Say hello to...
Introducing the next selection of talented designer/makers that will be featuring at our up and coming Christmas market.
(Only 2 weeks until the big day!)
Lynda - Pickles Studio
Tell us a little about how you first started making/designing/crafting - and how long have you been doing it?
I started drawing before anything else which eventually led on to making and designing. I use to draw everything and doodle on anything - At 20 I started making art prints and they were selling through a local shop called 'Rhubarb' for a short time.
At the same time I suddenly had a fascination with fabric and pattern. I taught myself how to sew and I started hand-stitching round cushions, unusual shaped cushions to felt foods! A local homeware shop called 'New England' brought a smalll wholesale batch and started selling them. I've been sewing for about 10 years now, I even sew for my day job!
Since I've had children I started making fun interiors and toys. I started drawing again and I found a way to combine both sewing and my art work.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Once I've designed the pattern for my doll, cutting out the pieces can be a long process. Each doll has 20 - 30 little pieces (depending on the style) of fabric that needs to be sewn together.
What is your favourite part about the work you do?
My favourite part is designing the dolls into something real. I love sewing all the fabric parts together and seeing the end result. It's exciting.
What’s next for you and your brand/work
I would like to add some soft interiors into the brand so I'm working on that. My aim is also to be more involved in local craft fairs.
Any advice for other designer/makers just starting out?
Stay confidence, stay committed and work hard. Do what you love and don't worry about what other people think. Enjoy it and have fun!
See more of Pickle Studio here.
Katie Figel - Copper & Solder
Tell us a little about how you first started making/designing/crafting - and how long have you been doing it?
I've always love creating and designing! When I was just 17 and studying Art at college, I held my own candle making workshops in Birmingham, Custard Factory in my spare time. I then went on to study printed textiles at University which lead me to a job in London, assisting a printed fashion and lifestyle brand. The closing of the brand made me redundant, I then moved back to the midlands and Copper & Solder was born..
What are some of the things that inspire you and your work?
I feel like I'm easily inspired by the smallest of things and constantly absorbing it.. From a visit to Rosendals Trädgård in Sweden to even just a scroll on Pinterest.. it can be anywhere.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Working with such industrial and natural materials can be fairly challenging. Let's just say, it doesn't always want to be your friend! Having your own brand and business itself is a certainly a challenge too, but i'm learning and that can only be very positive.
What is your favourite part about the work you do?
I enjoy it all really. As I do everything myself, it's nice to have something different to do every day. Actually, I do love the wrapping and packaging - it's very satisfying! It's also great to meet so many amazing people in the same boat.
What’s next for you and your brand/work?
New products - Always racking my brains and scribbling down new things to make.. Next year, we're treating ourselves to a brand spanking new site and we have some super exciting products in the pipeline.
See more of Copper & Solder here.
Tell us a little about how you first started making/designing/crafting - and how long have you been doing it?
I've always been a crafter...I am fairly sure I inherited the maker gene from my Dad. He seems able to make anything out of anything!
I started off making wooden plaques whilst on maternity leave for the first time. It was fun but I couldn't find a reliable supplier at the time so it fizzled out. Then, I made a birthday chalkboard for my Goddaughter Jessica's first birthday. Someone else saw the photo and ordered another... that is when things started to really take off!
Fast forward through various retail management roles, a career change that put me off office work for life and completion of The Prince's Trust Enterprise course...and here I am!
What are some of the things that inspire you and your work?
I am obsessed with typography and fonts and quotes and reading! Almost every room in our house has at least one quote displayed...much to the dismay of my husband! I love how a font change can alter the tone of a quote or even a single word. I also love to read - I have just started an English Masters degree at Wolverhampton University and although it is hard work I am really enjoying it and genuinely look forward to writing my first essay.
My family are a constant source of inspiration for me. I like to record the funny things that my daughter says - for example I have a hand lettered quote framed on our living room wall of a conversation we had when she was three; "You can't have a cup of coffee, Georgia" "But COFFEE IS MY LIFE!"
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Sometimes it can be difficult to balance work and family life - my five year old daughter and two year old son are too young to understand that sometimes I really do need to work. My daughter also has a habit of wanting to "help".
Also, working from home does limit my storage space so in the future I hope to be able to have a 'proper' studio space or one of those fabulous shed conversions in the garden.
What is your favourite part about the work you do?
For the most part, I can be there for my children whenever they need me. My daughter recently started school and I am so glad that I am able to drop her off and pick her up every single day, and get involved in the family learning community at the school.
I also genuinely adore being able to provide work for special occasions like weddings and first birthdays. It is an honour to be asked to create a keepsake and the positive feedback from each customer is one of the best feelings in the world.
Any advice for other designer/makers just starting out?
The craft sector is becoming more and more saturated, so remember that you are the unique selling point. Show your personality - be that through your social media, your packaging or in personat events. People are buying into you when they look for handmade products so don't hide behind a logo!
See more of Melanie's work here.