Bicester, Business & Entrepreneurs

Crafty business inspires young minds

By Sarah Edwards
January 17, 2017
at 10:50am

[dropcap type =”circle”]C[/dropcap] hildren and even babies across Bicester are getting crafty and creative thanks to an innovative new business.
Mum of two Julia Martin is the owner and Inspirer at The Creation Station in Bicester, and is on a mission to fire the imaginations of Bicester youngsters and their parents through her regular fun art and craft sessions.
Julia, mum to three-year-old Sebastian and one-year-old Alexandra, worked in product development in the food industry before having her children. After studying psychology, Julia became fascinated by child development and knew she wanted to switch her career path to something different, that would also work around her family.

JULIA AND CHILDREN — Creation Station has provided the perfect work life balance for Julia Martin and her children Sebastian and Alexandra.

Julia said: “I bought the franchise to run the Bicester Creation Station and started running classes in July last year. I love it so much!”
Based at the community space at Tesco in Bicester, Julia runs term time classes as well as family fun events over half term for children up to 11 years old. The next one is planned for February 15 and will be a Valentine’s Day inspired event.
Julia added: “I love working with the children, it is great to see them really using their imagination to create their own pieces of art and craft. We come up with a theme for each session and then provide a wide range of art and craft supplies for the children to then make their own creations.
“Every activity we do is linked to chid development, and even babies can take part by exploring textures and having fun. Getting hands on is really the best way for children to learn, and they are growing and developing all the time while they explore their creativity.”
Julia has classes suitable for babies, Little Explorers which are for children aged from 15 months to five years, and she also runs bespoke arty parties for children from one to 11 years old.
Julia said: “These are great fun and party bags and invites are included. I offer two craft activities within a one hour party and three activities within a two-hour party. It’s amazing seeing how the activities hold the attention of everyone, even the littlest ones. We have some lovely activities such as canvases, wooden treasure boxes, making clay creations, beading, crafting with willow and lots more. The activities can also be linked to the party theme.
“I also run monthly Tiny Treasure session where we use different materials every month, such as decorating ceramics with baby hand/foot prints, and use clay and canvas. These are really lovely relaxed sessions with tea, coffee and cake for the parents.”
Julia added that if her business continues to boom, she may expand to other local areas.
“The training and support we receive is brilliant, it really is an excellent franchise to run. All the products we use in class are purchased through the Creation Station as they have completed all the relevant due diligence health and safety checks which is very important when working with babies and young children.”
Julia’s sessions are as follows: