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.  

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

Member of the Week

Chelache

Textiles

Layla Chelache learnt the basics of knitting when she was just six years old from her Irish grandmother. She set up her company ‘Chelache’ after several years and various roles in the fashion industry. Dedicating all her time to her passion.

Her work reflects her love of colours, textures and sculptural forms. While her work is visually appealing there is also an ethos behind her knitwear, which adds a whole new dimension. Her disapproval of throwaway consumer culture and mass produced items is reflected in the high quality of her knitwear.

From her small knit laboratory in Hackney, Chelache uses a vintage hand operation knitting machines to create her unique textile pieces. This gives her the potential to play with the construction of the fabric and exploit its structural qualities.

To keep up with Chelache and her work check out her directory page

To keep up with all of our Handmade in Britain members and exhibiting and visiting news from us please sign up for our newsletter

HMIB Autumn Showcase

The last few days of summer are well and truly finished. Autumn leaves are beginning to carpet the pavements, nights are gaining a bitter chill and morning mists are settling themselves on the horizon. 

But once our summer lamentations have finally passed away – it’s hard not to enjoy the beauties of a British autumn: the crispness of the air, the vibrant splash of colour that falling leaves leave the ground. The days become sepia-tone as we drift into the familiarity of a chilly winter, despite the cold – there still can be found a warmth  in the colder months. The blazing oranges and rich coppers of the natural world come into their own, warm wooden hues become prominent as the mind wanders to toffee apples, sparklers and cosy autumn hearths.

Maybe then, it should come as no surprise that some of the designers from our fabulous Chelsea 2014 seem to have been inspired by the quiet majesty of a British autumn. From cosy textiles to bold woodwork and warm ceramics, here is our personal selection of fabulously autumnal designs from our exhibitors.

Intricate embroidery and warming, autumnal colours combine in the textiles of Elena Shamgunova:

Elena Shamgunova - Delightful Stitches

Inspiring images of spectacular misty sunrises and storm tossed autumn seas, the ceramics of Jane White seem to demonstrate the sometimes chaotic elements of autumn in their spectacular colours and forms.

Jane White Ceramics

Berry tones and forms combine in Jacqueline Clarke's exquisite jewellery, the natural world expressed as jewels through modern designs and pieces.

Jacqueline Clarke

A celebration of nature - images of forests, foxes, owls and much more on the homely textiles of Lisa Vaughan-Thomas.

Lisa Vaughan Thomas


Redolent of spiralling seed pods and scuttling insects, the jewellery of Sarah Parker-Eaton encapsulates the microscopic majesty of autumn: 

Sarah Parker-Eaton

To see their work in person, don’t forget to come along to the Handmade in Britain show at Chelsea Old Town Hall from the 14^th to the 16^th November 2014 – get your tickets HERE

Until next time...

The HMIB Team

xxx

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.

Spring Series: The Natural World.

A closer look at the work of Barbara Wakefield, Katy B Prints and Emma Farquharson

To celebrate the arrival of spring, longer days and the coming-together of the beautiful work of our Spring Edition exhibitors at Chelsea Old Town Hall, we've been exploring spring, nature and the natural world’s influence in of some of this year’s finest work.

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?

…in this post we’ll be taking a closer look at the vivid textiles work of Katy B Prints, Barbara Wakefield’s delicate ceramics and the geologically inspired jewellery of Emma Farquharson. 

Textiles designer Katy Broomfield draws on the fragility of the natural world in her bright and individually unique creations.

‘Winter to spring, spring to summer, summer to autumn, autumn to winter, my designs are influenced by the cyclical nature of the plants, trees and insects that inhabit my garden in Kent.’

‘Closely linked to the changes of the seasons, the cool greens, cobalt blues and dove greys of Winter, the lemon yellows, whites and pale pinks of Spring, the crisp bands of crimson, magenta, violet, golden yellows and fuchsia pink of Summer and the deep burnt oranges and umbers of Autumn are the constant source of inspiration for all my textiles and prints.’

‘The stark dead heads of Hydrangeas and Honesty in winter, to the graphic seed heads of autumn, are chosen by me to reflect their fragile beauty and structure. Arranging these organic forms onto hand dyed papers and overlaying them with vintage lace and patterned knitwear reminiscent of the 1920's and 30's, the image becomes permanently recorded through heat transfer, onto either soft warm fleece or floaty chiffon's, fixing a particular moment in time for eternity.’

To find out more about Katy B Prints: www.katybprints.co.uk

From her studio in South East London Barbara Wakefield crafts her work in bone china, porcelain and stoneware, drawing on the natural world for inspiration.

‘My work is greatly influenced by the natural world, and at the moment I am fascinated by birds, in particular Blackbirds.  Every year there is one nesting in the yard outside my ceramic studio, and it often scuttles around foraging for food in the tiny urban garden I have created by my doorway.’

‘It is wonderful how the coming of spring is heralded by the sound of ‘Birdsong’.  This is the inspiration behind my slipcast porcelain bowls, reflecting the season of spring with ‘Birdsong’ imagery shown through my drawings of birds and musical notation.’

‘Using a ceramic printing process I imprint this imagery onto the inner surface of the bowls and then use sweeping brush strokes of glaze to create a feeling of rhythm and flow. I also have a great interest in music and musical scores, and am researching into composers who use birdsong in their compositions, such as Olivier Messiaen and Beethoven.’

To find out more about Barbara Wakefield: www.barbarawakefield.co.uk

Emma Farquharson’s work in jewellery take inspiration from her time overseas and in the varied environments and landscapes she has lived in.

 "My formative years were spent in the Bahamas and subsequent time living in Egypt and New York has exposed me to a variety of cultural and aesthetic environments which have profoundly impacted on me.  In my work I enjoy the technical challenge of making, allowing the materials to direct and inform my designs, developing new ideas and ways of manipulating metal, inspired by the rhythmic patterns found in nature and echoed in the built environment.’

‘My signature ‘Spun’ collection focuses on the technique of coiling with wire, pressing and stretching to form work that is pared back yet complex and elegant.  Currently my work explores geometric shapes inspired by the geological rock matrix in which some gems are formed.'

 ‘By carving polyhedral shapes in wax and then casting in silver or gold, I then highlight some of the facets with accents of colour, from stones set against or into the textured and polished surfaces.’

To find out more about Emma Farquharson: www.emmaq.com or find her on facebook.

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.

More Designer-Makers at Handmade in Britain 13!

Interiors at Handmade in Britain 13

Offkut

This year, covetable interior pieces for your home represent both innovation and tradition, showcasing stunning variety in style, form and function.

Stuart Jenkins

This year, indulge in something utterly distinctive, from  reclaimed industrial lighting and furniture from Offkut to bold, contemporary colour from glass artist Aline Johnson, delicate and energetic ceramics from Ali Tomlin and striking textures in the metalwork of Stuart Jenkins.

More covetable interior pieces for your home include Annabel Perrin’s energetic textiles inspired by British architecture to the friendly faces and playful colour to be found in the work of ceramic artist Namiko Murakoshi and the complex organic textures in colossal pieces from Alex McCarthy. 

Eleanor Lakelin

Annabel Perrin

Discover traditional turning techniques masterfully matched with innovative finishes and contemporary form in the unmistakable woodwork of Eleanor Lakelin. To compliment your favourite space and showcase your treasures, the simple lines and elegant detailing in the furniture of Mark Newson are created to commission with sustainably grown wood.

Ceramics at Handmade in Britain 13

Gin Durham

Handmade in Britain 13 will showcase an exciting variety of ceramics from selected UK based makers, and features newcomers and established artists exhibiting work for purchase or commission.

Ingrid Saag

Discover a wealth of style and influence - from the energy and colour in jazz, blues and swing inspired vessels and wall pieces from Ingrid Saag and Welsh landscapes depicted in the porcelain forms of Richard Heeley.  Consider the tense, provocative narratives in Gin Durham’s toy-like figures and the colourful stories to be explored in the work of Michaela Gall, and smile in the company of Victoria Atkinson’s joyful, quirky sculpture.

Celebrating both innovation and tradition, the show presents stunning variety in process, form and function.

A full list of our exhibitors can be on our website: 

http://www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk/chelsea-13/exhibitors/

Designer-Makers at Handmade in Britain 13

Polly Purl

Carole Waller

Fashion at Handmade in Britain 13

Discover stunning and unique fashion and accessories from big names and newcomers alike, featuring the ultimate opulence in textiles from Anne Selby, wearable drama in the artwork of Carole Waller and traditional techniques re-worked in contemporary ways from Leto & Ariadne, Sarah Beadsmoore and Polly Purl. Stunning sculptural shapes and clean lines are found in Jane Hopkinson's luxury leather handbags.

Mark Nuell

Caroline Lukehurst

Jewellery at Handmade in Britain 13

A fantastic variety of jewellery will be exhibited at Handmade in Britain 13, featuring fabulous and playful work from Caroline Lukehurst and Petra Bishai, lustrous rare gemstones from Mark Nuell, the beauty of colour from Lilly Hastedt and timeless elegance in the work of Catherine Mannheim. 

We celebrate innovation in Jasmin Rowlandson’s new collection of porcelain and precious metal clay pieces and Ornella Iannuzzi’s breathtakingly dramatic creations featuring pearls, diamonds and Ethiopian opals.

A full list of exhibitors can be found on our website:

http://www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk/chelsea-13/exhibitors/