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Handmade in Britain 14: The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

Welcome to The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

Join us this Winter at The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair, a celebration of British design and craftsmanship, and a unique luxury shopping experience for the festive season.

Handmade in Britain 14 features designer-makers showing the very best of contemporary British design and craft from all disciplines across fashion and interiors including glass, ceramics, millinery, textiles, jewellery, furniture and silver.

To see the full list of over 100 designer-makers, see our website here.

Everything exhibited is available for purchase or take the opportunity to commission directly from the artist - a unique chance to explore the inspirations and processes behind your favourite pieces.

For more information, including opening times and visitor info, see our Handmade in Britain 14 pages here. 

Venue

Chelsea Old Town Hall, London SW3 5EE

The historic and beautiful Chelsea Old Town Hall has been the perfect backdrop to Handmade in Britain’s events since 2007.  

For more information on Chelsea Old Town Hall, please visit the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea website.  

Tickets on sale now!

Handmade in Britain 14

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

14th - 16th November 2014

Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Handmade in Britain 14 is open:

Friday 14th: 11:00 - 19:00

Saturday 15th: 11:00 - 18:00

Sunday 16th: 11:00 - 18:00

Tickets are available online now at £7

Tickets on the door are £10/£7 conc.

For updates about Handmade in Britain 14: The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair follow #Chelsea14 and keep an eye on our blog for highlights and features.

Presenting Handmade in Britain 14 at Chelsea Old Town Hall

Handmade in Britain returns to Chelsea Old Town Hall this November for the 8th year of The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair!

Handmade in Britain 14

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

14th-16th November | Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

This Christmas season over 100 UK based designer-makers will showcase the best of contemporary fine crafts in all disciplines across fashion and Interiors over three days at the historic and beautiful Chelsea Old Town Hall.

The show is an inspiring alternative to the high street and a unique opportunity to browse exceptional crafts, buy unique and handmade gifts or commission a bespoke piece of work.  This is a luxury shopping experience with added value, a very special chance to buy directly from the makers and discover the inspirations and processes behind the work of Britain’s most skilled craftspeople.


Handmade in Britain 14: The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair offers a unique opportunity to explore British contemporary crafts in a showcase of innovative design alongside exceptional craftsmanship presenting a rich variety of form, function and style…

Tickets now on sale!

Handmade in Britain 14

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

14th - 16th November 2014

Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Handmade in Britain 14 is open:

Friday 14th: 11:00 - 19:00

Saturday 15th: 11:00 - 18:00

Sunday 16th: 11:00 - 18:00

Tickets are available online now at £7

Tickets on the door are £10/£7 conc.

Spring Edition 2014 : Highlights

With our first ever Spring Edition done and dusted and the November show already twinkling on the horizon, we cast a look back at our highlights of our first ever spring showcase

Over three days Spring Edition encapsulated the very best of British Design and craftsmanship, from contemporary ceramics and the ancient art of marquetry to our new graduate showcase highlighting the finest new millinery designers from around the UK. 

After a fantastic few days of design we have had the opportunity to reflect on some of the highlights from Spring Edition 2014 and achievements of some of our best exhibitors, for whom commissions are rolling in and are busy developing work for our November showcase.

But the work doesn't stop for the designer-makers, this week sees fine jeweler and Spring Edition favourite, Kristjan Eyjolffson, presenting his design for an Iris Thor pin for the Chelsea Flower Show Gala Preview- hand crafted by Kristjan especially from recycled silver and sustainably sourced precious stones, and serving as an example of just one of the many successes achieved by this years exhibitors, a delight to see them succeeding in and beyond Spring Edition! Congratulations Kristjan!

Helen Chatterton's map-print scarves 

The Sunday Times' own Katrina Burroughs picked out the industrial beauty of Offkut's reclaimed and reworked furniture and lighting, as a personal highlight, and got us thinking about our own... from the best of British glass, textiles and metalwork, this was no mean feat!

An undeniable standout, the jewellery work of Jed Green draws interest in its ability to disarm the viewer. Appearing like stone constellations, sturdy and robust, her glass bangles and brooches recalling constellations, are in fact feather-light structures both wearable and distinct in style.

In our main hall we were lucky enough to have the presence of two of Scotland's very best jewellers and silver-smith's in the shared stand of Eileen Gatt and Gilly Langton, encapsulating both the essence of spring and the influences of their highland homes in their work.

The tranquil ceramics of Elizabeth Renton stood out amongst the crowds in their glazes of delicate greens and creams

In stark contrast the bold designs and bright printed silks of Taisir Gibreel brightened the Chelsea Old Town Hall with their geometric shapes and Sudanese influences

Spanning such a wide range of practices and disciplines Spring Edition captured not only a flavour of Spring, but brought together designers from all over the British Isles, gathered under the roof of the Chelsea Old Town Hall to celebrate craftsmanship and skill.

If you visited Spring Edition, why not share your thoughts, images and highlights with us via Twitter or Facebook? #SpringEdition

@handmadebritain
www.facebook.com/handmadeinbritain

Handmade in Britain 2014

The Contemporary Craft and Design Fair

14th - 16th November 2014 

Chelsea Old Town Hall London

Now in its 8th year, our annual winter event returns to Chelsea this November to showcase fine, contemporary work from 100 designer-makers.

Information regarding the show and tickets will be available in the autumn.

Spring Series: The Natural World Part Four

We are still getting responses from our Spring call out, exploring nature and the season of spring in the work and processes of some of this year's Spring Edition exhibitors. With the starting point of...

How do the materials you work in communicate and connect to spring and an awareness of the seasons?
Does the natural world influence your work and creative processes and if so how?

 We explore the creative world of Kirstie Adams Ceramics...

Kirstie Adams hand throws her delicate but durable porcelain-wear from her studio in Kent, drawing inspiration from the sea.

'My blue rim tableware collection is reminiscent of the waves of the sea with a feeling of movement to the cobalt blue dipped glazing process.'

 'My hand thrown shapes are natural and flowing in feel, reflecting a sense of movement. No piece is exactly the same, as in nature no form is repeated, each is unique.'

'My new copper green rims are Spring like and fresh in feel. I will be showing the copper green rims in a new series of bowls for the Spring show' 

'I also use nature as a way of showing pieces through photography (photos by Matthew Booth Photography) shown in the vase collection and bowl collection photos -fruits and flowers complementing my bronze lustre rim collections of vases and bowls very well.'

'See my ceramics at stand 18 at Handmade in Britain Spring Edition!'

To find out more about Kirstie Adams Ceramics go to:
  www.kirstyadams.com
 www.facebook.com/kirstyadamsceramics
 @Kirsty_lawler

All the featured designer-makers in our Spring Series: The Natural World blog posts will be exhibiting at Handmade in Britain's up coming event at the Chelsea Old Town Hall. To find out more about the event, and book tickets head to: www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Tickets now on sale

Handmade in Britain 14:
Spring Edition

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

9th - 11th May 2014
Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Spring Edition is open:
Friday 9th: 11:00 - 19:00
Saturday 10th: 11:00 - 18:00
Sunday 11th: 11:00 - 18:00

Tickets are available online now at £5
Tickets on the door are £7/£5 conc.

New Graduate Showcase: Spring Edition and Beyond

As part of our support of fresh talent, we offer  graduates the chance to exhibit their work in our New Graduate Showcase at selected events. We take a look at this year's New Graduate exhibitors and cast a look back with Anna Byers, who exhibited in 2013 and is back again as a fully-fledged exhibitor for Spring Edition 2014...

Emerging Milliners

At Handmade in Britain new graduate designer makers display their work in a dedicated gallery area for the duration of the exhibition. In addition, each designer maker is given the opportunity to attend a specialised workshop with Handmade in Britain’s Creative Director Piyush Suri, aimed at preparing the designer maker for the show and offering invaluable business advice to support their future careers.

The graduates selected to exhibit at this year's Handmade in Britain: Spring Edition have completed the Higher National Certificate or HND in Millinery at Kensington and Chelsea College within the last four years and are emerging designers in their own right. Showcasing a broad variety of skills and styles, our five emerging milliners encapsulate the very best in their field...

Beth Simpson – Lady Go Red (HNC Millinery 2010, HND Millinery 2012) 
Lady Go Red was founded in London in 2012 and is a forward looking headwear label with a firm belief in craft, process and tradition. Beth Simpson is the designer behind it. She has been a finalist in The Hat Magazine’s Designer of the Year for the past three years, twice exhibiting her work at the Who’s Next trade show in Paris.ladygored.wordpress.com

Martine Henry (HNC Millinery 2013)

Martine primarily likes to work with natural materials. She is interested in taking traditional craft techniques from outside millinery and using them to create her hats. During her time at Kensington and Chelsea she was awarded 2^nd place in the Feltmakers’ Design Award. 

www.facebook.com/Martinehats

Sophie Beale (HNC Millinery 2011)

The creation of space and lightness are at the heart of Sophie Beale’s design aesthetic, over laid with synthesis of texture/depth, intricacy/simplicity, structure/fluidity, innovation/wearability. Winner of various awards and with experience working with a selection of iconic Milliners, her own brand is now sold internationally with a growing list of high profile clients. Bespoke commissions and collaborations available.

www.sophiebealemillinery.com

Iona Montgomery (HNC Millinery 2013)

London-based milliner Iona Montgomery specialises in ladies occasion wear, designing and making bespoke hats and headdresses as well as selling her unique ready-to-wear collections. ‘Sculptural femininity, Parisian sophistication’ is at the heart of Iona’s designs, representing ethereal luxury and delicate drama for the lady who wants to stand head and shoulders above the rest.

www.ionamontgomery.co.uk

Mary Franck (HNC Millinery 2011)

Established in July 2011, Mary Franck is a young brand which won instant professional recognition. In July 2012, Mary was awarded second price in at Hat Designer of the Year, competing against a strong field of designers. This international competition, with entries from over 60 countries, is sponsored by The Hat Magazine and Premiere Classe. Mary practises from her East London studio, designing and making seasonal collection and working on private commissions.

www.maryfranck.co.uk

Anna Byers

Anna Byer's was one of the finalists for the British Jeweller’s Association’s ‘Newcomer of the Year’ Award for 2013, having completed an MA in Jewellery Design at The Cass. Her statement jewellery is characterised by a bold, geometric style, influenced by her time spent living and working in Jerusalem, where she studied Hebrew, and worked in the studio of a jeweller.

Having exhibited as part of Handmade in Britain’s new graduate showcase in November 2013, her work features silver, gold vermeil and semi-precious stones, as well as perspex, stainless steel and black ruthenium plating.  

What was it about the Handmade show that drew you in as a Graduate?

'I always knew I wanted to exhibit at Handmade in Britain, because the standard of craftsmanship is so good, and there is always such beautiful work on show, that I think the show has gained an excellent reputation. Chelsea Town Hall is a beautiful setting, the location on the Kings Road attracts discerning and affluent customers, and the timing of that particular show, Handmade in Britain 13, in the run up to Christmas, was perfect!'

How did the workshops, mentoring and support provided help you to develop and learn, going into your first year as a new-graduate designer?

 'We all got together for coffee with Piyush, the show's director, a couple of months before the show, and we all had to bring examples of our work along. We discussed manufacturing processes and pricing structures, and how to get the most out of the exhibition. We learned some really useful things to help us launch our businesses. For me, the part about pricing was really interesting. Prior to that I had thought that I had it all figured out, but actually I learned some really useful things that influenced the way I now price my work.'

What about the Graduate Show that you were a part of last year did you find specifically helpful to your experience?

'I really enjoyed sharing the space with the four other graduate designers. We all got on really well, which made the experience really enjoyable, but I think we all learned from each other as well, as we spent four days together discussing the ins and outs of selling your work! I also really liked the size of the stand, and location that we were given. It was nice to be on the stage, we had a great view of the rest of the show. (And the rest of the show had a great view of us, which I think helped us quite a bit!)'

As you’re back again for Spring Edition, can you see improvements to your approach in the run-up to this year’s show in comparison to your first experience last year?  

'This time round, I have more of an idea of which pieces to bring! I always find it quite difficult deciding how many of each piece to make because it's hard to know what will sell. Last time, I ended up bringing one of everything. Now, I know which pieces I can expect to sell more of, so that has helped me prepare.  I also have some more ideas of how to set up my stand, and display my work, so I am feeling more prepared!'  

To find out more about Anna Byer's work head to: 

annabyers.com

www.facebook.com/AnnaByersJewellery

@Anna_J_Byers

To find out more about exhibiting in our November showcase as a new graduate, for membership and mentoring enquiries please email us at:

enquiries@handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Spring Edition is fast upon us! All the featured designer-makers in our blog posts will be exhibiting with us at Chelsea Old Town Hall. To find out more about the event, and book tickets head to: handmadeinbritain

Tickets now on sale

Handmade in Britain 14:
Spring Edition

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

9th - 11th May 2014
Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Spring Edition is open:
Friday 9th: 11:00 - 19:00
Saturday 10th: 11:00 - 18:00
Sunday 11th: 11:00 - 18:00

Tickets are available online now at £5
Tickets on the door are £7/£5 conc.

Ethical Design with Elsa Cappelli

Seven years ago, London-based accessory designer-maker Elsa Cappelli set out to source ethically produced materials for her work. For some, this might mean natural/sustainably produced/fair trade materials. Elsa went a few steps further - going out to a village in a remote area of Uganda to teach local women how to make the plaited braids she needed from locally occurring plant fibres. 

Elsa’s hats and headpieces are hand made in Britain, blending historic craft techniques with contemporary forms. They range from flattering sculptural headpieces with shapes and textures inspired by African artefacts to more conventional forms with exquisite detailing. Her inspiration comes from the natural colours and textures recorded on her Ugandan trips, an ongoing source of fascination.

The artisans in Uganda produce the braids for the hats as income generation for themselves and for their families. Through coming together as a group and learning new skills, the women have grown in confidence and in stature in their community. Proceeds from the project have enabled the women to invest in goat breeding as an additional activity.

“When I started this project, I had no idea how it would develop, I cannot believe how naïve I was. There have been so many challenges – communication not least! But the joys of working in this way and with these women more than compensate.”

As well as continuing to work in the medium of palm, Elsa has begun to use Ugandan barkcloth in her work. The production of this sustainable material is an important cultural craft in Uganda – Elsa is committed to finding contemporary applications for its use.

To contact Else Cappelli: info@elsacappelli.org.uk

Or to find out more head to : www.elsacappelli.org.uk

All the featured designer-makers in our blog posts will be exhibiting at Handmade in Britain's up coming event at the Chelsea Old Town Hall, Spring Edition. To find out more about the event, and book tickets head to: handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Tickets now on sale

Handmade in Britain 14:
Spring Edition

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

9th - 11th May 2014
Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Spring Edition is open:
Friday 9th: 11:00 - 19:00
Saturday 10th: 11:00 - 18:00
Sunday 11th: 11:00 - 18:00

Tickets are available online now at £5
Tickets on the door are £7/£5 conc.

Glass Blowing with Elliot Walker

Today we’re going to be looking at the work of Elliot Walker, glass-blower and sculptor. Discovering some of the mysteries of glass-blowing, and getting a sneak-preview of some of the pieces Elliot has been working on ahead of our Spring Edition show!

How did you first get into glass blowing?

‘I started glass blowing about 4 and a half years ago, but in the beginning I wanted to learn glass casting, it appealed more to my temperament as glass blowing is usually quite an extroverted and collaborative activity, whereas I enjoy working by myself.’

‘However, once you start blowing glass it’s very addictive, and I got hooked very quickly!

For those of us who might not know, is there a way you could simply explain how glass blowing works?

‘It’s actually very simple to explain the basics, but there are so many subtleties and directions that you can choose to take during the process that once the basics are dealt with it can begin to seem incredibly complex to beginners.’

‘Essentially, glass becomes a very viscous liquid like honey when it is over 800 degrees C, and it can then be inflated from the inside. As the surface has some tension, it stretches and then solidifies into a bubble. This can then be reheated and inflated more. You can blow glass so thin that it will blow away in a light breeze, much thinner than a soap bubble; this is really great to see!’

What is it about working in the medium of glass that you particularly enjoy?

‘I only really enjoy the finished piece. The process itself is exciting and you get a real buzz from it, but it is also hot and uncomfortable, not to mention risky and expensive. I often think that if I could make my work sitting on a sofa or in a nice bright studio, or like a painter- I would, without a doubt!’

How does working in glass differ from other sculptural forms of expression?

‘It’s so different, from any other medium in that at first it’s quite hard to learn. For example, if I hand you a lump of clay and ask you to sculpt a dog say, you could probably have a stab at it and produce something similar. But If I gave you a gather of glass and ask the same of you, the glass would be a smoking puddle on the floor within 2 minutes. I can’t make dogs even now!’

‘But once your over that, it’s a great medium as it’s almost alive and your emotional mood can affect the outcome as much as your technique. If I'm angry when I start, or calm, the glass seems to pick up on this and reflects that back at me.’

What is the difference between Glass Sculpture and Art Glass?

‘Art Glass is a loose term that I really don't care for. It is basically glass that has been made to promote and emphasise the beauty of the material rather than made for any functional use. This mostly applies to blown glass vessels that have been coloured in various complicated ways. The majority of British studio glass would be classed as Art Glass by some. As to Glass Sculpture, it’s sculpture made from glass, and those making it would consider themselves sculptors first, and glass blowers second I expect.’

You talk of your work as having a conceptual or emotional focus, where do you draw these focuses from, in terms of your own work (as opposed to a commissioned piece) what inspires your creative processes?

‘I think that there is a split in my inspirations that is developing slowly as I produce more work. The first is to do with how subtle deformations of the body and its posture can affect me emotionally, in a similar way to watching contemporary dance. I've never been much interested in detail, more in sweeping gestures.  I'm also interested in how my emotions effect the sculpture I make, this is really not something that I focus on, but I always notice that my favourite pieces have been made when I am feeling a certain way.’

‘The other influence on my work is depictions of 'God' through the human form, this is currently developing in my work at a slow pace, but is always in the back of my mind and prominent in my research and drawings.’

Have you exhibited at Handmade in Britain before?

‘No, I don't exhibit at many shows, as I mainly sell through galleries. But I do enjoy talking to people about my work.’

Have you got any pieces that are being made especially for the event that we can hope to see?

‘Yes, I am making a winged figure for the show that will be a focal piece, as well as showcasing some of my favourite pieces I have made over the past year.’

 ‘Everything I will be exhibiting has been made in the past 8 months, and many are quite unusual pieces in the fact that they are one offs that have their own names.’

Are there any other exhibitors you are particularly looking forward to seeing at Spring Edition?

'I really like the current ceramics scene in Britain and so I'm sure there will be fantastic things for me to look at, if I can get someone to watch my stand for a bit!'

You can find out more about Elliots work at ewalkerglassart.co.ukand www.facebook.com/ewalkerglassart

All the featured designer-makers in our blog posts will be exhibiting at Handmade in Britain's up coming event at the Chelsea Old Town Hall. To find out more about the event, and book tickets head to: handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Tickets now on sale

Handmade in Britain 14:
Spring Edition

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

9th - 11th May 2014
Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Spring Edition is open:
Friday 9th: 11:00 - 19:00
Saturday 10th: 11:00 - 18:00
Sunday 11th: 11:00 - 18:00

Tickets are available online now at £5
Tickets on the door are £7/£5 conc.

Spring Series: The Natural World Part Three

We takes a closer look at the creative world and inspirations of Cristina Sabaiduc & Jo Holland and Aline Johnson.

Join us this week as we get a closer insight to some of this year’s designer-makers discovering some of their creative influences and processes. Beginning with the stimuli of…

How do the materials you work in communicate and connect to spring and an awareness of the seasons?

Does the natural world influence your work and creative processes and if so how?

Cristina Sabaiduc designs graphic and colourful scarves with photographic artist Jo Holland, to create stylish and unique statement pieces.

‘Drawing inspiration from some most unexpected sources of beauty—moulding beetroots, crystallized feathers, frozen detergent, Transylvanian salt mines or medieval stained glass windows— they are given new life when captured by Jo through her entirely analogue photographic process that utilises light and colour with positive paper in a dark room.’

‘The resulting original artworks are then developed into scarf and fabric prints to be digitally printed on high quality silk twill.’

‘The imagery created is inspired by the coexistence of natural and industrial elements in our environment. The juxtaposition of animate and manufactured elements has developed into an exploration of dualities—a visual commentary on relationship between the wearer of the scarf and the ephemeral nature of the world in which we live.  The rugged beauty of the landscape in Romania, Switzerland, and Canada, the countries where Cristina was raised, continue to influence her.’  

To see more work from Cristina Sabaiduc: www.cristinasabaiduc.com

Aline Johnson makes glass leaf canopy chandeliers, and is part of cockpit Arts in Holborn. Using candy-coloured glass pieces she draws inspiration from the vibrant palette of beach paraphernalia, seaside rock and windbreak patterns which translate with ease into fused glass.

‘I am very much inspired by nature walking my dogs most early mornings on Hampstead Heath in particular this time of year when the first rays of morning sun shimmer through the delicate spring green leaves and create a beautiful ethereal sequence of movement and light and colour. I try to capture that in using glass and lights.’

‘I also spend a lot of time on the Dorset coast, where I beach comb while my dogs swim all year around.’

‘Found objects like driftwood, ammonites and feathers are used extensively in my work, I make imprints of both in plaster and slump glass into this. I have used driftwood to make frames for chandeliers.’

To find out more about Aline's work: www.alinejohnson.co.uk

All the featured designer-makers in our Spring Series: The Natural World blog posts will be exhibiting at Handmade in Britain's up coming event at the Chelsea Old Town Hall. To find out more about the event, and book tickets head to: www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Tickets now on sale

Handmade in Britain 14:
Spring Edition

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

9th - 11th May 2014
Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Spring Edition is open:
Friday 9th: 11:00 - 19:00
Saturday 10th: 11:00 - 18:00
Sunday 11th: 11:00 - 18:00

Tickets are available online now at £5
Tickets on the door are £7/£5 conc.

Spring Series: The Natural World Part Two

An exploration of the work of marquetarian Ian Smith, sea glass and silver from Almost Perfect, and the vivid scarves of Taisir Gibreel.

Join us this week as we get a closer insight to some of this year’s designer-makers discovering some of their creative influences and processes. Beginning with the stimuli of…

How do the materials you work in communicate and connect to spring and an awareness of the seasons?

Does the natural world influence your work and creative processes and if so how?

Almost Perfect Jewellery is designed and created by artist Rose Cecil who is based in the picturesque Cornish village of Mousehole. Her interest in the human relationship with the organic world inspires her jewellery collections.

‘Surrounded by inspiration, I explore ideas, textures and themes related to nature, the seasons and in particular the sea. I named my company Almost Perfect to reflect the fact that in nature nothing is perfect and is often more beautiful and interesting than the mechanical symmetry of manufactured pieces.’

‘Making jewellery provides the opportunity to be creative with extraordinarily beautiful and interesting materials. I trained first as a painter and then as a sculptor at Camberwell College. I see jewellery as an extension of my work as a fine artist and my materials as a three dimensional palette. Form, shape, colour and feel determine the design of a piece. I find inspiration all around me, especially in Cornwall where I live.’

‘The starting point for a piece may be a found texture or simply the beauty of a string of pearls. Inspired by the coast, and landscape, I use its forms, shapes and colours to create my signature pieces in metals and semi-precious stones.’

To see more work from Almost Perfect go to: www.almostperfect.co.uk/

Ian Smith is a marqutarian who works using age-old traditional techniques from his studio in Manchester.

‘As a professional marquetarian, the materials I work in connect to spring and the seasons as I work in wood and of course the trees are wonderful examples of the way the different seasons develop. A lot of my work directly reflects the seasons and the choice of veneers is an example of that.'

‘The natural world influences my work directly as I use natural materials to create my pictures! All my veneers reflect life and growth and my creative processes are stimulated by what I see. I am constantly looking for good subjects for my work, either from my own observations or those of my collaborators. These starting points are often taken directly from nature, not just from spring but all seasons.’

‘The choice of veneers symbolises the warmth or coldness of the season being depicted. I particularly love winter scenes based on the work of the old Dutch masters as the veneers again perfectly reflect the tone and atmosphere they were aiming for.’

To find out more about Ian and his work go to: www.themarquetryshack.com

Taisir Gibreel's Colourful scarves combine pattern and bold colour to create unique prints taking inspiration from the landscapes of her Sudanese- British heritage.

‘Bold structural imagery drawn from urban Scotland against a backdrop of colours and shapes from the Highlands, provides her with a treasure trove of rich colours and wonderful organic shapes. An eclectic fusion of cultures’

‘The Scottish landscapes provide me with a treasure trove of rich colours and wonderful shapes. I believe by showcasing my Sudanese and British roots and drawing inspiration from the colours and shapes of the Scottish Highlands, I create distinctive and unique prints.'

‘The collections of pure silk and wool scarves are bewitching, bold and abstract designs and we produce them in the UK and Italy insuring quality, which is of the utmost importance. Stunning, luxurious silk shift dresses will also soon be joining my expanding collection!’

To find out more about Taisir Gibreel: www.taisirgibreel.co.uk

All the featured designer-makers in our Spring Series: The Natural World blog posts will be exhibiting at Handmade in Britain's up coming event at the Chelsea Old Town Hall. To find out more about the event, and book tickets head to: www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Tickets now on sale

Handmade in Britain 14:
Spring Edition

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

9th - 11th May 2014
Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Spring Edition is open:
Friday 9th: 11:00 - 19:00
Saturday 10th: 11:00 - 18:00
Sunday 11th: 11:00 - 18:00

Tickets are available online now at £5
Tickets on the door are £7/£5 conc.