Meet the Maker - Jim Sharples

One of the great things about having the Made in Bristol Gift Fair at the Colston Hall is that we can accommodate larger pieces for sale. Such as large pieces of furniture. Jim Sharples is local furniture maker who creates bespoke pieces from locally felled trees.  We caught up with Jim recently to find out more about his work... 

Please can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your work? 

I am Jim Sharples, I am a self-employed furniture maker using local sustainable timbers, often milling up trees myself. Creating bespoke pieces from planking the tree to fitting a kitchen in a client’s home. 

How do you prepare in the months running up to the Gift Fair? 

I plan what I will be making and start sourcing timber early. 

Do you have any tips on selling at Christmas markets? 

Have your stock made in advance – giving you time to plan the layout of your stall. 

What special little touch do you offer your customers?

I can make things to order which can be customised, bespoke and totally unique. 

What handmade item is high on your Christmas wish list? 

A handmade bike would be amazing. 

What is your favourite part of Christmas? 

One of my sons has his birthday on Christmas day, but the look on both my boys faces on Christmas morning is beautiful. 

Which UK artist/maker’s Twitter feed do you find most inspiring and why? 

Bryce Davis, AKA Peaceful Protest, always good pieces from a buys maker. 

What is your favourite family Christmas tradition? 

Now it’s my youngest boys’ birthday on Christmas day, so we try to keep the morning as a birthday celebration for him. 

Finally, if you could re-design a Christmas decoration, what would it be and why? 

The angel from the top of the Christmas tree should always be Elvis.

Thank you Jim!  Elvis would be so cool on top of the tree, especially in his white and gold Vegas suit.  You can find Jim in the Entrance of the Colston Hall foyer on Sunday 7th December.

Made in Bristol Gift Fair

Colston Hall 

Bristol

Saturday 29th November 2014

Sunday 7th December 2014
10am - 4pm

Saturday 13th December 2014 

10am - 3pm