SHE'S the Bitterne-based mum of three who has turned her artistic sideline into a thriving business in the top one per cent of Etsy sellers internationally in just over two years. 

Sara Pryce is a linocut artist making eco-friendly art and hand-carved ink stamps to help customers make their own recyclable wrapping paper.

Following her long-held artistic dreams, Sara set up Periwinkle Ink after being forced out of her accountancy job as she attempted to juggle work and childcare in the aftermath of the pandemic.

READ MORE: West End mum turns hobby into a successful business

Her Etsy business quickly took off and can make up to £1,000 a day during busy periods.

Daily Echo:

Sara, who works from her home studio, told the Daily Echo: "It was something I was doing to keep my sanity during and after lockdown, particularly when I no longer had a job to go to.

"It was my sister-in-law who suggested I launch my own shop, but I did wonder if anyone would buy handmade stamps from me when they could go to The Range and pick up five of them made in China for the same price or less. 

"Thankfully, the business completely snowballed from there.

"I've always loved art and wanted to go into it as a teenager. I was told I'd never make any money from art, so I trained as an accountant. Covid did me a favour and allowed me to return to being creative."

Daily Echo:

Periwinkle Ink has made around 5,500 sales so far with customers as far afield as Australia, Iran, Thailand, Canada and the USA.

Products include lino prints, ink stamps, ornaments, cards, bunting, tea towels, and tote bags.

Going forward, Sara plans to expand her range and perhaps employ a member of staff during busy times, a position being eyed up by her six-year-old daughter!

Daily Echo:

The business, which boasts more than 1,000 five star reviews, is as eco-friendly as possible with a whole army of friends, neighbours and eco-loving strangers around Bitterne, Woolston and Sholing keeping their used packaging to be decorated and upcycled.

Sara also runs workshops to help participants learn to make their own stamps and cards at The Songbird Cafe in Bitterne.

  • Periwinkle Ink is our trader of the week. If you'd like us to feature your small business, click on the link below, visit dailyecho.co.uk/trader or email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk