Meet the Maker - Katy Luxton

Katy Luxton's stunning flower/spirograph jewellery are a huge hit in the Made in Britain shop.  Katy kindly has given us a great interview to share with you today... over to you Katy:

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

Hi I am Katy and I have been running my business for just under a year. My jewellery is contemporary, sculptural, and wearable, I like exploring circles, repetition and positive & negative space. I trained over 10 years ago at Sir John Cass but a move to Cornwall, another career and a couple of children later, the time is  now right.

Apart from creating things what else do you do?

Looking after my 2 and 5 year old keeps me pretty busy, at the weekends we can be found in the woods or at the beach, and then warming up with tea and cake. 

When did you know you were an artist/maker?

I have always enjoyed making things, but it did take me a few brushes with jewellery before I realised that I could actually make it. At school we had to make a piece of jewellery using copper and brass, I still remember my the hours spent with wet and dry paper trying to make it perfect. After my drama degree (I knew I needed to do something creative but wasn't sure what) I wondered about turning to costume design as I can use a sewing machine but then I spotted an evening class in jewellery, that it clicked with me and I felt I had found my medium.

What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline?

The smell of the metal, and making something beautiful and wearable. I like the scale of jewellery, although one day I would like to work on a much bigger scale.

 Where does your inspiration come from?

I find circles and repetition appealing, I found the maths room in the science museum when i was studying and really liked all the little mathematical models. My Spiro collection came about after I was playing with a spirograph and found myself wanting to create one in 3d. I like the links with nature and geometry, the order, repetition with subtle changes and unusual quirks.

Describe your studio or workspace?

Compact and bijoux! It is tiny but big enough to create my jewellery in. It is next to the Kitchen at home and when I need more space I spread out onto the kitchen table. 

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?

I love seeing where other people create, any work space is interesting. Others storage ideas, their inspirations and models are brilliant to see. I would love to see inside a couple of sculptors workspaces too, David Nash and Peter Randell Page.  I have really enjoyed reading the other makers blogs that you have in Made in Britain and seeing their spaces too!

How would you describe your creative process?

I usually make a few quick sketches but find that I move onto models quite early on in the process. From there it is a case of refining my idea and I will go back to my sketch book but find that I do my best thinking and resolving practically with little trials and models using paper, clay, copper or aluminium before progressing to silver.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

We have quite a few pieces of art by family members, they are really varied from stencils and screenprints from my brother (MKWF) to landscapes painted by my mother-in-law (Sue Luxton).

What do you when you are stuck in a creative rut?

Take a break, make tea and eat a biscuit. If I get really stuck then a change of scenery and if possible the beach work well.

Where would you like to be in ten years? 

Still making, with a bigger workspace, preferably with other makers in a studio for the company, with a successful business that has grown steadily and healthily. 

Thank you Katy, thank you for such a lovely interview.  You can find Katy's incredible jewellery in Made in Britain.

Made in Britain

(next to Carluccios)

Quakers Friars

Cabot Circus

Bristol

Mon-Sat: 10am - 6pm

Sun:  11am - 5pm

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Meet the Maker - Freya Cummings

We so happy to introduce today's Meet the Maker, the very lovely and talented Freya Cummings...

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

My name is Freya and I'm a Screen Printer. I lived in Bristol for seven years from 2004 to 2011 after moving there to study Printmaking at UWE. Some friends and I ran Snap Studio, a screen-printing studio and gallery in Bristol for a while. It's closed now, but I really got into printing there and it started me on my way. I moved home to Scotland recently and I produce Limited Edition Prints, cards, cushions and bags and occasionally, wallpapers and wedding invites from my studio at home.

Apart from creating things what else do you do?

Not very much! I'm spending every minute at the moment getting ready for a trade fair in London next week. I'm hoping to launch some new wallpapers and other products. I'm also coming to Bristol for a visit afterwards and I can't wait!

When did you know you were an artist/maker?

I don't remember a time when I didn't want to go to Art College, except for a time when I was ten, and I wanted to be a farmer.

What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline?

I love the fact that in Screen printing you can easily combine drawings, photographs, painting and pattern and that I can be very messy, but the process will smooth it all out.

Where does your inspiration come from?

When I lived in Bristol, I was inspired by the architecture and my work was very Urban based, now that I'm in the country, my work has changed quite a lot and now it's very rural, so it comes from my surroundings, much more than I had realised before I became a country bumpkin....

Describe your studio or workspace?

A complete mess, I turned a bedroom in the house into my studio. I print at one table and draw at another and have a string of pegs for drying my work. I love having my own work space, it looks out across the garden to the hills beyond. It's my first studio on my own and I love it, but I miss the friends I shared SNAP with too, so if I feel I am going completely mad on my own, I drive into Dundee and print there. 

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?

I'd like to look at loads, I'm very nosey. Probably William Morris at the moment. I'd have a few questions for him about wallpaper design. I'm having some repeat pattern problems right now.

How would you describe your creative process?

Painful! I spend too much time thinking about prints-to-be and not enough time actually making them. But when I've started something, then I'm happy. I need deadlines! 

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

Lots, I have a lot of handmade possessions, I think that the felted emergency tea-bag holder that my friend crafted for me has to be up there for it's inventiveness.

What do you when you are stuck in a creative rut?

Either procrastinate by doing other things, until something comes to me, or stare at the walls of my studio, until something comes to me..

Where would you like to be in ten years?

Doing exactly the same thing, but with a bigger studio for printing wallpaper, I had to use my parents dining room recently. A bit more financial security would be nice too.

Freya your colourful screen prints are a delight.  You can find Freya's beautiful work in our Made in Britain shop here in Bristol.

Made in Britain

(next to Carluccios)

Quakers Friars

Cabot Circus

Bristol

Mon-Sat:  10am - 6pm

Sun:  11am - 5pm

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Meet the Maker - Corrinne Evans

I think it's time to meet another incredible talent from our Made in Britain shop.  Corrinne Evans is a Cornish girl who now lives in York and makes beautiful nature inspired jewellery - here is more about her:

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

My name is Corrinne Eira Evans and I am a jewellery designer/maker and applied artist living and working in York, North Yorkshire. I was born an raised in Cornwall and moved to York to be with my partner Andrew Oliver who's a fine art furniture maker. I've had six years training within the arts, ND Btec Applied arts from Plymouth College, HND jewellery & silver smithing from Birmingham school of jewellery and finally a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Crafts at Falmouth. After graduating and moving to York I set up my own jewellery business in 2009. The work I create is all hand crafted from aluminium, titanium and silver with accents in gold. Inspired by nature, Victorian Botanical prints, vintage maps and period fashions my work is an accumulation of traditional and vintage with a contemporary edge. 

Apart from creating things what else do you do?

I love what I do, and so tend to live and breathe my work with a passion which takes up a massive amount of time. Alongside this I work part-time in a family run jewellers in York with a lovely group of ladies giving me a great little York based social life. We love a good craft night, and indulge ourselves in pudding club (I love baking!), to name a few. I also love to go to the coast with my partner and on day trips to galleries, exhibitions and visiting family. 

When did you know you were an artist/maker? 

There was no other choice for me, I lived and breathed art and design right from the word go. I had a really enthusiastic art teacher at school, Mrs. Schooling, and she helped push me forwards. My family has been a massive influence and support network as well, as most have their own business within the art and design world too. My Mum as a textile artist, Dad a draughts man, Uncles as lino printers & painters. My Aunty is also a jeweller and my Grandparents are blacksmiths and create amazing drawing studies. I guess I was just born to it really! 

What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline? 

I love everything about it. Doing what you love as a job is a really amazing thing, I believe firmly in the saying “Give a man a job he loves,and he will never work a day in his life.” (Confucius). Making unique pieces that no one else has and that will last lifetimes is a beautiful thing. Knowing that, after the love I've put into a piece, it will then be loved by its wearer and the wearer after that is an incredible feeling. Knowing that people still appreciate unique and one off pieces in such a mass produced environment is something I find really encouraging. I love owning my own time, and have no difficulty losing myself in my little workshop for days at a time, the only danger is the temptation to keep going all night long! 

Where does your inspiration come from? 

Inspirations of mine include nature, Victorian Botanical prints, vintage maps and period fashions. they enhance my work, an accumulation of traditional silver smithing skills and styles coupled with a contemporary finish. I often find myself hit by a new idea, generated by years of research when I least expect it whilst washing up or polishing jewellery at work, then off to my workshop I go to dive into a new range! I am passionate about challenging myself and keeping my work fresh and as original and innovative as I possibly can. 

Describe your studio or workspace? 

My work space is a haven for me, situated in the spare room of our flat in York. My bench was kindly made for me by my partner Olly, (Andrew Oliver) from an old fire door and scraps of wood. Longer than it is wide my bench travels the length of the room, with shelving at one end for my many jewellery books and craft/interior design magazines. A window lets the sunlight shine in onto the old leather sofa beneath it (rescued from a skip). Olly's table and shelves span the opposite wall, so we can craft together when he's not in his furniture workshop. 

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman(dead or alive), who would it be? 

I really love Nora Fok's work- it would be such a privilege to get to peep inside her studio. 

How would you describe your creative process? 

It varies widely for me, depending on the particular idea. If the idea is born out of current research, I happily sit and sketch designs, which then evolve into jewellery item's. I then take these into my studio where I will play around with materials making Marquette’s. Usually I waste no time in creating a finished piece, and am often impatient when it comes to physically realising the vision in my head. The finish on my jewellery is paramount to me, I am a bit of a perfectionist and will spend hours filing and polishing as I really believe quality is everything. Other times ideas will just pop into my head and I just experiment and go for it and make it there and then. This making in the moment when I feel most inspired has given me some of my best results. 

What handmade possession do you most cherish? 

I have a few cherished items: A pair of beautiful knitted gloves by my mum, two lamps from Olly (one being a crooked lamp from his 2006 work, and one a current up cycled lamp that we originally bought when we first meet at a car boot sale). I also have a Nora Fok bangle which only comes out on special occasions and a beautiful bag that my cherished friend (and part time model of my work) Maeta made me for my birthday. 

What do you when you are stuck in a creative rut? 

I am lucky enough to say I haven't actually had a real creative rut yet. If I'm feeling particularly stressed or unsure of the work I'm producing,a good day trip to Scarborough or Whitby with some nice candy floss and a go on the two penny machines usually does the trick. 

Where would you like to be in ten years? 

In ten years I will be thirty eight which is a slightly scary concept! My dream would to be living by the sea with a dog and a couple of children, of course still creating bespoke jewellery. Maybe a solo exhibition and my work bought by some galleries and museums. That would be perfection!

Thank you Corrinne, such a beautiful interview.  Mrs Schooling a teacher! She really had to be with a name like that.  Your green leaf brooches are a firm favourite here in the Made in Bristol office.  Come down to the Made in Britain shop and discover Corrinne's gorgeous nature inspired creations for yourself.

Made in Britain

(next to Carluccio's)

Quakers Friars

Cabot Circus

Bristol

Mon-Sat: 10am - 6pm

Sun: 11am - 5pm

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Meet the Maker - Camilla Westergaard (Butterscotch & Beesting)

We are excited to introduce the delightful world of Butterscotch & Beesting.... over to you Camilla.

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

Hello. I'm Camilla and I'm the person behind Butterscotch & Beesting (the one hiding in the corner of the circus tent, behind my characters).  I tell the stories of a magical imaginary circus through a collection of prints, patterns and illustrations.

Apart from creating things what else do you do?
I seem to spend most of my time looking after children and animals. (Or trying to get children to look after animals.) I've got three of the first sort and countless of the second. When I'm not in charge of children and animals or an imaginary circus, I work for Folksy, which is pretty much a dream job. 

When did you know you were an artist/maker?
I think you always know, don't you? It was there inside me from when I was really tiny, tapping away at my fingers, closing them around pencils and sticking them in pots of paint. It's part of me. I can see it in my middle daughter too – if you give her a piece of clay to play with, or a needle and thread, she comes alive. I feel like you can veer away from that path, but it will always pull you back. 

What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline?
I'm really lucky because I get to work across lots of different disciplines. Some days I'll be drawing, writing or sewing and others I'll spend in front of my Mac trying to get a pattern to repeat. I'm not very good at sticking to one thing, so that way of working really suits me. But if I had to pick, I'd say the bit I love the very best is seeing a fabric I've designed for the first time. Unrolling the linen, and seeing how the pattern has worked its way over the weave is always a thrill. 

Where does your inspiration come from? 
I'm probably most inspired by storytelling and illustrations. We have so, so many children's book in our house, and almost all of our shelves have now either collapsed or are teetering on the edge of collapse. There's magic inside their pages though, so I could never stop collecting them. I also love bright colours, old things and graphics. Oh and stationery. I'm a sucker for a nice notebook.
 

Describe your studio or workspace?
I work from home in a room that looks out into our tiny garden and over into my mum and dad's house where I grew up. It's far too cluttered though and I long for a space with shelves that actually have room to put things on. And a place to put a kiln. That would be wonderful.

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?
Probably Matisse's studio with all its colours and shapes and bright French sunshine. Although I imagine Oliver Jeffers' studio in New York is a fun place to be. If you could take me to either, I would be very happy.

How would you describe your creative process?

Long and painful, and then sudden, fast and all-consuming. Generally everything I make starts with a sketch. I normally draw directly on paper with a pen, then I'll scan my drawing and play about with it in Illustrator or Photoshop. When I'm happy with the pattern or print, it gets sent to the printers and then I just have to wait to see if it's worked. My fabrics are digitally printed and come back to me on huge rolls, so then I'll carefully cut out the placement prints and start sewing them into cushions or making them into lampshade. I'd like to do a lot more screen printing but I don't have space in my studio. 

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

I have a lot of my mum's work around the house and every piece of hers is treasured. My friend Beth has also made me some very beautiful things recently – she's just starting out and doesn't know how talented she is. (And if anyone ever makes me a cake or biscuit, I will gratefully cherish their handmade endeavours, however fleetingly.) 

What do you when you are stuck in a creative rut?

If the rut can't be healed by a cup of Lady Grey tea, I tend to walk away for a while and do something else. Ruts are hard places to escape.

Where would you like to be in ten years?

On holiday please, while someone very lovely sewed all my cushions and replied to my emails.

Thanks Camilla - we love your circus menagerie!  And I think you need to get in the queue for hanging out with Oliver Jeffers, we are first!  You can find Camilla's incredibly beautiful work in our Made in Britain shop...

Made in Britain shop is OPEN

Mon - Sat:  10am - 6pm

Sun:  11am - 5pm

Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol.

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Meet the Maker, Made in Britain - Sarah Elwick

Hello, today's Meet the Maker is from textile artist Sarah Elwick, a self confessed colour and pattern addict... over to you Sarah..

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

Hello! *waves* I'm Sarah Elwick, and I design a range of luxury knitwear accessories, known for their eye-catching combinations of colour and graphic pattern. My accessories machine knitted from either 100% highest quality Scottish Lambswool, or finest Italian merino. It's not an overstatement to say am a colour and pattern addict! I am never happier than when translating my ideas into delicious new combinations of yarn and stitch combinations. I create my designs on amazing the Japanese digital knitting machines we have at Winchester School of Art, which allows me to produce beautiful fine gauge intricately patterned fabrics, that I would not be able to produce any other way. 

Apart from creating things what else do you do? 

I also teach part time on the Fashion Knitwear BA (hons) course at Winchester School of Art, where I studied myself before going to study for my MA in knitwear at the RCA. It's so great to be back teaching there now, working with and teaching up and coming knitwear designers. Hopefully giving them a good grounding in the technical and creative aspects of the subject. So my work life is 100% knit focussed which is great! 

When did you know you were an artist/maker? 

After graduating from my MA in knitwear I got a bit of a shock when I started working in industry, as after five years of studying knitwear design, a very practical and hands-on subject, I was surprised how far removed, and computer based my working life was. I really missed 'hands-on' making, creating and manipulating actual fabrics myself. So, after gaining a few years industry experience, at the end of 2009 I started my own business, primarily to get back to hands on making. I initially knitted everything myself on my domestic knitting machine at home, and through customer demand have gradually seen this expand to include utilising digital knitting technology. This allows me to produce finer, more highly patterned, luxurious knitted fabrics, than is possible on any other knitting machine, consequently allowing me to produce much higher end, and unique products. Last year, due to customer demand I sourced a small scale knitwear producer in the Shetlands to help me to reproduce my designs, which has been a very exciting step for my business! 

What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline? 

Working with colour, pattern & texture. This is an instinctive and intuitive urge for me. It's why I got into textiles over other disciplines I could have chosen on my Art Foundation course in 1998, and that love has stayed with me ever since. I love the feeling of that A-ha! moment when you've been sampling and testing different pattern and colour combinations, and suddenly something clicks into place, and you feel like you've hit on something that really speaks to you. I also love the fact that with knitwear, you have complete control over not only the colour and stitch structure, but also the shaping, so you can literally control the entire shape of the piece that you are making. 

Where does your inspiration come from? 

I get inspiration from all over the place, and am constantly taking photo's, but beautiful art & design books, exhibitions, and travelling are always good places to start. Since September last year I have got into the wonderful world of Instagram, and am still (a little too!) obsessed with it. It's such a wonderful visual log of your world, and a way of sharing this with other people. 

Describe your studio or workspace?

I work part time from Winchester School of Art on the digital knitting machines, and part time from home on my domestic knitting machine. I also put everything together by hand on my domestic linker. 

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be? 

Ooh good question! Maybe William Morris? I love his work, & he's such a figurehead for excellent craftsmanship particularly in textiles, and it would have been great to see how he worked. 

How would you describe your creative process? 

I initially do quite broad research into pattern and colour that I'm inspired by. I then compose mood boards of particular 'looks' and colour combinations, to give me a starting point, and then start sampling stitch pattern and yarn combinations. This is the really fun bit, where you can test new ideas out, and hopefully come up with some ideas that you may not have originally thought of, through a trial and error process. I'm a big fan and advocate of the happy accident in the design process! I then hone and perfect these ideas into product ideas, as the finish of my pieces is hugely important to me, and want them to be finished to to highest standard possible. 

What handmade possession do you most cherish? 

A beautiful woven 'HOLD' wrap by my friend Holly Berry, a woven textiles designer. We did a scarf swap with each other last year when we did MADE LONDON, and we were both over the moon with it! 

What do you when you are stuck in a creative rut?

I have learnt the hard way over the years to make myself step away from it, rather than banging my head against a brick wall for hours trying to force things to work. I now let myself have a break and do something else. Maybe swimming, going for a walk, tidying my workspace, baking a cake, etc... and let my subconscious mull it over for a while - when I come back to it later it's usually a whole lot easier, and less painful experience than it was in the block. I also read a brilliant book last year called '12 Rules of Creativity' by Michael Atavar, which I would highly recommend for anyone experiencing a creative block. 

Where would you like to be in ten years? 

I would like to be happy and healthy, & doing what I love. I would like my business to have built up to a point where I can do that full time. To be in the position to employ a few brilliant people to work with me, and support me in my business, taking it from strength to strength.

Thank you Sarah - your blankets will brighten any home.  Sarah's work can be found in our Made in Britain shop until June 2013.

Made in Britain is open

Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm

Sun: 11am - 5pm

Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol

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Meet the Maker, Made in Britain - Louise Wilson

Today's Meet the Maker post is all about wire.  Louise Wilson creates the most intricate and unique wire sculptures.  Please read on and find out more:

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

Hello!  I am Louise Dawn Wilson and I am based in Stafford, UK. I create three dimensional wire sculptures of everyday objects. I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Contemporary Crafts and have a studio at Unit Twelve in Stafford where I create my work.

Apart from creating things what else do you do?

I like to travel, walk my dog and have a good rummage through the local charity shops to find treasures!

When did you know you were an artist/maker?

I've always enjoyed making things for as long as I can remember but I think it was after university and being given the opportunity to have a studio space at Unit Twelve that I decided this is what I want to do.

What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline?

I love pushing the boundaries of wire, seeing how big or detailed I can make objects and experimenting with the wire through twisting, rolling and thread wrapping.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration is everyday objects. I look at objects in day to day life and ask myself what it would look like in wire. Nine times out of ten ill give it a go!

Describe your studio or workspace?

I have a studio at Unit Twelve in Stafford which is run by Jennifer Collier. It is a gallery and a workshop space with 5 artist studios. It is a very inspiring space to work in and so much fun.

How would you describe your creative process?

I just go for it! I try to break down objects into sections and then piece them together or create a simple 3D shape and fill in the blanks.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

I could not do without my patchwork blanket that my Great Aunt knitted for me when I went off to University. She made it so I wouldn't get cold and to keep me warm through university. I have it on my sofa at home now and its never far away. It is 6 years old and wouldn't be without it.

What do you when you are stuck in a creative rut?

I make a cup of tea and grab a biscuit and have a chat with the ladies at the studio.

Where would you like to be in ten years?

I would like to be spending more time making and less time at my bread and butter job.

Thank you Louise, we love your unique wire creations.  You too can discover Louise's talent in our Made in Britain shop.  

Made in Britain shop is OPEN:

Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm

Sun:  11am - 5pm

Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol

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Made in Britain, Meet the Maker - Sophie Buckingham

Hello!  Today we love to show you the work of Cardiff based jeweller Sophie Buckingham - over to you Sophie:

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

Hello, my name is Sophie, I'm a designer maker based in Cardiff. My design work originates from my love of surface pattern and colour! I have a degree in Textile and Surface pattern design. I was introduced to during my MA in Print making in Bristol in 2008 and I was immediately drawn to the possibilities of this medium. Being made redundant in 2011 gave me the opportunity to focus on my real creative goals. I have recently been awarded an Arts Council of Wales project grant to explore this discipline further. This has given me great scope for experimentation into applying print onto enamel, creating a non-traditional approach to contemporary enamelling. My Jewellery making evolved from this point onwards, although I have no formula specific jewellery training. I most  recently showed at Made by Hand, my first experience of a professional craft fair, where I met lots of lovely craft makers and collectors. 

Apart from creating things what else do you do? 

I'm a mother to my little girl Eve Florence, so she keeps me fairly busy but in my spare time I like practising yoga and really enjoy zumba class! I'm starting to gear up to teach beginners workshops in basic enamel techniques. I haven't organised any for a while and feeling a little rusty to say the least. 

When did you know you were an artist/maker? 

I have always enjoyed making things and drawing. I remember when I was little, if I woke before everybody else in the house, which I generally did being the youngest, I would love to get up and make something out of bits and bobs in my bedroom. I have always found creating something from start to finish an exciting journey and thoroughly satisfying. Apparently, the first things I made out of plasticine was a necklace and ring! 

What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline?

Having the opportunity to meet other designers and makers, sharing that creative spark and developing my ideas from concept to reality. And there is so much more to be discovered!! It's nice being self reliant. 

Where does your inspiration come from? 

I love hardware shops, haberdashery shops and browsing in charity shops. I love finding old forgotten postcards and reading the messages on the back. I search book shops for old maps and atlas's. I find the colours used in geographical topography inspiring. My inspiration generally spirals from objects that carry a history. The origins of this developed from my fascination with artefacts, objects and specimens found within museum collections. The juxtaposition of these artefact's, boxed and labelled give an interesting 'slice'of social anthropology. 

Describe your studio or workspace? 

It depends what I'm doing, I could be in 1 of 3 areas, on the corner of my large kitchen table or at my computer desk which is an old singer sewing machine table painted red,working in the shed doing kiln based work, which can be cold and damp some days and sunny and peaceful on others, depending on the weather but I usually become so engrossed I don't feel the cold after a while. 

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be? 
It would be a German artist called, Bettina Speckner. I think her jewellery work is amazing, each of her pieces tells a story. 

How would you describe your creative process? 

It starts with a simple thought, then I develop it into an idea, sketch it out, take photographs, use Photoshop or Illustrator for image preparation, and consider the technical issues that may arise, I'm fairly new to contemporary enamelling and there's a lot of trial and error. I like to cross discipline and frequently my work may involve many mediums, so I have to reign myself in as it can get too complicated ...I get too many ideas sometimes! 

What handmade possession do you most cherish? 

It's hard to narrow it down to just one. I adore all my charity shop finds. I have a collection of patterned plates on the wall in my kitchen which have some gorgeous colours and unusual shapes. I'm really fond of a silk hand printed scarf from the 1950's of a map of Africa. I picked it up at a vintage sale and had it framed it's really unique,so many of the place names have changed now. 

What do you when you are stuck in a creative rut? 

If it starts to become too much of a struggle, I take time out, a walk in the fresh air and a visit to my local coffee shop always helps, this usually involves a delicious cake!.

Where would you like to be in ten years? 

It's early days still, but I'd love to be selling direct to companies such as Liberty's or Anthropology, I worked in Liberty's haberdashery department straight after graduation. I have always found the store so unique and inspiring. It's such a beautiful building full to the brim with quirky handmade items.

Thank you Sophie.  We love Liberty too, it is an amazing place.  You can find Sophie's unique creations in our Made in Britain shop.  Do come along and see them in person, they are truly gorgeous.

Made in Britain shop is OPEN

Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm

Sun:  11am - 5pm

Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol

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Made in Britain, Meet the Maker - Charlotte Bezzant

Today's Meet the Maker is Charlotte Bezzant - the super talented jeweller from London.  Over to you Charlotte:

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

My name is Charlotte. I make jewellery in silver. Sometimes I like to include solid silver casts of little bits that have inspired me, like twigs and shells, in my jewellery. Sometimes I etch little phrases that I have scribbled in my sketchbook or have heard. I am inspired by all sorts of things, and make jewellery that I like to wear. 

Apart from creating things what else do you do? 

As well as making jewellery, I am a mum to two boys (in fact jewellery making has to fit round their lives). I run marathons (but not this year!), grow my own vegetables, and keep chickens in my London garden. 

When did you know you were an artist/maker? 

I have always known! Back in the sixties my mum studied Three Dimensional design, and my dad trained as an Architect. I grew up in a house where drawing and making things were part of everyday life. I genuinely feel that doing something creative is as necessary to me as breathing. 

What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline? 

I just really enjoy making things; so to translate something that inspires me, into something I want to wear brings a smile to my face. Some of my happiest times are when I am in my garden studio, the sun steaming in, the doors flung wide, and the birds singing, while I am busy making. 

Where does your inspiration come from? 

It can come from anything, but normally somewhere I have visited. The work in Made in Britain came about after an amazing trip to the Arctic wilderness. The glittering ice and snow was breathtaking and beautiful. The little twig incorporated in the work was plucked from the snow in -20 degrees. The words were scribbled in my sketchbook after coming inside to escape the ice that formed on your lashes. 

Describe your studio or workspace? 

I have the most amazing purpose built studio in my garden. I've already mentioned how I love working there in the Summer, but I also love it when the rain is drumming on the roof, or when it's frosty outside. It's well insulated so I am always snug and warm. One side looks out on my veggie patch, the other on my chickens, it white, and bright, and it's my own little sanctuary! 

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be? 

I am a nosy wotsit, and love looking in all creative spaces. I cant pin myself down to one name, but I would pick a mixed media artist so I could gawp at fabrics and found treasures. 

How would you describe your creative process? 

Something I have seen will inspire me. I might be able to scribble in a sketch book straight away, or it might be something that sits at the back of my mind for months, waiting for me to work out where I'm going with it. Sometimes I just buy gemstones. Some shout at me, and I have to have them, then I will make a ring that's just right for that particular stone. 

What handmade possession do you most cherish? 

Right now it's a little canvas of Cherry Blossom on blue sky, painted by my seven year old for Mother's day. 

What do you when you are stuck in a creative rut? 
It hasn't happened yet, but it could be a good excuse for an inspiration seeking holiday! 

Where would you like to be in ten years?

I can't possibly think that far ahead. Right now I think I am lucky indeed to be able to do something that I love, that some other people also like it enough to buy, and that it can fit round my family so I can always be there for my boys.

Thank you Charlotte! We all have serious studio envy!  You can find Charlotte's beautiful pieces of jewellery in our Made in Britain shop until June 2013.

Made in Britain shop is now OPEN!

Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm

Sun:  11am - 5pm

Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol

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