Our story · By Donna
Big love, tiny stitches.
DM Custom Designs began at the kitchen table — making one little embroidered name onto a baby blanket for a family member's first birthday. The smile it brought turned into a passion, then a small studio full of thread spools, pretty fabric, and a humming embroidery machine.
Today we hand-make personalised applique embroidery, sublimated treasures and laser-engraved keepsakes for families who want gifts that feel as special as the moment.
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Meet Donna Frost
Hi, I'm Donna 👋
DM Custom Designs is my little family business, based here in Stoke-on-Trent. It started — as so many of these things do — at the kitchen table, with one embroidered name on a baby blanket for a little one in the family. The look on their parents' faces was all I needed.
That first blanket turned into a hobby, the hobby turned into a humming embroidery machine in the spare room, and now we have a proper little studio full of thread spools, fabric, sublimation blanks and our trusty laser engraver. But honestly? It still feels exactly the same as that first blanket — every order is one I genuinely care about.
I personally make, check and pack every order that leaves the studio. If you message us, you're messaging me — not a chatbot, not a customer service team. That's the bit I love most.
— Donna
Why customers trust us
A small family business — built on care
We're not the biggest. We're not the cheapest. But we treat every order like it's a gift for our own family — because half the time, it is.
Family-run, not factory-made
Every order goes through Donna's hands — not a production line. You're supporting one family, not a faceless brand.
Proudly based in Stoke-on-Trent
Designed, stitched, printed and engraved in our home studio in Staffordshire — then carefully packed and posted from here too.
Honest, quality-first work
If something isn't right, we'll redo it. We'd rather take a little longer and get it perfect than rush a keepsake out the door.
Real conversations
Got a special request? Just message us. You'll always hear back from a real person — usually Donna herself.
What we believe
A few promises that go into every parcel we send.
Made with love
Every stitch, print and engraving is finished by hand in our small studio.
Truly one-of-a-kind
We personalise every piece so no two gifts are ever the same.
Quality you can feel
Soft, durable garments and natural materials chosen to last for years.
For every milestone
Birthdays, christenings, new arrivals — we celebrate the moments that matter.