Transcript below:

Evening Telegraph
Tuesday, 12 Sept 2000

SITTING COMFORTABLY - Lisamarie Howard
and her son Kyson with some of their cushions.

IT'S A NET GAIN FOR LISAMARIE
Lisamarie Howard of Wellingborough has turned her hobby into a business designed to make life comfortable for her customers worldwide.
Helped by a £1,500 from The Prince's Trust, Lisamarie, 29, of XXXXXXX Close, is making personalised hand-painted silk cushions and has launched her business on the internet at www.keepsakesilks.com
Keepsake Silks produces cushions to commemorate all kinds of special occasions in a personal way, and Lisamarie eventually hopes to extend her range to picture frames and bed throws.
There is already a wide selection of designs which can include details such as names and dates and, in the case of a wedding or a baptism, the name of the church.
Lisamarie said: "I was unable to seek work with an employer because I have two young children and the cost of childcare would be prohibitive."
"As I have always been creative, making silk flower arrangements, painting and various arts and crafts, I decided to turn one of my hobbies into a business which I can run from home and be there for my children."
"I made the first cushion after my son was born, then did a christening one for him and another for a friend's wedding."
"Since then it has snow-balled and even includes a tooth fairy cushion."
She added: "I started with three designs and now there are 18, but I hope to put something new on the site every month."
In the past she has had varied jobs from platemaker to typesetter and worked for a telephone company and sold giftware.
Lisamarie said: "I've now realised that I have learned a lot which will be very helpful to me as a self-employed businesswoman."

Words: by Lorrie Rickett
ET Picture: CSP 9670.6