When we added slate to Croft & Cleo this August, we pictured a small, quiet range, a few coasters for the odd customer who wanted something a bit different. We were wrong about the "quiet" part.
Since launch we've made over 100 slate pieces, and the orders have been far more varied than we expected.
Starting small: one coaster, one story
Many of our favourite orders are single coasters. A new baby's name and birth date. A much-loved dog caught mid-wag. A family photo that deserves a better home than a phone. Each one is engraved into genuine Highland slate from a photograph you send us, so it becomes something that sits on the table and gets used.
A single photo-engraved coaster starts at £5.50, with sets of four, six or eight if you'd like a matching collection. If you'd prefer a different shape, there are hexagonal photo coasters too.
Pets, family and everything between
The photo coasters have become our best-loved pieces. Pets are the most popular subject, but families, couples and favourite views all turn up. A clear, well-lit photo works best, and we're always happy to advise if you're unsure which to choose.
For a bigger gift, there's a personalised slate serving tray with a photo, a message, or both, and our photo-engraved slate Christmas ornaments for the tree.
Then came the conference
At the other end of the scale, we recently received an order for 60 coasters for a conference. It was our biggest so far, and it taught us a few things quickly.
Sixty coasters is a very different job from one. We learned to work in batches, and to think about packaging and about shipping options that don't cost a small fortune. We're still refining the process, and we're glad the first big one went well.
If you're planning something similar, whether a conference, wedding, corporate gift or family event, get in touch and we'll talk it through.
The Highland animals that started it all
Alongside the personalised pieces, we engrave a range of Highland and farmhouse portraits: Valais Blacknose sheep, Basenji dogs, hares, Silkie chickens, Exmoor ponies and the Land Rover Defender.
What customers have said
We're grateful for every kind word, and a few have stayed with us:
"The pictures were so clear and matched the photos perfectly. Beautifully made"
"This is the second coaster I have bought & I am really impressed with how lovely they are"
"Gorgeous item. Delivered extremely quickly. I'm very pleased with it, thank you." (Caitlin, Etsy review)
"Excellent customer service and very helpful." (Willow, Etsy review)
Where next?
We didn't expect slate to take off the way it has, and we're enjoying seeing where it goes. If you'd like to see the whole range, you'll find it in our Engraved Slate Portraits collection.
More stories from the croft are in The Croft Journal.