Family prints make personal keepsakes

Nicky Marran started Cora Keepsakes in October after she had taken a break from the craft since her mother Marie died in 2011 from Motor Neurone Disease. Her brother Michael had also passed away in 2006.

Mrs Marran said the period put her life into perspective and she decided to name the business after her three-year-old daughter and “inspiration” Cora – who was born just two days before Nicky’s mum died.

She uses a child’s or pet’s foot or handprints to create silver necklaces, charm bracelets and other accessories.

Nicky, 36, of Wakefield Road, Earlsheaton, said: “It’s a really positive thing I’m doing, it’s just born out of tragedy. I want to make the most of my life.

“Getting into jewellery was something I could do at home when I was caring. I found it very therapeutic.

“My mum said to me, ‘You’ve just got to go for what you want.’ So I took the plunge and left my job.

“I realised how important these little keepsakes are. It’s a really nice, personal thing to have. I just wish I’d got my mum and brother’s handprints at the time.”

She is now taking orders for Mother’s Day and hopes to develop a menswear range.

Visit www.facebook.com/corakeepsakes to browse Nicky’s products.