National Maker Directory

As Thread Squirrel I make unique items featuring embroidered maps. I create the outlines using embroidery software and can customise them with love hearts to mark a favourite location. I make high quality cushions, notice boards and bags using beautiful fabrics; a perfect reminder of a special holiday, honeymoon or loved ones overseas.

I have sewn for over 35 years and even made my wedding and bridesmaid dresses in 1981.

I’m an artist, illustrator and printmaker living in East London.

I’m influenced by my Scandinavian heritage and I find inspiration in early twentieth century Russian illustration and contemporary fashion illustration.

I like to use pencil, ink and paint before scanning my work and using a mac to enhance these images; focusing on bold colours, interesting textures and simple lines.

I work from my studio in Dorset, specialising in creating wheel thrown detailed, unique ceramic pieces decorated with my own coloured clay slips, carving and sgraffito.

The slips and techniques I use have developed over the years, supported by a love of ceramics that was kindled at art college and matured while working at a pottery.

My work has evolved to create a very distinctive style, inspired by the natural world as well as The Arts and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau and several different artists.

Tim’s interest lies in the refractive, reflective and structural properties of glass; how it can be manipulated and decorated to affect the passage of light through it.  The work is formed using a variety of techniques, processes & materials, to produce work which is both sculptural and functional, with an emphasis on design, decoration, geometry and construction. Tim graduated from Chelsea College of Art and Design in 1992, where he studied Public Art. He specialised in Architectural Glass and Stained Glass and also gained experience in a variety of other disciplines such as mural painting, mosaic, ceramics and textiles.

After graduating Tim furthered his skills and experience by working in wood, steel fabrication and engineering workshops. He gained a PGCE in Art & Design Education in 1997 and has run evening & weekend courses in stained & decorative glass. Tim has continued to work with glass and other materials such as steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, wood, acrylic and slate. Tim designs, manufactures & restores traditional and contemporary stained glass and leaded-light windows and also designs and produces a range of decorative and functional glass wall-pieces, mirrors, lighting and sculptures – for private, public and corporate; homes, buildings & gardens.

Master Craftsman Timothy Hawkins became a professional furniture designer maker in 1980. He uses various species of wood & the pieces which he designs and creates may be unadorned, or might include inlaying; parquetry; carving or turning – other materials such as glass or metal are sometimes incorporated, too.

Tim & his craftsman use time-honoured methods to make bespoke domestic, corporate and ecclesiastical furniture to meet diverse requirements and budgets. He creates both contemporary & traditional furniture as well as extraordinary pieces (either for clients or for exhibition) that he feels happily stand their ground in the context of Art, whilst serving a practical purpose.

Pieces may offer a viewpoint on various aspects of life, inspired by our world, by Tim’s own experiences and those of others. Such pieces sometimes take many hours of thinking and drawing before crystallizing into a workable design, others may develop very swiftly!

I make contemporary bespoke furniture using primarily native hard woods, sourced as wind fallen trees and converted into boards for construction. I also incorporate other materials (glass, stainless steel, leather) wherever required/requested.

My formal training was carried out though an apprenticeship working under a time served professional, here I also gained a city and guilds level 3 qualification in furniture making and fitting.

My inspiration derives from the flowing form, colouring and simplicity of the trees themselves. During the design process I use various techniques to explore design concepts: 3D computer modelling, mock-ups and sketches are all possibilities here. I use traditional methods of construction such as dovetails and mortice/tenon, these methods ensure my work is beautiful yet durable.

Whilst studying for my degree in Norway my main Ceramics tutor told us not to attempt using the potter’s wheel during our studies as he insisted the course did not allow us enough hours practice to master the craft. Being a typical student, I felt extremely provoked by this statement. Determined to prove him wrong […]

I design and craft wooden geared pendulum clocks to commission. I use various species of timber including walnut, oak, sycamore among others. My designs are a contemporary take on the traditional weight driven clock and showcase the movement of all of the clock parts. I like to incorporate various themes in to the head of the pendulum. For example my nautical clock highlights an intarsia square rigger ship and my most recent clock design incorporates a relief family coat of arms to produce a unique family heirloom. Creating something that is finely crafted, durable and unique is important to me as a maker.
My training is in both visual arts and engineering. I use traditional woodworking techniques plus woodturning, wood carving and intarsia as part of my craft.

Townhill Studio –  textiles created by Annabel Wilson. Initially Annabel studied interior design and the first expressions of her creativity were through a career as an interior designer in London but always inspired and excited by the textiles she specified. Her fabric dyeing is all underpinned by an innate sense of design. The main output […]

After graduating in 2013 with a first class BA(Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing from Plymouth College of Art, Tracey set up her studio near Fowey in Cornwall and since then has exhibited and supplied galleries throughout the UK. Her work explores the concepts of adornment and its value in terms of reinvention by reclaiming scrap silver. […]

TreeFall Design was created by British designer, Manda McGrory. Following an unusual career path that includes running away with the circus, training as a carpenter and working as a bank manager, Manda discovered her true passion for all things textile whilst expecting her first daughter in 2004. An interest in traditional quilting led to a passion for […]

Turnaround – Ian Banstead’s World of Woodturning offers bespoke, unique and handcrafted woodturning by a visually impaired woodturner. A qualified electrician for nearly 10 years before losing my sight, I started a woodturning course with the RNIB which sadly was brought to an abrupt end when the premises closed. I was very fortunate to then meet retired professional woodturner Dick Waller, who as well as transforming my skill and enjoyment in woodturning designed some special chisels to allow me to cut various patterns and shapes. I am open to commissions: please visit my website via the link below for details of these and the many pieces I have turned to date.

I work using semi precious stones and polymer clay to make my jewellery. The pieces I create are simple, stylish and affordable.  My polymer clay pieces are mini pieces of art, they are all one of a kind and very individual.

I studied for a BA HONS in Textile design at Nottingham Trent, specialising in knitwear, and started making jewellery after creating a gift for a friend – who then got asked where she got it from and Twisted Designs jewellery was born!

I find inspiration from all aspects of life. I love colour, texture and form. I find many of the stones I use inspirational, the colours and simply because of the amazing way they are formed by nature. Unique in every way.

Inspired by the UK’s Industrial heritage, Lynn loves reconnecting with the craftsmen of the past and ensuring their stories aren’t lost by upcycling their work and repurposing it. She enjoys the process of unearthing pottery shards, sea glass and iron ore slag and researching their story – How did it get here? Who made it? Each piece comes with the provenance Lynn has been able to uncover, connecting you to the land and history of the shard.

Unearthed by Lynn forges an eclectic union of new and old, as well as raising awareness to reducing our footprint on the planet. She uses non-toxic, food-grade chemicals during the silversmithing process; she sources recycled eco silver for creating her jewellery; and utilises recycled and biodegradable materials for her packaging.

Designer jewellery and tableware, handmade in our studio in the heart of Berkshire. Our ALLORA jewellery collection is inspired by the subtle details found in Italian architecture and décor, observed during Louise Vaessen-Walker’s travels throughout Italy. ALLORA signifies a purity of line and shape, alongside elements of subtle movement, creating an elegant and contemporary collection. The ALLORA collection is handmade in recycled silver, gold vermeil and available to order in Fairtrade gold, and is boxed in our branded eco-packaging.

Our brand ethos is of high quality, handcrafted and innovative designs that express themes of minimal aesthetics and perceived ambiguity, whilst pushing the boundaries of processes and techniques, and using recycled and responsibly sourced materials.

VanillaKiln is a studio boutique with porcelain jewellery and ceramics by artisan Jude Winnall. Everything is individually and skillfully hand crafted in a fusion of sculptural form and innovative design.

The main jewellery collection is an evolving one inspired by an affinity with fabric. Lined in a glossy celadon blue glaze, the range is reminiscent of fresh white linen featuring gathers, rolls and folds.

The ceramics are equally artistic with freeform, contemporary styling. There are lots of beautiful and useful pieces in store with the option of some superb gift packaging. If you love to give, browse the VanillaKiln boutique where you will be spoilt for choice.

I make slipcast ceramics, both functional and decorative. Decoration is subtle crackle glazes with highlights of coloured lustres.

I add vintage imagery and patterns as ceramic transfers.

Do get in touch.

I’m a knitted textile designer from Scotland now based in Surrey. I work predominately with lambswool which I machine knit then felt in the washing machine before making it into my products, which comprise of interior and fashion accessories. My work is inspired by the natural landscape, and my current collections are inspired by the Scottish highland landscape, where I spent every summer as a child, as well as a small collection of dog cushions that have been inspired by my own dog, Alvar the Corgi.

My ceramics are an eclectic amalgamation of nostalgic form and imagery ranging from teapots and cups to jewellery, as well as one-off larger pieces incorporating precious stones, metal and found objects. I use a combination of slip casting and hand building techniques to create pieces in my signature style. Their surface decoration includes slip painting, […]