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

Stall holders announced! 

Look over to the right to see our brilliantly diverse and exciting mixture of designers and makers coming to Homeworks this year, on 1st and 8th December. Time to start dreaming up wish lists and planning gift lists!

One month to go!

Just one month to go till the first of our two Homeworks dates! 

Homeworks fair, with its carefully curated collection of stalls by exciting designers and makers, will be back on 1st and 8th December, at The Salusbury Rooms at The Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market, NW6. So pop the dates in your diary, follow us on the social media links on the right, and keep an eye on the blog to meet some of our talented stallholders. 

Maker’s Choice – Marie-Claire White

My name is Marie-Claire White and I'm a local illustrator and painter. I mainly work on a commission basis and work from my studio near Scrubs Lane.

At the Homeworks Christmas Bazaar I will have framed and unframed prints and originals available. I will also have limited slots for personalised illustrations available in time for Christmas.

I think the opportunity to get a bespoke illustration/gift is my favourite thing I can offer. It’s meaningful and thoughtful, people are really touched when they receive personalised gifts and is often unexpected.

I’m constantly inspired by a Facebook group called The Golden Age of Illustrations. Everyday people post rare and really beautiful illustration from the early 1900’s. In our busy lives it’s a quick and easy way to get a hit of inspiration. I really recommend it to anyone who loves the art of illustration although be prepared to lose hours of your life!

Marie-Claire will be at Homeworks on Sunday 9 December.

Maker’s Choice – Julia Landes

I combine my drawings with hand built ceramic platters, cups and other useful household objects:

My background is originally in printed textiles and when you see my style of work you can see that colour, pattern, line; they are all important to me and now I combine them with my ceramic pieces.

I think my favourite piece is a platter with one of my illustrations of the top of Primrose Hill in the winter:

I am constantly inspired by London, that could be the parks, buildings, people, dogs and their owners or our great landmarks.


I think my absolute favourite London spots would be the Ladies Pond on Hampstead Heath or the top of Primrose Hill.

Julia Landes will be at our second Homeworks Christmas Bazaar on Sunday 9 December.

Maker’s Choice – Rebecca Ozkural

My name is Rebecca Ozkural and I am an artist specialising in pastel paintings of wildlife and Pets. I draw the inspiration for my paintings from my great love of animals and nature.

I was born in Canada and grew up in the mountains, surrounded by nature and natural beauty. I grew to have a deep respect and love for all the animals I was surrounded by-be it the many pets I had the joy to call my own or the wild birds, bears, moose, wolves and other great wildlife I would encounter on a regular basis.

I strive to capture the spirit and personality of every animal I paint. Only the highest quality materials go into my products, from the pastels and paper used to paint the original works to the locally made giclee prints.
You can purchase A3 or A4 prints of my works which would make a great gift for loved ones. I also sell cards of my prints which are on luxurious card stock and make lovely Christmas cards to give your friends and family.

I offer commissions if you would like to get an original painting of your beloved family pet, and my original wildlife paintings are also available for purchase if you would like to own some original artwork.

I love this painting of this little plumbeous water redstart. This little bird has a lot of personality and I'm quite proud I was able to capture his attitude and movement.

For me inspiration always comes from nature-and luckily London is teeming with gorgeous parks. I love to go for early morning walks in Regents Park and I spend a lot of time there watching the various birds. If I am lucky I might spot one of London's many foxes, and of course it's always enjoyable to greet the dogs their early morning walks.

Rebecca is at Homeworks on Sunday 9 December.

Maker’s Choice – Deborah B Design

Deborah B is a London-based multi-skilled artist and award winning designer and maker. Working with precious metals, leather, stones and glass, she designs and makes jewellery and accessories. inspired by nature, shapes and colours, she hand-weaves white gold for her engagement, wedding and eternity rings line ‘White Gold Stone’:

Deborah has chosen her ‘Golden Moon’ leather hand-crafted earrings as her favourite product and she’ll be bringing these and more of her unique designs to Homeworks on Sunday 9 December:

Come and meet Deborah at Homeworks Sunday 9 December.