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 - Jackie Parsons

Meet the maker - Jackie Parsons

Scobel clothing makes pared Back considered women’s clothing and accessories made in south east London by Jackie Parsons using fabrics surplus to the trade.

Jackie's current favourite piece is thiscross back apron made from sanforised Irish Linen. It improves with washing and has a useful phone pocket on the bib so you can carry on chatting while stirring your risotto. 

Jackie used to work as a costumier so finds inspiration in any costume drama. She likes to keep the romance with out compromising the practicality.

Come and see Jackie at Homeworks on 1st December

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!

Meet the Maker - Charlotte Packe

My name is Charlotte Packe and my trading name is Charlotte Packe Studios, maker of lights! 

I’m a lighting designer and artist who has been working with lighting since 1990, creating lighting installations and designing bespoke luminaires for private and corporate clients as well as manufacturing small batch runs for selective retail outlets.

I have a studio and workshops in London and Norfolk. Once or twice a year I design a limited edition of luminaires for retail.

I trained at Goldsmith College, specialising in embroidery, textiles and fine art.

On graduating I set up studios in Limehouse, then Clerkenwell where I designed my first lamp - The Calyx in 1993. It sold internationally via the first Conran Shops - where small batch runs moved into manufacture.

My initial degree course at Goldsmiths developed my interest in materials, part sculpture, with function:

‘Light is one of the most magical forces, it is the most important element in our world and therefore within our home. I am inspired and in awe by light and to be able to work with such a magical force and then to select materials which control, capture, direct and enhance - it is the best part of the world we live in.’

After having my son, I wanted to give children access to good materials to work with, so I started a company called Sparrowkids - ethically sourced wool felts and cut out shapes to develop creativity.

I wound this down about three years ago to go back to my lighting - Charlotte Packe Lighting Design is an independent UK consultancy creating contemporary lighting schemes for residential and commercial properties:

I’m now working with clients to create bespoke lighting for residential and boutique hotels.

I also specialise in consultation which leads to planning concepts, advice on current products from selected manufacturers, the design and making of one off pieces and the enhancement of existing lighting schemes.

Charlotte will be at our final Homeworks Christmas Bazaar tomorrow.

Thank you!

A big thank you to everyone who made it along to our first Homeworks Christmas Bazaar yesterday. We couldn’t do it without you - and our lovely stallholders of course!

We’re back again next Sunday 13 December, 10am-2pm:

Our final preview - Sunday 8 December

With just over three weeks until Christmas, this Sunday 8 December is your last chance to snap up some beautiful presents from our ever changing selection of local designers and small businesses.

Unique jewellery, hand made ceramics, ethically sourced homewares, upcycled gifts, quirky kids’ fashion and accessories and much more:

 Samantha Frankel will be selling her hand made porcelain and bone china vessels and bowls:

Annie Neill returns with her colourful lambswool scarves, hats, gloves and socks:

Clutterclutch are back for another year with their ingenious leather clutch bags, designed to hold all your essentials (beautifully of course):

Local ceramicist Joanne Bain brings her hand thrown and glazed stoneware ceramics for using every day:

Sonia Shakerley hand makes jewellery using semi precious stones and all pieces can be customised to order:

Herbal Line’a are back with their organic oils and body lotions:

Tactile Wonderland join us for the first time next Sunday with their range of wall coverings, prints and cards:

Local children’s boutique Scamp Baby Gifts will be selling an impressive collection of babywear, hand made personalised pictures and Christmas decorations and accessories:

Cherry Pie Couture join us for the first time this year with their accessories inspired by the style and glamour of the fifties:

Vanessa Cohen is back again this week with her delicate range of hand made ceramic tableware:

Pookie and Peach will solve all your kids’ Christmas shopping list dilemmas with their range of quirky gifts for even the most difficult to buy for:

Charcoal & Gray are back for another year selling beautiful homeware and accessories made from fabric sourced from around the world:

Mother’s Day Market - Second Preview

With less than a week to go, here is our second round up of lovely makers coming to our Mother’s Day Market this Sunday. Coincidentally all our designers this week are mums themselves. No chance of a lie in for them though, they will be too busy setting out their stalls for you in the canteen.

Somerville Scarves are a Homeworks favourite and Sally will be selling her trademark bold and beautiful silk scarves, cushions, pure pashminas and hats next weekend:

Christa Davis returns with her eclectic selection of women’s and children’s clothing, vintage clothing and accessories. Many pieces use recycled fabrics and all Christa’s clothes are made in the UK or Europe using a fairtrade policy of fair wages:

Tamsin is a costume designer and maker based in London. Inspired by her son’s passion for dressing up, Tamsin created iwishiwasa and her mission is to produce pieces which are vibrant, fun, beautiful and well crafted with an emphasis on colour and design:

These Liberty print friendship bracelets from Cinderela B are from their popular Boho Collection. Cinderela B is a range of contemporary jewellery, handmade using high quality semi precious and precious materials:

Back for a second time, Niddle Noddle are a children’s boutique offering unique and exclusive fashion, accessories, books, toys and homewares:

Homeworks regular Moomu is an online store specialising in an eclectic mix of stylish and individual handmade products sourced from around the world:

And finally, another Homeworks favourite Celia Worster is back again with her luxurious hand blended aromatherapy oils and creams:

See you on Sunday!

Our Next Sale

Homeworks Christmas Sale Preview Part One

This is the first in an occasional series where we will be showcasing the work of designers and makers taking part in the next Homeworks Christmas Sale.

For those of you who didn’t make it last year, this year’s sale will be over four days instead of two, so there really is no excuse not to come along...

Homeworks Christmas Sale

Twentieth Century Theatre

Notting Hill Gate, London W11

Thursday 26 - Sunday 29 November 2009

Handworks will be selling more of their beautiful cotton quilts, block printed and hand made in India as well as a selection of clothes for adults and children:

Fiona Bailey is launching new knitting kits for adults and children:

Lou Rota returns with her eclectic range of witty and unique homewares:

Smith and Coates are currently toiling away in order to have more gorgeous woollen felted and crocheted childrenswear and accessories ready for the sale. Every piece is unique so get them while you can:

You can read more about the inspiration behind Smith and Coates here.

And last but not least, mrs booth is selling her ever popular alphabet friezes, colouring and counting books, cards and educational pictures:

More details coming soon, keep checking back for updates. x