Our Story
When it comes to Art and Craft I have often been described as a Jack of all trades. I’ve quite often seen it as a mild insult. As a person with many interests, talents, and different skills. I’ve been made to feel that I’m not good enough at any one thing. But I’m passionate about everything I do and have always felt it is an advantage. It can, especially in Art, come across as not having any particular style or consistency. But recently I’ve learnt that the saying isnt complete, the full quote is:
“Jack of all trades master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one.”
I totally agree and I am pleased to say that I no longer think of my skill set as limited. I like to think I am multi-passionate. I think that shows in what I have achieved. I completed my Art degree with honors at 40. I then got a PGCE in Post Compulsory Education Training. I have taught and been taught. I have run a successful businesses for over 20 years. From my first studio at a craft centre to our final shop in Polperro. I have painted, knitted, crocheted, I leant tatting. I’ve sold jewellery, macrame, felting, sewing, sculptures, pottery and fused and stained glass. I have an eye for detail and learn best when I can see something being demonstrated. There are things I would still love to have go at, like glass blowing. I am very grateful for these skills and I am good at them. So I am always going to be a Jack of all trades and be proud of it.
Mr and Mrs Ashworth
We are Janice and Steve, we have been married for over 40 years and in that time we have become a good team. We divide jobs equally …..I am the creative person and Mr WD does everything else. Steve has recently retired from the business, but is still great at supporting my work. He does my accounts, and generally helps me wherever he can
Our Apprentices
This is our daughter Gemma. I don’t know why shes still an apprentice, as she is very good with customers, and helps at some of the craft shows and fairs. We would promote her, but then we might have to pay her!
Our grandchildren have recently been promoted to junior apprentices. In the holidays they used to come and help us in our shop. Now a days they visit and help create things that always inspire me.
Silent Partner
Fin is our collie. He recently been unwell after having a spinal stroke, but he loves getting out on his new wheels and he motivates us to get out, and generally keeps an eye on us. He likes to help us around the studio x
Update
Unfortunately Fins front legs deteriorated and we lost him in March 2023 . I can’t bring myself to delete him off our page as he was very much part of our story .
Why Wellydog?
Our shops have always been called Wellydog. We have oftern been questioned about this, so here is the story……… We are old enough to have seen the introduction of home computers and the first personal emails. For those of you who remember, then picking an email address was difficult, as most names had already been taken. The suggestion at the time was to put your name with a number after it but that didn’t appeal. I tried loads of different versions of my name and was getting quite frustrated, so Mr Wellydog suggested using our dogs name. Our dog at the time was called Wellington Boots, Welly for short , so Wellydog was born. Years later when I established the business and moved into a local craft centre, the idea of thinking of a name and getting a new email address seemed too stressful, so I just continued as Wellydog, and the rest as they say is history.
