Top Five Favourites by Zoe Edwards

Hi, my name's Zoe, I'm a seamstress who creates clothing for my label 'Blatant Self Promotion' which is stocked in the Handmade Co-op shop. I also co-organise Brighton Craftaganza which supports local crafters/designer-makers and promotes handmade products over their mass-produced equivalent. I also blog about sewing and sustainability here.

I popped into Handmade today and decided I'd try and figure out what my top five favourite items currently on sale are. Kirstin then suggested I write this guest blog post about them, so if you're sitting comfortably...

It was a really tricky task to pick just five things with so much talent represented in the shop. Choosing twenty would have been so much easier. But in no particular order, here they are:

Knitted Sandwich Purse, by Sarah Harwin, £14.

I've been into these for so long. I cannot believe how much work has gone into these for such a low price. Filled pitta breads also available!

Printed Fabric Badges, by Vickeh, £2.

Apparantly these are a new addition to this talented designer's range, so if I were you, I'd hurry and snap some up before they sell out. I bought two (a letter and some scissors) for Christmas presents. I normally wouldn't think about Christmas so early but these were screaming 'BUY ME' so I racked my brains to find a reason to obey!

'Eric on Brighton Beach' Postcard, by Kirstin Stride, 50p.

In my opinion, this is the most perfect souvenir postcard. I've sent a few of these to friends who live abroad in thinly veiled attempts to lure them to Brighton to visit me!

Birdie Shorts, by Charlotte Haggerty, size 8-10, £55.

Charlotte Haggerty is making a real name for herself in the UK fashion scene, so it's really exciting to see some of her creations in the flesh. I love pretty much everything she makes, but these shorts are such a clever design they really stood out to me. As a sewer myself and therefore pretty obsessed with these things, I was quick to discover that the finish of all her garments is absolutely phenomenal. These shorts are going to make someone very happy!

Gallion Print, by Fox Fisher, £35.

It was so difficult to select my favourite print from all that are stocked in Handmade. I have a bit of a weakness for nautical imagery, and I love how this traditional illustration is juxtaposed with the multi-coloured ink effect. Total limited-edition genius for just £35!

Can you help? Tables and desks needed!!!

As you may know, we have a rather lovely and useful basement space at our disposal here at the Handmade Co-op shop. Last month we hosted our ‘Selling for People who hate Selling’ symposium in as well as a regular photography workshop. We also have other plans in the pipeline to facilitate cool new discussions/workshops/exhibitions/classes for creative-minded locals to get iinvolved in. This will also attract more attention to the work of the artists and designers that is stocked in our shop. And as a non-profit co-operative, any funds that these events can generate will help cover overheads and insure we are able to support those artists and designers for longer. Win-win-win.

One particular set of plans that I am very excited about could do with a little helping hand to actualise. We aim, starting very early next year, to provide expert sewing assistance and access to sewing machines and equipment to people without the often-preventative cost and commitment needed to sign up to a standard sewing class. The sewing sessions will be user-directed, so the sewing experts can be on hand to help with whatever the individual wishes to learn, rather than following a set ‘making a skirt’ or ‘making a cushion cover’ formula.

We have been offered use of a sufficient amount of sewing machines, overlockers and equipment, but we are severely lacking in surfaces to use it all on. Due to the non-profit nature of Handmade (and the make-do and mend nature some of us share!) buying a load of new tables isn’t an option. So if you have, or know of, any unwanted tables, desks or computer tables that could be used to sew on, please please prettiest of pleases, email handmade.co (at) hotmail (dot) com to donate them!!!!

'Sales for People who Hate Selling': event review

Two weeks ago we hosted an experimental event entitled ‘Sales for People who hate Selling’ in the basement space of our shop. The aim of the event, which was the joint brain-baby of Zoe from Brighton Craftaganza and Patrick Potter, a marketing and copy writing genius, was to find an alternative way to support the local creative community, aside from providing a venue at which to sell their work at the Brighton Craftaganza craft markets.

The free event took the form of a structured discussion breaking down and analysisng the four main sections of an ‘anatomy of a sale’:

• Opening communication


• Building Rapport


• Pitch


• Close

There were two excellent and very knowledgeable sales experts in attendance who kindly gave up their Saturday afternoon for the event. They shared the most relevant sections of their sales training for the benefit of the crafters/designer-makers who came along. The crafters/designer-makers were encouraged to share their own opinions and ideas as well as ask the experts and each other questions to make sure the content of the discussion remained along lines that would most useful for them.

'It was all very welcoming, and mainly, not cheesy! (I've been to a lot of corporate training events, so this was a breath of fresh air - to be treated like a human and not a robot!). Would you like to see a different structure to this event? It was ideal for me, welcoming and intimate, and thankfully, no role playing!! (my pet hate...)' Kate Butler

'There was a lot of content and you had obviously spent time planning and thinking about it, which was amazing. I learnt a lot more than I thought I might.' Claire Munday

'Do you know, this is the first event I've taken part in that has actually even considered this subject?!' Marguerite Savan

A PDF containing much of the content of this discussion event will be made available for free download soon from the Brighton Craftaganza blog, so make sure you pop over there soon to see if you too can pick up some techniques and methods to improve your sales the next time you come face-to-face with the public!

'Sales for People who Hate Selling' Symposium

We are really excited to announce a collaboration with Brighton Craftaganza: a symposium designed to help designers/crafters/artists improve their technique in the tricky area of face-to-face sales. ‘Sales for People who Hate Selling’ is open to anyone who is interested in this topic, it’s not just for those who sell at Brighton Craftaganza or stock in the Handmade shop.

It’s no secret that most creative people hate selling. It’s awkward and embarrassing to sell in a face to face situation to people you don’t know. This is especially true when selling stuff you have made yourself. We are such critical ‘parents’ that we forget that the stuff we make is UNIQUE, PRECIOUS and LOVINGLY HANDMADE and therefore stupidly, tremendously, staggeringly VALUABLE. The paradox is that selling more stuff is brilliant for makers. The more you sell, the more time you can spend making more stuff. It is a positive cycle.

So, what can you expect from this ‘Sales for People who Hate Selling’ symposium? Well, it will start with a structured discussion about the values and motivations behind creating and selling so we can all learn about why we as individuals want to sell and how we would ideally like to do it.

There will then be a presentation on how to use basic selling theory to open communication, build rapport and communicate just how special and desireable your work is and, finally, some basic strategies to CLOSE THE SALE. This presentation will be brought to you by Zoe Edwards of Brighton Craftaganza, Patrick Potter – Content Marketer & Copywriter and Anthony Appleton – Sales Trainer.

The presentation will be followed by group discussion in which everyone, from those who are already excellent sellers of their creations to those who are totally new to it, are welcome to share ideas, thoughts and feelings.

This symposium will give you an introduction to sales theory and a whole load of super-stimulating conversation with really interesting peers looking to achieve the same things you are.

SO… how can you sell more stuff in face-to-face situations? You can start by coming down to the symposium on SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER at the basement space here at the Handmade Co-op, 106 St James Street, BN2 1TP (next to the Saint James pub). It will start at 5pm until approx. 7pm. This event is free and tea and coffee will be provided, however we ask for a voluntary donation of £2 per person to assist us with the overheads of hosting this event.

If you are interested in coming along, please leave a comment on this post or send Zoe a quick email to craftaganza (at) g mail (dot) com to give us a rough idea of numbers. Please feel free to use that email address also if you have queries.

Hope to see you there!!!!

Sarah Julia Clark

We now have a collection of work at the shop by Sarah Julia Clark, I now own one of her lovely birchwood badges of a gentleman with a fine moustache - he's great!

She's also posted a lovely piece about us on her blog. Click here to take a peek...

Hannah Clare - Illustration

Here's a sweet little interview from Hannah Clare. Her collaged cards and prints are available in store. Oh sweet nostalgia...

-when did you start making things?

Since I was a wee babby! My Mum is an artist so she was always getting me and my brothers making a mess with paint and glue, when we were little. But I think I was about 13 when I really realised art is what I do best, and I’m pretty rubbish at everything else!

-how did you find out about Handmade?

Through my good friend Angela Chick, who is one of the Co-founders of the shop.

-what do you find is the most inspiring thing in your life? (person, place, object, etc)

A lot of my work is fuelled by just wishing I was still six years old and running around in the garden collecting snail shells and putting them in my dungarees pockets. So I often get inspired by things that I find nostalgic. I think it’s trying to recreate that feeling of curiosity and discovery you have when you’re young. I also take inspiration from poetry and literature. I love wordplay and really visual, descriptive writing.

-what is the song you just can't get out of your head right now

The Art Teacher by Rufus Wainwright... fitting!
I took my boyfriend for his birthday to see him play at the Royal Opera House last week, so the whole experience is still singing in my head! He has such an incredible singing voice. Also been loving Unknown Mortal Orchestra, they’re my new favourite band.

-do you prefer to work alone or with others? Why?

I think I do my best personal work when I shut myself away and immerse myself. I’m quite a private person so I guess that’s when I’m most relaxed to create. Illustration can be a lonely business. But at the same time, I’ve always been really interested in collectives and collaborative projects. I love the way you have to discard your usual way of working and embrace the spontaneity of working with other people. It’s a kind of tonic from being autonomous and I think it’s a good way to learn about yourself and push your ways of working.

-what was the best meal you've eaten in the last week?

I’m a bit obsessed with bruschetta at the moment... some tasty crusty bread toasted with olive oil and garlic. With chopped fresh tomatoes and cucumber with more olive oil lemon juice and fresh herbs, salt and pepper! Yum!

-what do you like to do in your spare time?

Photography and Writing are my other lovers, but with writing it can be hard to get into the right headspace sometimes. I’d like to spend more time on creative writing and poetry.
Other than that, I like romps in the woods, kneading bread, walking with one foot off the curb, arranging the pebbles on the beach into colours, cutting off split ends, eggs for breakfast, shadow hunting, flipping through records, snooping in old book shops, word wheels, pressing flowers into whatever book I’m reading, toe tapping, camera snapping, cat napping and tea sipping.

-is there a favourite piece of your work you would like to share?

Often it’s the things I’ve made really quickly and spontaneously that I get most excited about. At the moment my ‘all my rabbits’ images is one of those. You know when you’re a kid, sometimes the first and simplest way you learn about life and love and death, is through your pets... that’s what this is about.

*****
www.hannahclare.co.uk

www.hannahalexandraclare.blogspot.com

Calling all local designer/makers

We would love to hear from you if you design and make lovely things and your based in and around Brighton.

Please send us details of what you make to handmade.co@hotmail.com and we'll get back to you with all the details of how to become part of our little shop.

Look forward to hearing from you x

Handmade Gallery Exhibition, One week left!

For those of you who haven't managed to see it yet you've got one week left! we have opened up the shop basement for a small exhibition:

"Once Upon a Time, An Exhibition by Angela Chick

30 June 2011 - 31 July 2011

Handmade Shop 106 St James Street, Brighton BN2 1TP

Angela will be exhibiting work from an ongoing project which focuses on her obsession with collections. Her work explores the lives of others and creates a playful response to her everyday inspirations featuring illustrations, written word and textile work.

Handmade Brighton has been around for over a year now, and we realised we needed to utilise our basement space. We thought we could use it as a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work in a small gallery setting. This would provide the perfect place for artists to try out ideas, and share their work with the public. We also plan to run a series of workshops and talks which we will be publishing information about nearer the time. Handmade is a not for profit shop which allows the artists to keep all of their profits."

itsnicethat.com

itsnicethat.com has been graced with a guest post from Seiko Kato about Ai Iijima. Stop into 106 St James Street to view both Seiko Kato's and Ai Iijima's work!

Rosa Pietsch - Handmade jewellery and accessories

Before I leave you to drool over her work, I'd like to introduce Rosa Pietsch. You can find her work gracing the shelves of Handmade. Her newest collection is full of lovely geometric shapes, and bold, striking lines. Come into the shop to get some for yourself. VERY on trend for this season, and the next, and the next, and the next.

When did you start making things?

When I was little I was obsessed with drawing, painting and making things, then when I was about 15/16 I began making jewellery, really kitsch stuff like tape-measure brooches, and earrings made from toy shoes and guitar plectrums. I decided to start selling on eBay and had weekly auctions for quite a while. I also sold through social networking sites like Livejournal and Myspace. I’ve gone off on loads of different tangents since then, so have ended up with an extremely eclectic collection of pieces that I’ve made over the years!

How did you find out about Handmade?

I took part in a couple of the Handmade Brighton craft fairs, which I found out about online. I’d also taken part in some other local craft fairs but the Handmade one looked particularly creative and interesting. I wanted to take part in the shop as soon as it opened, but was working day and night on my degree (fashion design) so had to wait til after I’d graduated.

What do you find is the most inspiring thing in your life? (person, place, object, etc)

I know it’s really boring to say this, but it can be anything! I love pattern, shapes, lines, details and colours, rather than a particular ‘style’. So I often find inspiration in the details on parts of buildings, natural forms, surfaces...things like that! I love art deco patterns and I also love the detail in world crafts/artworks, for example Indian textiles and tribal patterns. I did a print design internship in Jaipur, India, which got me really into print and pattern.

What is the song you just can’t get out of your head right now?

Thanks to Spotify I’ve been listening to loads of bands I haven’t heard in years so lots of nostalgia! Loads of cheesy metal and 90s pop too. One song that’s been stuck in my head recently that’s actually by a new band is ‘I’ll Be Alright’ by a Brighton band called White Light.

Do you prefer to work alone or with others? Why?

I did love living and working with friends from my course while I was still studying my degree, and I enjoy having company and someone to chat to while I’m working. But particularly when I’m working on a new idea and I need to concentrate, I love being on my own and listening to really loud music while making things! I’d like to collaborate with people in the future though, could be fun…

What was the best meal you’ve eaten in the last week?

I attempted making some crispy spicy tofu and that went pretty well…also my friend cooked an amazing home made pizza the other day.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Unfortunately I haven’t won the lottery yet so I have to work in a pub to pay the bills! So really I’d say I do all my jewellery making/designing/researching in my spare time! Also love music and live gigs, watching films, and catching up with friends. How cheesy!

Thanks very much Rosa!

Once Upon a Time, An Exhibition by Angela Chick

30 June 2011 - 31 July 2011

Handmade Shop 106 St James Street, Brighton BN2 1TP

We will launch the exhibition with a private view at the Handmade Shop (106 St James Street) at 8.30pm on Thursday, 30 June 2011.

Angela will be exhibiting work from an ongoing project which focuses on her obsession with collections. Her work explores the lives of others and creates a playful response to her everyday inspirations featuring illustrations, written word and textile work.

Handmade Brighton has been around for over a year now, and we realised we needed to utilise our basement space. We thought we could use it as a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work in a small gallery setting. This would provide the perfect place for artists to try out ideas, and share their work with the public. We also plan to run a series of workshops and talks which we will be publishing information about nearer the time. Handmade is a not for profit shop which allows the artists to keep all of their profits.

Hey guys! Guess what? In June we're going to be taking part in a great event at the Green Door Store in Brighton. Handmade will have a pop-up shop, the Brighton Sausage Co. will be there selling some sausages, and Susie Clarke will be performing. Click here to check out the facebook event for more information.

Introducing Blatant Self Promotion

If you’ve popped into the shop over the past month, you may have noticed that there’s some new clothing all up in here! We currently stock a range of skirts from the label Blatant Self Promotion, the brain-baby of recent Brighton immigrant, Zoe Edwards.

A-line skirts in a palette of red, grey and black feature hand-appliquéd leather bird motifs and satin stitched lettering to wearable graphic effect. A wider range of styles from this label will be hitting our rails imminently, but if you wish to snap up one of this first batch, you’d best hurry as they’ve been selling steadily since they arrived.


Since her arrival to Brighton last August, fresh from a two year ‘adventure’ in Barcelona, this self-confessed sewing obsessive has been a busy creative lady. She landed her dream job at Traidremade, the refashioning and upcycling wing of the charity Traid. Outside of work hours, she co-organises Brighton Craftaganza, a fantastic craft market held at Fabrica. The first was held in March this year, and provided an exciting platform for local designer/makers (including many of the designers stocked in Handmade) to sell their wares and add further prove that handmade goods rival and surpass mass-manufactured goods in quality, originality and sustainability.


An member of the online sewing and sustainability communities, Zoe has also organised a number of world-wide handmade clothing challenges, the latest being Me-Made-June ’11 which aims to encourage sewers, knitters, crochetters, etc. to wear the fruits of their labours for the duration of the month. Check out her blog to find out what she’s been up to lately.

Yuki Snow

Our newest recruit is the fabulously talented Yuki Snow. Her bags and cards are currently gracing our shelves - come check then out!!

New tee shirts by Emily the Pemily

Lovely Emily popped in today with some of her hand printed tee shirts - we've been eagerly waiting these for a while!

Rock Cakes - Sarah Meredith

Here's a quick interview with Sarah from Rock Cakes. Handmade carries a selection of her cards, jewelry and accessories. Such lovely little treats, also check out her website below to see the most wonderful slr camera necklace. Yum!

-when did you start making things?

i made my first piece of precious jewellery when i was 16 during my art gnvq and then did my art foundation then a degree in jewellery. i remember as a kid being about seven or eight sitting at my little bedroom desk cutting and sticking christmas cards, i've made things for as long as i can remember.

-how did you find out about Handmade?

i walked passed one day had to go in 'cus of the pretty things in the window, when i got home i told my husband about it and it turned out that he knew click click jim (kirstin of handmade's boyfriend) and gave me the email address of handmade so i got in touch asking if there was room for one more....

-what do you find is the most inspiring thing in your life? (person, place, object, etc)

my husband is very, very hardworking, he is a photographer, so work is a massive integral part of our lives, i also find brighton inspiring, there are so many creative and talented people living here, there are fab galleries, shops, and even the graffiti in this town is inspiring. i am also inspired by other makers, i could give you a list if you want one but i think that you only want one thing, that is hard, i get inspiration from books and i am a fashion magazine junky.

-what is the song you just can't get out of your head right now

twinkle twinkle little star

-do you prefer to work alone or with others? Why?

Im a bit of a loner, i'm not really sure why, i guess that i do get lost in my work sometimes and this is easier to do when you work alone plus i work a lot from home. i guess that i find it more self indulgent to work alone.

-what was the best meal you've eaten in the last week?

i had a sausage sandwich on toasted brown bred yesterday from the seven bees cafe in town, the guy that runs it is a bit of a perfectionist and only gets the best sausages and locally produced yummy butter and even toasts the bread exactly as you ask! - simple but delicious, with sweet coffee... mmmmmm

-what do you like to do in your spare time?

I don't have any!!! I look after my lil' girl full time (she just turned one) I do my work around her, if she is sleeping or engrossed in her toys then i will be cutting and sticking, gocco printing, sorting out stones, drawing, uploading a picture to flickr or etsy, looking at vogue or writing a list, i write a lot of lists and then never read them.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rockcakes

http://www.rockcakes.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockcakes

-is there a favourite piece of your work you would like to share?

i've got a few... every cloud necklace, jonathan tooth, birdbrain ring and on friday i made "arthur the bird king" ring, he sold yesterday so i don't have him anymore...

i think i'll choose "arthur the bird king" as he is new, he is made from silver with an 18ct yellow gold crown and black diamond eyes, here he is...

Handmade turns ONE YEAR OLD!

Yesterday we celebrated our first birthday. Fizzy, cakes and a brilliant party. A big thank you to everyone who showed up!

The Midnight Deer

And welcome to another edition, here we go with this time the lovely Midnight Deer collection. Please, pop into the shop at 106 St James Street to get your hands on some of these gems. mmm, my favourite would probably have to be the lovely little mirrored heart rings she makes, or that beautiful perspex deer that's pictured below.

-when did you start making things?

I've been preoccupied with drawing, painting & making things since I was a kid but began really focussing solely on jewellery in 2006.

-how did you find out about Handmade?

I'd met Kirstin, one of the Handmade founders a few years previous whilst working at a pub & she'd told me of the initial Handmade Fairs that were being arranged. I was eager to be part of them & likewise when the Handmade Shop was opened.

-what do you find is the most inspiring thing in your life? (person, place, object, etc)

Probably supply shopping - I visit a lot of antique markets aswell as hunting down treats on line... I'll end up with even more ideas & ending up buying even more goodies to make with :)

-what is the song you just can't get out of your head right now?

I Am You (Star Slinger Remix) by Cool Runnings - it's a good one to work to

-do you prefer to work alone or with others? Why?

Generally alone with music or a film on in the backround, however I tend to take a box of supplies to Craft Fairs & will sit making new things whilst chatting to fellow stall holders - sometimes having company will avoid me over thinking a design and more just let it happen.

-what was the best meal you've eaten in the last week?

I was SO hungry and exhausted after a craft fair I did yesterday - my flatmate & I went to an Italian place in town, I pretty much devoured everything in sight - garlic bread, pasta, ice cream, yum.

-what do you like to do in your spare time?

I love playing Piano, hunting down new music, messing around making things on Imovie, playing Dreamcast, scouring markets for trinkets to make with.

-is there a favourite piece of your work you would like to share?

The perspex Deer pendants took quite a while to design - I kept redrawing it to get it just how I wanted. My favourite of the newer items I have been working on are the Treasure necklaces which are made with a variety of vintage chains, semi precious & vintage beads. I enjoy making them, especially because each one is different- the colours & mix of chains are so fun to arrange.

http://www.themidnightdeer.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Midnight-Deer/111266658895262?ref=ts

http://twitter.com/themidnightdeer

Coming soon!!!

Landing on our shelves this saturday will be Ellie Bond's Beastie bunnies

Happy Birthday to us!!!!

We've been gracing St.james Street for nearly one whole year! To celebrate this occasion we'll be having a little birthday party at the shop on Sunday 17th April from 4pm - 7pm. Come along if your in the area and join in the fun x Here's our facebook event http://www.facebook.com/login/setashome.php?ref=login#!/event.php?eid=192148070821201

New artist to join us

We have a loverlie new artist in the shop who set up last week, her name is Helen and this is her blog http://helensarahvaughan.blogspot.com/ and a couple of pictures of her work in the shop.

Saffron Reichenbacker

Not only does Saffron make lovely things but she is also lovely herself. She helps out and volunteers her time at the shop. I just HAD to get her on the blog :)

Click here to visit her website and see some of her work below.

-when did you start making things?

Gosh, for as long as I can remember. My dad was an artist and my mum is incredibly creative, (although she would dispute it). It was always encouraged to make presents/cards for people rather than buy them. It became second nature to make things to keep myself occupied. As I reached my teens, I started to make intense little collage books and developed an interest in photography. I later went on to do a degree in Fine Art at Brighton University, becoming self employed as an artist/illustrator a few years after graduating. I sold prints for a couple of years but was hungry for more avenues. In 2007, my ‘Sailor Boy’ image was used by Nook Art for one of their tote bags. This spurred me on to invest in a professional badge maker. By far, the best purchase I’ve ever made! It opened up a world of making....badges, mirrors, magnets, even bottle openers!

-how did you find out about Handmade?

I did a few of the Handmade fairs at the Komedia, They were always filled with gorgeous things and great fun. When it became a shop I jumped at the chance to be involved. You can find me working in there most weeks.

-what do you find is the most inspiring thing in your life? (person, place, object, etc)

Wow there are just too many things! I’m obsessed with Weimar Berlin, Religious Iconography and early cinema but my all time inspiration is my grandmother. She’s an amazing woman who tells the most wonderful stories. She has always encouraged me to pursue my art and her house is absolutely filled with my creations.

-what is the song you just can't get out of your head right now?

Song in Blue by Les Paul & Mary Ford

-do you prefer to work alone or with others? Why?

I’ve always had pretty strong ideas of what I wanted to do creatively, so I prefer to work alone. That said, I’d be open to collaborations in the future!

-what was the best meal you've eaten in the last week?

Marmite Rice. Boyfriend speciality.

-what do you like to do in your spare time?

I spend pretty much all my time drawing, watching bizarre films, fussing cats and reading books on mad old silent film stars.

-is there a favourite piece of your work you would like to share?

‘Her Warm Embrace’ It’s piece about loss. Each little part of the picture has a personal meaning for me.

Joanna Corney

Hi everyone, to kick off the featured artists, I present to you Joanna Corney. She's been selling for the last couple months at Handmade and her stuff is absolutely fabulous! She sells a variety of items from cushions (pictured) to lovely little screen printed notebooks and cards and even screen printed buttons. Not pictured (but available in the shop along with everything else) are her Lamp Post tote bags for only £7! What a bargain! Pop into the shop to check her out! A perfect way to inject that certain Brighton je ne sais quois into your abode.

Website: http://www.joannacorney.co.uk/

-when did you start making things?

I have wanted to be a designer maker for a while now, and after

graduating from textile design in July 2010 and having a well needed

break, I just had to get printing again as I absolutely love it! It

has only been in the last couple of months that I have started to

sell my products though.

-how did you find out about Handmade?

I was looking for a shop to put my products in around Brighton, but I

also wanted the shop to sell other local designers and artists work.

I came across Handmade on the internet and after visiting the shop

and seeing all the lovely products in there, I thought it would be

brilliant if I could be part of it.

-what do you find is the most inspiring thing in your life?

(person, place, object, etc)

Well it’s not really a thing, but I have had the opportunity to

travel around parts of Asia. This experience has inspired some of my

work and I really enjoy capturing the culture and uniqueness within

cities in my designs. It has also made me want to explore other parts

of the world to get inspiration and experience other ways of life.

-what is the song you just can't get out of your head right now?

Well at the moment it’s a tie between Two door cinema club, something

good can work and the cover of Bon Iver’s song skinny love by Birdy.

-do you prefer to work alone or with others? Why?

I have always preferred to work with friends around me as I think it

always helps to have other people’s opinions. I also think that other

people inspire and motivate you. In the future I would really like to

have a studio with other designer makers.

-what was the best meal you've eaten in the last week?

A butternut squash risotto and apple crumble with custard for

dessert! I had it last week at a friend’s house then made it again

last night as it was so good!

-what do you like to do in your spare time?

Well I am only printing and making in my spare time at the moment as

I work as well, but it’s my dream to be able to do it full time. But

another hobby of mine is tap dance, I danced when I was very young

for about 10 years and have only just taken it up again!

-is there a favourite piece of your work you would like to share?

Well my favourite piece of work is one of my wallpaper designs. I

haven’t been able to produce any to sell at the moment, so I only

have one trial roll but I am really pleased with it and can’t wait to

be able to print more to sell.

The Midnight Deer Jewellery

Maya Wallis Pottery

Vienna Horses

Little Wings

Hey guys! It's Angela. I'm gonna try keep up the blog as best I can, and I hope to feature some of our current designers and makers. For now, have a look at some of the work that's in the shop. Click their name to be taken to their websites for more information and pop into the shop to get yours hands on it before it's gone! 106 St James Street, Brighton