Potted Fuzzywire Heart Bouquet

Hi all - and welcome to my shop.  I'm Barbara and I am the owner and creator at Studio@316.

Back in 2000 I was working in my dream job - Paramedic with the London Ambulance Service - when I had my first son, Joe.  I had experienced back pain from time to time, which was not surprising considering my job, but during and after pregnancy this back pain became worse, to the point where I was no longer able to lift patients.  So, I transferred from working on the road (which I really loved) to working in the Control Room, still as a Paramedic but now as a Clinical Telephone Advisor.  I don't know whether it was working shifts, years of lifting, some of the things I had seen and experienced or other factors, but in 2004 while pregnant with our second son, James, I was diagnosed with an Auto-Immune Condition - Behcets Syndrome.  The medications and shift work didn't mix so I left my career and started my own Online Craft Store (think a smaller version of Hobbycraft for Papercrafting) which was the start of my crafty career.

Fast forward to 2025 and I am now (thankfully) in remission from the Behcets Syndrome, but have also been diagnosed with Chronic Back Pain, Fibromyalgia, Depression, IBS & Restless Leg Syndrome as well as a few other associated conditions.  I am also awaiting assessment possible ADHD which would definitely explain a lot :-)  All this can make working a little challenging, but I am determined that my health will not stop me from living my life to the fullest I can!

I am now an Independent Demonstrator with Stampin' Up! as well as Owner & Creator at Studio@316 where I make, amongst other things, Memory Bears, Quilts & Cushion Covers from customers' clothing whether that be baby clothes, school uniforms, wedding dresses or the clothing of lost loved ones.  I also make Home Decor, Gifts & Everlasting Flowers using EVA Foam and Fuzzy Wires - something I am absolutely loving making.

My crafting is my therapy - and I love it.  The one thing that makes it even more worthwhile is the hope that my creations will bring joy to my customers.