How I moved to France and turned my craft hobbies into income

When my husband Michael, 62, and I moved to France from England in 2019, we were after a change of scene. 

At the time, I was working as a project manager in a FTSE 100 company and Michael was working as a vehicle examiner for the DVSA.

I loved my job – it was hard work, but always stimulating and challenging. The people I worked with were great and I often got to travel. 

However, the high-pressure environment had left me depleted. I worked long hours and was often tired.

I was somewhat sad to wave goodbye to my old profession when we moved. I knew I would not be able to secure the same sort of job in France. 

However, we had decided to move after a tough few years in our personal life, so I was determined to embrace a brand new start in all areas of our life.

We chose France mainly due to its proximity to the UK; we did not want to be too far from family. 

As it was not something we had thought about doing previously, neither of us had done much preparation – the only French we had when we arrived was basic words learned years ago at school.

With limited French and without French nationality, we both found it hard to find employment at first, which made things quite stressful.

Read more: I moved to France and became owner of a reclamation and salvage yard

First job in France

I eventually found a temporary role in an English-speaking bank. It kept the money rolling in, but I knew it was not what I wanted to do full-time.

When my first contract ended I went to enquire about work at Pole Emploi and they offered me French lessons, which was great.

While we searched for further work, I found myself with a great deal of free time on my hands and took up crafting to keep me occupied. I soon found I had quite a knack for making cards and, in October 2021, I began to sell them at local markets and craft fairs.

After a tough couple of years, in part due to the pandemic, in March 2023 Michael and I were also able to secure a role as gîte cleaners, working a couple of days a week.

In March 2023, I also began sewing for the first time. It was not something I had done much of in the past, but it really appealed. 

I bought a basic sewing machine and taught myself how to make baguette bags and other small fabric items. Over time, I began to build my skills and take on new projects. 

I enjoyed the challenge of trying something new and found I easily picked up different techniques. Best of all, I found sewing items quite stress-relieving.

Over the years, Michael and I have come to realise that the best way to keep our finances healthy here is by taking on various roles – and it has been quite an adventure. 

One of the best temporary jobs we have had is working as tour guides on the D-Day beaches – something we have now done for two seasons.

Read more: My ten year challenge to recreate the Bayeux Tapestry 

Acquiring new skills in France

While juggling various roles, the one thing that remained constant was my sewing. People began asking for various items, and I was always happy to oblige. 

If I did not know how to do something, it just made the task more interesting for me as I would acquire a new skill in the process. 

I even made a footstool from scratch in 2023 on the request of a friend. This meant learning woodworking techniques to craft the legs – I enjoyed adding another string to my bow.

Over time, my crafting business has started to really take off. I began selling my creations on Christmas markets and started my website, Karen’s Creative Designs, in 2024. I sell everything from bamboo face wipes to tote bags and colourful footstools.

This year, I have booked into Rouen’s two-day Christmas market and am looking forward to the challenge.

In the UK, with full-time jobs, we were very comfortable financially. Here, it has been a little more fraught but we have a better work/life balance and I am generally more content. Working for yourself means you can set your own schedule and that suits me.