Meet the Maker

Sailing a boat to distant shores, waves lapping, clouds scudding across azure skies – well, these are a few of our favourite things! But for new parents Michelle and Mark they became a reality when they set off on an adventure of a lifetime with Poppy and Scarlett, then only 4 and 5! Corsica, Sardinia and all ports in France were on the itinerary, and on their return it was true to say that settling back into a 9–5 routine for Peterborough Social Services was not really on Michelle’s agenda! Black Cab Framing: Michelle Allot

So when the opportunity to enrol on some creative framing courses came along, Michelle jumped at the chance and she quickly realised that she had the aptitude and enthusiasm to embrace a new, challenging and fulfilling hobby – that quite quickly became a business. Converting the garage and a room in the house for the new business was the priority – that and a name! At the time she was ferrying an assortment of children, animals, bikes and all the paraphernalia associated with family life around the Deepings in a black cab, so the name Black Cab Framing was born! Fellow creatives flocked to her studio to have their embroideries, paintings, sketches and photographs framed. Sporting trophies, football shirts and medals were expertly showcased in box frames. A museumin-a-frame became a speciality: memorabilia, sepia photographs and vintage labels lined up expertly with subtle coloured mounts, all much coveted. It was not long before the space in the garage had filled up – treasured artwork was stored throughout the house – and new premises must be found! Right on cue number five Church Street came on the market! Opposite water colourist, Derek Abel’s old studio where Pat Abel was continuing to embroider mouth watering creations, this studio-shop and workroom was the perfect venue! The move took place in October 2012 and since then business has continued to grow. The demand for personal and individual framed artworks as part of home décor has become de rigueur as people invest more and more into their homes. The popularity of art classes locally, such as those provided by Art Stars and Paisley Art Studios, the Camera Club and its online counterpart have created burgeoning numbers of people eager to show off their own works of art. How to do this professionally? Well, it’s necessary to have a frame and a consultant with a sympathetic eye and an aptitude for knowing just what is needed to make that frame the perfect choice for the subject in hand. With her easy manner and smiley demeanour, Michelle has fitted into this role in the old village of Deeping St James like a hand in a glove. She has taken care to keep abreast of all the latest styles in mounts and frames and is not shy of investing in state of the art equipment, and the business has • Effective for a wide range of conditions. Works safely in conjunction with Western Medicine. • Recognised by the World Health Organisation. Eective for a wide range of conditions. Works safely in conjunction with Western Medicine. Recognised by the World Health Organisation. Safe for all ages, from babies to the elderly. Experienced acupuncturist. Eective for a wide range of conditions. Works safely in conjunction with Western Medicine. Recognised by the World Health Organisation. Safe for all ages, from babies to the elderly. Experienced acupuncturist. Eective for a wide range of conditions. Works safely in conjunction with Western Medicine. Recognised by the World Health Organisation. Safe for all ages, from babies to the elderly. Experienced acupuncturist. Gift vouchers available

continued to grow. A keen supporter of the local artistic community, she regularly hosts artists in Peterborough Open Artists Weekends, there is wall space for exhibitions by local artists, and she is the only local studio to stock the work of acclaimed artist Lawrence Coulson. There is also a very handy line of art cards to suit every occasion.

Clients are not only from the Deepings but from all the surrounding villages, and some travel considerable distances to spend some valuable time selecting just the right materials to enhance their treasured artwork or possession. So much so that of late there do not seem to have been enough hours in the day to get the practical work done! So from March 2020 Michelle will be having a making day on Tuesday and will be closed to the public on that day, although it will still be possible to call to arrange a private consultation.

Come and Collect our 2020 workshop programme available in the shop