Opening Night of Sculpt at Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, one of the most exotic gardens to hold the greatest collections of plants from around the world. Being able to present and sell our sculptures, which are created by many different artists, is a remarkable opportunity. 

We launched Sculpt at Kew with a private viewing of the exhibition. During the night, the guests were served complimentary Gin and Tonic by our wonderful sponsors Wild Island Botanic Gin and Fentimans. The drink was heavenly and helped start off a perfect evening.

Incredible artists like Guy Portelli, Jilly Sutton, Marcia Raff, Andy Young and many more attended the opening night with their friends and families to view their own and other artist’s sculptures. During the evening, artists interacted with each other and with us to gain a wider perspective on each piece of art. Getting to know the background of the sculptures, gives you a better understanding of the meaning behind the work. 

As the artists, press and VIP guests had a tour around the gardens, a beautiful sunset arose behind the sculptures, showing them in a whole new light. Each sculpture captured the orange-red light in its own unique way, giving the guests a whole new reason to admire the work. 

We were delighted by the exceptional feedback from the guests during the evening. Many loved the setting of each sculpture around the gardens, as the incredible art blended with nature making the pieces look more natural and stunning.

So, if you have the time this year until the 15^th of October 2017, come along to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and view Sculpt at Kew, both indoors and outdoors. Why not even bring along your friends and family and make it a day trip to the Gardens. It’s a show worthy of being at the top of your to do list.

All photographs by Tatiana Gorilovsky

Introducing Handmade Edinburgh

Following the success of our Handmade at Kew and well-known Chelsea exhibitions, Handmade in Britain will be heading to Scotland to showcase some of the UK’s most exquisite makers within the countries capital city for the first time. Supported by Craft Scotland, this highly anticipated event will feature some of the finest jewellery, ceramics, textiles, metalwork and furniture produced by makers from across the country. Launching this October, the first edition of Handmade Edinburgh will take place within one of Edinburgh’s iconic historical locations, The Hub, ideal for our signature shows. The event will take place across three days, and individuals will have the chance to accumulate authentic handmade pieces crafted by our personally selected makers. Here at Handmade we are incredibly excited to be heading to Scotland to host a new selection of extremely talented makers in our first of many Handmade Edinburgh exhibitions.

Jewellery at Handmade Edinburgh

Rogue LobsterJewellery: For the unique 

For those looking for something unique and slightly quirky then Rogue Lobster’s range of nature inspired jewellery is a perfect choice for you. This revolutionary Captain Claud bracelet featuring a detailed silver lobster transforms the classic bangle making it an innovative and exciting jewellery essential for those who wish to stand out in a crowd. 

Emma Wile Jewellery- For the low key

For those who prefer a simple yet elegant style Emma Wile’s jewellery would best suit you. This hollow ring features no jewels or colour, yet its modest design oozes elegance and style without being too overpowering. Made from sterling silver this handcrafted hollow ring would be the perfect everyday accessory as its simple clean cut design would complement and adapt to any occasion.

Fiona Luing - For the magpie

For those who are drawn to and admire colour within their jewellery collection Fiona Luing’s pieces would be applicable to you, Fiona combines vibrant jewels and a mixture of colours in order to make eye-catching pieces suitable for most occasions. This Opal garnet pendant featuring a captivating multi coloured core exudes sophistication whilst its colours compliment one and other in accord. This enchanting piece would team nicely with an elegant evening attire. 

Banu Oyman- For making a statement

 For those wanting to make a statement with a bold accessory Banu Oyman’s beadwork would be best appealing to you. Banu’s handcrafted pieces made from textured multi coloured beads are perfect for those wanting unique statement jewellery. This multi tone beaded necklace featuring an intricate pattern detail is the perfect solution to a bland outfit needing a little something to boost its appeal.

Essemege -For the modern

For those who appreciate a more contemporary style of jewellery Essemge’s modern assortment of graphic jewellery is inevitable the choice for you. Essemge’s fresh stylish designs are perfect for those who wish to move away from traditional classic styles, these handcrafted bracelets are simple yet stylish for a modern approach to accessorising.  

Craft Central opens its doors for Made in Clerkenwell

Craft Central's bi-annual open studios event welcomes guests in to view and buy craft and design from over 100 different designer-makers. Throughout the year, most makers work behind closed doors. During this event, they welcome visitors with open arms and give them a unique glimpse of their lives in the studio.

Over 100 makers opened their doors to the public. 

A delicious complimentary glass of wine. 

A live demonstration of Drawing Machine prints. 

The staff at Handmade HQ had the wonderful opportunity of exploring the studios and admiring the beautiful handcrafted artwork. As you enter their St. John's Square building you are greeted with a complimentary glass of wine. For those who are not fond of alcoholic beverages, Newby Teas offered a complimentary freshly brewed cup of tea. We loved the Rooibos Orange Tisane flavor!

Freshly brewed Newby Tea.

Handmade in Britain opened their office doors to the public to meet the team and give visitors a glimpse into how our events are developed. 

We had a lovely time seeing our neighbours at Clerkenwell Green and taking a sneak peek inside their creative studios. See our best bits below.

Remy Dubibe

Yuta Segawa

Clara Castner

Amanda Li Hope

Christmas Gift Guide for Her

Christmas is approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about shopping for gifts! The upcoming guides will make shopping this festive season at the HMIB Chelsea show easier than baking Christmas cookies. 

We're starting with a Christmas gift guide for her. What can you possibly buy for the woman who has everything? Take a look below!

A satchel for the woman on the go

This mini square satchel made by Williams is perfect for her next holiday, or weekend errands. It is made using textured and smooth English bridle leather and fully lined with aqua pig suede. The bag features a small internal pocket and comes with a detachable, adjustable, cross body strap. Choose from the colours Red, Mint, and Black/Navy. 

A kimono robe for the home

This silk kimono made by Phoebe Joan shown in the pattern Lawan Aurora will give her the perfect excuse for breakfast in bed. There are only 25 robes available in this collection. It is a timeless piece of loungewear that brings together both longevity and luxury. Phoebe Joan is releasing a Christmas line exclusive for the Handmade in Britain Chelsea show next week.

A scarf that makes the winter a bit more bearable 

This scarf designed by Lucy- Cox is hand made from soft Chunky British Alpaca. The cold weather is approaching, and this is a gift that will continue to keep her warm, and stylish every winter. 

A hat for a bad hair day 

This hat named Anne designed by Karen Henrisken is a deep-fitting, cloche shape that sits snugly over the ears, with a sculpted knot on one side. It comes in the colours Charcoal/Blue, Charcoal/Red, and Grey/Cream. This cloche will certainly rival Kate Middleton's infamous hat collection! 

Earrings that make an impression

The earrings made by Emily Thatcher Jewelry are delicate and stunning for the holiday season. They are shown in rich pink Tourmaline cabochons, highlighted by faceted Indicolite Tourmaline, and are set in 18ct recycled rose gold, with a hook style which fastens at the back. 

A Wine Coaster for the hostess

This completely unique wine coaster for the London obsessed woman who has it all is made by silversmith Jen Ricketts. This piece is shown in the design of the intricate London skyline. All items are hand cut using the finest of saw blades. 

A vase for the woman who stops to smell the roses

This contemporary, handblown glass piece made by Adam Aaronson is a celebration of the simplicity of pure form, and his coloured patinas draw on painterly techniques and are predominately inspired by a love of nature. This is sure to be a display piece in her home for years to come. 

Find all of these pieces and more at the Handmade in Britain Chelsea show the 13-15 of November!

A Preview of the Chelsea Show-What Talent to Watch For

Ceramics 

Find covetable pieces for your home from a select group of talented ceramicists including London based Elizabeth Renton who makes hand thrown functional tableware in a delicate colour palette of muted tones and Chito Kuroda who creates modern porcelain vases and bottles on a wheel using simple forms with clean surfaces, which engender a feeling of calmness. Jill Ford’s contemporary bowls, vases and vessels explore the organic characteristics of porcelain: translucency, whiteness, smoothness and strength combined with an illusion of fragility whilst Scotland’s Sian Patterson creates ceramics as ‘functional still life’ and showcases a quiet collection of work both familiar and distinctive. With a nod towards knit and embroidery, Annette Bugansky produces tactile porcelain vessels with experimental and intricate textile surface patterns. 

Elizabeth Renton, Ceramics.

Glass 

See an astonishing array of glassware at this year’s show from the likes of talented Samantha Sweet who uses traditional cutting techniques to decorate contemporary hand blown lead crystal glass and Assenden Glass who manipulate the medium to create beautiful, colourful forms from recycled glass. Elin Isaksson makes hand blown glass in sleek and tactile Scandinavian forms and Vicky Higginson takes inspiration from Japanese arts and culture to produce elegant hand-blown glass art and functional vessels. 

Samantha Sweet, Glass.

Textiles 

Snuggle up this winter with cosy knits by Hattie Kerrs and Katie Mawson, add a pop of colour to your wardrobe with Taisir Gibreel’s vibrant printed silks or a touch of elegance with hats by established milliner, Karen Henriksen. For perfect accessories, look no further than Nell Harper’s delicious leather bags which celebrate traditional handcrafted skills in a contemporary and functional form and not forgetting Scottish maker Catherine Aitken whose collection of bags, made with Harris Tweeds, waxed cotton and Scottish linens, embody style, strength and luxury. 

Katie Mawson, Textiles.

Jewellery 

Shop for innovative designs and luxurious pieces, just in time for Christmas. Sabine Konig’s bold and striking precious metal jewellery uses vibrant unusual gemstones; by combining brushed silver with freshwater pearls Sabine creates classic pieces with a modern twist. Victoria Walker specialises in fine kinetic jewellery inspired by the beauty of natural forms. Her signature seed-pod lockets feature tiny articulated flowers that emerge and dramatically unfold into bloom. Lesley Strickland uses innovative materials combining cellulose acetate and silver to produce colourful pieces and Joana Cunha’s playful work blends traditional jewellery skills with new technologies and materials. 

Joana Cunha, Jewellery.

Metal 

Discover exquisite silverware from talented UK based silversmiths including Adrian Hope who draws on the past to create nostalgic forms which are at once tactile, simple and unique and Jen Ricketts who transforms iconic skylines into elegant, decorative pieces. Sally Cox takes classical elements and gives them a contemporary twist to produce her functional tableware and Helen London utilises the traditional technique of filigree to create intricate pieces of sleek contemporary designs. For scrumptious textures and decadent forms, look no further than Zoe Watts’ lovingly hand-fashioned silver vessels. 

This a rare opportunity to see such a varied collection of original and beautiful work, all handmade right here in the UK. With Christmas just around the corner, The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair could be the answer to your search for that really special gift. Book your ticket now. 

Sally Cox, Metal.

Highlights for 2015 

Fresh Talent in British Craft & Design 

Not to be missed at the fair this year is the New Graduate Showcase, supported by Arts Thread. Alongside established and well-known makers the show celebrates new talent, and invites you to meet designers at the very start of their career. The team at Arts Thread have carefully selected the brightest new talent in fashion and interiors to present their work in a dedicated gallery area in what for many will be their first professional show. 

www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Countdown to the Annual Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

Three days. Over 120 makers. The ultimate shopping treat. 

This Christmas, avoid the high street and opt for handmade at Handmade in Britain 15, the annual showcase of the very best of contemporary British craft and design at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Browse exceptional crafts, buy unique and original gifts, or commission a bespoke piece of work directly from over 120 of the UK’s finest designer-makers, each handpicked by a panel of industry experts. 

The show is a wonderful opportunity to shop for exquisite ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles, jewellery and silverware in a beautiful, historic venue. Makers will be on hand throughout the weekend to talk to you about their work and showcase their collections, inviting you to learn how your favourite pieces are made and to discover the story behind that perfect gift. On Saturday evening headline sponsor Home of Artisans will be hosting an exclusive late night shopping event, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy browsing in a relaxed and festive atmosphere until 8pm. 

On November 13th through the 15th, come down to Chelsea Old Town Hall to browse, buy, or commission exquisite pieces and chat with fresh talent in British craft and design about their work. 

Book your ticket now at www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION:

OPENING TIMES 

Friday 13 November 11:00 - 18:00 

Saturday 14 November 11:00 - 20:00 

Sunday 15 November 11:00 - 17:00 

TICKETS 

Book early and save: www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk 

Online: £8
On the door: £10 / £8 Concessions 

Group bookings: 0207 2865 110 

VENUE 

Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, London SW3 5EE 

Organised by Handmade in Britain 

www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk 

@handmadeinbritain
#Chelsea15 

www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

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.