‘I make my work in hopes it will remind people to connect with nature. Life can be so fast and wildlife so scarce that it’s too easy to forget its importance. ’

Tessa is the artist behind Tessa Hayward Sculpture and creates stunning life-like animal sculptures for public and private homes and gardens. Using wood bark, her woodland creatures seem to grow organically from their surroundings, creating a unique feel to it and providing a wonderful habitat for small wildlife.

With a background in both art and countryside conservation, the step to creating woodland sculpture was a natural one. Tessa talks about her passion for the outdoors, what she loves about where she lives and how it inspires her, what her creative process looks like and what she enjoys most about her work.

words by Marjolyn Poutsma and Tessa Hayward / images by Tessa Hayward

Hello Tessa!

It’s lovely to talk to you! Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to start your business Tessa Hayward Sculpture? 

‘I initially studied Art but moved into Countryside Conservation, so have now gone full circle. I never intended to make Sculpture as a career choice, or start a business at all, it all happened organically. I was working in a community woodland project and began running workshops for local groups and schools. Somehow that ended up with me being asked to create a sculpture trail in my local area. Since then I’ve had a steady flow of enquiries for both public and private commissions and a few years ago I had a choice to either turn opportunities down or make it a full-time occupation.’

Can you tell a bit about the materials and techniques that you’re using?

‘My methods are very much rooted in green woodwork and traditional bark weaving. I’ve experimented with new materials and incorporated metals like copper and bronze. I source the natural materials that I use very carefully, choosing barks that are by-product in timber production and from wind-blown trees. I work closely with local sustainably managed woodlands and woodland regeneration. I often work in Rhododendron for example, as it’s a very invasive species in the UK that shades out all other species and prevent them from growing.’ 

How would you describe your signature sculpture style?

‘The wood bark that I use creates natural organic patterns and unique textures, which are unlike willow or wood. It can make my work feel magical, as they seemingly grow organically from their surroundings. When my sculptures are kept outdoors, they provide a wonderful habitat for wildlife. You will often see birds perched on them, of find dormice nested amongst the barks. Eventually the bark silvers and the coppers become patinaed, mosses and lichen grow to cover the structure creating a whole new eco system.’

You take commissions for both public and private homes and gardens. Is there a difference between the two, for instance in process or kind of requests?

‘Yes, I make two types of sculpture really, but luckily so far, they fit alongside each other well. Public commissions normally involve larger scale work, with internal steel frames. They are often figurative or interpretive. I love working on these as I really enjoy welding and metal work.  I do also take on private commissions. These are often pet portraits, or a particularly loved wildlife species, like deer or hares, and are normally life-sized. I also make a selection of garden sculptures that are ideal for smaller spaces, such as my line of songbirds perched on restored vintage garden tools which I sell at events and from my online shop.’

What does your creative process look like from inspiration or commission to finished piece?

‘I think three words sum it up really, Calm – Storm – Calm! I start each new sculpture with a workshop tidy up, then I get out gathering up materials. I have good relationships with many woodland and estate owners locally who have given me permission to gather my materials from their land. I get outside, smell the smells of nature and – if I’m really lucky – spot some wildlife going about their business. This time is my calm and I find inspiration for each piece before I start sketching out ideas. Then I go back in to my workshop and the storm begins! My music goes on and it all gets a bit chaotic. Gradually my sculpture takes shape and it begins to emerge from the piles of metal, wood and bark. Finally, the calm comes again, as my work slows down, I pay attention to the details and my finishes.’   

Where do you work from? Is your workspace important for your creative process?

‘I think where I live is a huge factor in my sculpture and business. It really only exists because of the unique landscape here, so I’m very much rooted to this land. When I make my sculptures, it’s often the natural materials from my local landscape and the wildlife I see here that inspire me. I don’t have to go far to be in nature to gather materials or find inspiration. So, my workspace is vital to my creative process, but my workshop less so.’

Are there any kind of sculptures that you love to make most or that people are particularly interested in and why is that?

‘I do have a soft spot for woodland creatures, so I’m always happy when I get asked to make them. And I love making something to mark a special occasion or a memorial. It can feel very special to be part of something significant and personal.’

Do you have any work in progress that you’d like to share with us?

‘I’m currently working on two projects. I’m finishing off some foxes for an exhibition in May in Mid Wales and I’ve also started working on some large-scale sculptures for the Ignite festival at Polson Lacy. That’s got to be kept a surprise, so you’ll have to wait to find out more about that!

Do you have a favourite season in the year and why? Is there seasonality in your business?

‘I guess really, I like the season’s changing best! My work is definitely affected by seasonality too, with certain barks and materials following the season’s flow. I collect drift wood from Winter storms and peel barks in Spring.’

What do you find the most satisfying about the work that you do?

‘Peeling long strips of bark, the smell of earth and moss under my feet, seeing the land steam in the morning and seeing someone experience joy when they think they’ve spotted a wild animal for a split second. I make my work in hopes it will remind people to connect with nature. Life can be so fast and wildlife so scarce that it’s too easy to forget its importance. It’s good to be reminded now and then.’

Is there anything you struggle with as a small creative business owner?

‘I spend long hours in my own company, so occasionally, just now and then, I wish I could bounce ideas around and share some of the pressure of a deadline.’ 

What are your other passions or interests?

‘I’m very passionate about where I live. I live on the edge of West Wales, with my house on a shingle bank by the sea and I feel very privileged to share this space with its incredible marine and coastal life. I also love being in the sea. I swim most days from April to November and then wetsuit up to body board from November till April and get on my kayak when it’s not too windy.’

Do you have some words of wisdom to share with us?

Give it a go. Some things break, some things stick. Some things work, some things won’t.’

What does slow living mean to you?

‘To me it means striving for a balance and to find time to play.’

Which makers inspire you?
I was inspired by landscape artists like Andy Goldsworthy and David Nash at Art college. But when I saw Sally Matthews’ wolves in Grizedale Forest, I fell in love with them and that’s what convinced me to start making sculptures. By then I had studied countryside conservation, so I felt confident in the materials I wanted to use, and ready to return to art.

How do you relax after work:
A swim in the lighter seasons and in the darker seasons a game of Scrabble by the fire, which can be hilarious with myself and my two sons being dyslexic! We basically make up our own words and change the rules as we play, so I’ve no idea why it’s our favourite game.

MEET MORE BRANDS

‘My workshop is my happy place. To have a place to thrash out ideas and have a play couldn’t be more important for the creative process for me.’

Paula is the designer and maker behind Paula Kirkwood Bags, creating practical, minimalist style leather goods. Her beautiful pieces are made with vegetable tanned leather and reclaimed canvas, which she loves for its durability and character. Her collection consists of sustainably crafted functional yet luxurious items.  

We talk to Paula about her background in the fashion industry and how it led to starting her own ethical business. She shares where she gets her inspiration from, how she gets in the mood to work, her morning rituals, what she loves about her craft, being her own boss and putting a smile on people’s faces.

words by Marjolyn Poutsma and Paula Kirkwood / images by Paula Kirkwood

Hello Paula!

It’s lovely to talk to you! Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to start your leather goods business P Kirkwood? 

‘I studied Fashion/Textiles and Business Studies at Brighton University many years ago. I’ve always loved fashion, designing, and making. After Uni I had several creative jobs from upcycling and hand-printing clothes to being part of an upcycled bridal wear company. This all led me to working for a London textiles charity. I started by running the shop and later set up an inhouse design studio, where myself and my team would create dead stock collections. This was a lot of fun!

After 10 years with them I had my daughter and at the same time was made redundant. I needed to do something that allowed me to work from home whilst raising my child. That’s when the idea came to me to make bags. I didn’t need to fit or size bags like clothing and could work on the kitchen table.

So for the first few years of my daughter’s life, I trained myself to work with leather, to learn the techniques involved and educate myself on the correct leathers to use. I fell in love with the process and haven’t looked back.’

You obviously love making things with leather and you also use reclaimed military canvas. What do you love so much about these materials? 

‘I love working with leather because it’s malleable, let alone the feel and smell. It’s amazing! It’s a pleasure to work with such a gorgeous material. To be able to create something luxurious from a material that would end up in landfill if not utilised. As for the canvas, I always loved this fabric. It’s so strong and durable. Reclaiming these fabrics feels to me as though I’m carrying on the material’s journey, as they have usually been through so much and come covered with character.’

How would you describe your signature style? 

‘My style I would say is functional with a minimalist aesthetic. The idea is to have a piece of leatherwork that works for you whilst being able to appreciate every part of the beautiful leather that is being used.’ 

Sustainability is embedded in everything you do. How did this become such an important element of your business ethos?

‘I worked for a textiles charity for 10 years and in this time, I saw the huge amount of waste that was created from the fashion industry. So, within my work I aim to be really aware of where my materials come from, from my leather to my packaging. I try to be as frugal and conscious of every scrap, so as not to leave such a big footprint on the world with my work.’ 

Do you have a favourite season in the year and why? 

‘Ooh yes, I love spring! Spring is new energy, light and a positive shift in the year. Things feel possible in Spring.’ 

From inspiration to finished piece – what does your creative process look like? 

‘Inspiration for me can come in many forms, like nature, architecture, art… I fill sketch books with shapes, textures, lines, and different leathers. I tend to start by going through those ideas, then apply the functionality, what is this design for? Then I play around with piecing them together until I create something I like and more importantly that my customer base might like.’

Where do you work from? Is your workspace important for your creative process? 

‘I’m lucky enough to have a workshop a 5-minute walk from my house. It’s my ‘happy place’, I love it there. There are no interruptions or distractions like when you’re working from home. It’s really important to have a place to thrash out ideas and have a play, which couldn’t be more important for the creative process for me.’ 

What’s your bestseller and why do you think people like it so much? 

‘I have two current best sellers actually! One is my Belt Bag, I think people love it because it’s functional and practical yet looks luxurious. The second is my Saddle Bag No.6, again functional and practical, a modern twist on a classic design.’ 

Do you have any work in progress that you’d like to tell us about? 

‘I have just released a few new pieces on my website for a new year refresh, revving up for the spring collection next month: Penny Bag, Square Bag, Bow Bag and Pocket Book. 

What’s the best part of doing what you do? 

‘Being my own boss, doing what I love and making things that put a smile of people’s faces!’

Is there anything you struggle with as a small creative business owner? 

‘Oh, blimey lots of things… You have to do everything right, many hats to be worn all the time. I find there’s a lot to achieve in a day: socials, emails, accounts, orders… A lot, but organisation helps. Being seen is one of the biggest problems as a small business. Finding new ways for people to find you is a constant battle.’

What are your other passions or interests? 

‘I love to make my own clothes. You’ll often find me making yet another pair of overalls at the weekend, like a busman’s holiday really, haha! I also love to make things with my daughter. She’s 9 and very creative, from paper mache to stop start animation and everything in between. Morning yoga is a great start to the day and a must for me! I also love walking and to go for long family walks. I’m lucky enough to live near the countryside and the sea, it’s perfect!’

What does slow living mean to you? 

‘Taking the time to consider what I’m doing and how I’m doing it. Looking up rather than down. Enjoy the little things as well as the big and breathe. Remember to breathe and slow down.’

Which makers inspire you?
‘Oh there loads… My good friend Lisa @indigowares, one of the hardest working and inspiring creators that I have the pleasure of knowing. @vivienne.ridley creates beautiful vintage jewellery from reclaimed pieces. @sparrowandco makes the most stunningly simple ceramics. Functional and minimalist.’

How do you relax after work:
‘I love a good box set, a good crime drama, currently watching Sinner. And at bedtime a bit of reading to quiet the mind…’

‘If you store your leather goods seasonally or just haven’t used them for a while, you may find that they developed a white film on them known as a ‘bloom’. This is totally normal. High end vegetable tanned leathers have a wax layer on to protect them, this solidifies in the cold. Simply hover a heater source, such as a hairdryer over the top and watch the wax melt. Good as new!’

MEET MORE BRANDS

‘Everything is okay when you’re in nature. I think that definitely influences my design aesthetic that tends to be quite simple and minimalist.’

Jenny is the founder and designer behind contemporary & eco-friendly lifestyle brand mind the cork. She’s passionate about making things with cork, is inspired by nature and loves the simple things in life. From her London studio, she combines playful minimalism with sustainable materials to create products that are exciting, elegant and beautifully crafted.

We talk to Jenny about cork, what role nature plays in her business, her favourite way to unwind and what she loves most about running her own business. She also shares about the importance of community, having friends who believe in you in times of doubt and learning to be purposeful with her actions in everyday life.

words by Marjolyn Poutsma and Jenny Espirito Santo / images by Jenny Espirito Santo

Hello Jenny!

It’s lovely to talk to you! Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to start your business mind the cork?

‘Thank you so much for inviting me to share a bit about my brand! I started mind the cork as a hobby and a bit of a side hustle actually. I graduated just after the big global economic recession; after interning and working as a junior designer in high-end residential interiors for a few years, I felt out of place and fell out of love with the industry.

I travelled around and tried a few different career paths, but in the end, I felt that if wanted to live and work in a more positive way, I would need to create a job for myself. Cork came into the picture because I’m half Portuguese – where the majority of cork oak trees grow – and already had an interest in the material for its potential use in product design. My aesthetic is naturally quite minimalist, and I wanted to explore the material to create contemporary products that were well crafted but still quite playful and understated.’

You obviously love making things with cork! What do you love so much about this material?

‘I’m a total cork fanatic! Instead of the crazy cat lady, I’m the crazy cork lady haha! I love cork because it is such a wonderfully sustainable material. Beyond its natural beauty, its environmental credentials are brilliant. Natural cork is an eco-friendly material that completely biodegrades or can be readily recycled without creating any significant secondary waste.’

Your planters are inspired by your desire to bring nature in. Does nature play an important role in your life and how does it inspire your work? 

‘I think I’m naturally drawn to peaceful environments and often that is out in nature. Whether it’s going for a walk at the local park, walking on a beach or the countryside, or even being in water; I love that feeling of calmness and fluidity, which is a sort of safety net. Everything is okay when you’re in a nature. I think that definitely influences my design aesthetic that tends to be quite simple and minimalist.’

Do you have a favourite season in the year?

‘Autumn, without a doubt! I love a cosy life.’

From inspiration to finished piece – what does your creative process look like?

‘It really depends on what I’m working on. I create my own collections for mind the cork, and I also work with other brands and businesses on bespoke orders. It normally starts with an idea or a solution that I have in mind for something, followed by sketches, technical drawings and prototyping before I’m happy with the final design.’

What’s your bestseller and why do you think people like it so much?

‘The best seller of all time is the Atlas Hanging Planter. I think that’s because hanging plants are the absolute best! And this planter is really lightweight and naturally beautiful – it sits well in any interior to displaying a collection of hanging plants.’

Where do you work from? Is your workspace important for your creative process?

‘At the moment I mostly work at my studio, which is just about half an hour walk away from my apartment. When I’m going through big chunks of admin, I love to sit by the window in my living room at home, and do a bit of people (and bird – I’m on the third floor) watching. That’s probably my favourite spot to work from.’

Do you have any work in progress that you’d like to tell us about?

‘I’ve actually got something seasonal that just came out, the Botanical Cork Ornaments that are perfect for the Christmas tree. I think they’re really special for all the plant lovers out there, as they’re such a lovely alternative to plastic Christmas ornaments.’

What’s the best part of doing what you do?

‘When I created mind the cork, I set out to build a little corner of the world that was tailor made to my needs as a designer and as person. In my mind, that meant a focus on material and aesthetic. Over time I realised the best part of it actually went beyond the creative freedom, it was the opportunity to connect to people – customers, suppliers, collaborators, fellow business owners – who share similar values.’

Is there anything you struggle with as a small creative business owner?

‘Sometimes it feels like a lonely uphill battle. I wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for the lovely community of creatives and fellow small business owners, it’s an amazing support system.’

What are your other passions or interests?

‘Where do I start?! I love food and travelling but obviously haven’t been doing a lot of that during the past year or so. I’m a big fan of Sci-Fi – my favourite films are The Thing (1982) and Alien (1979), I also love Jaws (1975) – so all the warm and fuzzy Sunday afternoon films! 

Politics is a big part of my life, I don’t think I ever spend a day without a political discussion of some sort. I also love starting craft projects, but am not the kind of person who ever finishes a project, unfortunately.’ 

What does slow living mean to you?

‘I think it starts with listening to my body and my intuition, then being purposeful with my everyday actions, however small. It’s so easy to become enveloped in the fast pace of life and reacting to everything that is thrown at us. I think this creates false needs and standards we set for ourselves. I still do it far too often! I’m training myself to stop, listen and act with intent and kindness.’

Which maker inspires you?
‘Oh, it feels impossible to choose, even a handful of them. Most of (if not all) my friends are artists, designers, makers or creative in some way. Most are women. I’m inspired by all the different ways we’ve been able to express ourselves creatively and create financial stability by persevering in doing what we love to do.’

How do you relax after work:
‘On a perfect day, an old episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. That’s my vice, haha! I’d love to say I go to yoga or an early evening hike. But no, I live in London and hate bad weather so I rush home and watch ridiculous TV shows – the world feels like a crazy place most of the time, this helps me escape for an hour or so.’

MEET MORE BRANDS

‘Slowing down helps us notice the small things around us that we can only see once we stop to really look and listen to our surroundings and ourselves.’

Lauren is an embroidery artist living in Doncaster, Yorkshire with her partner and cat Hope. She creates embroidery patterns and kits, and her specialty is making pet portraits. She’s inspired by the natural world, especially the beautiful animals that live in it.

We talked to Lauren about how she got started with her craft and how it led to starting her own business. She shares with us what she loves most about leading a creative life and how embroidery helped her with her mental health struggles. It’s her firm belief that everyone’s an artist and she wants to encourage others to start their own creative journey.

words by Marjolyn Poutsma and Lauren Reed / images by Lauren Reed

Hello Lauren!

It’s lovely to talk to you! Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to start your business The Artist’s Lab?

‘I’ve always dreamed of starting a creative business, so when I finished university, that became my goal. I’ve always loved drawing and painting, but back in 2018 I began to really struggle with my mental health and needed a slight change.

I saw the most beautiful, embroidered pet portrait and thought ‘that’d make an amazing gift for someone I know’, so I got some embroidery supplies, a photo of their dog and dove straight into making one as a Christmas gift. And I loved every moment I spent making it! I carried on practicing for a while, and it all just clicked. This is what I wanted to do for my business.

After a year of pet portraits, I wanted to share with others about how much embroidery has helped me, to slow down my thoughts and feel less anxious, but also show them that they can give it a go too! So I put out my first embroidery pattern (the floral bouquet) and it’s slowly grown from there.’

It’s obvious that you have a passion for pets! Do you have pets of your own?

‘I do! My boyfriend’s cat, Hope, loves assisting (or distracting) me with my work. She’s usually plonking herself in front of my laptop, underneath my seat or helping me to move my supplies off the table and onto the floor. Hope is always very curious about what I’m doing!’

You make pet portraits, but also offer embroidery kits. Where do you get inspiration for your designs from?

‘I create embroidery designs that start with the idea of exploring the world we live in as well as showing the beautiful animals that live in it. Most of my inspiration is drawn from photos, and lately I’ve been taking a look at the nature we can see all around us. Whether that’s the plants and flowers in our gardens or the small creatures living among it, I usually piece together the different elements to create something that we can bring into our homes. I’m always seeing things and thinking how amazing it’d look embroidered and wondering which stitch I would use to create it.’

What’s your favourite season in the year?

‘It’s definitely autumn! I love the colours, the cosy nights in with a hot cuppa tea in my hands and the rainy days looking out my window (as long as I’m inside of course). It’s a season that feels like a fresh start and reminds me of new beginnings.’

Do you use any specific techniques?

‘My favourite technique is needle painting, also known as the long and short stitch. It’s a really great embroidery stitch for making something look much more realistic. Although it can take some practice to get the hang of, it can be an amazing stitch that can be used for almost anything.’

Is there anything you particularly enjoy making and why?

‘I love embroidering the outline pet portraits the most as they’re so relaxing to make! It’s nice having a break from the more complicated stitches and not needing to learn or think about how to do a stitch.

I embroider them using a simple back stitch, and once you know how to do the stitch, it’s really easy going from there. I’ve found that using such a simple stitch is the most therapeutic way to embroider, and it gives you a chance to switch off for a while.’

When you make a pet portrait, what does your creative process look like from start to finished piece?

‘I always start with creating an outline drawing, that includes the most important lines and features from the photos I’m given, then I transfer it onto fabric ready to start embroidering.

Next, I go through all my embroidery threads and pick out the colours to use. I like laying out the threads in groups (eyes, ears, nose, main fur colours and in order of light to dark) on a tray so I can see them all.

When it comes to the embroidery, I always begin with their eyes. I find it easier to work on the areas that sit further back first and gradually work my way forwards. So things like their eyes, forehead, cheeks and neck are done first, and their nose, brows and upper mouth are done last. I like to see it as creating layer upon layer, it’s a slow process!

I usually finish the portrait by making small tweaks in shape and colour wherever is needed.

And after all the hard work is done, I find it so satisfying embroidering the pet’s name last before gluing the fabric to the embroidery hoop to create a neat finish at the back.’

What’s your favourite place to work from?

‘I love sitting at my desk while I embroider. I’ve got a nice big window to look out of (that also brings in lots of natural light) and almost everything I could possibly need to hand – except tea making facilities unfortunately.’

Do you have any work in progress that you’d like to tell us about?

‘I’ve recently brought out 2 new embroidery kits that are now available to order – one is a gorgeous yellow sunflower, and the other is of the quote ‘one day at a time’ surrounded by leaves and little flowers.

I find nature is so peaceful! There’s so much beauty in the little things we may not notice straight away unless we stop to look closer. I wanted to create a beautiful collection of floral patterns for people to be able to choose from, so they can spend some creative time admiring how beautiful our world is and end up with a snippet of that to display inside their homes.

My very first embroidery pattern was the floral bouquet (and it’s consistently been my bestseller). I wanted to create a selection of patterns that would look good with it. The collection has now grown into 5 embroidery kits for those who want to bring a piece of nature into their home.’

What do you like most about what you do?

‘I like that I can spend a lot of my days being creative. Making something from nothing, and impacting people’s lives with my art, is so fulfilling! I love that what I’m doing is either, helping creative people to slow down and feel calmer, or bringing smiles and happy memories to pet owners. Making that impact is a huge motivator for me and is why I love what I do.’

Is there anything you struggle with in your small creative business?

‘Definitely thinking and planning ahead! I love being inspired by the current season and thinking about autumn in spring, or summer when we’re in winter doesn’t quite feel natural. And spending all my days working alone can feel lonely at times. I’m a huge introvert, but I do miss meeting new people. Making friends feels nearly impossible when you work for yourself.’

What are your other passions or interests?

‘I’ve always loved to draw and paint. It’s something I’ve grown up doing in my free time. I also love photography and taking photos of things around me. Even the seemingly mundane parts of life are interesting to me!’

What does slow living mean to you?

‘To me, slow living means being present and in the moment. There are so many things we miss because we’re all so busy. Sometimes slowing down helps us notice the small things around us that we can only see once we stop to really look and listen to our surroundings and ourselves.’

Which makers inspires you?
I’d have to say Emily at Millicent Makes who is an amazing watercolour artist! I love how detailed and delicate her paintings are and I’m so happy that I have one for myself.’

What’s in your mug beside you:
‘Tea. Always tea. Milky with a teaspoon of sugar… and an occasional extra bit of sugar when I fancy a treat!’

How do you relax after work:
‘I find it difficult to switch off from work in my spare time sometimes. I tend to watch a lot of tv shows, listen to music, and sometimes play a few easy-going computer games.‘

MEET MORE BRANDS

‘I deeply value my connection with Nature, and it is these feelings of nourishment that have been gently woven into the artworks I create.’

Sue is a contemporary artist, and her work is inspired by the wild beauty of the natural landscape which she believes brings nourishment, joy, and peace to our lives. She works from her beautiful light-filled garden studio, just outside the historic city of Cambridge where she lives with her husband and two border terriers.

We talked to Sue about her path to becoming a self-employed artist and a pivotal time in her business when she discovered her signature style. She shares with us how nature inspires her, the process of conveying this inspiration on to the canvas and how it’s the variety in her creative practice that fulfills her the most.

words by Marjolyn Poutsma and Sue Rapley / images by Sue Rapley

Hello Sue!

It’s lovely to talk to you! Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to start your business Sue Rapley Art?

‘Developing my creative skills and exploring the painting process has played an important role throughout my life. From an early age I discovered my love of art, and as a student I found myself heading to Brighton College of Art to do a BA (Hons) in 3-D Design. Considered a course for the artist-craftsman, this provided me with the opportunity to design and create by hand. Here I worked with a vast array of different materials, such as wood, metal, and ceramics, learning to sculpt with different tools and techniques.

Following art school, my career path seemed unclear. In many ways I was not yet prepared for the commitment of becoming a self-employed artist. To this end, I spend some time working in the commercial sector, from magazine publishing to IT recruitment consultancy.

Fortunately, I eventually found my way, and fast forward 15 years, I re-discovered my love for art at a painting class. From this time onwards, my vision for a creative life opened up. I slowly built confidence in my creative practice and my very own art business came to be about 8 years ago. Since then, it has steadily grown and I continue to share my creative passions with a widening audience.’

It’s your belief that spending time in nature brings nourishment, joy and peace to our daily lives and your work conveys this emotional connection. Where does the inspiration for your pieces come from?

‘Moments in nature feed my creative practice, from my daily dog walks in the meadows near my home, to travelling further afield to the sea and coastline. I have always been fascinated with the ever-changing natural world around me, allowing me to explore with all my senses, inspiring my work.’ 

Your work has a very distinctive style. How did you develop this signature style and are there any specific techniques you’re using? 

‘A pivotal moment in developing my painting technique came about when I decided to experiment using a palette knife rather than a brush. This was fuelled by a desire to loosen up my style and find new ‘freedom’ with mark-making.

My interest in movement is also emulated through my palette knife strokes across the canvas. I tend to stand so I have that freedom to move as I paint – the bigger strokes the better! For me it’s all about creating in an expressive, emotive way.’ 

Do you have a favourite season in the year?

‘As a nature-loving creative, I find much beauty and goodness in the rhythm of the seasons. My favourite season of all is Spring.

As Mother earth wakes up from winter, and gently tilts toward the sun, it’s those first green shoots that start to emerge, that absolutely fill my heart with so much joy. At first the hedgerow becomes decked with delicate blossom petals, and the air is filled with a soft scent. There is a sense of new life that is fresh, vibrant and full of energy.  As Spring gathers pace, an absolute favourite is the abundance of cow parsley which features often in my original paintings and printed goods collections.’

Is there anything you particularly enjoy making and why?

‘As the creator of original artworks, I truly enjoy each new painting I make. From sketching out the composition and applying the first marks, to building layers and texture with strokes of my palette knife – the process of creating is so rewarding every time.’

From inspiration to finished piece – what does your creative process look like?

‘The fundamental elements of my inspiration are my visual memories together with photo and video clips that I gather and bring back from my time in nature.  Back in the studio, I will develop a series of sketches, jot down ideas and notes on paper, playing with composition.  This preparatory work becomes my guide as I begin to paint.

For me, the very act of painting is like a meditation practice as my mind becomes absorbed in the process. Painting predominately with oils, I translate these natural influences in an expressive way, using my visual memory and emotions to capture the essence of a moment in nature – to create a response, a feeling, an emotion. The collections of original paintings that I produce seek to capture a fusion of my vibrant colour palette, and a feeling of sensitivity with the viewer.

Oil paints have a beautiful buttery quality, but they do take time to dry, which can be anything from two days to a week. To this end I will have several paintings in progress at the same time, where new layers and texture can be applied once the surface is dry. 

Finally, when these pieces are finished, this is when I choose the titles and a name for the collection.’

You have a gorgeous light-filled garden studio! Is your work space important for your creative process and how?

‘It was absolutely the best decision for both my creative practice and my business to build a garden studio. Just over 5 years ago I moved from a small spare room in our home into this new contemporary studio and I feel so blessed to have this dedicated workspace. 

It has also enabled me to host many open studios, as well as collaborative events, and more recently in-person and virtual painting workshops.’

Do you have any work in progress that you’d like to tell us about?

‘I have begun a new series of coastal-inspired paintings. Through the winter lockdown earlier this year, thoughts of escapism to my beloved coastline on the North Norfolk coast was my muse.  I am relishing these moments to create these feelings and memories on canvas.

For now, with my upcoming workshops this Autumn and other projects leading up to Christmas, I will continue to develop this body of work to be released as a collection in 2022.’

You also regularly run events from your studio, including virtual painting workshops. Can you tell us a bit more about that?

‘The launch of my Virtual Painting Workshops earlier this year, has garnered an amazing opportunity to share with an audience, near and far, my love of oil painting. This has been an extremely rewarding diversification of my business to empower others to discover their own creativity.

The ‘Create a Meadow’ painting workshops are ideal for beginners, with no previous painting experience needed. It’s more about trying something new, letting go of perfection and allowing your curiosity to guide you. I do believe that when we give ourselves the space to breathe, to explore, to play, it will bring beauty and energy into the other areas of our lives. Therefore, what I offer is not just about painting, but rather a holistic and enriching experience for all participants. 

These painting workshops offer the opportunity to explore using oil paints and a palette knife to create beautiful pieces of art. Through my easy step-by-step process you will learn the techniques required to continue your own art journey at home.

Pre-pandemic I hosted Open Studio events through the year, as well as participating in my local Cambridge Open Studios arts festival that runs every year through the month of July.’ 

What’s the best part of doing what you do?

‘My painting practice is the heart and soul of what I do, but as I have diversified my work to offer printed goods including stationery and tableware items, and particularly now as an educator for my painting workshops, it is the variety that makes my creative practice fulfilling.’

Is there anything you struggle with running your small creative business?

There are many different aspects to navigate as a small creative business owner, and juggling these elements can become overwhelming at times. And whilst I am comfortable working alone it can feel quite isolated at times. I would say that one of the biggest challenges is being able to switch off from an active mind full of ideas! 

What are your other passions or interests?

‘I do believe in the power of self-care, and over the last few years have become a big fan of meditation and some gentle yoga movement to bring a mindful intention to my daily routine setting the tone for my creative practice. I also love to play tennis and recently I have rediscovered my love for cycling which has brought many a carefree and nostalgic moment to my day.’ 

What does slow living mean to you?

‘The slow living ethos is very much a part of both my personal life and my creative practice. I love to start my day with a Morning Pages journaling practice. I find much solace in meditation and some mindful yoga to move my body and set my intention to embrace the beauty and goodness of each day.

For me, slow living is about being in the present moment. Taking the time to really explore Nature’s beauty. I love to become absorbed in new details, shapes and patterns, observing the movement and feeling the air on my face, listening to the birdsong, and breathing in the scent. For me this is nourishment for mind, body, soul.

I deeply value my connection with Nature, and it is these feelings of nourishment that have been gently woven into the artworks I create.’

Which makers inspires you:
‘There are many artists that inspire my own work, perhaps most significant influences include David Hockney, Matisse, Monet, Cezanne and Picasso, as well as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.’

What’s in your mug beside you:
‘Freshly made coffee always. We invested in a barista coffee machine, so making a good strong espresso with steamed milk is my morning ritual.’

How do you relax after work:
‘As a family we love the arts, so we do make regular visits to live theatre and cinema. At home, time to relax and watch a good drama or documentary.’

MEET MORE BRANDS

‘I’ve really missed being able to meet customers and other makers. It’s nice to spend time chatting to customers and getting their feedback and I really want people to be able to feel and hold the pieces before they buy.’

Carla is a ceramicist and creates her signature simple, minimalist style porcelain and stoneware pieces from her studio in Bedford. After a career in Environmental services, she went back to University to get her Art degree and started her business Naked Clay Ceramics.

We talked to Carla about what made her decide to change careers and create her own tableware range, where she gets her inspiration from, her creation process and her new studio. We also learned about the challenge of not being able to meet customers and other makers in real life, and about an unexpected joy that emerged from being locked down.

words by Marjolyn Poutsma and Carla Sealey / images by Carla Sealey

Hello Carla!

It’s lovely to talk to you! Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to start your business Naked Clay Ceramics?

‘I was working on a sculptural project slip casting with stoneware and porcelain while working a part time job to earn money. I’ve been collecting handmade mugs and bowls for over 20 years and loved using them to start my day. Eventually I put 2 and 2 together and realised that I could use those techniques and materials to start making my own tableware range!’

What did you do before that?

‘I’d spent 14 years working as an Environmental Scientist, working as a Groundwater Protection Officer before deciding on a career change. I went back to University and did a degree in Applied Art. After graduation I managed to find a studio where I started making fused and cast glass sculptures.’

What’s your signature style and how did you discover it?

‘I guess I’m known for simple, minimal style pieces. It’s something that I’ve gradually come to. I prefer to focus more on the material and the peaceful space that I’m trying to provide for someone when they are hold one of my pieces.’

You use a combination of hand building and slip casting. What do you like most about these techniques?

‘I love the slow focussed process of hand building, but I also like using slip casting as a technique. Slip casting lets me make several pieces as a batch more efficiently, but then the process of fettling, finishing and smoothing is where I get to spend time with each piece and the individuality of each piece is born.’

What does your typical day look like?

‘I start each day by lighting a scented candle, putting on some music and boiling the kettle! After that I’m not sure I ever have a typical day! In the studio I work in cycles. I’ll spend several weeks making my signature slip clay, pouring it into moulds to slip cast pieces, putting them through two firings and three stages of sanding. I’ll time this making period to be followed by an online shop opening and going to selling events around the country.

Then there’ll be a couple of weeks of packing and dispatching orders. Or I’ll be putting together stand setups, arranging accommodation and travel for events and deciding what to pack for each show. I also spend several weeks at a time preparing and running workshops and providing a space for people to be creative.

Admin, marketing and PR get attention first thing in the morning before I leave, and again if necessary when I get home at the end of the day. I’d like to calendar in time to spend just making for myself, trying out new ideas and working on sculptural pieces.’

I always find it mesmerising to watch a ceramicist at work, it’s a very mindful activity. What do you experience when you’re creating your pieces?

‘I love being absorbed in what I’m doing. Sometimes it’s good thinking time. Mostly when it’s you and the clay, all that’s in your mind is the feel of the clay and water and the thing growing or being refined in your hands. It clears your head and creates space for you to experience each moment of the creative process. From your head to your heart to your hands!’

You create small batches of limited items 3-4 times a year. Do you have different collections or variations of your pieces throughout the year and where do you get your inspiration from?

‘I have a fairly steady range of mugs in different sizes, bowls, plates and vases. I don’t always have time to make everything so quantities of each will vary with each batch. New designs pop into my head all the time. They sometimes work as prototypes but turn out to be too difficult to repeat consistently when I try making them in any number. So, some designs won’t last for more than one shop event.

Recently I was inspired to add to the range by a customer who wanted something specific that was a deviation on the current range. At the moment, I’m working on a meditation collection because it’s something I feel that I’d like to have and hope other people would appreciate too.’

What’s your best-seller and why do you think people like it so much?

‘My best sellers are mugs and the miniature vases. I think everyone is comfortable with a mug, whether at home or at work we often have favourite mugs and no-one needs to justify having another mug! The vases are so easy to find a space for and offer the chance to build a little collection. They’re also perfect as gifts for the same reason.’

Is there an item you particularly enjoy making and why?

‘I don’t actually have any favourites. Some pieces are more challenging to nurse through the process but I don’t love them any less. I guess they’re like children, I love them all!’

What’s the best part of doing what you do?

‘Being able create things from start to finish. Knowing that the things that I make bring a little bit of joy to people.’

What can we find inside your studio?

‘I’m in the process of setting up a new studio so I finally have the chance to arrange things the way I want. I’m planning to have a table just for hand building. An area for slip casting and an area for workshops. The kilns finally have their own room which means I don’t have to worry about them being on while I’m in the studio. I’m still deciding where to site my trusty slab roller and I can finally have a space for my throwing wheel which I haven’t been able to have out for years! Storage is important, for the clay, for pieces after their first firing and before glazing, for the finished pieces, for packaging and stationery and for glaze materials.’

Is your creative space important for your creative process?

‘It is important. Designs and ideas pop into my head any time, any place, anywhere. I try and doodle something but I draw best with my hands. Until I have the clay in my hands it’s difficult for me to develop my ideas and I need that space away from everyday demands to focus.’

Before Covid-19 you attended many events and you offered in person workshops. What impact does it have on you and your business that you can’t do that at the moment?

‘At the beginning of Covid when everything was being cancelled, including classes at the local Arts and Crafts centre where I also worked, I really thought it was going to be the end of my business. I’m so grateful that people embraced buying online, it’s an act of faith on their behalf that they’ll get what they’re being promised through the images they see. I wouldn’t have been able to survive let alone thrive without that faith and trust from customers.

I’ve really missed being able to meet customers and other makers. It’s nice to spend time chatting to customers and getting their feedback and I really want people to be able to feel and hold the pieces before they buy.

Although I’m happy working away on my own, it’s also a healthy balance to have contact with like-minded people. When you’re self-employed, your colleagues are the other makers scattered around the country.  You get together at events a few times a year to connect and catch up. I’ve also missed the change of scenery you get from travelling to different towns and cities. Little adventures that refresh the soul.

Changing to selling mostly online has meant getting to grips with sourcing and making decisions about the right environmentally responsible packaging. It’s also been an education in packing and posting packages in large numbers. The staff at my local Post Office have been really helpful and it’s been great getting to know the staff behind the counter!

An unexpected source of joy is packing customers’ orders! I love thinking about where things are going and making sure everything’s packed snug and safe for the journey, whether the package is travelling for one day or several weeks to somewhere on the other side of the world. I love seeing customer’s images of my pieces in their new homes.’

What are your future plans for Naked Clay Ceramics?

‘I’m still buzzing with ideas for additions to the range. I’d also like to start adding more one off and sculptural pieces. I’m hoping, once Covid allows, to be able to take on someone to help with the everyday tasks so that I can focus on the making.’

What does slow living mean to you?

‘Priority and perspective. Leaving full time employment so many years ago meant opting out of the usual consumer mindset and allowed me to really think about what’s important. It’s about deciding what, and sometimes who, to let go because it doesn’t bring value to your life or peace of mind. Taking time to do things that contribute to a healthy mind and body. Taking time to enjoy outdoors and all the beauty nature gives us for free. Taking joy in doing things slowly, experiencing and enjoying that moment and the process. Creativity is such an essential part of slow living.’

What’s in your mug beside you:
‘Decaff Sumatra Mandheeling’

How do you relax after work:
‘Walking, running, listening to music and audiobooks. Going through knitting and crochet patterns I want to make as an excuse to rummage through my yarn stash! Spending as much time as I can in my favourite place in Snowdonia.’

MEET MORE BRANDS

‘I love all aspects of the late 1950s and early 1960s era with its post war strong sense of family inspired values and increased devotion to domesticity. The children’s clothing of this time depicts for me the sense of the simpler things in life. ’

Ness runs her brands Runaround Retro and Vanessa Rose Accessories from her rural farm in the Somerset countryside. Her vintage children’s and women’s accessories are inspired by the 1960’s, a period that depicts a great sense of family values and the simpler things in life to her.

We asked Ness about her love for all things retro, how she comes up with two seasonal collections each year, what her days look like as a small creative business owner and what she looks forward to most after lockdown.

words by Marjolyn Poutsma and Ness Hale / images by Ness Hale

Hello Ness!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself

‘I’m Ness, the owner/designer of both Runaround Retro and more recently Vanessa Rose Accessories. We live in a large old rambling farm build 1620, on the outskirts of beautiful Bath which is where I grew up and went to school. After a long spell in London working various PR jobs and a lovely interior design one too, we moved our family of three kids, three Guinea pigs (one for each of them) and one puppy to Somerset which is where we are now.’ 

How did you come up with the idea to start Runaround Retro? 

‘The idea of Runaround Retro was a slow burner and started in my bricks & mortar shop which I ran with a great friend of mine. We had a vintage style tearoom and sold women’s tea dresses and vintage children’s wear, vintage paintings and books because we loved all those things! Thinking I needed vintage style accessories to go with the children’s collection, I knew what I wanted but couldn’t find it. Having always sewn clothes and bedding for my miniature dolls house mice and handmade peg people, I decided to restart my sewing machine and make some of my own children’s accessories to sell alongside the clothing range. 

Using true vintage patterns, I worked my way through samples and orders whilst the shop was quiet which made so much sense time wise. It took off and people were able to come in choose something ready-made or pick up an order the following week. I began with true vintage fabrics picked up from flea markets, and linens and Liberty tana lawn from a dealer friend of mine. Sitting on a Cornish beach that first summer with my young family running around on the sand in bloomers and floppy hats, the name Runaround Retro was born.’ 

Your accessories are vintage style and refer to the chic classic beauty of the 1960s. What is it about that style or period that you love so much?

‘I love all aspects of the late 1950s and early 1960s era with its post war strong sense of family inspired values and increased devotion to domesticity. The children’s clothing of this time depicts for me the sense of the simpler things in life. Playing outside with your friends, making a day special by going on a picnic with a basket ginger pop and hard-boiled eggs and grand days out to the beach with rugs, buckets and spades. Hats were a must for every baby and child and ribbons were worn in hair to hold back locks or fashionable tiny bobs. Children wore a lot of gingham dresses or skirts with sweet braces and frilled sleeved dresses which all for me create a feeling of romance, togetherness and family love. 

Women’s post war outfits were becoming simpler with slimmer shapes influenced by celebrities and prominent figures in politics, think wonderful Jackie Kennedy. Her off duty simple outfits with head scarf, quality plain long sleeve tops always paired with capris or trousers and a gorgeous leather belt. My own 1960s mother was always in a two-piece towelling swimsuit, sunning herself on a precarious sun lounger and was never knowingly seen without a scarf on her head or huge round sunglasses. 

Audrey Hepburn, my other true style icon, also loved the simplest of outfit accessories like a silk scarf or simple headband. For me that epitomises true style: to gather influences from people you admire and then turn it into something you feel comfortable wearing yourself and work the whole outfit from top to toe. Outfits should put a spring in your step and make you feel good about yourself the whole day through. I carry about many a vintage basket myself but am still on the hunt for the perfect Jane Birkin one!’ 

You launch a few seasonal collections per year. What does your creative process look like and how do the seasons play a role in designing and creating your pieces?

‘My accessories range and personal style is developed with these retro styles in mind. I draw lots of ideas from vintage book illustrations and work closely with my wonderful pattern maker and seamstress Lizzie Britain who is far more technically trained than me. She is able to transfer my haphazard romantic designs into working reality. We stitch up every sample ourselves and tweak until we are happy that it works well. Although to be fair we are constantly tweaking every season because perfection is so hard to obtain!

We launch two seasons a year, Spring and Autumn, and use the colours of nature, the weather, flowers and foraged finds to create a mood board for each season. It’s so exciting when we start with one or two colourways and then build from there. This Spring it’s lush green grasses and rambling raspberry canes. We always look at past collections too and see what was really popular and worked well for our customers. We bring out special lines for celebrations days. We did the dearest range of vintage Suffolk puff clips with mother of pearl heart buttons for Valentine’s Day and next month we will start working on our summer hats. Milly-Molly-Mandy style for the little ones and pretty floppy ones for the grownups.’

You handmake all your accessories on your rural farm. What does your typical day or week look like?  

‘My typical day starts with a small ‘Yoga with Adrienne’ stretch workout, breakfast and domestic duties. Then a short dog walk around our orchard…our dear dog is very ancient. I have a lovely light sewing room at the top of the house accessed by a tight circular staircase. By 11am I am up there and settled on the computer to answer queries, email customers or other small businesses, work on the website or new projects and check orders. I print everything out on recycled paper using both sides and always write a daily to do list on my work room chalk board. I also love my notebook to scribble anything in I want to try and remember or look back on. My current book is from Forget Me Not Originals bound in vintage floral fabric. It brings me joy every time every time I open it. After lunch, which is often homemade soup and crackers, I sew and sew and sew. I switch on the radio or listen to a podcast and sew till about 5.30 pm-ish. Then it’s back downstairs to our doggie and family, checking dye baths and cooking a family supper. 

My week is planned out by the day: Monday is for ordering fabric and marketing, Tuesday working on pieces over zoom and then later driving over to Lizzie to pick things up and swop over new work where we have an ‘under the apple tree box’ system (something we worked out because of the lockdown: I leave a box of work under the apple tree in her garden and pick up the work she’s done). Wednesdays and Thursdays, I sew and work on the dye baths with kitchen food scraps onion skins or avocado stones. Currently I’m waiting to gather nettles from the wayside and farm fields, the rest of the week is sewing until Sunday when we down tools and relax!’ 

Where do you get your fabrics from? How does sustainability play a role in choosing your materials? 

‘The only fabrics I work with are natural linens, hand blocked printed khadi and organic cottons, Liberty tana lawn and bamboo silk, all purchased from small businesses that I have been lucky enough to work with for years. At the moment, I’m dyeing a lot of my cottons and bamboo silks with kitchen scraps and nettles foraged on the farm. I’m in love with the depth of colour that can only be achieved with the natural dye process. These dyed fabrics will be made into pretty accessories and will join the accessories range as a small curated beautiful addition. Sustainability is at the forefront of my mind with every choice of fabric I make, where it comes from to how it’s been made. All our packaging, labels, cotton drawstring gift bags, postcards and paper for the business is recycled, biodegradable and reusable. It’s incredibly important to me to tread lightly as I can on Mother Earth. To be able to stand up and say I really tried my best to the next generation.’

Last year, you started a new brand for your women’s accessories: Vanessa Rose. Why did you decide to separate the grown-ups from the little ones?

‘The women’s brand started as a lot of my customers were wearing their children’s Runaround Retro Alice bands and kept asking me for bigger ones for themselves but in the same matching fabrics so Vanessa Rose (my name) was born. I enjoy working on one brand and then the other – I get more design scope when they are separated. There is no fabric wastage in the studio as we endeavour to use every last scrap of fabric for each brand and the majority of the fabrics cross over from one brand to the other.’

What do you struggle with the most in your business? 

‘To be honest, I genuinely love everything I do for the business, though I struggle with the technology side of things. I’m always willing to learn and at the moment I’m practicing making reels on Instagram, as social media is super important for any small business, especially during these lockdown times. Working on the website is a slow process too and requires a lot of tea and then moving into hot chocolate as the day gets darker and I’m still working on listings.’

What do you enjoy the most about what you do? 

‘On the plus side my absolute favourite thing to do is a large fair. Anyone who’s attended a really big well planned handmade and/or vintage fair will know the excitement of walking into a marquee of beautifully curated wares, plants and flowers. I get really inspired by floral arrangements, the wilder the better. I love getting together with the other maker/designers and talking about their makes. Also, vintage books, art work and true vintage children’s wear all build a truly inspirational picture in my mind which I use for the next range I will produce. It’s wonderful to meet my old and new customers face to face, help them choose items, wrap things up beautifully for them and show them how to style a headband or hair accessory.’

What are your future plans for Runaround Retro?

‘Future plans for both brands are to get back to the fairs (COVID allowing) and reveal the two collaborations that have been going on here behind the scenes which I’m super excited about. This year I want to build up our customer base via the website and newsletter and sell to more small shops when they reopen across the country. Small shops can purchase small minimum orders from me and top ups throughout the year. I know that’s one good way of keeping them alive.’ 

And finally, what does slow living mean to you?

‘Slow living to me means consuming less, wasting less and choosing well. It means taking a slower approach to everyday life. It means enjoying each activity however simple. From making the best cuppa to sewing the straightest line and giving it some gravitas. I think that’s also why the dye pot is calling me too – the slow gathering of dye stuff and the stirring of fabric. Slow living encompasses all the sewing I do on my machine, it’s grounding and almost meditative. When I’m producing the same headband for a range over and over again, I love to see if I can make the next one just that bit more beautiful than the previous one.’

How do you get in the mood to work: ‘I am literally always in the mood for work, I love it! Really honestly, it’s true.

What’s in your mug beside you: ‘In my cup beside me is always herb tea with a slice of lemon and a large glass bottle of fizzy water.’

How do you relax after work: ‘Relaxing for me is quite hard – I struggle to turn off but do love a TV drama series, the grittier the better! Peaky Blinders is my all-time favourite, though any good period drama will grab my attention. I love to all choose a family film and watch in front of our fire and our proper big TV, but I still don’t actually know how it work it myself!’ 

MEET MORE BRANDS

‘I have strong memories of the smell of elderflowers and lavender, the sound of wood pigeons, the taste of blackberries and roaming the fields and woods as a child.’

Jo is the founder of Craftpod, a seasonal creative subscription box, inspired by nature. Each box is filled with stitching and other crafting projects, designed to celebrate the joys of that season. 

We asked Jo about the inspiration for Craftpod, how she chooses the projects for each, and how the Coronavirus pandemic has affected her plans. We also talked about the realities of running a creative business, and how she juggles it alongside her life.

words by Fiona Barrows and Jo Pillinger / images by Jo Pillinger

Hello Jo!

Craftpod is such an original idea, how did you come up with it?

‘I used to work at a Steiner school leading groups for parents and their young children. We would always begin with a nature inspired activity which would celebrate the season and bring the outside in. It was fun to come up with projects through the year that had a connection with nature.

I also ran crafting groups for friends which were such nice occasions. At first I thought I’d like to write a book with some of the projects in, but then I saw other subscription boxes and loved the idea of receiving a surprise package in the post that almost ‘bottled’ the experience of a craft group. It reminded me of a sticker club package that I used to get through the post as a child. The anticipation and excitement was huge!

I thought I’d give it a go and tried to make the Craftpod in a box experience as close as possible to the craft groups where people chatted and had tea whilst making a project – an online crafting club that people from anywhere in the world could join in with each season.’

You sell both a subscription and one-off boxes. Have you always done both or did one follow the other?

‘I’ve always offered both, so that people can try it out to see if they like it.’

Craftpods are very much inspired by nature and the seasons. Why is this? Do you think there is a link between crafting and nature? 

‘I guess it’s just a big part of what I wanted to work with – bringing a connection with nature into people’s lives. I particularly love botanical embroideries. It combines two of my favourite things – stitching and plants.

But yes, there are also great crafters living in the natural world such as spiders spinning beautiful webs, bees making honeycomb, and birds weaving nests.’

How do you pull each Craftpod together?

‘I begin by thinking into the season, remembering the things I love about it that give me a sense of excitement and joy. I scroll through past photos I’ve taken from previous years to transport me forward into the next season as I have to work a season ahead which is not always easy!

There’s always a stitching project, and I try to include another craft too. I put project ideas together to see if they’re harmonious next to each other and to see if they can share some materials and threads in their making process.

I spend a long time putting colours together – it’s one of my favourite elements of designing a box. The colour of each thread is important and any additional items need to feel right, especially when placed together. I want my customers to feel joy just from seeing the contents of each box. I always arrange the threads in ‘rainbow order’ to make it look satisfying!’

Do you have a favourite craft? 

‘I really enjoy botanical embroidery. Studying the botanical structures and patterns and then turning them into stitches is a bit like growing your own plants but quicker! I use DMC embroidery threads which have a lovely sheen to them which lends itself well to the natural shading and colours found in plants.

I also really enjoy print-making and am hoping to include a printing project in a Craftpod box soon.’

How do you manage running Craftpod alongside your life?

‘People often think that Craftpod is a big company with lots of people working for it. It’s actually just me with a little bit of help during the preparation and packing weeks. This incidentally is the easiest and most fun part.

My children are 18 and 22 now, and I can’t imagine running a business like this with young children. My eldest daughter, Immi, helps a lot with admin and packing, and a friend helps with the packing and sometimes the graphic element. I’m very lucky to have their input.

I don’t use a fulfilment centre to pack the boxes because there are too many little details and personal touches which I worry would become lost. I like to have that connection with the product, and discard contents or packaging that doesn’t quite meet the standard.

Photography, writing the instructions, designing projects and sourcing stock are all enjoyable parts of the process but I would sometimes like to go slower and spend six months on each box instead of three.

I think of Craftpod as a Slow Business. It’s growing fairly organically. I don’t have a background in business or marketing, I just feel my way as I go. I’ve learnt a lot over the last few years. I’d rather sell less and get the projects and contents right, than rush the product or compromise it in any way.’

Is there any part of the business that you particularly struggle with? 

‘I struggle with the fact that I can’t take much time off. The subscription model means that there always needs to be another box in the pipeline! Three months comes around very quickly and it’s not actually that long to come up with a new box each time. I’d like to get better at having a work structure, but there’s always something that needs to be done, and time off can easily blur into working!

The only real decent break I’ve had lately was in April when I was unwell for two weeks during the pandemic! Much of the world slowed down and I did too. It’s as if many of us were given permission to stop. It’s sad that we live such busy lives and spend less and less time doing fundamental things which connect us to being in the present moment.

I’ve recently enjoyed more gardening, making bread and mending clothing. I’ve vowed now to keep hold of some of these things even though I have a business to run – ultimately these things are good for wellbeing which in turn feeds into a creative business like Craftpod.

Sometimes sourcing supplies is difficult. I try to buy from the UK whenever possible but not many wholesalers hold stock of over a thousand pieces of the same item. So I have to plan ahead and guess how many boxes I’ll be selling, and place my orders well in advance. This can mean that I’m sometimes planning a summer box in the middle of winter!

The other side of all this though is the flexibility of being able to decide when I take time off. If it’s particularly lovely weather I can take an afternoon off and work later that evening.’

What are you most proud of with Craftpod? 

‘I’m proud to have created a business which works and is centred around a good quality product, which inspires people to be creative and have a go at making, even if it’s something they’ve never done before. I have the loveliest customers! I’m so grateful to them and for their feedback. I watch fellow craftpodders on Instagram sharing their makes from each box and I see that I’ve helped to build a crafting community which I feel proud of.’

Do you have any future plans? How has the Coronavirus pandemic impacted these plans? 

‘I have plans for more variation of crafts in future boxes. The wait for supplies can be long anyway but it’s even longer now with the pandemic. 

I’d also like to get some Craftpod gatherings happening where Craftpodders can meet up in real life and craft together. This will need to wait for now, with social distancing in place, but maybe next year.’

And finally, what does slow living mean to you? 

‘Slow living to me is allowing time and space to savour the simple things in life, making sure I notice and appreciate the smaller details. I have strong memories of the smell of elderflowers and lavender, the sound of wood pigeons, the taste of blackberries and roaming the fields and woods as a child. It’s now my therapy to walk in the woods, or park, or a meadow. I notice what’s around, what I can hear, see and smell.’

How do you get in the mood to work: I usually go for a walk in a local park and look on Pinterest for inspiration. I also listen to music whilst I work. My favourites at the moment are anything by This is the Kit, Erik Satie and Alabaster Deplume’s recent instrumental album ‘To Cy & Lee’.

What’s in your mug beside you: Fresh garden mint tea, but in the mornings I start the day with English Breakfast tea.

How do you relax after work: I love countryside walks and playing my saxophone and melodica with friends. I also have a favourite little Spanish bar near where I live which hosts live musicians and serves tapas. I’ve missed it a lot through the pandemic and I’m looking forward to it reopening hopefully later in the year.

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