Helpful Hits - Tax and Tax Returns

Helpful Hits - Tax and Tax Returns

Published in Issue 23, June 2013

Written by Jane from Jane Cameron

www.janecameron.co.uk

Yes, it’s the annual horror, those sleepless nights coming up to 31st January when your Tax Return is due! How can you make it easier? How do you know you’ve got it right? What resources are out there to help you?

How often should you do your accounts?  

Well, the HMRC require you to do your self employed return once a year. Normally your return is due in January for the year which ended the previous April, so you have about 9 months to get it done.

However, it’s a really good idea to do your sums every month (set aside some time on the first Monday of the month, or something similar) as that way you know how your business is doing.

What information do I need?

 What you’ve earned (income), and what you’ve spent (expenditure).

 Having all your information in one place is a wonderful thing.

 Get yourself something to keep your receipts in (even if it’s a bucket!).

 Set up a folder in your emails where you can keep all your online shopping receipts, and another one for your sales.

 Keep a little notebook in the car (or write your mileage in your diary).

Helpful hints:

 Don’t try and do it all at once!

 Some credit cards only keep the information online for three months, so download your statement every month (the .csv file format is good for reading in Excel or other spreadsheet programmes).

Do I need fancy technology?

 It’s a good idea to have some sort of spreadsheet to add everything up. Basically it can have “In / Out / Date / Who to or from / What for” and that will cover most of it.

 If you’re scared of spreadsheets, go on a course or look at some online tutorials. There’s Excel by Microsoft (as part of the “Office” suite), and also OpenOffice’s spreadsheet program, called Calc, which is good and free!

 If you want to be fancy you can get programs like Quickbooks, which you can add all your information to and it will calculate your tax. However, these aren’t necessary at first.

What can I claim for? Can I claim a proportion of my household bills? 

 Equipment and supplies you use for making your lovely items (if the equipment is expensive then you may need to claim back the cost of it over several years)

 Courses you go on to maintain (not improve) your standard – e.g. an annual refresher is fine but going to learn a new skill (which would subsequently increase your income) is not.

 You may be able to claim a proportion of your household bills if you work from home

 Here’s a link to what you can claim for: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/bimmanual/bim47820.htm

 You can’t claim for food unless associated with an overnight stay, nor can you claim for clothes unless they are really specific to your job (e.g. Kevlar gloves)

Do I need an accountant?

 Not necessarily. When you’re just starting out with a small craft business your tax return should be fairly straightforward.

 If you do want an accountant, shop around. Some places accountants do a monthly payment (which can be good as you know where you stand).

Online tax return

Yes, you are expected to do your tax return online. When you register for the first time your username / password may take some time to come through, so please register early enough that it will be with you in time. Keep your password somewhere safe.

Might I get money back?

If your business is making a loss and you are also working (employed) then you may get a rebate.

Can I be employed and self employed?

Yes you can. If you are doing a lot of self employed work you may have a duty to tell your employer.

I need help!

You can ring the HMRC and ask them questions. Be prepared to be on hold for a while as they can be quite busy. A useful telephone number for them is 01355 359022.

The HMRC have webinars and e-learning packages to help you, and also run courses on how to get started and fill in your tax return

This is a very useful link. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/startingup/help-support.htm

Jane Cameron.

Please note: This introduction is no substitute for specialist advice.

Something Outta Nothing A Fabulous Feast For Free

Something Outta Nothing A Fabulous Feast For Free

Published in Issue 23, June 2013

Written by Gill from Personal Space Interiors

http://personal-space-interiors.blogspot.co.uk

In the interests of scrimping (and making sure nothing lurks in the fridge, freezer or store cupboard for too long) I like to have a good kitchen clear out every couple of months. It saves money, gives me the opportunity to clean without having to rearrange the entire kitchen and allows my inventive side to come to the fore. That despondent cry “There’s nothing to eat!” just isn’t allowed in my house. There’s always something; it just takes a little time and imagination…

An Indian Feast; perfect for a Saturday night in

My Indian feast was made entirely from the store cupboard, plus a few everyday essential ingredients like potatoes, onions, eggs and butter. This is a vegetarian meal; you could add prawns or chicken to the main curry dish for meat eaters, or remove the eggs and butter/ghee to make the meal suitable for vegans.

Serves 4-6

 Potato and egg curry

 Sweet and sour lentil dhal

 Mushroom bhaji

 Almond pilau rice

 Fresh chapati

Potato and egg curry

This is perfect for using up bits and pieces from the fridge. I’ve made this curry with some left over new potatoes, some eggs and green beans but you could pretty much use anything you like. Aubergine, cauliflower and broad beans work brilliantly. It’ll work well with chicken or prawns if you prefer a meat based dish.

 New potatoes – approx. 500g

 4 eggs

 1 large onion finely chopped

 1 tbsp olive oil and a knob of butter or ghee

 2 cloves garlic crushed

 Thumb sized piece of ginger peeled and grated, or ½ tsp ground ginger

 1tsp each of ground coriander, cumin and garam masala

 1 tin coconut milk

 400ml chicken or vegetable stock

 Vegetables – green beans, peas, broad beans, aubergine, cauliflower etc. cut into even sized pieces around 2cm

 Salt, pepper and if you have it, fresh coriander roughly chopped

1. Cut the potatoes into chunks, parboil for 5 minutes if raw and roast in a little olive oil until golden.

2. Boil the eggs for 7 minutes, run under cold water then drain, peel and cut into quarters.

3. Cook the onion gently in a large lidded sauté pan with a drizzle of oil and a knob of butter until golden and soft.

4. Add the spices, garlic and ginger to the onions and fry for a minute to form a paste.

5. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer gently for 20 minutes.

6. Season to taste and add the fresh herbs.

Sweet and sour lentil dhal

You can use red or yellow lentils for this. I prefer yellow for the fabulous colour with the turmeric. If you have too many yellow lentils you can make a pot of pease pudding too. Simply take 4 tbsp cooked lentils from the pan after step 1, season well and blitz to a smooth puree. Keep in a covered pot in the fridge. It will set to a smooth paste. Delicious with ham.

 250g dried lentils

 500ml chicken or vegetable stock

 2 bay leaves

 1 tsp turmeric

 2 tbsp cider vinegar or tamarind paste if you have it

 2 tbsp brown sugar

1. Rinse the lentils in cold water and place in a saucepan. Cover with stock, add the bay leaves and turmeric and simmer until tender – around 25 minutes.

2. Add the cider vinegar (or tamarind paste) and sugar and mix thoroughly until the sugar has dissolved. The lentils will break up as you mix to form a rough puree.

3. Season to taste.

Mushroom Bhaji

This is a great way to use up mushrooms that are starting to look a little sad.  A breathable mushroom bag will keep your mushrooms dry and fresh in the fridge for longer.

 Sliced mushrooms – any closed cup variety will do

 1 tsp each olive oil and butter or ghee

 1 clove garlic crushed

 1 tsp each coriander and cumin

 Juice of half a lemon

 1 tsp corn flour slaked with a little water to a smooth paste

 100ml white wine

 200ml chicken or vegetable stock

1. In a small saucepan, fry the mushrooms in the oil and butter until golden.

2. Add the garlic, spices and lemon juice and simmer for a minute.

3. Add the wine and stock and simmer until reduced by half.

4. Stir the corn flour through until thickened and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

5. Season to taste.

Almond pilau rice

 1 large onion, finely chopped

 2 cloves garlic, crushed

 300g basmati rice rinsed in cold water

 600ml cold water

 Knob of butter or ghee

 100g flaked almonds

1. Fry the onion in a little olive oil until golden, then add the garlic to soften for a minute.

2. Stir the rice through to make sure each grain is coated then add the water, cover and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and let the rice simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the rice covered to continue to steam. Don’t be tempted to stir the rice – the lid needs to stay on for the cooking to finish.

3. Toast the almonds in a small pan until lightly golden.

4. Add the butter and almonds to the rice and fork through gently. Season to taste.

Fresh chapati

The quickest easiest bread in the world! They take 5 minutes to make and 2 minutes each to cook, and they’re great for getting the kids involved too. This mix will make around 10 chapatis.

 450g plain flour

 1 tbsp olive oil

 Warm water

 Melted butter or ghee, or olive oil

1. Place the flour in a large mixing bowl and drizzle in the oil.

2. Add enough warm water to form a soft and pliable dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth – around 5 minutes.

3. Place a wide shallow frying pan over a medium/high heat

4. Divide the dough into 10 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball then roll out to 3mm thickness.

5. Place the chapatti in the hot dry pan and cook until it puffs up on top and begins to brown underneath. Turn over and cook until this side is browned.

6. Place the cooked chapati on a warmed plate and brush with melted butter or ghee. Cover with foil to keep warm, then carry on with the rest of the dough until you have a lovely stack of fresh chapatis.

7. Perfect with pickles – hot lime is my favourite.

I hope you enjoy my recipes. Why not follow my blog for other foodie treats
www.personal-space-interiors.blogspot.co.uk

Creating A Photo Mosaic Coaster

Creating A Photo Mosaic Coaster

Published in Issue 23, June 2013

Written by Carrie from Streutertech

www.streuter.com

Looking for a quick gift idea for Father's Day? 

What dad doesn't love receiving homemade gifts from their children?

 Here's a great project that's both quick and easy, finishing in 1 to 2 hours, depending upon your style.

Materials:

Photograph or artwork
4" coaster tile
2" x 2" clear glass
Package of 3/8" tiles (1/2" or 1" tiles will work, as well)
No Days Mosaic Adhesive film
Scissors or razor
Standard heat gun or embossing heat tool
Long pair of tweezers (or other heat proof tool)
Black sanded grout
Latex gloves
Dust mask
Container for mixing water and grout
Cork backing
HoneyDoo Powerbond Glue


Step 1. To create a custom photo coaster, the first thing you need is a photograph cut to 2" x 2". (You can also use a piece of artwork, just re-size it to 2" x 2".)

Step 2.  Cut the No Days Mosaic Adhesive to fit the coaster surface and another piece that is slightly larger than the photo. Find the center of the coaster and place the photo between the two pieces of No Days Mosaic Adhesive. Put the glass over the top of the photo and adhesive.  So, now you've got the coaster substrate in front of you with a layer of No Days Mosaic Adhesive film on it. On top of that, you've got your photograph in the center of the coaster with a piece of No Days Mosaic Adhesive that covers it. Then, you place the clear glass on top of that. So this is what you've got so far.

Step 3. Now, you'll need to fill in all the empty space. Cover the coaster with the rest of the tiles, remembering to leave little gaps (1/16" to 1/8") for the grout lines. It's not important that your lines are straight. In fact, it adds a bit of interest if they're not that straight! Also, you don't need to worry that all the tiles are in the exact spot they're supposed to be, as you can move them into position while you're heating.

Step 4. After you've covered your coaster, it's time to heat set the tiles in place with a standard heat gun or embossing heat tool. Begin by holding the heat gun about 6"-8" above your coaster and turn it on low. As the tiles begin to heat, you can begin to move the heat gun closer. You don't want to start too close, though, or else you'll end up blowing the tiles off the substrate with the force of the hot air!

As the adhesive heats up, you will see it start to turn glossy and liquefy. You need to make sure to heat the tiles enough so that the adhesive underneath them also liquefies.

Step 5. Using a pair of long tweezers or other heat proof tool, push gently on the tiles to see if they move. If the tiles skid or stick, then the adhesive under them is not fully heated. If the tiles glide as you push on them, they have heated the adhesive underneath. When the tiles are heated thoroughly, you can easily move the tiles around and position them into place.  While heating, you'll need to press down on the clear glass in the middle of the coaster to push out any air bubbles that get trapped under the glass and on top of the photo.

Step 6. After the tiles have cooled down (5-7 minutes), you're ready to grout. Before beginning to grout, check that all the tiles are fully adhered. The tiles along the edges of the coaster will be the ones that may not have been heated enough. If you push and pull on them and they pop off, you need to heat longer. If you begin grouting and still have pieces that pop off, clean the area free of grout, place another small piece of adhesive under it and re-heat the tile to activate the adhesive.

Wearing a dust mask, mix a small amount of black sanded grout (a handful) in a cup with just a bit of water (maybe a teaspoon). Stir the grout around with your fingers until it is thoroughly mixed and about the consistency of peanut butter. Spread the grout on top of your coaster, rubbing the grout across the tiles to force the grout down into the gaps. Don't try to push the grout into the gaps vertically, it won't pack it in there tightly. After you've got the grout in all of the spaces, stain the edges and underside of the coaster by rubbing the grout against them. (Alternatively, you can paint the edges and back after you're finished with the coaster.)

Step 7. After you've finished grouting, wait about 10 minutes for the grout to become hazy on top of the tiles. Then, you can polish the tiles lightly with a paper towel. You can call the coaster finished now, or you can add some rubber pads to the bottom to protect surfaces that the coaster will lay on. Otherwise, you can continue with the instructions below to attach a cork backing. The HoneyDoo Powerbond will take a bit longer to cure, but the end result looks very professional.

Step 8. While waiting for the grout to set up, cut the cork backing (you can find this at craft stores) by cutting it slightly smaller than your coaster (3-7/8"). After polishing your coaster, flip it over to the back side. Smear the HoneyDoo Powerbond glue in a thin layer around the entire surface of the cork backing, BUT stay at least 1/4" from the edges.  While the glue is drying, it will expand slightly and fill in the gap.

Step 9. After gluing, flip the coaster over to press the cork backing flat and let the glue dry (2-3 hours). You may want to add a grout sealer to protect the grout, and prevent the black edges from smudging.

Now, you've got a gift that dad can take to work with him to remind him of the littles while he's away!

All Buttoned Up

All Buttoned Up

Published In Issue 23, June 2013

Written by Sally from The Bead Bounty

www.thebeadbounty.weebly.com

As a Lamp work bead artist, I like to keep my product innovative and fresh and was recently giving a lot of thought to new designs and products.

I was chatting with ‘Creative Crafting’ editor Anna one day and she suggested ‘Buttons’. I wasn’t sure at first because there was more to them than just using a mandrel (the metal rod you use to wind beads).  This was going to take some thinking about. Well, I did think about it and after only a couple of attempts came up with the best way of doing them.

Who would have guessed that Glass Bead making would lead me into the wonderful world of Buttons? I never would have, not in a million years, but now, glass buttons have me hooked. Oh, was I excited! These buttons were going to be one off original works of wearable art that would finish off the best of handcrafted projects. I started with some simple domed buttons with raised flower patterns.  I did these in pairs and although they were similar, they were in fact quite different from each other.

I then moved on to multi-layered buttons, some with encased flowers and some with raised flower design.

Delving further still, I made some open petal flowers, making the flower itself the button.

Last but not least and these have me, hook, line and sinker, I started to make ‘Fish’.

Fun and Funky Fish buttons, with a character all of their own. Each one has a name and the quirkiest face you have ever seen.

So I will continue on my quest to come up with interesting and varied button designs to delight my customers with and hope you have enjoyed seeing some of them too.

We know that there are many, many button lovers out there. Why not pop along to see Sally, she can create something ‘Especially for you!’

www.thebeadbounty.weebly.com

Marbled Tie (on shaving foam!)

Marbled Tie (on shaving foam!)

Published in Issue 23, June 2013 

Written by Jane from Jane Cameron

http://www.janecameron.co.uk/

This project would make a perfect gift for Father’s day.

You will need …1 plain white silk tie
Iron fix silk paint in your choice of colours
Pipettes or droppers
1 can economy shaving foam
1 bin bag
Cocktail sticks / kebab sticks / marbling comb
A plastic ruler or similar
An old credit card

Step 1. Cut your bin bag down the sides and open it up so you have one long piece of plastic. This should be as long as your tie. Tape it to the table.

Step 2. Spray the shaving foam on to the plastic in about the same shape as your tie. Smooth it down with the ruler so it’s nice and flat.

Step 3. Use the pipette to drop the paint on to the shaving foam

Use the cocktail sticks or marbling comb to make patterns in your shaving foam. Try drawing stripes or spirals in the foam.

Step 4. Lay your tie face down on top of the foam and pat it down. Leave it for half a minute so the paint can soak into your tie.

Step 5. Peel the tie off the foam quickly, starting at one end – most of the foam should stay on the binbag.

Step 6. Put your tie face up on the bin bag and scrape off the excess shaving foam with the credit card. Then repeat the process for the back of the tie.

Leave your tie to dry naturally.

Iron your silk (as per instructions on the bottle) to fix the paint into the silk, then gently hand wash to remove any shaving foam residue. Iron while damp to ensure a nice smooth finish. Your item can also be dry-cleaned.

Why not do a matching handkerchief, or a piece of fabric to cover a notebook?

To find stockists, and more about the fabulous art of silk painting, visit Jane Cameron at www.janecameron.co.uk and the Guild of Silk Painters at www.silkpainters-guild.co.uk.

Millie - Mae & Mummy Makes - A Wooden Plaque for Grandad's Garden

Millie - Mae & Mummy Makes - A Wooden Plaque for Grandad's Garden

Published in Issue 23, June 2013

Written by Tracey from WowThankYou

www.wowthankyou.co.uk

You will need:
Wood (for plaque and stake)
Wooden letters
Paints (various colours)
Lots of brushes
PVA glue
Clear varnish
Decoration (stickers and stick on figures)

Step 1. Because our piece of wood wasn’t 100% suitable for living outdoors, we started by painting it all over (twice) with some white ceiling paint.




Step 2. Once totally dry, paint the plaque with your chosen background colours – we chose mainly yellow with a blue section at the bottom (the pond).

Step 3. While the plaque is drying, carefully paint the wooden letters. Leave to dry, then repeat.

Step 4. Once totally dry, use the PVA glue to stick the letters onto the plaque.





Step 5. While the letters are drying, carefully add your decorations (stickers, etc.) Leave overnight to dry.

Step 6. Attach the stake at the back (drill a hole, and use screws), paint it white all over. Leave to dry.As this is for outdoor use, once all the decorations have dried, we gave the plaque two coats of clear varnish.





Step 7. Leave a good 24-48 hours for the varnish to set hard, then wrap it up and present as a gift to granddad, who promptly put it in place behind his garden fishpond.


Millie-Mae (6) is the daughter of Tracey Kifford, founder and owner of the online marketplace WowThankYou.

An Interview with - Chris Parry

 

Interview with - Chris Parry

Published in Issue 23, June 2013

My name is Chris Parry and I am a hubby, father and bespoke jeweller. I changed careerwhen I was 30 and have been making bespoke pieces of jewellery for the last 13  years.

When did you begin and why?  

I fell into my first job, and kept getting promoted. Ten years later at the age of 30, I was good at what I was doing. Well paid for it, but bored to death and didn’t want to carry on in that sector. So I resigned, sold my car and used my savings to put myself through a degree in silversmithing and jewellery design. Whilst at university, you start to look at a way to make a living from the craft. The Internet back in 1999 was very fresh and I happened upon a website www.inspirals.co.uk and thought that I needed my own website to sell my jewellery. I couldn’t afford to employ a website designer, so I bought three books. I read them on the train whilst I commuted to university, and taught myself website design. In 2000, I had my first sale to a guy in Northampton. I started on a homemade jewellers bench in my basement with the spiders. I have since opened two small shops and I just bought my own workshop/shop in the village of South Darenth, Kent.

What is it that you enjoy about your work? I don’t work. It doesn’t feel like work at all. I go to my workshop and make things for people, the day fly’s by and suddenly it’s time to go home.

 What is your biggest achievement?
 I don’t measure success by the big commissions, the value, the corporate order or the celebrity. I measure success by the small things. I got a stunning e-mail form a woman in USA thanking me for making the simplest of rings for her partner 5 years ago. They are still so pleased with them that she felt inclined to drop me an e-mail all these years later. Another lady from Australia lost her brother in a car crash and wanted a ring making with his signature inside. Making commissions like that and hearing what that object means to them is better than any award or big boy order.

Other than crafting, what do you enjoy?
 The small things. Like the ten minute walk to school holding my daughters hand or having a latte with my wife in peace and quiet or telling my 17 year old boy  “I love him” in front of his mates. Opening a pack of bourbon biscuits and laughing out loud, that will make sense later. 

If you had to choose your favourite from your creations?
I am approached by parents who have lost a child. Either in birth or later years. Also by clients who have lost a sibling or a parent. Making something with a hand print, fingerprint or their hand writing is exceptionally rewarding. I can’t pick a favourite, as each story is deeply moving. I suppose the most memorable was the first time, when I made a footprint piece for a lovely lady to remember Frankie. 

What advice would you offer someone starting out?
Don’t chase galleries and shops to sell your wares. Ten years ago, the only way to make a crafting living was to provide multiple retails outlets. Now, with the Internet you can sell as easily to Alaska as you can to Cornwall. It doesn’t suit all crafts as some sell easier online than others. You should however have at least a WowThankYou and Etsy shop, a personal website and a Facebook business page. The Internet has changed how we shop and your location is not a barrier to success. 

 If you could change one thing about what you do what would it be? Facebook is the nightmare. People see a picture and just put in the comment box “OMG that is lovely how much please.” You answer their question, then the next person puts the same question. A lot of my comment threads on facebook, are from people asking the same question. Ahhhhhhhhh. 

 

What has helped your business the most? 

Without doubt the Internet. Within that context, my own website - www.chris-parry.co.uk  Within the last year, my Facebook page. www.Facebook.com/Chris.Parry.Jewellery   

Has any person helped you more than any other? 

More than any person, my supportive and beautiful wife, without whom none of what I have achieved would be possible. She has been the rock. I also have another wonderful woman in my life. Eva approached me five years ago for a job. She had done a night school course and was hooked. She has now worked for me for five years and is my right hand girl. She is very skilled and I wouldn’t swap her for all the tea in China. 

Tell us a random fact about yourself.   When people ask me at a party what I do for a living, I tell them “I’m a biscuit designer, you know the bourbon, that’s one of mine and also the ginger snap.” It amuses me that hundreds of people have told their friends that they met the guy who designed the bourbon.

UPDATE! Since being interviewed by Creative Crafting Chris participated in a Crowd Funded Kickstarter project to raise £47,500. Chris has smashed his total and raised £55.856 which is a record for a craft project on the site!        

 For more info see www.kickstarter.com/projects/291082417/twinkle-twinkle-little-star-bespoke-jewellery 

  Congratulations Chris!