do not know, I solely paint flowers’. However then I would do it, and realise that I really can.
“Lib’s Playing cards is run totally on fee, which I feel is the place my hole available in the market was.
“I simply paint no matter folks need on a card. Somebody even requested me if I might do a Spongebob meme, and I used to be like ‘certain, why not!’
A commissioned Valentine’s card of some otters holding palms
(Picture: Libby Mewes/Lib’s Playing cards)
“It was began on such a whim, there was no plan behind it in any respect. Nevertheless it will get me motivated, makes me really feel like I am really doing one thing, and I am so, so glad I began it.”
Libby mentioned the cash she makes from her enterprise helps her create some financial savings, which is a good security web for her.
Libby says that, to date, she’s made greater than £3,000 in revenue, having spent round £900 on supplies, supply and advertising and marketing.
“In the beginning, I did not know what I used to be doing and was simply shopping for something I noticed and thought could be useful – I learnt my lesson shortly,” she mentioned.
“I additionally spend extra on supplies in an effort to make all the pieces as sustainable and eco-friendly as doable.”
Previous to the pandemic, she would usually work a number of jobs to complement her primary earnings from the theatre, however this is able to make her fairly poorly along with her cystic fibrosis.
Libby mentioned: “It is nice to know that I now have this which I can simply do from house. I do know that is protecting me protected, not doing injury to my bodily well being, and likewise serving to my psychological well being. Plus it is bringing in cash.
“It is simply the perfect factor.”
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When the world goes again to regular, Libby hopes she will proceed to develop her greetings card enterprise.
Having a market stall, stocking playing cards in outlets and backyard centres, and probably even proudly owning her personal store are aspirations Libby has floated for the longer term. She’s taking it day-to-day.
“I feel it is one thing I’ve all the time wished with out realising it is one thing I’ve all the time wished,” she mentioned.
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“I wished to have a florist’s after I was youthful, and the extra I do that the extra I feel that possibly someday I might flip this into a bit of store with flowers and playing cards.
“For now, it is simply such a beautiful factor to do. It has been an absolute lifesaver.”
You may observe Lib’s Playing cards on Instagram @libscards, or go to her web site at libscards.co.uk. She’s additionally on Etsy as libscards.
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