Say hello to...
Introducing more fabulous designer/makers that you can find at our Christmas market.
Here's what they have to say about their work...
Happy reading!
Meeni - Craft extraordinaire!
Tell us a little about how you first started making/designing/crafting - and how long have you been doing it?
I have been drawing, painting, sewing and making pretty much all my life and I know this sounds like a cliché but it is something I have to do. I studied art and design at college and went to university as a mature student to take a degree in art history. It was becoming a mum and having the understanding of my partner that gave me the confidence to pursue a practical art career more seriously.
What are some of the things that inspire you and your work?
I love to work with reclaimed and vintage materials and I have a sizeable collection of all manner of fabrics, notions, magazine cuttings and books! I am drawn to the folk art of different cultures, the natural world, different seasonal celebrations and the world of childhood.
What is your favourite part about the work you do?
I derive so much pleasure from making and being in that moment but one of the things I really enjoy is working out a new design or pattern. Figuring out how to turn a sketch into a pattern or a textile sculpture, or a turning a vague idea into a realised illustration.
What’s next for you and your brand/work?
I really enjoy sharing my ideas and inspiring others to make and I am planning on growing my range of patterns, kits and tutorials alongside developing my range of illustrations and designs.
See more of Meeni's work here.
The Bloom Collective - Floristry duo
Tell us a little about how you first started making/designing/crafting - and how long have you been doing it?
We are a flower & botanicals duo from Birmingham, we formed our company a little over a year ago after meeting whilst studying at the Botanical Gardens - both from a Fine Art background we had lots in common and shared the same ideology about branding and botany; We wanted to do something that felt fresh - as we felt a lot of the floristry we saw locally felt slightly stale. We're still in our infancy and working day jobs, but the dream is to one day open our own flower and botanicals store in the City!
What are some of the things that inspire you and your work?
Nature and the man made , we like the contrast between concrete and greenery - which kind of reflects our roots as a City based company. We're also into interiors, aesthetics and find inspiration from social media - there's so much good stuff out there at the moment and stuff like Instagram opens up a whole world of inspiration, we love it!
Any advice for other designer/makers just starting out?
Yes, ignore the negativity, listen to the positivity, there's no better time for start ups and what do you have to lose?! Support other small businesses and I'm sure we can all take over the world together !
See more of the Bloom Collective here.
A is for Alice - Costumes designer/Maker
Tell us a little about how you first started making/designing/crafting - and how long have you been doing it?
I have been drawing, crafting and creating all kinds of things for as long as I can remember - from calligraphy to pottery, I tried loads of different processes, until I realised my true love was the sewing machine! I trained as a costume designer and worked for over a decade in the theatre, as well as running my own costume hire business and doing some university lecturing too.
What are some of the things that inspire you and your work?
My 2 crazy kids! It is often one of my daughter's amazingly quirky drawings that will spark and idea, and of course they are willing recipients of all my trial costumes!
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Time management. Juggling a small business, the school run and a toddler is certainly demanding, and especially in the run up to Halloween and Christmas, I can be working until the early hours.
What is your favourite part about the work you do?
The unique requests and stories - I love getting an order for a 'big brother' cape as a gift from a baby sibling , or hearing about how excited a child was to receive one of my items for their birthday. Kids have such fantastic imaginations, I feel honoured to help create some magic!
Any advice for other designer/makers just starting out?
Don't give up! It can take at least a year for a business to get off the ground, and even longer to turn enough profit to pay yourself. Focus on good quality products, excellent customer service and beautiful photos, and don't be afraid to push yourself when new opportunities come your way!
See more of A is for Alice here.