Tucked away amidst the rolling green hills and quiet lanes of the Suffolk countryside is a vibrant, quiet sanctuary of creativity. This is the studio where Gina, a determined disabled artist and loving mother, breathes life into the unique and colourful world of Handmade by Herbie’s Mum. While Gina is perhaps best known for her range of comfy, sensory-friendly bespoke clothing for children and adults, her passion for design extends far beyond textiles. It reaches the very art of giving itself.
Gina is a firm believer that the experience of receiving a gift begins long before the box is opened. It starts with the anticipation, the visual delight of the packaging, and the texture under your fingers. "Thoughtful gifts deserve beautiful packaging," she always says, and this simple, powerful philosophy drives everything she creates. In her studio, Gina designs a stunning collection of posh wrapping paper and eco tape, all because she believes that thoughtlessness takes no effort, but a truly thoughtful gift creates a lasting memory.
Gina’s designs are the antidote to the mundane. They are unapologetically bright, bold, and full of playful character. Drawing inspiration from the world around her - her family, the countryside, and the wonderful, messy chaos of everyday life - Gina creates patterns that are exclusive to Handmade by Herbie’s Mum. When you choose one of her wrapping papers, you are choosing an artistic expression that elevates a standard parcel into a unique masterpiece. The papers are intentionally created with a quality that ensures they look as good wrapped around a present as they do on the roll.
The beauty of Gina’s creations isn’t just surface deep. As someone deeply connected to the natural world around her studio, protecting the planet is a non-negotiable part of her creative process. Gina understands that traditional wrapping materials, especially those containing glitter or made of plastic, can be incredibly damaging to the environment. She refuses to create beauty that leaves a lasting scar.
When you support Handmade by Herbie’s Mum, you aren’t just purchasing premium packaging. You are supporting a small, independent British business run by a woman who is pouring her creative heart into every design, even while managing the unique challenges of her disability. For Gina, every order that leaves her Suffolk studio is a validation of her vision: to make the act of giving a little brighter, a lot more beautiful, and infinitely kinder to the world we share.