Maker’s Choice – Lizzy Chambers

Lizzy Chambers is a designer and creator of exquisite glass jewellery.

She has a passion for colour and growing beautiful natural things.

Her collection includes a beautiful botanical range of flowers and seeds that are grown in her own garden and from a farm in the North of England.

Her keepsake jewellery has a hint of nostalgia and fairy tales, giving it that magical feeling.

Lizzy's favourite product is the crystal pull through earrings, they add a little bit of glamour to your outfit and are super comfortable to wear too. She’ll be bringing them to Homeworks and Lizzy will probably wearing a pair too! 

Lizzy find's inspiration in places that you might not expect and normally when she isn't looking for it too. Whilst taking walks, browsing her favourite gardening magazines, taking a shower is sometimes the best place for a new idea!
Come and meet Lizzy at Homeworks on Sunday 9 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!

Urbanknit

My name is Dolapo and I started Urbanknit in 2006 with the aim of providing unique and colourful handmade fashion accessories that give you a sense of individuality. Trained as an architect, I love to design and make pieces that are unique and unusual in bold prints, bright colours and interesting textures:

I particularly love using traditional African prints and fabrics and combining them with fabrics like denim, corduroy, and cotton to make accessories that are durable yet interesting thus mixing colours and cultures where the old tradition meets the modern world:

My favourite product is the zipper pouch. They are small and colourful but also extremely useful. They are great for keeping together little bits and bobs in your bag, like coins, receipts, makeup etc. They are bright so you can find them easily!

I love wandering somewhat aimlessly in the city and one of my favourite stops is Tate Modern for some contemporary art inspiration.

Come and see Urbanknit at Homeworks on Sunday 10 December.

Sir Plus

Homeworks’ favourites Sir Plus are back again this year on Sunday 10 December with their beautifully made menswear and accessories.

Sir Plus was conceived and created by Henry Hales, who recognised an opportunity for sustainable fashion using exceptional quality surplus fabric.

With extensive contacts in the major factories and fabric dealers from England to Italy, Sir Plus have access to the finest quality fabrics in an extensive variety of prints and styles:

Henry initially produced a small range of boxer shorts which were so well received he has now expanded to include waistcoats, dressing gowns, Nehru waistcoats and jackets, scarves, pocket squares and jumpers. The collections keep evolving and more products are on their way:

One of Henry’s favourite pieces are his Shetland wool gilets. With a touch of padding for extra comfort, these super versatile items are great for layering clothes and switching up your look:

It is to no surprise that Henry’s favourite place for inspiration is Portobello Road, where you’ll find him every Saturday, connecting with his customers and having a chat with those who appreciate his work.

Come and meet Henry and the team on Sunday 10 December.

Vevian

Vevian’s range of children’s shoes and accessories are designed and handcrafted in London from high quality supple leather. Founder and designer Vivienne Lopez sources materials from local suppliers, makes all her products locally, and recycles material where ever possible:

“I’ve always loved shoes. The right pair of shoes not only add a finishing touch to an outfit, they also create a unique expression of the wearer's personality and individuality – I think they’re a little piece of art. My passion for footwear led me to study shoe design.
It was my daughter’s first birthday where the story of Vevian began. I made her shoes that were not only worthy of her first birthday but would be a beautiful memento that we could both treasure when she was older. I made pink shoes with beautiful ribbons, which attracted a lot of attention from our family and friends. It became clear other people wanted shoes made to be treasured forever and my business was born.

Always knowing I would expand to this collection, when I was designing gifts for my four fabulous fashion-conscious sisters, I put my leatherwork skills to good use and created a beautiful handbag:

It was important to create a handbag that would suit a busy lifestyle. Keeping size and ease of use in mind, this particular accessory needed to tick all boxes: sizeable enough to carry all you need, a long strap that is versatile enough to be worn on the shoulder or cross-body, and most importantly beautiful enough that you’ll never want to take it off when your day turned into an evening outing”.

From the original handbag, aptly named ‘sister’, a whole range was born; functional yet beautiful accessories to suit men and women:

Vevian will be at Homeworks on Sunday 10 December.

Scamp

Scamp is run by two sisters, Stacey and Jennifer, who design and make everything in the range. Focussing on products that are great for the family – think bright, unisex baby wear, cool kids sweatshirts featuring positive messages (and a similar range for women as well!), wooden laser cut homewares and festive decorations – often with a personalised option:

“We are really loving the feedback for our new Here Come the Kids range of children’s sweatshirts - all featuring bright, positive and empowering messages for our kids. We’ve now launched a few new products to add to the range including make up bags, necklaces and tote bags.”

Jennifer says “I find getting out of the house and wandering around central London really inspires me. A day in the east end, a night at the theatre, an exhibition at the Tate or just getting lost around Soho gives me lots of food for thought. Something that sitting on the computer sometimes struggles to do for me!”

In addition to being one half of Scamp, Jennifer is the key team member organising all our events –and she will be selling the beautiful Scamp wares at both Homeworks Christmas Bazaars on 3 & 10 December.

Quinton Chadwick

Quinton Chadwick are knitwear designers Jess Quinton and Jane Chadwick and they have a passion for the  craftsmanship of this country’s knitting heritage.

Their vision is to blend these traditional skills with their own contemporary design aesthetic:

Jess and Jane prefer using natural fibres such as wool and cashmere and proudly make everything entirely in the UK:

“Favourite products are our rainbow coloured berets and scarves and our best selling LOVE gloves. We love the The fashion and Textile museum in Bermondsey, The Jeffrey Museum in Hackney – and of course the V&A who often sell our knits in their shop.”

Quinton Chadwick will be at Homeworks on Sunday 3 December.

An Indian Summer

An Indian Summer was created 5 years ago by Nimy, inspired by a love of prints and textiles. An Indian Summer is characterised by a colourful melange of East-West aesthetic, eclectic prints, natural fibres and handcrafted artisan fabrics.

It is an affordable, artisanal lifestyle brand for the conscious woman who wants her wardrobe to reflect her sustainable lifestyle:

All garments are handcrafted by artisans in Rajasthan using the traditional techniques of hand block printing.

Working with small family businesses rather than large corporations to produce our range, An Indian Summer make sure that their production partners adhere to ethical employment practices:

Nimy will be bringing new hand block printed loungewear collection to Homeworks, comprising of kimono robes, kaftans, nighties, pyjama bottoms & boxer shorts – ideal for gifting friends and family:

We asked Nimy to choose some favourite products from her range and also tell us about what inspires her:

“ My Favourite garment is our hand block printed kimono robe – it’s very versatile can be used as light weight jacket, cover up and dressing gown; cool, comfortable, easy to pack for travel.

Major influences for the collection comes from art nouveau artist William Morris Inspiring places Liberty, V&A and Rajasthan.”

An Indian Summer will be at Homeworks on both days 3 & 10 December.

Save the Dates!

Here’s all the information for our two Christmas Bazaars for 2017. We’ll start sharing work from our fabulous designers and makers soon, you can see who’s coming by checking the sidebar for each date. Meanwhile here is everything you need to start planning your visit:

Meet the Maker - Simone Selaib - Salandini

My name is Simone Selaib-Salandini and I’m a jewellery designer based in Notting Hill, London.

My work is made up of different collections including Victoria Regia, Industrial and Leaves. They all complement each other and comprise necklaces, rings, earrings, arm bands, bracelets, head pieces and anklets:

All my jewellery is hand crafted by me, I use silver 925 and 999, gold, bronze and semi-precious stones.

I graduated with a BA in Fine Arts and discovered my passion for sculptures and metal. After finishing university I lived in the Italian city of Naples and experienced the wonderful craft of restoration of church ceilings and sculptures.
I love the process of designing and making and I trained as a silversmith, took a course in professional development for designer-makers and began to sell to galleries and shops.

Recently I have participated in Arts and Crafts Fairs and I love the direct contact with the public and to see their reactions to my work.

I draw my inspirations from everyday experiences and the fascination I have for metal itself.

I like to play with line, space, light and shadow; where clear forms are integral part of each piece.

My inspirations reflect my artistic background. Jewellery is intuitive and spontaneous for me, influenced by sculptural and architectural works.

I once read .....‘my business is to create’ and this sums up exactly how I feel!

Simone will be at Homeworks next Sunday 4 December.

Meet the Maker - Scamp

As well as running Scamp with sister Stacey, Jennifer is a key member of the Homeworks team and organises our Christmas Bazaars. She recently gave us some time out of her (very busy) schedule to tell us a bit about her creative life:

Stacey (left) and Jennifer (right).

Tell us about who you are:
It’s a family affair at Scamp with myself and my sister Stacey establishing and running the business. We’re both mums, both into design, and both creative souls, who design everything in our range.

When did you start your business?
We began in 2010 making personalised pictures for baby gifts. We’ve grown a lot since then to include printed babywear, nursery accessories and bespoke gifts for little ones (and some for big ones too!). The world of the laser cutter has meant we’ve been able to create a lovely range of wooden kids room accessories and decorations and most recently customised printing has expanded our baby wear range to include pyjamas and blankets as well, all printed in the UK:

What’s your inspiration?
Having our own children very much defines what we want our product ranges to be like - lots of vibrant, colourful and funky babywear, bold and simple graphics on bedroom accessories (we love Scandinavian styles) and personalised products created with stylish parents in mind:

We design all our products ourselves and spend a great deal of design time thinking about how our designs fit in with modern family life - both ours and yours!

Come and meet Jennifer & Stacey at Homeworks on 4 & 11 December:

Meet the Maker - Hélène Turbé

Photo: Lily Bertrand-Webb 

Tell us little bit about who you are and where you are based?
My Name is Hélène Turbé, I’m a fine jewellery maker based in West London. I live near Kensal Rise and my studio is based just behind Ladbroke Grove.
I’m passionate about the handcrafting process and can spend hours working on details. I totally love working close to my work creating an intimacy with each of my pieces. My work is inspired by the ornate allure of jewellery dating from Antique, Byzantine and Victorian eras, enhanced by intensively repeated details, and by the use of coloured gemstones and pearls:



Where did you train and when did you start your business?
After working 10 years in Paris as a producer manager in the media Industry, I finally moved to London to accomplish my two dreams; to live in London and to study a fashion course.

In 2001, I joined London Metropolitan University to study jewellery and ended 3 years later with a First Class Honours degree.

In 2009, I set up my workshop while looking after my three kids. Very quickly, I managed to sell my work to few shops in London. I now work from an Artists Community Studio called Kindred Studio in St Marks Road (behind Ladbroke Grove) where I share my space with six other brilliant makers. I still work for the same retailers who have supported me from the beginning while making bespoke order for private customers. Very soon you will be able to shop through my website.




What inspired you to become a designer and set up your company?
Very young, I was fascinated by illustrations in children’s books, by my mother’s haberdashery and carving wood. I guess my curiosity never left me. I grew up on a little island surrounded by religious signs called Ile d’Yeu in West of France. Everything inspires me, all my surroundings. I’m fascinated by icon figures, icon medals, and rosaries:



Usually I start drawing some ideas and designs on my sketchbook, and once I’m happy and ready for it, I move to my bench where I start making a model before working directly on gold.
Depending of the piece, but sometimes it can take 2/3 weeks before finishing it.

Hélène will be at Homeworks on both 4 & 11 December.

Meet the Maker - Studio Rajka

My name is Rajka, my company name is Studio Rajka and I live, design, create and make my knitwear in my studio in Brentford, West London.
I studied chemistry at University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. I have never studied design, but I started to knit when I was a child and sold my knitwear at university to supplement my tiny student budget.

I have been creative all my professional life, and after many years in the fashion industry I started my knitwear company two years ago, turning my passion into my profession.
I’m inspired by everyday life and my aim is to create luxurious but affordable knitwear, both traditional and contemporary, using naturally sourced sustainable and renewable materials:

I use Scottish and Italian spun lambswool, cashmere and blended yarn.

My products are unique, I rarely made more than two same. I am always happy to do custom orders.

Studio Rajka will be at Homeworks on Sunday 4 December.