Magazine - Craft Maker

CraftMaker
Autumn 2015
w w w. c r a f t m a ke r. n e t
CraftMaker
www.craftmaker.net
Tel: 020-7813-0677
Editor............... Brian Healey
Art - Editor.....Candi Charlton
Advertising.......Jon Edwards
Welcome to the Craft Maker Association which aims to promote
the work of artists and craft makers, online, in print and at trade
fairs and workshops throughout the UK. Whether you are an
independent artist or craftmaker or a professional concern in any
part of the UK there are many benefits if you join us.
Contents
All members are profiled in CraftMaker magazine and online
through www.craftmaker.net part of the MagnetWeb which
receives around 500,000 viewers every month.
2. Welcome to the CMA
3. Make your hobby pay
4. CraftMaker - Sell Online
6. Selection of Courses
8. Tutorials
16. Craft Shops
21. Hastings Arts & Crafts
22. Regine DeLa Hey
23. Hewaida Ramly
24. Liliana Anderson
25. Elizabeth’s Quarters
26. Arati Devasher
27. Alice Portnoy
28. Ian Antony Paul
29. Shelley Thomas
30. Lucky Rutland
31. Marc - Shan
32. Jacqui James
33. Tony Coates
35. Black Dragon Crafts
All members have a weblink from the online Directory and may
list items in the CraftMaker E SHOP. Samples of their work are
featured in the printed catalogue,
If you do not have a website we can set up a webpage for you in
the Directory, which can easily be converted to your own .co.uk
website.
Members have preferential rates for stalls at the craft fairs we
organise
We support workshops and fairs held by members and
associates in any part of the UK, with promotion in print and
online.
Be independent but with the support of the
Craft Maker Association.
See the Video online: www.craftmaker.net
Please feel free to call us if you have any questions
Tel 020-7813-0677
The annual membership is just £25.00 Join now by sending
a cheque to ;
Magnet Publishing Ltd.
26 Cheriton,
Queens Crescent
London NW5 4EZ
or join online at
w w w. c r a f t m a k e r. n e t
2
CRAFTMAKER
CRAFT MAKER
A S S O C I AT I O N
advice her father ever gave her – and probably the only bit
she actually followed – was to get a hobby. Everyone
should find something which can become a passion. From
beads and beadwork to animal husbandry, from hat making
to glasswork, from ceramics to sugarcraft, from making
musical instruments to picture framing, there is a huge
variety to choose from and something for everyone. Taking
up a craft is an ideal way to fill your leisure and unlock your
hidden artist or crafts person. There is nothing more
satisfying than eating honey from your own bees, drinking
from the cup or glass you made yourself, wearing your own
hand made cardigan or original necklace or framing your
painting or collage. The satisfaction like the list is endless
and if you don’t find your passion immediately, you can
have fun trying and meet friends at courses and
workshops. Of course, you can abandon the Romans and
their ideas and, once you are proficient, you can turn your
passion into a profitable business.
A CRAF T Y WAY TO
MAKE YO UR HO BBY
W O RK F O R YO U.
The Romans had a word for leisure. They called it
“otium” which was the positive of “negotium” meaning
business or work. To them leisure meant the time when
we can do what we choose to do and not what we have
to do to make a living. Nowadays, we always seem so
very busy and yet we are often told that we have to prepare for all the leisure time we are going to have in the
future. My daughter once said that the best piece of
CRAFTMAKER
When G. K. Chesterton said that if a thing is worth doing, it
is worth doing badly, he was telling us that we should try
whatever we feel drawn to and not be put off if we can’t
always do everything we enjoy absolutely perfectly, but
we should enjoy the experiences and keep on doing it. All
crafts can enrich your leisure but some crafts can be for
life.
There are craft fairs all over the country on a regular basis.
If you live in and around London, for instance, The
Craftmaker Association run craft fairs throughout the year.
You can contact them on 020 7813 0677 or look at their
website where you will see a short video of the recent
Spring fair.
www.craftmaker.net
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Craft Maker
gallery and catalogue
The Art & Craft Centre Camden
26 Cheriton, Cnr Queens
Crescent & Malden Rd
London NW5 4EZ
www.craftmaker.net
CraftMaker
Over the last few years we have been
organizing Art & Craft fairs at various
venues in Camdenand during this time
have built up a regular following of exhibitors, who have the opportunity to use the CraftMaker catalogue and eshop to promote and sell their work. In discussions with many of the exhibitor it has become apparent that whilst the
nomadic marketing at various fairs is fun, it can be challenging and many of them long to have a regular venue to
promote and sell their work. However, the cost of this can be prohibitive for the majority of individual art and craft
workers
We are now embarked upon establishing a shop/gallery as a centre for members of the Art & Craft centre to have a
permanent display and sales facility. Members will be able to display and sell their work, through the gallery without
the unbearable expense of renting and staffing premises as individuals. This centre will also provide the opportunity
for people living outside of London or unable to exhibit at fairs for any reason to have a showcase of their own with
in London.
We believe that the collective creative energy displayed by members at the fairs we organize could form a vibrant
community of artists and craft workers co-operating to their mutual advantage. Anyone who would like to be involved
should telephone 020—7813 0677
or email info@craftmaker.net
HANDMADE GOODS HAVE NEVER BEEN SO POPULAR.
More and more people are seeking one-of-akind treasures
instead of mass-produced consumer products. They are
choosing hand thrown pottery rather than dishes from some
overseas ceramics factory. They are wearing tailor-made
jackets, painted silk scarves, handstitched
moccasins, and custom-designed jewelry. They are
framing and hanging artwork created by an artist with a
personal story, an artist they have come to know and love.
From holiday ornaments to new furniture, people are
buying handmade items that are uniquely designed, clever,
well made, and filled with meaning.
The Internet is the key to this growing trend. With the help
of this immense worldwide electronic system, buyers and
sellers are connecting in deeply personal ways. How do
you become a part of this amazing online explosion of
handmade sales? How do artists and crafters realize their
dreams of turning artwork into cash online? It’s easy when
you take it step by step. It’s not prohibitively expensive and
it can be a great deal of fun. Successful online artists and
crafters come from many different backgrounds. Some
have advanced art and design degrees from
prestigious universities, while others are self-taught. Some
businesses start with abundant funding and support, while
others operate on a shoestring budget and grow over time.
There are multitudes of venues for selling artwork, from
craft fairs to high-end art galleries in great cities. No matter
where you begin or where you eventually find your greatest
sales, marketing yourself and your artwork on the Internet
will help your art career!
Selling your artwork online is serious business. It can be
your road to success at whatever level you imagine, from
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turning your hobby into a satisfying small part-time
business, to creating a substantial full-time job and
income for yourself. The secret to your success will be a
combination of talent, quality, and intuition. But the main
ingredient will be your ability to get down to work, because
selling your artwork online is a job. It is a serious
commitment to thinking like, acting like, and becoming a
professional.
We will be publishing a series of guides over the coming
month that will help provide you with detailed information
on how to start and build an online presence, how to
promote yourself and your unique artist’s personality, and
how get your creations to buyers.
THE POSSIBILITIES
What does a successful online arts and crafts business
look like? Almost anything! From small shops selling a few
beautiful items, to companies with thousands of orders
each month, every successful online business is unique.
How do they measure success? Quite simply, an online
business is successful when it fulfills the goals of its
owner.
SELLING ONLINE: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Whatever your definition of “success,” there are amazing
opportunities for you online. The Internet is rich with different selling platforms, systems you can use to create your
own website, and opportunities to blog and connect with
other artists and customers worldwide.
Starting an online business is an attractive idea. Most
people like the thought of being their own boss, working
from home, and making money doing what they love to
do. But is it right for everyone?
Is it right for you?
CRAFTMAKER
USING YOUR SKILLS
Most online businesses, at the beginning, are a oneperson show. Unless you have abundant funding
for startup, you will need to do all the jobs required in
setting up your small business. You will be the
manufacturer, the marketing director, the customer service
manager, and the Internet technology department. You will
do the bookkeeping, the inventory control, and the
shipping. When you need help during busy holiday sales,
you will hire and manage employees. You will do your own
product development research, seek your own legal
advice, handle your own taxes and business licensing,
and manage your own money. Here are just a few of the
things you will need to teach yourself as your new
online business grows:
HOW TO GET ORGANISED
How to brainstorm and test new products, marketing
ideas, and solutions to problems that arise
How to motivate yourself, day after day, to stay focused
and productive
How to get better at making your artwork and products
How to copyright and license your original designs
How to budget the money that is earned and spent by
your business
How to use the Internet to gather information,
communicate with people, and set up your own web
pages on different venues
How to write clearly, correctly, and quickly, whether you’re
creating e-mails, product descriptions, or newsletter
articles
How to balance your personal life with the demands of
your business
It is not necessary to start out in control of all these things.
What is necessary is a willingness to be open to change,
work hard, have patience, and learn.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
In the end, success comes down to a personal definition.
You decide how you will measure success.
Success is what feeds your soul. Sometimes the bottom
line is not about money—it is about the way we walk
through the world, the message we seek to convey
through arts and crafts, the creation of beauty. Our
artwork would be our passion whether or not we make
money with it. For many artists and crafters, true success
is simply being free to do our artwork and share it with the
world.
Selling your artwork online is serious business. It can be
your road to success at whatever level you imagine, from
turning your hobby into a satisfying small part-time
business, to creating a substantial full-time job and
income for yourself. The secret to your success will be a
combination of talent, quality, and intuition. But the main
CRAFTMAKER
ingredient will be your ability to get down to work, because
sellingyour artwork online is a job. It is a serious
commitment to thinking and acting like a professional, and
ultimately will lead your business to success.
DEVELOPING YOUR PRODUCT LINE
Artists and artisans enter the world of Internet sales in
many different ways. Some are already
successful sellers, experienced in gallery sales, craft fairs,
and shops. Others may be just starting their professional
art life online, with little or no experience actually selling
the things that they love to make. No matter how they arrive, they all face the same initial question: Will my work
sell online?
SUCCESSFUL ONLINE ARTS AND CRAFTS
The wide variety of arts and crafts available exemplifies
the diversity of the Internet’s worldwide market. There truly
is room for every seller and every artistic tradition online,
from traditional to contemporary, Victorian to primitive,
elegant to shabby chic. There are also tried and true sales
models that will help guarantee success.
QUALITY WORK AT A REASONABLE PRICE
The best way to guarantee success is to sell quality
products at reasonable prices. The best and most
successful handmade sellers fall into this delightful
category. Offering quality products is essential from the
beginning. Online customers are an amazingly
sophisticated crowd, and the Internet is filled with fabulous
arts and crafts choices. Examine your work with a critical
and impartial eye. Be your own best critic. If your work is
not already professional quality, then spend some time
improving your skills before you venture online. Take
classes and workshops to learn professional techniques.
Invest in high-quality materials. Offer your items for sale at
craft fairs and local events, and seek feedback
from your customers.
WORK WITH A SPECIAL MEANING FOR PEOPLE
Online customers have so many options that it takes
something extraordinary to attract them to your
product. Successful artwork stands out from a crowd of
competitors. It appeals beyond its basic quality and
beauty. When you look at the most successful online
artists and artisans, you will often discover that their
artwork carries some sort of deeper meaning for the
customer. This might be of a spiritual nature, inspirational,
motivational, etc. The art might appeal to customers’
romantic or nostalgic roots. It may incorporate symbols of
popular culture, heroes, a sport or lifestyle, a team, or a
unique place in the world. It might connect with a deeply
held value such as ecology, diversity, or peace.
Successful artwork tells a story, and the customer is
buying the story as much as the handcrafted item.
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A SELECTION OF ARTS
AND CRAFTS COURSES
ALSTON HALL
SHORLAND OLD FARM
Art holidays and retreats in a 17th century farmhouse in
Devon. A wide range of tutored art breaks throughout the
year, led by different professional artists/tutors. Also,
untutored holidays for groups wanting to do their own
thing.
www.shorlandoldfarm.co.uk
An inspiring, supportive and welcoming environment for
adults of all ages. Courses include Chinese brush
painting, computing, bookbinding, garden design and
aromatherapy.
www.lancashire.gov.uk/adultlearning/our-colleges/alston-hall.aspx
THE GRANGE
ANGLIA LEISURE LEARNING
A beautiful Georgian house in Shropshire
The Grange offers courses in Book Arts (bookbinding,
paper marbling, letterpress printing, printmaking,
calligraphy) as well as painting, yoga, mindfulness and
meditation courses and women’s retreats
ww.thegrange.uk.com
Residential creative courses in East Anglia a wide range
of topics offered, from patchwork and quilting, lace making
and embroidery, through wildlife, ukulele and beading, to
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calligraphy, short story writing and history, among others.
www.anglialeisurelearning.co.uk
CRAFTMAKER
BOAT BUILDING ACADEMY
offers 2 days to 38 week courses in boat building, woodworking, sail making and associated skills. Based on
Lyme Regis’ famous Monmouth Beach the Academy lies
at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
www.boatbuildingacademy.com
FLAMEWORKING
Lampwork (also know as Flamework) or glass bead
making, is my new found passion. Using a rod of glass, a
hot head torch (and gas to light it), plus several different
tools, you can create amazing glass beads.
I run beginner's sessions here in Colchester. These can
be 1 to 1 or 1 to 2 if you'd prefer to share a torch and bring
a friend!
www.curly-girly.co.uk
DENMAN
A wide variety of day and residential courses in cookery,
craft and lifestyle range includes something for every
interest – from curries, cakes and crochet to papercutting,
photography and Pilates – and the courses are designed
to cater for the complete beginner to the more
accomplished www.denman.org.uk
MOSAIC
DILLINGTON HOUSE
Dillington House offers a large and diverse programme of
weekend and longer courses throughout the year. In
addition there is an extensive programme of day courses,
public lectures and classical music concerts. Courses
include interior design, Egyptology, writing, drama and
wines. www.dillington.com
CRAFTMAKER
Inspiring mosaic workshops for
beginners to advanced. One
day to a week.
Prices include tuition, basic
materials and use of studio and
equipment.
Friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Small groups up to 8.
Choose from beginners mosaic, mosaic on mesh for the
garden, images behind glass, learning to cut stained
glass, house signs, table tops. In fact ask me and if I can,
I will help you realise your project.
www.maddiejanes.simpl.com
7
A FEW TUTORIALS TO GET YOU GOING
STEP 2: Take a good sized chunk of
green clay. Work it in your hands until it
is soft, then roll it into a ball.
RING DISH
STEP 3: Roll one side of the ball at an
angle to create a teardrop shape
This will bring a shimmering hint of nature into
your home. It's simple, inexpensive, and the
result is something that is both functional and
pretty. Keep reading if you'd like to know how to
make a polymer clay ring dish!
Here are the supplies you'll need:
Clockwise from left
-1 package of green polymer clay
-Pearl Ex pigment or other shimmery powder (try eyeshadow if you don't have any Pearl-Ex!)
-A leaf
-Small rolling pin
-Blade
STEP 4: Press the teardrop flat with your thumb.
STEP 1: Prepare a clean
workspace. If you have
wax paper or parchment
paper, tear off a sheet
and tape it down. If not,
wipe down your surface
until it is free of any dust
or other
8
STEP 5: Use a rolling pin
to further flatten the
shape
CRAFTMAKER
STEP 6: Place the clay and the leaf side-by-side and plan
the placement of the leaf pattern
STEP 10: Sprinkle a small amount of shimmer dust onto
your workspace. This step is optional, but the pigment
does help bring out the details of the leaf.
STEP 11: If you have a paintbrush, use it to lightly brush
the powder onto the surface of the leaf. You can also use
your finger, but be gentle so you don't wipe away the pattern.
STEP 7: Press the leaf down onto the clay. Use the rolling
pin to ensure the leaf pattern is fully imprinted onto the
clay. Note- this would be a good time to start preheating
your oven. Check the packaging of your clay to determine
temperature.
STEP 12: Sculpt the edges of the leaf so that you create a
bowl. Slightly pinch both ends to emphasize the leaf
shape.
STEP 13: With a new piece of clay, make a small ball and
press it flat
STEP 14: Press the medallion shape onto the bottom of
the leaf as firmly as you can without distorting the leaf.
This will serve as a base for your dish.
STEP 15: Almost done! Place your leaf in an oven-safe
pan or baking sheet. Bake according to the directions on
the package of clay you used.
STEP 8: Slowly peel the leaf from the surface of the clay.
STEP 16: Allow your leaf to cool for at least 15 minutes
once it's done baking, and then it's time to varnish. This
step is optional, but a coat of varnish seals the pigment
and adds shine and durability to the finished piece
STEP 17: Allow the varnish to dry overnight. Once it's dry,
you can begin to use your lovely new nature-inspired ring
dish!
STEP 9: Use a flat blade to
remove the leaf from your
workspace
CRAFTMAKER
9
3: Gently bend the two spirals toward each other to
create a clamshell shape.
WIRE WRAPPED PEARL
NECKLACE
Feminine pearls are the perfect accessory to complement
any outfit. They are always in style and always fabulous.
This caged pearl pendant is a beautiful piece of jewellery
that captures the beauty and simplicity of a single pearl.
4: Use your pliers to
grip the ends of the
wires in the center
of the spirals.
Gently pull the
center of the spirals
outward to expand
the shape of the
clamshell.
5: Place your pearl in
the middle of the spirals.
Supplies:
10 inches of 20-gauge
wire
1 pearl
1 necklace chain
6: Then use your fingers
to gently adjust the wire
so it will surround the
pearl in a cage.
Tools:
Jewelry pliers or tweezers
Wire cutters or sturdy
scissors
Instructions:
1: Start by coiling
your wire into a flat
spiral. Keep on
winding the wire
around until you
have a spiral about
the same size in
diameter as your
pearl.
2: Start making a
spiral in the
opposite direction to
create a figure "S"
shape. This time
you will be starting
on the outside of
the spiral and
coiling the wire
around inward.
Once you get to the middle, snip off any excess wire you
may have with your wire cutters.
CRAFTMAKER
7: To complete your
pendant, use your pliers
to twist up the top of the
spiral to form a loop.
Tighten the loop if
necessary to remove
any gaps. This loop will
serve as a place to
thread your necklace
through, so make sure
there are not any gaps,
or your necklace may slide off.
8: Thread your necklace through the loop you’ve just
made and your pearl caged pendant is ready to wear!
11
ring becomes skinner. (This will make sense in a minute.)
When I'm ready to start crocheting again, I just put my
hook back through that great big loop I made, and pull the
leading wire so this loop shrinks back to hook-size.
WIRE FLOWER PENDANT
Once you get started on the whole wire crochet thing, the
challenge becomes really compelling.
With some practice, you can convert many different crochet flower patterns into wire. It's stiffer stuff, obviously, so
you may want to keep to the simpler patterns. But the results are pretty cool. Here's a very simple flower pendant
to try.
I'm using 28 gauge colored copper wire here.
Slip knot your wire to your hook.
Chain 7, and then slip stitch in the first chain to create a
ring.
Next, I do a little cheat to help
compensate for the wire being
much stiffer and less flexible
than yarn. First, I want to set
my hook down, so I pull the
loop that's around the hook
open, so it becomes nice and
big and impossible to lose.
And then I pinch the chains in
this ring together a bit, so the
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Now, I'm making 16 single crochets into this ring. As
you're working these singles, you'll probably need to slide
them around the ring at some point to make room for
more singles. This is where it helps to have pinched the
ring skinnier earlier - that makes it much easier to slide the
single crochets along.
When you've completed the 16 singles, then slip stitch
into the first one to complete the row.
This is a good moment to talk about slip-stitching with
wire. When you're working with yarn, it's usually pretty
easy to see where the right loops are to place a slip-stitch.
Not so with wire. So if you need to make a slip-stitch, and
you can't see where the right wire loops are, don't worry.
Just find a loop that's in the general vicinity of where you
need that slip-stitch to be, and use that. Nobody will ever
know.
Time to make
petals now.
Chain an odd
number of times.
I'm using five for
this sample, but
if you use seven,
or nine, you'll
have longer
petals.
CRAFTMAKER
wire, which is the loose end from the beginning of your
work.
Now, skip one single crochet in your ring, and slip stitch in
the next one. (Or, as we just discussed, slip stitch in that
vicinity.)
That's one petal.
Now repeat those
two steps to
make more.
You're going to
make eight total.
If your flower looks a little wonky at this point, don't worry.
You kind of have to tell wire what to do. So, take a
moment and give your flower a little shaping with your
fingers.
When you've slipstitched your
eighth petal in
place, then pull
the loop that's
around your hook
out again, so it
grows to about 4"
in length.
Cut the loop in
the center with
wire cutters.
You can wire a nice button or bead to the center of your
flower, if you like.
This cut results in
a long loose end
of wire. Weave it
in by stitching it in
and out of the
ring of single
crochet you
made. Keep your
stitches small,
and they won't be
noticeable. Make
about four stitches, and then cut the wire close to your
work.
Then, do the same thing with the other loose end of the
CRAFTMAKER
Just thread it
through a piece of
scrap wire about 6"
long. Then, poke
the two ends
through that single
crochet ring, bring
them to the back of
the flower, and
twist.
And I used pretty
much the same
technique to join
the three flowers
together for the top photo. Using pieces of scrap wire, I
just threaded it in and out of the two crocheted pieces,
and then wove in the ends. Pop a jump ring on there, and
you're all set.
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Step Four: Now it's time to add beads! So your beads
have been sitting patiently all this time, strung on your
wire and waiting for action.
You've just made a chain stitch with a bead captured in it
CROCHET WIRE WITH BEADS
First, you need supplies:
- One spool of 28 gauge wire, silver or another
color.
- Assorted beads -- about 40 for a choker, or
about 20 for a bracelet.
- A metal crochet hook, size G.
- Wire cutters and needle-nose pliers.
- Findings: jumprings and a clasp of some kind.
Step One: String your beads onto the wire, leaving it attached to the spool. You can string them in random order,
or plan the order out in advance. It's a good idea to have a
few of your smallest beads at the start and end of your
strand, so your finished jewelry will hang nicely. Once
you've strung all your beads, push them along down the
wire toward the spool, out of your way.
Step Two: Make a slip-knot with your wire.
Step Five: When you've crocheted in all your beads, then
finish your strand with three more chain stitches. Then,
you can cut the wire free of the spool, leaving about a 3"
tail of wire at both ends.
Step Six: Now you can tidy up the loops at the ends of
your strand. Take the loose tail of wire and wrap it through
that end loop a few times to anchor your stitching. Then,
cut the loose end of the wire close to that loop. Do this at
the other end of your strand, too. You can then attach your
jumprings and finding.
magine the possibilities here! You can make several
strands and then braid them loosely together. You can
make long strands or short ones, and use any size of
bead. You can experiement with single crochet, double
crochet, or even crocheting in the round.
Now, put your crochet hook
through that slip knot, and
tighten it but fairly loosely!
See how much space I've
left here?
Step Three: Chain three.
CRAFTMAKER
15
across the road and a creepy storeroom just around the
corner. This seemed like luxury for a while...
The Beads Unlimited story
We first opened our modest premises, the Brighton Bead
Shop, in March 1986, with the idea of supplying not just
glass beads but a vast, cosmopolitan mix of jewellerymaking supplies. It was an icy day notable for a three inch
snow fall and we took less than £50. A less than
auspicious start for the vast, corporate and hi-tech entity
of today (well maybe not that vast, but still amongst the
top UK bead suppliers)!
Mail order beads were a part of our business from the
beginning. For a while, it was merely a box file by the
shop counter, but it swiftly grew and took over the old
bathroom at the back of the shop. As we expanded into
wholesale beads and a wider range of jewellery making
supplies, more room became a priority.
Our excess stock was kindly stored above the local
pottery, straining its floorboards and giving its proprietor
nightmares about millions of tiny glass beads showering
the customers below. Wholesale beads were not what the
potter had in mind when his doors opened in the morning.
So in the summer of 1995, we expanded to a second shop
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After several cases of startled staff skating down the stairs
on loitering large glass beads and nerves wearing thin
from visiting the storeroom (sensitive creatures that we
are), we decided a change was in order. So in November
2001, we moved our mail order beads department to a
spanking new warehouse in Hove.
All our beads, pendants, jewellery findings and threads
are now neatly regimented, and staff have taken on an air
of serenity as our world-famous speedy service has
become even more efficient. Our friendly, personal service
remains the same.
Our shop is still open and welcoming visitors, and the
beads we carry at both outlets are still designed to appeal
to all. For our fashion range we take our cue from the
bright young things who populate the café society of the
North Laine area of Brighton where our shop stands. We
attend a number of outside events, both retail and trade,
to ensure that we remain well connected to the retail
mainstream. This also ensures our more committed craft
workers are not neglected.
We are at pains to check the production of our top selling
lines. This takes us to far flung corners of the world where
we are offered spicy food and we travel by uncomfortable,
and occasionally dangerous, means of transportation.
Understanding the production process gives us the edge
in quality control and getting new designs out to you, our
lovely and loyal customers. We operate an informal fair
trade policy where possible. Happy, smiling workers make
happy, smiling beads. Overbearing bosses overseeing
downtrodden workers do not make suitable suppliers.
www.beadsunlimited.co.uk
CRAFTMAKER
Spellbound Beads was born out of a desire to find new
and interesting components to make jewellery with and to
share our passion for making with other people. Over the
years we have taught
hundreds of
workshops, helped thousands of people with all sorts of
queries and had very many useful suggestions brought to
us, for us in turn to pass on. Through the shop,
workshops, shows, web-site and phone line we have met
many wonderful people who have shared their ideas,
enthusiasm, praise and criticisms with us and we hope
that the combination of our desire to bring you the best
and your feedback combines to bring our customers a
great experience however they choose to shop with us.
In July 1984 two Birmingham teenagers first took a stand
on their local market selling jewellery and clothing that
they had made. The jewellery soon edged the clothes out
and the need for beads saw us pounding the streets of the
world (ah the good old days before the internet!)
searching for bead factories that could fulfill our
seemingly insatiable desire for new and interesting items
to make our jewellery with.The jewellery eventually gave
way to selling the component parts and teaching our
customers how to make their own jewellery and we also
collected a fellow market trader along the way. Originally
selling records and tapes Kevin fast became an
essential part of the bead business, firstly as neither
Julie nor Christine could drive there were only so many
places we could get to by bus and train, but, as many of
you will know, he is a key member of the team and has
the dubious pleasure of looking after the books, and
keeping our wilder buying urges in check, as well as
being one of the core members of our show team.
www.spellboundbead.co.uk
CRAFTMAKER
17
WE LOVE CREATIVITY
We believe that when you make something, that thing
becomes ingrained with personal significance and value.
You remember what inspired you, exactly how you made
it; what materials and equipment you used and how you
felt during its creation. Once it's complete, you have a
piece of work to keep forever. Whether it's a print, a
painting, a cushion, a dress or a sculpture: it's become a
part of you!
We believe that with a little enthusiasm, anyone can start
to learn a new skill.
So you didn't think you were creative at school? Well
forget that, there's room for everybody in the world of arts
and crafts!
Everybody at Homecrafts is as passionate about arts,
crafts and design as you are. We want to inspire you to
create beautiful and practical things (well, maybe not
always practical...!) and give you the widest product
choice available stitched together with the best value and
expert advice.
WE BELIEVE IN GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE
Homecrafts has grown a fair bit since it first evolved as the
mail order department of Specialist Crafts. These days
we're in a much larger building designed to accommodate
us all and our ever-expanding range of 16,000 products!
Our range is on site, so when you order we can tell you
exactly when an item is on our shelves and ready to wing
its way to your front door.
We really want you to have the best customer experience
possible.
If you have a question about our products, or crafting and
18
design techniques then please email or call our
Technical Expert Team. They're here to help
advise you on what glue to use or what ink is
ideal for use with a particular textile.
We're not a huge, impersonal customer call
centre, and that's why we can offer such
wonderful creative advice from a highly skilled
technical team. Just email the Technical Expert Team on
0116 269 7733 with a detailed description of your enquiry.
The more detail you provide, the better advice the team
can give!
WE BELIEVE BIN THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
As was written in our Dryad catalogue many moons ago,
we still maintain this philosophy today. We believe in
products which are fit for purpose. We definitely believe
that you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear! The
quality of your tools and materials is incredibly important,
and we want you to be able to rely and depend on them.
A tool that lasts longer is much better for our world.
The Homecrafts' workroom is home to almost every tool
and technique to be found in the world of art, craft and
design! If it exists, then it will be lurking somewhere in the
nooks and crannies of this custom-built, creative cavern.
The studio is the domain of our Technical Expert Team, a
hand-picked bunch of qualified creatives and practising
artists with one mission in mind: to bring you the best arts
and crafts materials and tools available today.
The Homecrafts' Product Team research and investigate
every needle, bodkin and glass paint to make sure that
they are of the highest standard available. Once they pass
this initial entry test, the products are then put through
stringent procedures by our Technical Experts to ensure
that no substandard items get through the net!
We will not sell you a product that these crafts
professionals would not use themselves!
www.homecrafts.co.uk
CRAFTMAKER
Our story began in Manchester in 1886 with a man called Fred. Fred
had two things – a bright idea and a cracking beard. Fred had been
working in a cotton mill, like many people in the city at the time,
when he noticed that the cotton was being trundled around in
baskets. This gave him the idea for a business, to start importing the
cane for the baskets from abroad. Fred Aldous Ltd was born out of
that idea.
We’ve grown a fair bit over the last 128 years but we still do what
Fred, aka Fred the First, did all those years ago – supply materials to
people who make things. We started off with just three products
(cane, willow and yeast) selling to the cotton traders and master
brewers of Manchester. Now we stock more than 25,000 products
and sell to customers all over the world.
FRED ALDOUS
We began selling craft products when Fred the Second (Fred the
First’s son) spotted that the city’s cotton industry was declining. Fred
the Second decided to ramp up the handicrafts side of the business
and this genius decision not only saved us but transformed us into
what we are today. The fall of the cotton trade wasn’t the only
obstacle we’ve had to overcome during the last 125 years. We’ve
also had to cope with two and a half fires, a flood, a demolition ball,
scam artists, two world wars and the invention of television.
We’ve been successful because we’ve always had the support of
our lovely dedicated staff, some of whom have been with us for
almost 40 years (heads up Pauline), and our wonderful community
of customers (you know who you are). For this, we thank you. Your
relentless enthusiasm for our products and projects has fuelled
creativity in thousands of people and made sure that we’re
constantly growing and evolving.
Inspiring new ideas and encouraging people are values that Fred the
First instilled in the company when he began. We’ve flourished
thanks to these simple ideals and we’re pretty sure that’s why we’re
still a family run business after all these years. Five generations of
the Aldous family have led us over the last century or so and each
generation has had the same passion for craftsmanship. We
just love those people who have that urge to pick up a pencil,
brush or needle and want to create. If you’re one of these
people we salute you and we figure that, if we still want to be
around in another 125 years, we need to keep encouraging
people like you to try out new ways of making things. That’s
why we’re constantly developing fresh ideas and coming up
with new schemes and that’s why we can provide the right
tool or material for whatever project you might be working on.
This first 128 years has been a blast. We reckon the next 128
will be even better!
www.fredaldous.co.uk
CRAFTMAKER
19
We are a family-run craft shop and website based in Wymbush, Milton Keynes, specialising in cardmaking,
scrapbooking and general craft items. We have been trading since 2010, sending craft products all over the world
including Mauritius, Australia, Hawaii and Japan!
All items shown on our website are currently in stock, and we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and
quick delivery. Our aim is to provide you with the latest trends in craft products, from well-known manufacturers
including American Crafts, Heidi Swapp, My Mind's Eye, Hazel & Ruby, Papermania and many more!
We offer FREE delivery to all UK orders over £30, and also have very competitive prices compared to other online and
high-street craft stores.
We opened our stock room, now our
showroom, to the public in May 2014 to
enable crafters in the local area to come
and browse our vast array of crafting
products. We are open Monday-Friday,
10am-4pm, and love meeting crafters
and visitors to the showroom.
Penny is our Customer Support
assistant, and she will answer any
queries you may have by e-mail.
Annabel and Charlotte are always on
hand in the showroom to help with any
questions you have, and to advise you
on our latest new arrivals and special
offers. If you have any questions, please
don't hesitate to ask!
www.onestopcraftshop.com
20
CRAFTMAKER
ARTS & CRAFTS IN HASTINGS
Over the years Hastings has grown as an arts and crafts
centre, especially around the Old Town. One local group
has a membership of over 750. Run by volunteers,
Hastings Creatives is an e-list for the creative and media
community. That includes everyone working in, or
interested in the creative arts and media in the Hastings
area stretching from fine artists to those working with new
media, from community groups to graphic designers and
illustrators. It provides a discussion and networking group
for support and sharing of information.
Another local association Coastal Currents has also
grown over the years, hosting many varied arts events in
the area. This year it included a visit of The Red Ladies.
An enigmatic invasion of twenty or thirty ladies all dressed
in identical outfits, red head scarves, black coats, and red
stilettos. During the day they gathered at various locations
and stood around silently creating an air of secrecy.
At the end of the day a helicopter arrived from over the
sea and hovered overhead while a limousine drove up,
collected some of the Red Ladies and disappeared,
followed by the helicopter. Intriguing.
This is one of the intriguing things about art – it’s in the
eye, and the mind, of the beholder. Take, for example, the
half-mile long double deck promenade known as Bottle
Alley. Built in the 30’s by local ‘Concrete King’ Sidney
Little. The walls of the lower deck are faced with glass
from broken bottles, and the lower walls were faced with
granite setts to take the full force of the sea. Plans are in
Guestling Village Hall
CRAFTMAKER
Bottle Alley
place to bring the unique walkway back to its former glory.
During the course of each year there are any number of
Arts and Crafts Fairs to cater for the growing number of
followers. These are held at various venues across
Hastings and usually contain a varied range of different
crafts – artwork, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, and more.
There’s always something to catch the eyes of the visitors.
The Craftmaker Association is going to start holding Fairs
around Hastings, to complement the existing Fairs run on
a regular basis in North West London. The first of these
Arts and Craft Fairs will be held at Guestling Village Hall
on Saturday 24th October. Although it is a little way out of
town, on the A259 between Ore and Icklesham, there is a
car park and a good turnout is anticipated.
Anyone interested in exhibiting at Guestling can email
mike@magnetweb.co.uk to express an interest and
receive more information, either for the 24th
October Fair or for later dates.
Aside from the Craft Fairs there is a growing
number of shops catering for artists and craft
makers in the area. The same applies to galleries
exhibiting all types of artwork. These include the
Jerwood Gallery on The Stade, just off the fishing
beach in Hastings Old Town, which opened in 2012
at a cost of £4 million and exhibits contemporary
British art.
Perhaps it is no coincidence that the real hub of the
arts and crafts in Hastings is centered around the
Old Town, not only in George Street and the High
Street but also in the surrounding lanes and back
alleys. It is well worth taking the time to stroll around
to explore everything there is to find.
Mike Harris
21
REGINE DE LA HEY
French artist Regine de la Hey was trained as a jeweller and sculptor. She prefers
her art to be functional, whether it’s being worn or used as a household object. She
has hand made a unique range of jewellery using semi-precious stones, several
incorporate a feature stone that can be manipulated in meditative, revolving
movements. Her rings are crafted with rough carved rubies and rock crystals set in
brass. She also works with found and recycled objects including wood, glass &
various metals. All the pieces are carefully crafted by hand.
www.reginedelahey.com
22
CRAFTMAKER
HEWAIDA RAMLY
“Intriguing pieces of jewellery that accentuate & define the body part is what every woman wants “
Hewaida Ramly
Being an architect who had a few Art Exhibitions around the world, has tremendously helped in my career as a jewellery
designer. I work mainly with glass/semi precious stones dating back to late 19th - early 20th century, natural elements
with bent, twisted, rolled & stretched precious metals to create exquisite geometric wearable pieces. My aim is to
associate the ‘missed past’ with the ‘contemporary’ to create a classic/modern one off ‘Piece of Jewellery’
As Hewaida mentions ‘colourful and geometrical forms are main characteristics in all designs reflecting my
architectural artistic background, each piece is made to reflect the variation in colour tones and geometric juxtaposition
‘Jewellery must be accessorised by dress’
www.jewellerymountain.co.uk
CRAFTMAKER
23
LILIANA ANDERSON - World of miniatures
Hello and Welcome to the world of miniatures!
My name is Liliana Anderson and I run London Dollshouses and Toys, now online and at fairs. I create unique
collectable dolls house miniatures mainly in 1/12 scale.
I use different materials such as wood, polymer clay, card, resin etc. All items are unique and one of a kind miniatures,
of which many are just for the collectors and some may be suitable for children.
Whoever does own a dollshouse can tell you what a wonderful enjoyment it can bring to the family, all members and
generations can enjoy it, contribute in decorating, moving the furniture around, dressing the dolls'house for special
occasions, making stories about their inhabitants, dressing the dolls, it is endless how it can trigger the imagination to
work! And one more good reason to enjoy the miniatures is to take away the attention from all the screens our children
are exposed to!
My first proper dolls house was a birthday present from my dear husband. It was a handmade wooden Tudor style
dolls`house which is very much responsible for my passion of making and collecting miniatures and antique dolls.
After exhibiting at few specialist dolls'house Fairs in the UK, I opened my shop in Hampstead in 2006. and spent 8 years
building my collection for customers from all over the world. I closed the shop in March 2014. and now concentrate on
exhibiting at specialist and craft fairs in the UK and Europe, and on my online shop.
For special orders of dolls houses or miniature rooms and settings, please contact me.
Orders normally take about 6-8 weeks to be completed depending on other projects and busy times of the year.
Liliana Anderson
24
CRAFTMAKER
ELIZABETH’S QUARTERS
By day I’m a graphic designer, specialising in illustrated books, but my real passion is for textiles. In my spare time,
when I’m not quilting, sewing or knitting, I’m usually daydreaming about them.
So much of my time recently has been spent sewing, most of which I can’t share as it’s either for future publication, or a
gift for someone who might be reading. While sewing for others brings its own pleasures and rewards, I never realised,
until now, how much I jealously regard sewing as time for me–something done solely to please myself. I suspect I’m not
alone in this, and, that although most of us are our own worst critics, being creative just for the fun of it, and not caring
what others think, is more satisfying than anything else.
One of the things I love about sewing, is that it teaches you so much about life in general. Sometimes the lesson is
about the importance of patience, or using quality materials, sometimes it’s about trusting your instincts, or the value of
preparation.
CRAFTMAKER
25
ARATI DEVASHER
Arati Devasher : one-of-a-kind hand painted silk, drawings & paintings
arati-devasher-hand-painted-silk
The silk is dyed and the colour steam set, then the silk is stretched on a frame and treated with Jaquard No-Flow to restrict the spread of the dye. The general design is drawn freehand as a guide, using a laundry marker that fades on application of liquid.
Silk dye is used to paint the design on the scarf, using the drawing only as a guide and improvising to perfect the pattern
as needed. After a half hour or so of drying time, the colours are added in to the design, adding detail where needed.
The creation process is done. The scarf is set aside to 'rest' so the dyes can set further. Then it is rolled in paper with
other scarves, and the batch of silk is steamed for a few hours to set the dyes.
Then the scarf is washed, ironed, and then is ready to wear!
26
CRAFTMAKER
ALICE PORTNOY
My name is Alice Portnoy and I’ve called my company My
Jewellery Wardrobe. I am a designer/maker, working in silver with semi precious stones and beads with silver components.
I started my jewellery studies 6 years ago, after retiring
from a career in marketing. I’ve always loved working with
my hands: sewing clothes for my children and working
with ceramics for many years. Jewellery has given me another creative outlet and a new and exciting career.
My jewellery reflects my love of texture and stong geometric shapes. I’ve used fabrics and papers to add texture to
silver, combined circles and ovals with rivets to create
movement and added curves and folds for greater depth.
Flexibility is also important to me when designing a piece.
Pendants can be supplied with long or short chains or can
slide on to a collar to sit close to the neck. Some pendants
can also be worn as brooches. Everything is made to
order so the size can be changed to suit the wearer.
I was delighted when one of my pieces was selected for
display at The Victoria and Albert Museum as part of the
Inspired By Competition. I have since produced additional
pieces in this design, some of which have been gold
plated.
I am happy to accept commissions and look forward to exhibiting at several craft shows throughout the year.
www.myjewellerywardrobe.co.uk
CRAFTMAKER
27
IAN ANTONY PAUL
Ian Antony Paul is a prolific self taught North London artist who has been
painting for many years, his preferred medium is acrylic on canvas favoring
the abstract style for the freedom of colour and expression that this style allows.
Ian’s latest pictures include a series of eye catching abstracts presented in
black 10”X12” box frames with mount, giving a sophisticated, contemporary
look, pleasing to the eye whether displayed singularly or as a set.
There is also a stunning range of abstract canvases 24”x30”x1.5”. Both the
framed abstracts and the canvases are suitable for home, office or corprate
display. All pictures are gloss varnished for added protection, 10”X12” pictures are ready to hang and canvases come with canvas hangers.
Both sales and commissions are gladly welcomed. Enjoy what you see and
if you have any questions or comments don’t hesitate to send an email.
ian.antony_paul@yahoo.co.uk
28
CRAFTMAKER
SHELLEY THOMAS
Artist Blacksmith & Jeweller
I work with metal as a blacksmith and jeweller. I design and
make almost anything in iron, and now, almost anything in
silver and gold; having originally trained in the 80s as a silversmith and jeweller.
From beds to bracelets and balconies - and from gates to
silver and gold rings. Most of the jewellery pieces incorporate
semi-precious jewels.
GRANDMA’S JEWELS….. pieces of jewellery which are
emotionally precious to the owner, but are unwearable…
Grandma’s broken gold brooch… Mum’s old wedding ring…
Uncle Tom’s engagement ring. I can adapt it......add to it.....
make something that you would love to wear. The gold and
silver is yours so this helps to keep the cost down. Bring me
your ‘Grandma’s Jewels’ and let me play some more!
Bonnie
entrusted her
Grandma’s
bracelet to me
to make her a
new necklace…..I took
the diamonds
out…..cut it
up….hit it with a
hammer a few
times..added an
ebony piano
key…Bonnie is
a singer and pianist….returned the diamonds plus some other
stones….made a few beads out of a second gold bracelet and
job done!…
As an artist blacksmith my speciality in ironwork is for bespoke
beds. These metal beds are often themed e.g. Castaway on a
Desert Island Bed and a Jane Eyre Bed. Customers are
encouraged to express their ideas and dreams for their own
bed.
I also produce bespoke furniture and architectural work for
private individuals, restaurants and bars and have been
involved in local community projects creating unique public art.
Call 0871 090 7676 ref ( 1533 )
www.shelleythomas.co.uk
CRAFTMAKER
29
LUCKY RUTLAND
Lucky Studio
Hi my name is Lucky Rutland, I am an artist from New
Zealand and have lived in London for over twenty-six
years. My forte is in sculpture and paint. My inspiration
stems from Mother Nature and all it’s beautiful forms. I
was brought up on farms, so animals and trees have a
big influence on my art. I also sculpt from life models and produce drawings and charcoal images. I
run an art school entitled ‘Lucky Studio’, which is
based in the Chocolate factory in Wood Green London. I have been teaching Art for 12 years:
children and adults, from aged four to eight-five.
With the adults I teach ceramic, sculpture,
painting, drawing. In addition to the above
list, the children work in a variety of
mediums, including: paper mache, lino
cutting, mono printing and much more. I
love teaching children because their
ideas are deeply inspiring. I have an
annual kids exhibition (this year it will be
on the 26th of April from 12pm to 3pm).
also exhibit my own work about five
times per year.
I’m extremely lucky to be able to
peruse my passion as a job and feel
blessed every day
www.luckystudio.co.uk
30
CRAFTMAKER
MARC - SHAN (Maria Griffith)
Hi my name is Marcia but I am also known as Maria, I am the creator and founder of Marc - Shan – Semi Precious and
Precious Gem Stone Jewellery which is part of my name and shan, is someone who is very special to me.
I began as a silver smith in early 2001. Then I decided to work with beaded gemstones, because I love the colours and
the fact that they are natural, and adapt to your body to make you feel great. Marc – Shan I would describe as
affordable luxury that brings colour happiness and posterity as I love to use simple designs that brings out the best in
the gemstone, which I am very proud of doing. The Marc – Shan. Logo is very special to me because the three kisses
means X Live life to the full X Love yourself first, and X Laugh, because being stressed and unhappy is just not worth it
and a laugh I say is the first road to recovery.
I would also like to say thank you to everyone who has brought a piece of Marc – Shan, Jewellery. And for all your kind
a positive comments. I hope to see more people coming to Marc - Shan to enjoy the world of beautiful rainbow of
gemstones. Take care hope to see you soon. Maria (Marcia) of Marc – Shan
CRAFTMAKER
31
JACQUI JAMES
The Changing Face of
Ceramics
Jacqui James works in mixed media, plaster,
oils, glass, printing, though her main media
is clay. Her work is full of energy and vibrant in colour.
Her Monoprints were used as a back drop
for a French TV drama series “ L’Hopital”.
She attended Hastings College of Art,
Brighton University gaining a distinction for
her work in ceramics. In 2007 she was
admitted to La Maison des Artists based in
Paris, on the strength of her work,
exhibitions and sales in France.
Jacqui has had numerous local exhibitions
including St. Mary’s in the Castle, The Pier,
The Bourne Hall, Stratton Art Gallery, The
Stables Theatre Hastings, Rock a Nore Art
Gallery and Hastings Art forum. And in
France, Café Ibicaba
Angouleme Chez Paul Angouleme L’expo
des Artists Barbezieux and Le Main Giraud
Gallery Champagne Vigny.
Jacqui has work in private collections in
Norway, USA, Thailand, France, Belgium,
Portugal, Cyprus, New Zealand,
Australia, London and all over the UK.
32
CRAFTMAKER
TONY COATES
PAINTINGS & DRAWINGS
Original artwork at an affordable price
Having been fascinated by ‘creating’- drawing and painting since I was a small boy I naturally gravitated towards an ‘art
career’, on graduating from Canterbury College of Art in 1983 with a DipAD I spent the next 29 years working in Industry
as a Graphic Designer the last 12 of which were in Supervisory, Management based roles, in 2012 I took the decision to
concentrate on my passion for Painting & Drawing and getting back to what I really enjoy doing!
Based at Ramsgate, Kent, an artist working mainly in my preferred medium of Watercolour, Pen &Ink (Charcoal and
Pastelalso play their part) I cover a wide range of subject matter consisting of Pet portraits in the main, but I have also
doneChild portraits, House portraits, Landscape views etc as well as the occasional caricature for clients (examples on
my website)….I am happy to discuss any idea you may have in mind.
The pet portraits are done from images supplied by you or I can travel to take photographs if convenient and practical. I
also paint & draw ‘plein-air’ for Landscape etc but usually this is for pieces which will be offered for Sale.
Since starting the venture I have been commissioned
by clients from the USA, Canada and in Europe:
Holland, Italy, Portugal and the Czech Republic as well
as across the UK – Why not join them and give
consideration to having an original artwork for yourself
or as a gift for a friend or family member at an
affordable price.
Please contact me via the website at or phone on
07794162361
CRAFTMAKER
33
ARTS
&
CRAFTS
TO ADVERTISE
YOUR CRAFT
TELEPHONE
0207 813 0678
THE
CRAFT MAKER
ASSOCIATION
For Advertising &
Editorial
Tel:0207 813 0678
info@craftmaker.net
www.craftmaker.net
Bespoke jewellery and
collections designer
www.danielgallie.com
BLACK DRAGON
CRAFTS
Annie Wealleans, AKA The Black Dragon,
moved to rural West Wales in 1974 to
establish a jewellery business. Several
years later, she began designing Celtic
beads. The celticbeadshop.com now
contains solid lead-free pewter buttons,
beads, clasps and pendants galore! She
casts everything herself, in her quiet Welsh
hillside Lair. Each item is moulded with an
intricate and original Celtic knot design,
then painstakingly and lovingly finished by
hand. It is then barrelled, antiqued and
polished. All beads are formed with nice big
holes, the two latest additions to the range
with 5mm.
Annie also threads her beads into several
ranges of jewellery, all available at
blackdragon.co.uk. She makes: “CYFRIN”,
“CELTIC CHAKRA”, “CWTCH”, “TWT”,
“BOY-O”, “AM BYTH” and “BEADY”
jewellery with genuine gem beads…and a
stunning sterling silver range called
“CWLWM”.
Everything is sensibly priced and beautifully
packaged. Beware of imitations!
Call 0871 090 7676 ref ( 1528 )
www.blackdragon.co.uk
CRAFTMAKER
35
Hampstead Craft
Fair s Rosslyn
Hill Chapel
Pilgrims Place
Hampstead High St NW3 ING
Saturdays 11am – 5 pm
Refreshments - Free Entry
17th October, 21st November,
5th December 2015
Paintings, Prints, Photography
Jewellery, Ceramics, Glass, Enamel
Metal & Woodwork, Textiles, Fashion
Gifts etc.
Join the Artists & Craft Makers
Tel 020-7813-0677
www.craftmaker.net