Born in a small town within the Northamptonshire countryside, UK; Louise was brought up loving all things creative; at an early age she started to create handmade items to use in her every day life, although it look many years for Louise to find her preferred craft.
19 Years later in 2005 she started making Jewellery using recycled materials; as the years went on making Jewellery alone did not
excite her enough; so she went on my search for the next step; visiting exhibitions and shows all over the midlands she finally came across Lampworking in 2010; Lampworking is a glass technique using a torch which she uses to design and create glass beads for her own Jewellery. After attending a course with Sally Carver and Di East two of the best lampworkers in the UK; she was able to develop her beads and Jewellery enough to sell at local markets and fairs. After a while Louise decided it was time to develop her brand by sharing her passion with the world; In 2012 ‘Tootsies Handmade’ was born, Louise’s parents nicknamed her tootsie when she was young and as they were the inspirational people within her life it seems obvious to use the well known name to promote her work. After becoming an accredited SRA member Louise opened her Etsy Shop supplying Jewellery Makers with a wide range of glass beads. After working with glass for 2+ years Louise wanted to expand her knowledge and skill base further; so in October 2012 she went on a fusing course with Dawn Turner Designs, Nottinghamshire; UK. The fused range of home ware products are still being developed, but her commitment to making things that can be used in every day life is still the main focus of her craft. Louise: I am very proud and privileged that my life has such a wide range of interests and skills and I am overjoyed to be able to share with you all.
