Meet the Maker - Sally Hampson

Meet the Maker - Sally Hampson

Sally Hampson weaves with 100% pure British wool and is passionate about being involved in every step of the process, from selecting the sheep breeds to creating the finished blanket, shawl or scarf.

The shawls and scarves are woven in natural un-dyed wool from the fleeces of Welsh Black and Jacob sheep, using a traditional twill which creates warmth in its open structure. Sally has recently started felting some of her shawls. This creates a denser, warmer and softer feel.

The blankets are limited edition, woven in 100% pure Shetland wool. The ‘Family Blanket’ a new addition to the collection, is a replica of a blanket Sally grew up with. The original label read, The Connemara Rug.

Sally has spent time with shepherds in the Cheviot Hills on the Scottish border. This wild and rugged landscape continues to be an important part of what she wants to share through her weaving.

Sally will be at Homeworks on 8th December. 

Meet the Maker - Soapnskin

Meet the Maker - Soapnskin 

soapNskin is more than a name – it is a passion. Rabia & Samar came together in 2015 to create a range of products in response to their own skin woes! Following a complete new look and range of products this year, we bring you a range of 12 body care products that are 100% natural, multi tasking, fully customisable & award winning to create an all natural, sensory experience for your skin that will impact your complete wellbeing. A range that spans Body Butters to Cleansing Bars to a first of its kind Skin Cashmere Face & Body` Mask, treat your senses to an exotic journey through ancient wisdom, inspired by beauty rituals along the ancient Silk Routes that harness the potency of some of the finest ingredients these regions have to offer to protect and preserve your skin from the effects of the modern world.

My favourite product is our Skin Cashmere Face & Body Mask. This product is a clay-free powder mask that can be used on your face and body to exfoliate, brighten and nourish dull and tired skin. It is inspired by bridal rituals from the Northern regions of Kashmir and contains ingredients such as turmeric, sandalwood powder and crushed rose petals to impart a radiant, healthy glow all over your face and body! Read more at www.soapnskin.com 

Much of our inspiration has come from our dual heritage as British Muslims. Much of our inspiration comes from both the British Isles and different regions along the Silk Routes. After nearly two years of research we are still amazed at how much we have yet to learn!

Come and see Soapnskin at Homeworks on 8th December. 

Meet the Maker - The Hampstead Smock Company

Bilal at work

Meet the Maker - The Hampstead Smock Company

I studied Fashion & Textile Design at St Martin’s School of Art in the 1980’s, I specialised in Interiors & Soft Furnishings and have worked all over the world doing this job.  My products are accessories for the home.  I’ve always worn an artists smock to work in, this was inspired by my mother who wore one around the house looking after 6 children.

 My favourite product is my ‘Smock’, although all the products I will be bringing to sell at ‘Homeworks’ give me great pleasure.

I truly find inspiration from within, I can walk into a home or space and immediately know how I’d enhance it with beautiful products, soft furnishings, lighting.  I frequent museums, we have so much wonderful free art to see in London, I go to new exhibitions and I often walk through London where I was told as a child by my father to look up and see the architecture around us, we can miss so much and so all of this inspires me.

The Hampstead Smock Company will be at Homeworks on 8th December

Meet the maker - Hokan Bowls

Meet the maker - Alistair Donald

Once I became a father of two sons, it quickly became apparent that I needed to use my time efficiently in the kitchen and to avoid unnecessary food waste. So I turned the leaning towers of bowls with saucers and clingfilm that covered food in the fridge, into a practical, plastic-free solution that will work in any kitchen. Hokan Bowls can be used to cook, bake, store, serve and save food. They come in three sizes with a one-size fits-all lid, which through their interlocking design can be stacked one on top of another to save space in the fridge, the freezer or the oven. Their contemporary design and range of colours, makes them perfect for serving to table or keeping out on the sideboard. One Hokan Bowl with many uses, that with good care, will last a lifetime. 




 The home, and living within it, provides all the inspiration needed to improve and develop how to make how we live more conscientious and efficient. Nature always provides the colours needed to determine the new ranges, and people provide the feedback necessary to improve and fine-tune.

Hokan bowls will be at Homeworks on 1st and 8th December. 

Meet the Maker - Elsker

My name is Sian and I am Elsker Creations. Elsker Creations was created from my desire to transform what was my hobby and love (elsker) of traditional crafts into my full time job. This journey began almost two years ago when I started taking this passion for traditional crafts such as; gilding, calligraphy, letterpress printing and bookbinding and applying a contemporary twist through my handmade products and designs. I now also run gilding workshops for adults and a programme of arts and crafts workshops for babies, toddlers and children.

My favourite products are my glass gilded pressed flower frames. I love the process of glass gilding and these works have evolved the most. I feel like I am capturing a season or a moment in time. These works are one of a kind. I love the way I manage to capture the vibrancy of the flowers.

My allotment is my number one place to find inspiration. I love doing things with my hands, I find it very therapeutic and that extends to gardening. The wildness of my allotment is a great inspiration, I feel I am out of London and can think clearly. I have also developed a wild flower meadow and use many of the flowers in my works. 

Queen's Park based Sian will bring her Elsker creations to Homeworks on 8th December. 

Meet the Maker - Michele Wycoff-Smith

Meet the Maker - Michele Wycoff-Smith

Michele Wyckoff Smith wearing
combined Olga necklace, bracelet and bangle

I'm Michele Wyckoff Smith, a trained jeweller in love with organic shapes and textures inspired by nature. I believe that jewellery should be simple, understated and versatile. Many of my pieces can be worn on their own or combined to create a new piece. For example, my Olga chain can be worn by itself, or combined with an Olga bracelet and Henry Moore inspired bangle to make a stunning focal piece. These are best sellers and I'll be sure to have some with me at Homeworks this year.

  
Right now, I am in love with my brightly colour gemstone stacking rings. They look great in all kinds of combinations or worn individually. I take great care to develop a soft, but organic texture on the ring shank, so that it feels like it is an object found from a long ago time and place. I am endlessly fascinated by the combinations of colours people put together. 

More than anything, I want my customers to fall in love with my pieces and find that they wear them day in and day out. Beautiful design should be something that can be worn all the time, not just on special occasions.

Born by the seaside, I always head towards the water when I am in search of new ideas. The most inspirational place I've found in the UK is the beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth. There is an old Victorian tip that has slid onto the beach due to coastal erosion. I have found so many pieces of decaying metal, pottery shards and odd little items that have gone on to inspire me endlessly. (Tip: it is best to hit this beach after a big storm.)

Michele will be at Homeworks on 1st December, and you can see her work at www.wyckoffsmith.com / www.instagram.com/wyckoffsmith

Maker’s Choice – Nina Nou

I am an illustrator and designer and run the brand Nina Nou, I work from my small studio in East London.

I make and sell art prints, stationery, children’s books and textile products:

I work alongside my faithful dog Ziggy who often features in my designs.

I would like to nominate my brand new cotton woven throws as my favourite product. The design ‘Persia’ was inspired by my half Persian roots.

The animals in the design are taken from Persian carpets, apart from Ziggy who makes an appearance on there too!

These woven throws are perfect as blankets, bedspreads, or can be used as wall hangings in kids’ rooms. They are made by a small family run mill in North Carolina in America and are spun and woven from 100% cotton.

I’ll be at Homeworks on Sunday 2 December, see you there!

Maker’s Choice – Rebecca Denton

I’m Rebecca Denton and I’m a painter/printmaker based in North London. I create unique, handcrafted prints and original illustrations.

I’m coming to Homeworks on Sunday 2 December with a selection of my prints and etchings.

I exhibit all over the UK, have work archived in the V+A and my etchings can be seen permanently at the Southbank Printmakers Gallery.

I work from my own rough sketches and ideas, combining various techniques.

I do love to create etchings and combining this ancient form of printmaking with original ideas. I enjoy every step of the process... from redrawing my pencil sketch onto a grounded zinc plate to adding various techniques for tone and texture.

The most exciting part is pulling the first print, as the result can be quite unexpected! The plate is inked for every print in the small edition making each one truly unique.

 

My favourite place to find inspiration:

Everywhere really... my sketchbook, imagination, holidays and childhood memories.

Come and meet Rebecca at Homeworks on Sunday 2 December.

Maker’s Choice – Dorothy Stiven

Homeworks regular Dorothy Stiven is back again this year with a selection of her carefully sourced one-off vintage finds. She’ll be at Homeworks on Sunday 2 December:

I started selling antiques and vintage when I was working in television and my daughter was at Malorees School in Queens Park. What started as a hobby has now become my business...I sell at Fairs all over the country, on Instagram @dorothystiven and at my stand at Station Mill Antiques in Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire.
I am also the co-organiser of The Reclaimed Home Fair in the Cotswolds.

I love the hunt involved in finding old things...it may be dark and cold at 5am at a brocante in France, at a trade fair on a racecourse in the U.K, or in a field at an antiques show in rural America but I still get a thrill in discovering treasures

It might be a torn old patchwork quilt, a tatty painting or a dirty old pair of candlesticks but I get a thrill in cleaning them up and seeing the beauty in them.

My customers, I would say, are those who love their homes, but are not bound by what is only mass produced or available on the high street.

I feel that by buying antiques and vintage you are not only reclaiming your home but also you are doing the planet a favour by not adding to landfill.

But paramount is that everything I sell is beautiful as well as useful!

Maker’s Choice – Scobel Clothing

Scobel Clothing is a carefully considered capsule wardrobe of versatile utility inspired items of clothing for women. Founder and creative director Jackie Parsons will be bringing her collection to Homeworks on Sunday 9 December.

Jackie explains in her own words the design philosophy behind her fashion label:
“I only wear clothes I have made. Inspiration comes from solving problems of wearability; tweaking the ‘cut’ so that each item is constantly evolving:

Where ever possible I strive to minimise pressure on the environment by using fabrics sourced from stock excess to the trade.

All items are designed, cut and sewn my myself in my studio in south east London. My favourite item is the cross back apron as it cam be worn by all members of the family in a number of situations:

Inspiration also comes from costume dramas which I can watch endlessly and visiting vintage markets and museums.”

Maker’s Choice – Romor Designs

Rob Jones, of Romor Designs is a textiles designer and maker practising Japanese textiles crafts including Shibori, Katagami stencilling, Sashiko and Boro and dyeing with Indigo and natural plant dyes.

He designs, dyes and creates all his own fabrics which he makes into into lampshades, homewares, scarves, bags and gifts.

We asked Rob which of his favourite products he will be bringing to Homeworks on Sunday 2 December and where does he find his inspiration:

“My favourite product I make is my lavender eye pillows. Filled with organic French lavender from Dove Farm in Norfolk, and dyed with Japanese indigo in a variety of patterns these are one of my best sellers and make a great gift.

Japan is my inspiration! I've been twice now and am taking a group over in November 2019 to do a textiles workshop in the mountains outside Tokyo. I love seeing the skill and expertise of the Japanese craftspeople which inspires my own work.”

Come and meet Rob on Sunday 2 December.

Maker’s Choice – Wilder Botanics

Wilder Botanics are organic therapeutic herbal blends for whole body well being, both inside and out. We specialise in organic and wild crafted herbal infusions; body and face oils and salts and soaks. We use only the the finest organic wild crafted ingredients in every hand blended product.

It’s difficult to choose just one favourite product as we love and use them all ... daily! 

Most probably at the moment our night oil makes me swoon. I love the forest, whether it be in Somerset or on the Heath . Or the mountains in Summer with wild Arnica & Echinacea.

Rachel.

Wilder Botanics will be at Homeworks on Sunday 2 December.

Maker’s Choice – By Cecil

I started my weaving life during my Foundation year at Camberwell when we were asked to complete a weaving module. It felt like a lightbulb moment and the realisation that this is what I was supposed to be doing.

I went on to complete a degree in Textiles Design at Central Saint Martins specialising in weave. After a decade working for high street brands in product management, I missed the joy you feel when creating a product from scratch.

By Cecil was launched in January of this year and I haven't looked back. I mainly work with wool concentrating on techniques such as double cloth and twills with my main focus being on texture and colour. I have a collection of merino wool scarves and blankets created as a part of a limited edition run. There are between 5 and 18 of each design made as a reflection of my desire to create heirloom pieces.

I love nothing more than snuggling under one of my blankets on the sofa. You cannot beat a Sunday film session, fire crackling and tea on tap. I find that I wear the Heather scarf most as I love the combination of colours. The merino wool is so soft and comforting, and I love the way it holds the scent of my perfume.
 

I love a wander on the beach, particularly on a cold and blustery day. It blows away the cobwebs and leaves you feeling simultaneously fresh and exhausted. If I am feeling stuck creatively, then I usually take a day to go to the Tate. A trip into town tends to involve a walk along the Thames from Borough (and of course a trip to Borough Market for some brownies).

Come and meet Cecilia at our Homeworks Christmas Bazaar on Sunday 9 December.

Makers Choice – Elvira Van Vredenburgh

In the coming weeks we will be featuring a selection of our designers and makers and asking them to choose a favourite piece from their collection.

Today we are kicking off with Elvira Van Vredenburgh, back for another year with us on Sunday 2 December:

I have always had a passion for anything printed and studied at The Royal College of Art leaving with an MA in printed textile design. Afterwards I set up a print studio selling silk screen and then digitally printed fabric designs worldwide to designer names such as Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein to High Street stores such as The Gap and Victoria Secret.

In 2016 I decided it was time for a change of direction and so Elvira van Vredenburgh Designs was born. Instead of selling to other designers I wanted to become the designer maker.

Starting with a small collection of cards which then turned into wrapping paper, notecards, notebooks and giclee prints and printed silk scarves:

 My first collection ‘Birds’ was inspired by the drama and movement of birds in flight, almost like a dance. I wanted to capture this spirit in her designs. My style is very bold and graphic yet has a delicate edge.

I’m very inspired by 30’s style vintage posters with strong blocks of colour and pattern:

Designs start as a little pencil sketch and are then scanned into the computer and reworked in Adobe illustrator. This is where the play of bold shapes, colour and pattern takes place.

I will be bringing my updated snowflake Christmas wrapping paper to homeworks this year. It is my most popular online product and a current favourite: