Come along! 10-2 today. 

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 - Marissa Irwin

Meet the Maker - Marissa Irwin

As the granddaughter and niece of professional jewellers, Marissa Irwin has been draping herself in gemstones from a very young age. Her first designs included graduation gifts for her elementary school girlfriends and birthday presents for her Mom and beloved grandmothers. She continued making jewellery throughout  university, hosting trunk shows at her family’s jewellery store in the US and selling earrings alongside local artisans at her town’s summer fair. Nowadays, you’ll find her crafting new designs with semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls and delicate gold findings at her home studio in London.

  

Marissa says! My favorite product is the Freshwater Pearl Threader earrings. They're made of 14kt gold-filled ear threaders and Freshwater Pearls that I individually wrap using 14kt gold-filled wire. I wear them almost everyday!

I often feel most inspired to create when I'm sitting at my desk with a pile of colorful gemstones in different shapes & sizes all mixed up together in front of me. I'll play with color combinations and designs on a velvet cloth until I have that 'aha!' moment. I also use Instagram as a source of inspiration by following the journeys of fellow designers & makers - seeing each of them do what they love inspires me to keep going!

Marissa 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. 

Today's the day! Our first of two fabulous Christmas Bazaars, with wonderful stallholders selling textiles, jewellery, prints, ceramics, homewares, skincare and more. We will be open from 10-2 - do come along and say hello. And there will be another fair along next Sunday too, in case you don't tick everything off your list! 

Meet the maker - Ruth Spencer-Jolly

Meet the maker - Ruth Spencer-Jolly

Hi! I'm an artist based close to Queen's Park and I am really inspired by the locality which I love walking and running round. In my guise as 'ARTSJ' I currently have two ranges of products, one of which directly responds to nearby boroughs of London, taking the form of illustrated maps that capture the sites of interest and quirky landmarks in a neighbourhood. I also have a 'paisley pet' range: a collection of products for people who love animals, pattern and bright colours. When not making art, I'm often found with my other hat on - as a nanny - but I also love to run, ceilidh and go to the theatre.

My favourite product at present is the paisley dog teatowel. It's bright, cheerful and captures man's best in friend in many of the possible shapes and sizes. 

My favourite place to find inspiration at the moment is the Victoria and Albert Museum. I didn't grow up in London, and so I only discovered this treasure trove when I moved to 'the big smoke' about 18 months ago. It's incredible! As a lover of all things patterned; I'm in seventh heaven there. 

You can see Ruth's work at www.ruthspencerjolly.com/ARTSJ and www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ArtSJillustration. Ruth will be at Homeworks on 1st December

Meet the Maker - Yellow Tulip Crafts

Meet the Maker - Gordana Lalic of Yellow Tulip Crafts

Yellow Tulip Crafts is all about colourful hand embroidered pieces with a playful touch. I design and create mostly florals and interiors using embroidery thread very often mixed with paint which gives each piece the lightness I am aiming for while the thread adds the sense of texture and warmth. My favourites are definitely my embroidered interiors hence an Instagam inspired series of rooms I have chosen from many accounts that I follow. (https://www.instagram.com/yellowtulipcrafts/).

Commissions are welcome, contact: Yellowtulip.shop@gmail.com

This floral hoop is one of my favourite, I love its blend of bright and bold colours I have used to create the composition of "floating" flowers.

I am easily inspired, a shade of a particular colour will do the trick not to mention beautiful interior spaces (or design magazines), art exhibitions, textiles with patterns and colours I can't get out of my head and much more.