Scraplets

Aim

My aim is to raise money to expand my Scraplet business and open a shop in the historic Corn Exchange in Leeds.

ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Mark - the Chief Scrapleteer!

I am a former mental health worker turned carpenter. Over the past year and a bit I've built a micro business based at home, working in my tiny workshop throughout the pandemic to create Scraplets.

WHAT ARE SCRAPLETS?

Quite honestly, it might be best to have a quick look at the website or the Instagram to get a bit of an overview ...

Scraplets Website

Scraplets Instagram

Put simply, Scraplets are cheeky little wooden robot characters, all made from reclaimed wood. They come in various different sizes and a whole host of colours. Each has a story, a history, dreams, hopes and aspirations. They're the perfect little desk buddy to keep you company. They also love music. Quite honestly, they've kept me sane this past year! There are over 200 individual characters so far, and new Scraplets are always turning up. Each Scraplet also comes with their biography on a handmade gift tag.

WHY AM I CROWDFUNDING?

The reason I'm crowdfunding is simple - I'm going to open a shop.  More than that, I'm going to create the ultimate Scraplet destination.  Give them the home that they deserve!  

Unfortunately the rent on retail units is not cheap (about £10,000 a year for the one I've got my heart set on) and neither are all the fixtures and fittings and bits and bobs that you need to set a shop up.  So my aim from crowdfunding is to cover part of the initial set up to create a professional looking retail outlet with a small workshop area for making Scraplets.

WHY OPEN A SHOP?

When lockdown ended I started attending craft fairs and markets with the Scraplets, and the response has honestly been overwhelming. It's been fantastic to see people's reactions when they meet the Scraplets, rather than a like or an emoji response online. However, the Scraplets need a base - they need a place they can call home.  I also need a slightly nicer workshop.  I've been locked in a shipping container workshop for the past 18 months!

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FOR SCRAPLETS?

Moving forward in this brave new world, I plan to engage as much as possible with events in the local area and have already built links with local organisations with the view to holding workshops with the Scraplets. These would be to teach young people how to make Scraplets and teach them the processes involved in a safe and fun environment (i.e. sawing wood, sanding wood, painting, waxing and buffing, explain what all the various different fixings are used for, etc). 

Reclaiming and recycling wood is at the heart of what I do and I would like to be able to promote that ethos, as well as teaching basic woodwork skills.

WHAT DO SUPPORTERS GET IN RETURN?

I truly believe that every supporter of this project should receive something.  I'm not asking for money for nothing.  Therefore every pledge over £10 will receive something - be it some stickers, badges, a Scraplet, a Gary Frenchkiss tote bag, mystery boxes full of Scraplets, even custom Scraplets if you're feeling generous - check the sidebar/rewards section for details of packages available to claim.  I plan to get all supporter rewards sorted and shipped as soon as possible, but I'm going to say there's a Christmas guarantee deadline on everything!

THANK YOU!

A stupid dream is about to become reality.  All supporters will have my everlasting love and gratitude.  Feel free to also support me via the website, simply by purchasing Scraplets, or giving us a follow on social media.

Happy Scrapleting!!

This project successfully funded on 17th October 2021