Shopping small has big rewards

Shopping Small has big rewards.

Since really diving head first into the Disney Instagram community just over a year ago, there has been much that I have learnt. I've heard of larger stores that I hadn't previously. But, more importantly, I found out about small shops too. I had already been using Etsy for several years at this stage. Etsy is great for finding all kinds of products; from handmade to vintage items, for film/tv geeks (like myself) or for those more interested in unique art work, Etsy has it all. 

So imagine my surprise when I find out that actually, a lot of the small shops specialising in Disney where on Etsy! I simply hadn't come across them yet. Such is the power of Instagram and social media. By following other accounts I found new shops and new products that wow. So, why shop small? I've found that I've actually become friends with some of the small shop owners! It's through chatting with them that you truly understand how much time, effort and money that they put into what they do. Some small shops purely rely on the income from their small shop, whilst others still hold down full time jobs and spend their free time creating products. A sale for these small shops means an awful lot more than one of the large well known shops on the high street.  

A sale for the small shops means that someone really likes their work and is willing to pay money for it! I can only begin to imagine the rush of excitement and happiness for them. And with that, I am now going to share some of the small shops that I have shopped with and love. 

Mermaid Handmade Treasures

Lydia designs and makes phone cases, photo frames and even makes ears! If you want a case with a certain design or character/s, she is the girl to go to! She isn't just limited to Disney, if you want anything put on a case she will do it for you! 

I asked Lydia if she could make a Christmas case for me, and honestly I cannot wait to use it once December comes along! Bare in mind I only have an iPhone SE which is fairly small, she's managed to put the characters and decorations on that I asked for! Lydia is a lovely lady and is one of my wonderful Disney friends. 

MaleficEars

I own about 4 pairs of ears by Lucy! They are SO comfortable, you don't have to worry about wearing these all day round the Disney Parks because you honestly won't feel them on your head! 

Lucy has come on leaps and bounds from when she first started out. She makes so many different styles of ears, that I would be seriously surprised if someone didn't like any of them. 

Lucy is also the Queen of the donut ears. I'm yet to own a pair but, I know that some day I will put an order in for some!  

Bishop, Please!

This is actually a shop I'm currently a Brand Rep for! (that's how much I love these guys). 

Adam and Bethan are the dream team Disney power couple behind Bishop, Please!

Whilst they mostly make a variety of Disney products (pins, badges, stickers, cards, prints and tees), they also dabble with other Pop Culture. 

I was actually shopping with these guys before I delved into the Disney Instagram scene. I had found a lovely anniversary card by them on Etsy and that is where we started out! We have a lot of their products in our house 🙈

Sparkles Boutique GB

This is another store that I've seen grow since she opened up. Zoe makes handmade jewellery in her spare time. The majority of her collections are Disney based however, she does also make Christmas and Harry Potter jewellery too! 

Zoe announces a new release each Monday on her Instagram page, which is a part of the excitement! What will she make next?! 

Jo's Pixie Dust Customs

This is another small shop I'm a Brand Rep for! Jo can customise ANYTHING. You want a customised pair of ears? Customised rucksack? Handbag? Shoes? She can do it! I mean come on, how awesome are my Sword in the Stone ears?! 

Like a lot of the small shops I've already mentioned, Jo doesn't just stick to Disney, so the world really is your customisable oyster! 

Me and Jo chat pretty much everyday, she adores Christmas maybe more than I do! (which FYI is A LOT!). 

Pins

Now, when it comes to pins, I buy a lot of them. Truly I do. I'm a sucker for a good pin and there's an awful lot out there! These are just some of my recent pin purchases: (from left to right) Lottie Does Disney,  Nugget Stump Disney, That's Lovely Dear and Briar Rose Gifts.

So, shopping small. The shops that I've shared here are not expensive. These are real people who all really care about their customers and about their products. Shopping small is far more personal and more unique. I often shop small when buying gifts because it's far more satisfying giving a personal gift. 

But, of course, there's an awful lot I haven't shown you! As much as I may like, it's pretty much impossible to share every small shop that I love. If you would like to see more, please do check out my Instagram page: lemonclements. I'm always sharing photos of things that I've bought! Also, if you like anything from Bishop, Please! I have a discount code for 10% off your order with them! 

Keep smiling!

Lemon x