Maker Directory

Karen has produced predominantly aesthetic art pieces for many years but has recently rediscovered throwing and has become struck by the unique appeal of ceramics as functional art. Inspired by the Brecon Beacons, her ‘Home’ collection explores the point where beauty and practical purpose meet.

Always fascinated by the naked surface of clay, Karen adds oxides to the clay body to create the exterior colours without having to mask the natural texture of the material. The interior surfaces are glazed to ensure that they are food safe. In developing these glazes, she’s discovered a rich palette of colours which are reminiscent of South Wales itself. This work is art which will be touched, used and treasured.

I love experimenting with precious metals, especially silver, to create tactile, interesting pieces that invite the wearer to engage with them. I love clean, contemporary designs, often geometric and sculptural with unusual, organic surface patterns and textures. My pieces are inspired by everyday emotions and situations as well as the beautiful natural world we live […]

There is something very special about walking down to my garden studio, cup of tea in hand, early in the morning. Since completing my MA at the Royal College of Art I have divided my time between teaching, raising a family and continuing to make. My work is inspired by my love of nature and […]

I live in the lovely Devon estuary town of Topsham, which is full of seagulls and home to a host of elegant wading birds. I try to capture something of their essence in my work (textiles), which is characterized by a naivety of design. I have an MA in History of Modern Art and Design.
The eagerly awaited Avocets have become central motifs in much of my work, along with Oystercatchers and Curlews. Whilst the subjects may vary, the unifying element is the use of quality fabrics in soft dusky hues of blues, neutrals and greys. Motifs are appliquéd with free motion machine embroidery stitch, reminiscent of soft pencil sketches. I design and make all of my products at my kitchen table, listening to my favourite audio books (mainly Jane Austen) and the cry of the gulls overhead. Prices start from £10 for a tea towel.
Products are available in Panorama Gallery, Topsham, Devon.

I began making jewellery in 2007 and have not looked back since, setting up Kat Zahran Jewellery in 2009. My jewellery has a distinct style, mixing gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones and oxidisation to provide pieces which are highly distinctive and modern yet extremely wearable. I am also a specialist in fine wire work for more delicate pieces.

Kate became a studio jeweller in 2003, exhibiting collections in galleries and at exhibitions throughout the UK and Ireland. Whilst on her degree Kate found a natural affinity working with metal and spent long hours making intricate models to help her visualise her designs. She has always promoted craftsmanship and quality of making in her […]

My passions are for clay and plants, which stems from my occupation as a gardener. I combined both these interests on my degree course in ceramics at Cardiff School of Art & Design. Since graduating in 2009, I have worked in a shared ceramic studio exploring the effects of shape, pattern, silhouettes, shadows, and contrasts […]

Kate’s jewellery collections are all inspired by textiles, whether it is knitting with yarn and fusing this with glass, or taking the inspiration from knitted patterns and textures and translating this into silver. Kate has several collections that are linked by a textile theme but each has a different feel and look. Kate Holdsworth is a jewellery designer maker. She has always been fascinated with the tactile textural qualities of knit. While studying at Bucks New University she became intrigued with the contrasting textures that could be achieved by juxtaposing knit with other materials. Kate went on to develop her love of contrasting materials on her MA at Nottingham Trent University where she produced an innovative process of fusing knit and glass together to create a unique composite textile. This led Kate to a year’s placement on the Design Space Programme developing new jewellery products. Since Design Space she has set up a collective with 10 other jewellery designer makers at Quarter Studios where she shares a workshop within the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.

Using old and recycled materials I try to capture the detail and beauty found in nature. My work is influenced by plants, insects and found objects which I recreate in paper and arrange carefully into collections and dioramas. I like to evoke the sense of nostalgia and curiosity I get from studying nature and creating the items […]

Founded in 2012, Kate Sproston Design creates embroidered gifts and products for the home. Based in the Midlands, UK, we strive for quality and craftsmanship in every piece.
Having grown up in a household full of handmade toys and gifts, Kate has always understood the value of a beautifully made product, and the pride taken in creating the piece. This is why each of our products has been made with care from the highest quality materials available.
Incorporating this mantra with strong designs and a love for both traditional and contemporary embroidery, Kate Sproston Design offers fresh embroidered pieces for the modern home, some of which can be personalised for an extra special touch.
All products are handmade in the UK, with care and attention to detail.