Saturday 28 November 2009

Handm@de Oxford 2009 - TODAY!

Come along to Handm@de Oxford today (November 29th 2009) to see some of the areas most creative talent. You'll find some gorgeous gifts, as well as many things you'll want to keep all to yourself!


Visit the Handm@de website for information on other fairs or to sign up to our mailing list.



Wednesday 25 November 2009

An A-Z of Exhibitors... "U" is for;


The UK Street Team is collective of UK makers and sellers, dedicated to spreading the handmade word and promoting their work to as wide an audience as possible.

And that is the last in this series of an A-Z of exhibitors since I can't think of the V, W, X, Y or Z - sorry to disappoint anyone who was waiting to see if I'd manage!

Thursday 19 November 2009

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Saturday 14 November 2009

Tuesday 10 November 2009

Sunday 8 November 2009

An A-Z of Exhibitors... "J" is for;

Joanna Marie Jewellery

Saturday 7 November 2009

An A-Z of Exhibitors... "I" is for;

In a Pickle
(no website)

Friday 6 November 2009

Meet the Maker - Little Button Nose

Tell us a little about you

Hi My name is julie aka little button nose. When choosing my website name, my nickname from school came to mind as I wanted something that was quirky, a name people would remember and smile at...and yes I do have a very small nose!

Have you always been crafty, or is it something that you've picked up more recently?

I have been making things for many many years as I am at my happiest creating new and exciting things, it started with making presents for friends and then I decided to sell my products at craft fairs and recently I have started exhibiting at wedding fairs.


Have you been particularly influenced by any other artists or events?

I love Carolyn Gavin designs, her quirky illustrations and colour combinations are lovely and also I love Caroline Gardners greeting cards and associated products, I better not get started about how excited I get when I go to Paperchase in London!! A kid in a sweetie shop comes to mind!

What is your favourite piece?

ooooh thats a tough one. I had so much fun designing my notecards sets, using patterns and textures and experimenting with different colour combinations and I am very pleased with the simple yet effective way of packaging the cards, but I am very excited to launch my new range of canvas designs at Handm@de Oxford.


What other artists are you excited about seeing at Handm@de Oxford?

I am very excited to see EVERYONE at Handm@de Oxford, from looking at the blog and seeing everyones lovely products I think it may be best if I leave my wallet at home!

Thursday 5 November 2009

Tuesday 3 November 2009

Meet the Makers - Quercus Silver

Silver and Resin are married into wonderfully smooth and organic pieces by Su Trindle that you - well me at least - just want to run off with and possible try and eat, some of them look so... juicy! So over to Su to tell us all....
My name is Su Trindle and I work in silver, often adding resin, making modern, bold, jewellery. I was for many years a restless spirit, travelling and working round the world until I have eventually settled here in beautiful Bath with a lovely bloke and our 2 boys.

I think my inspiration was my grandmother, although I never met her . She worked as a jeweller in Birmingham's jewellery quarter and I was always fascinated by her work. Curiosity overcame me and a few of years ago I decided that I 'd do things properly. I took a deep breath and enrolled for a short silversmith course. And I loved it. The soldering, hammering, polishing, hot metal and alchemy of it all captivated me. I am still studying, now.

Last year after an innocent trip to the local flower show I came home with a shed. My lovely bloke made me a workbench, bought some tools and silver and said go on then, get on with it. So, I have. I've always sewn and quilted and generally stitched, I love colour and fabric. Adding resin and colour to my work is very exciting, helping define a new style for me.

My etsy shop is great, allowing me to develop ideas and boosting my confidence and business savvy. I think it helps focus my attention on making my pieces as good as they can be. I want my customers to be as proud of their jewellery as I am.

I can't wait to go to handm@de and see what everyone else does;
Strik Strik's knitted cushions, a great exampleof modern knitting.

HodgepodgeArts little porcelein bowls, so delicate and dramatic

Fabric Nations adorable retro dogs

Random Pearls of wisdom;

1. You'll never be lonely if you quilt on a bus

2: Children get more fun from the cardboard box than the contents

3. When you ask "what ya thinking" and he says "oh, nothing". He ain't lying

4. Never stop learning