Join one of our free and £1 Workshops this Winter

We are hosting a series of £1 creative and business workshops this Winter at our shops in Elephant and Castle and Chelsea, come along and get some business advice or try your hand at something new.

Book your space via the links below (just click on the workshop name), please remember to cancel your place if you are unable to attend, and after the workshop tell us how it went by tagging us @solocraftfair

Chelsea

Friday 24th January - Free Mini Tarot Readings

Saturday 25th January - New Year’s Tea Party - Tea Tasting and Embroidery

Tuesday 28th January - Word of the Year Workshop

Elephant & Castle

Friday 3rd Janaury - Embroidered Patches at Solo Craft Fair

Wednesday 15th Janaury - Tea Blending Workshop

Wednesday 22nd January - Social Media Planning

Wednesday 29th January - How to get your Press Release noticed

Friday 7th February - Mini Tarot Love Readings

Tuesday 11th February - Origami Puzzle Purse Workshop

Monday 17th February - Lovebirds Watercolour Workshop

Wednesday 26th February - LGBT+ History Month Lecture

Wednesday 19th March - Starting your own business in 2025 talk

Join our Autumn series of FREE workshops at our shop in Elephant & Castle

From Autumn 2024, our Elephant & Castle shop is growing and we’re excited to have a designated workshop space that we will be putting to use by hosting weekly workshops for our customers. This is will be a range of creative and business workshops!

Book your space via the links below (just click on the workshop name), please remember to cancel your place if you are unable to attend, and after the workshop tell us how it went by tagging us @solocraftfair

Wednesday 11th September 1pm - 3pm - Tea Blending with A Little Tea Cup

Wednesday 18th September 1pm - 3pm - Pottery Painting

Tuesday 24th September 12pm - 3pm - Autumn Leaves Watercolour Workshop with Annie Dalton

Tuesday 1st October 11am-2pm - Small Business Workshop - Maximise your Final Quarter

Thursday 10th October 10am - 1pm - Pottery Painting

Friday 16th October 12pm - 3pm - Mini Tarot Readings with Luna Bloodstone

Tuesday 22nd October 12pm-3pm - Halloween Pumpkin Watercolour Workshop with Annie Dalton

Tuesday 28th October 3pm - 6pm - An Introduction to Crystal Healing

Wednesday 6th November 12pm - 3pm - Tea Blending with A Little Cup (in Brixton)

Thursday 7th November 10.30am-1.30pm - Making the Most of in Person Events and Craft Markets Workshop

Friday 15th November 12pm-3pm - CV and Job Application Assistance

Monday 18th November 11am-2pm - Scrunchie Making Workshop

Thursday 28th November 12pm-3pm - Lino Printing Christmas Cards

Wednesday 4th December 12pm-3pm - Candle Decorating

Thursday 12th December 1pm-4pm - Botanical Themed Bauble Making

When you come along to the workshop, make sure you browse our gift shop which is home to over 85 independent makers and designers, we also share a space with Little Louie’s cafe bar where you have a tipple before, during or after your workshop!


Halloween Must-Haves from SoLo Craft Fair Elephant & Castle

Whether you're into Halloween or not (seriously though, who isn't nowadays?), we've got some wonderful seasonal products in the shop this month if you fancy treating yourself or a loved one.

First up, we've got some unique jewellery by Studio Nerg for all you earring lovers. Choose from her spooky Halloween cats, pumpkins and ghost studs, or opt for something chic and autumnal like her beautiful leaf studs, available in a sweet orange or mellow red.

Do you have any October birthdays coming up? We'd recommend the quirky Happy Boo-Day card by Tikkled Pink for some punny goodness. If ghosts aren't your fancy, why not go for the equally cool pumpkin card instead?


By Rosie Hurley, we've got some Halloween-specific ceramics this month! There are dainty little pumpkins and lively black cats on the shelves - and guess what? There's even a mini pumpkin keyring so you can bring the spirit of the season with you wherever you go! Aside from the Halloween-themed decorations, Rosie Hurley's range also includes cute cryptids and creatures like dinosaurs, snails, frogs, birds and squirrels, apt for this time of year.

For the kids (and the adults), Creative Pickle has recently stocked some fantastic DIY decorations and crafty bits in a variety of Halloween icons. Why not encourage the children to have some arty fun alongside pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating?

Francesca Lyle never fails to disappoint with her much adored beanies, available in a range of embroidered designs and colours to suit all kinds of personalities. Keep yourself toasty, it's getting chilly!

Market & Me Presents: Elevate Your Pitching Skills and Expand Your Small Business Opportunities

This year we have had the pleasure of partnering with Market & Me, a network for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Sophie, the CEO of Market & Me has been running free small businesses workshops for many of our makers, the series is about to conclude with a special evening event which will be a pitch, mix & mingle night on Tuesday 8th August.

For those of you attending and will be giving pitching a go, Sophie has written a few pointers to get you started on your pitch - if you’re not coming to the event - feel free to use these points to help you when ever you may need them.

Summer Necessities

despite the unpredictable weather, it feels like summer is finally here. Wether you want to cover your house in fun florals or go to the beach in a bright new bikini. Wether you want to surround yourself with fresh vibrants smells or adorn some beautiful and delicate jewellery. You should be able to stroll into summer ready for the hot weather and exited for all the memories that come along with it. A dream we at SoLo craft fair hope to help you achieve.

Zena & Rose - https://zenaandrose.com/ - @zena_and_rose

For all those keen on baking some fresh summer food Zena & Rose make some beautiful oven mitts and tea towels delicately covered with garden birds and wild flowers, perfect for any dream kitchen and a necessity for any home cook this summer.

Morena choice - @morenachoice

As we move into hotter, days fun beach wear is a must. Morena choice makes high quality bikinis and swimming costumes that will make your day at the beach a perfect one. Wether you prefer floral prints or bold colours there is an outfit perfect for you, this summer.

@phloratanical

The contrast of delicately dried flowers and photos makes for a fantastic wall decoration that will fill your home with warmth and brightness. Bring the flourishing nature to your walls and celebrate the summer joy all year around.

Maria Nilsson - http://www.maria-nilsson.com/ - @marianilssonillustration

Dainty silver jewellery is perfect for the summer season. Made of recycled silver and carefully shaped into leaves and flowers with delicate care. Maria makes jewellery perfect for long days and hot weather, allowing you to feel beautiful and free. It is a must for this summer if you are a jewellery lover.

TicketyBoo - @ticketyboo_hf

When we think of summer, fresh florals smell and often what comes to mind. TicketyBoo sells refreshing clean smells with gorgeous flower sticks for that perfect smell paired with beautiful clean decor. Perfect for a summer lovers room.

We hope you have a fun and fresh summer filled with many fond memories and fun outfits.

-SoLo Craft Fair

Discover the Latest Trends by Shopping Directly from Makers at our Summer Craft Markets at Between The Bridges on Southbank

In a world dominated by mass production and impersonal shopping experiences, our summer maker’s markets offer a refreshing alternative. Our vibrant monthly markets bring together artisans, makers, and creators who showcase their unique handmade treasures. From intricately designed jewellery to one-of-a-kind artworks, our SoLo Craft Fair markets on Southbank provide an exciting shopping experience that goes beyond simply purchasing goods. Situated on Southbank at Between the Bridges, our summer markets are surrounded by bustling bars and street food vendors in London’s biggest beer garden. So pop down to Southbank on the first Sunday of every month this summer to stay ahead of the trends and shop unique pieces.

Head to our Eventbrite page here for more details on how to get there!

Need more reasons to visit our maker’s market at Between the Bridges? Here’s what we love about shopping at craft markets:

  1. Supporting Local Artisans and Small Businesses: By shopping at our craft markets, you are directly supporting local artisans and small businesses. These talented individuals pour their passion, time, and skill into creating exquisite handmade products. Each purchase you make contributes to their livelihood and encourages them to continue their craft. Moreover, the money you spend at craft markets stays within the community, strengthening the local economy and fostering a sense of togetherness.

  2. Unique and Authentic Handcrafted Products: Craft markets are a treasure trove of unique and authentic handcrafted products. Whether it's a hand-knitted scarf, a hand-painted ceramic mug, or a meticulously carved wooden sculpture, you'll find items that exude individuality and charm. Unlike mass-produced goods, these artisanal creations possess character, story, and soul. They allow you to express your own personality and stand out from the crowd, making your purchase truly special.

  3. Personal Connections and Stories: One of our favourite things about shopping at craft markets is the opportunity to engage with the artisans themselves. These talented individuals are eager to share their stories, creative processes, and inspirations behind their craft. By interacting with them, you gain a deeper appreciation for their work and form personal connections. This connection adds a layer of meaning to your purchase, making it more than just a transaction but a shared experience.

  4. Customization and Personalization: Craft markets offer a level of customization and personalization that is hard to find in conventional stores. Many artisans are open to customizing their products to suit your preferences. From bespoke jewelry with your initials to tailored home decor items, the possibilities are endless. Such personalized creations make for fantastic gifts or cherished mementos that hold sentimental value for years to come.

  5. Discover New Trends and Techniques: Craft markets are the breeding ground for creativity, innovation, and emerging trends. Exploring these markets allows you to stay ahead of the curve and discover new styles, techniques, and materials. You can witness firsthand the latest trends in fashion, home decor, and art. By supporting these artisans, you become a part of a vibrant creative community and inspire further growth and innovation.

  6. Engage in Sustainable Shopping: In a world grappling with environmental concerns, shopping at craft markets aligns with sustainable practices. Handcrafted products are typically made from natural, eco-friendly materials, and the production processes often prioritize sustainable practices. By choosing these products, you contribute to reducing the carbon footprint and supporting a more environmentally conscious way of living.

Craft markets offer an escape from the impersonal nature of mass-produced goods. By shopping at our maker’s markets, you support local artisans, discover unique products, and engage in a more meaningful shopping experience. From fostering personal connections with artisans to embracing sustainability and innovation, the benefits of shopping at craft markets are numerous. So, step away from the mainstream and embark on a journey of creativity, inspiration, and unforgettable finds at our summer markets at Between the Bridges on Southbank.

Turning a hobby into a career 

Everyone needed a distraction during lockdown to keep themselves busy and away from the sofa. That simple hobby turned into a fully fledged business for Matthew and Rebecca after their passion for Murder Mysteries took a turn down the (right!) path. 

It all started in 2017 when the duo hosted their first Murder Mystery Dinner Party after finding an old game from the 90s in a charity shop. Initially done with an element of irony, the couple (and their four friends) instantly took to the evening and arranged to enjoy more together. 

Ten games and three years later we cut to lockdown when the duo decided to finally try and write their own. Not expecting much at first, the duo soon became engrossed in their murder, the plot, the evidence, the alibis, the characters, scripts and hosting notes. After two months Moon Rising Mysteries was born and their first title 'Murder in the Victorian Manor' was release on Halloween of 2020. 

The duo put the Murder Mystery on Etsy as well as their own website and were surprised that Christmas when sales grew to a point where they had to make their games full time. Moon Rising Mysteries grew with a streamlined marketing plan slowly being picked up by Wowcher as a digital game and now our very own store in Elephant and Castle. 

If you fancy a night of murder and fun with your friends and family you can pop down and grab a game... 

Or watch the trailer here. If you dare…

www.moonrisingmysteries.com

The Most Unusual (and fun) places to have a drink in South London

London is filled with the weird and wonderful - this is one of the reasons it is such an incredible city, and drinking establishments in the big smoke are no exception. Here is our list of the most unusual places to have a drink in South London.

  1. The Prince of Greenwich, Greenwich - Hidden in the backstreets of Greenwich you’ll find this pub thats a museum? Every corner of this pub is filled with artefacts - enjoy an ale whilst you lose yourself in Victorian heritage from La Rosa Collection.

  2. Four Quarters, Elephant and Castle & Peckham - Spend the evening playing retro arcade games from Donkey Kong to Guitar Hero whilst slurping on beer.

  3. The George Inn, London Bridge - One of London’s oldest pubs filled with nooks and crannies to loose yourself in with a great range of drinks.

  4. Toulouse Lautrec, Kennington - Pretend you’re in 1920s Paris for an evening whilst you sip on fine wines and listen to jazz - every night they have live music and you can chose to sit in the bar, piano room or restaurant.

  5. Rivoli Ballroom, Crofton Park - London’s oldest ballroom that is still in use - decorated with lavish drapes and chandeliers. You will recognise the interior as it has been used ofr many music videos (Elton John’s I Guess that’s why they call it the Blues, S Club 7’s Don’t Stop Moving). Sadly they only open the ballroom for ticketed events but the good news they are cracking events - join them for a cinema night, jive party or a soul disco.

  6. Effra Social, Brixton - An old Conservative club transformed into a cosy drinking den - filled with discos, comedy nights and big screens to watch live sports.

  7. The Cinema Museum, Elephant & Castle - This museum is located in the old work house that Charlie Chaplin had to work in as a child - but now is a fascinating place that shows cult movies and does guided tours.

  8. Hayman’s of London, Balham - This wonderful gin distillery is hidden in an industrial estate in Balham. They do gin tasting events, cocktail masterclasses or you can book to have a drink in their sunny beer garden in the summer.

  9. Little Nan’s Bar, Deptford - If you have a thing for all things kitsch, this place is for you. Nestled under the arches in Deptford the walls are covered head to toe in colour, quirky cocktails and the only rule of Little Nan’s Bar is that Pat Butcher is their Queen.

  10. Catford Mews, Catford - Catford Mews is an independent cinema and event space, the bar area is surrounded with different food vendors so there’s always great grub to accompany your drink (and movie if you do go to see a film).

The Rivoli Ballroom in Crofton Park

The Rivoli Ballroom

Crofton Park

Toulouse Lautrec

Kennington

Make it a Valentine's to Remember

February is an exciting month for the shop. Are you looking for a Valentine's/Galentine’s gift or card? If so, we have you covered! See some of our loveable gifts below:

If you or your loved one appreciates the beauty of nature and delicate botanical items, why not consider the selection of products we have in store by Midas Touch Designs? For bookworms, there are gorgeous resin bookmarks containing real pressed flowers. We also have lovely initial keyrings for something more personal, flower coasters, and tiered displays - all with real pressed flowers inside - and we must say, the displays would pair very nicely for a spot of afternoon tea or a cute picnic. 

Midas Touch Designs

If flowers aren't their thing, Jukju Glass has a stunning collection of glass mushroom necklaces that would be a great gift for any fungi enthusiast, alongside fruits like lemons, strawberries, and chillies (if you fancy feeling fiery). 

Jukju Glass

Why not treat yourself or your love to a pair of amazing handcrafted paper crane earrings by Yukka Origami? These statement earrings are eye-catching and unique, making them a memorable gift. 

Yukka Origami

Skin Equation's range of oils, serums, clay masks and beard oil are fantastic options for self-care and grooming.

Skin Equation

Or, why not go wild and surprise them with a handmade terrarium by OhhDarlingDesigns? It would be a spectacular centrepiece in your home, brightening up any room it lives in.

Ohh Darling Designs

If you're looking for a low-key Valentine's present that will rejuvenate the ambience inside their home, we'd recommend London Lily's wonderful candle collection. We'd go for the Black Rose & Oud, Molten Amber and Black Amber & Lavender scents for the sweetest vibes.  

London Lily

Alongside your gift you also need a super duper card, and those we have plenty of in store (whilst stocks last).

Starting with Leanne Creative and their Afrocentric affirming greeting cards. They are beautifully curated and we can’t get enough of them.

Leanne Creative

If you are after something fun and want a giggle out of your other half (or your best pals!) then Tikkled Pink fka Gabi & Gaby have a range of cards ready to put a smile on your face.

Tikkled Pink

For the Jurassic lovers out there Dinosaurs Doing Stuff have every occasion covered with their themed cards. But in particular we are in Dip-Love-Docus heaven with this card.

Dinosaurs Doing Stuff

Last, but certainly not least. For those who are wanting a cute card and have all the feels for their love then Katie Wells Art has the sweetest cards.

February Month of Marketing

Welcome to your February Month of Marketing, filled with prompts to inspire, develop and promote your small business. Having a small business can be demanding with a never ending list of things to do - making things hard to prioritise. Make February your most productive yet by putting 10-30 minutes aside each day to work on each prompt. Owning your own small business can be lonely at times, so let's use this month to work together on the same jobs on the same days. We'll be having a meetup at the beginning and end of the month so we can all discuss how everything went. Most of these prompts shouldn't take long to do and often can be done from your phone, so you can do some of them on your commute, your lunchbreak, or whenever you have a spare 30 minutes. Do as many as you can and update us on your progress with tagging us @solocraftfair on Instagram and using the hashtag #solomonthofmarketing. Be sure to snap and video your activities for the final prompt!

Download the prompt calendar and information here.

1. Create a list of 5 goals for this year

2. Follow 5 accounts that inspire you

3. Spend time going through your analytics on your website or Etsy page for the past year - any trends you can see developing? Any products that don't appear to be getting many views? What can you do to amend this?

4. Create new photos for 5 of your products

5. Create a video of you making and post this on your socials

6. Make a list of 5 creative opportunities you'd like to apply for this year

7. Try something new on social media that you've never done before - maybe try a reel or go live?

8. Refresh your company blurb - who are you, why do you do what you do? what makes it different?

9. Make a social media post promoting other businesses that inspire you

10. Update the keywords/ tags on 2 of your products with the least traffic and/or sales

11. Create a timelapse of you making and post to social media

12. Take a seasonal photoshoot for your products

13. Update the description of two of your products online, be sure to include lots of keywords

14. Create a Meet the maker post - post something personal to social media to show the person behind the brand and help your customers get to know you - this could be a selfie, a picture of your workspace or even your pet!

15. Make an 'unboxing video'

16. Research how to make your business more sustainable and try and action one idea by the end of the month

17. Brainstorm ideas on how to update your packaging - make a pinterest board if you need inspiration

18. Rest Day - do you need to catchup on any of the previous prompts?

19. Market research time! Ask friends and family to give you feedback on your products and packaging - ask them what words they'd use to search an item online.

20. Set up your Google Merchants Centre (the place you list your products on the 'Shop' tab of Google). If you already have one - check all your product details are up to date and correct

21. Update the description of two of your products online

22. Apply for one of the creative opportunities from your list above

23. Make a diary (whether this be physical or digital) and fill it in with deadlines for the coming year

24. Read an article that interests you from the Etsy Seller Handbook; https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook

25. Review finances; which products and opportunities have been most financially beneficial? what can you learn from this?

26. Brainstorm ideas and create an action plans for major shopping times through the year; Mother's Day, Easter, Fathers Day, Summer, Halloween, Christmas, Valentines Day.

27. Spend some time reflecting on why you started your business. What was your inspiration? How has your business developed?

28. Make a post or reel of this month, what prompts have you enjoyed? What was the most helpful? Which did you struggle with? Did you manage to complete every prompt?

Top Picks At SoLo Craft Fair for January   

We’re kicking off 2023 at SoLo Craft Fair by welcoming a whole host of fab new traders to the shop! We have a brand new display, and our calendar is getting booked up with events for the month, including an embroidery workshop and our monthly Blind Date with a Book event on the terrace! We thought we’d share some of our top picks for the month, all available at our Elephant & Castle pop up shop, and some ready to purchase from us online!

1.   These super soft cotton pyjama sets by Rooh London have been a huge hit so far. They come in a variety of colours and patterns including this black and yellow leopard design. £42.95 - available online.

2.       This Anne Fortin organic beauty gift set includes a hand balm, healing lip balm and a shimmer lip balm. All products are handmade, organic and vegan, and they come beautifully presented in a gift box. £25 – available to purchase here with free shipping.

3.       Start 2023 by reviving your space with this colourful moon print by Drawn Together Art Collective. This contemporary art print is inspired by the moon nicknames of the year. In total there are 12 moon illustrations, one for each month of the year. £27 with free postage, available to buy here.

4.    This month we are loving The Daily Collection by Zemk Cares – a candle for each day of the week. Not only do they smell amazing (Thursday’s scent is a strong favourite amongst SoLo staff), but they help a good cause too, with 10% of each sale going to The Brain Charity & Brain and Spine Foundation. £20 at the SoLo Shop.

Zemk Care The Daily Collection Candles

5.       These Jukju glass amanita mushroom pendants are all handmade and each one is slightly different, showing the hand of the artist.  They’re available at the SoLo shop for £35.

Meet The Maker: Alex HB Designs

 

 

Happy Pride! Today marks the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march and we’ve come a long way but there is still so much progress to be made. One way to support the LGBTQ+ community is by supporting charities – like the amazing Metro Spark who do so much incredible work with young people in Southwark. If you shopped with SoLo during the month of June then £1 of every £20 spent went to this fab charity but don’t let the donations stop there – head on over to their Instagram and see what they’re all about.

 

And another way of supporting the community is of course shopping with our amazing LGBTQ+ makers! We chatted to Alex this month about what pride means to him, and his experience of being a queer small business owner.

 

What was your journey to becoming an artist?

 

Being a gay, disabled and neurodiverse man, I grew up in an education system which I simply didn’t fit and I was written off by teachers at an early age. I was eventually successful educationally once I received the support I needed and could learn in ways that worked for me. These experiences led me to become a teacher, wanting to create a more inclusive learning environment for other learners.

I worked as a teacher for many years but the physical demands became too much for me to manage given my disability. Being creative in various forms has been an important outlet for me throughout my life. I’ve never had the confidence to pursue arts and crafts professionally before but during the pandemic I re-evaluated my priorities and what brings me fulfilment.

 

What does your creative process look like?

 

I have long been inspired by the power of botanical illustrations to highlight the intricate beauty of plants and convey a feeling of peacefulness and tranquillity. I explore this power in my work through the use of creative photographic techniques. A light box is employed to bring out the fine details in plants and I digitally paint in elements from multiple exposures to create compositions which blur the lines between photography and illustration.

Through my art I like to explore issues which are important to me, such as: LGBTQ+ history and rights, awareness of chronic illnesses and the importance of biodiversity.

 

What does Pride mean to you?

 

For me, Pride is a reminder that despite what many people perceive, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is not over and that we must not be complacent, as rights can still be taken away. There are still so many parts of the world where being LGBTQ+ is illegal. Pride means fighting for the rights of all members of the community, no matter where in the world they are, as together we are stronger. We must stand with our trans siblings and not be divided.

 

 

Where do you sell your work besides the SoLo Craft Fair shop?

 

My cards are currently stocked at Flowers of Islington, I also sell my work on the new SheHeThey online marketplace. Additionally, I sometimes trade at craft fairs.

 


What is your experience of running a queer owned business?

 

In most places I have worked I haven’t felt comfortable being my true authentic self. Since starting my business, I have discovered just how welcoming, caring and supportive the queer creative community is. Being part of this community has increased my confidence and made me feel more comfortable expressing myself.

 

What tips would you have for any other artists looking to start selling their work?

 

I highly recommend attending talks and networking events for creatives to help you make friends and connections. Working for yourself can be exciting and give you a sense of freedom, however it can also be scary and isolating at times. Having a support network of fellow creatives can really help when you’re finding things challenging. I would also recommend attending local craft fairs and markets regularly, this is helpful for both research and networking.

 

How can non-queer businesses be better allies all year round?

 

There is a tendency of many business to add a rainbow to their logos for June and do little else. I feel that they shouldn’t do this unless they are committed to being allies all year round. For example:

Making a commitment to being an inclusive employer, supporting LGBTQ+ employees and listening to their voices all year round.

Donating a portion of the profit from any Pride themed products to LGBTQ+ charities.

Carefully considering where they advertise - avoiding outlets which amplify hate.

Making it explicit that they support trans rights.

Meet The Maker: State Of Clay

Meet The Maker: State of Clay

This weekend is your last chance to get your hands on the wonderful State Of Clay products in the shop.

A London based ceramicist, Fay De Winter first graduated in 2004 in Ceramics Design at Central Saint Martin’s and returned to study at Farnham University for the Creative Arts, completing a Masters in Contemporary Craft, specialising in ceramics in 2012. Since graduating Fay has participated in many events and exhibitions in England, Japan, Bali, Milan, Bahrain, Dubai and the USA.

Fay loves to experiment with clay, exploring different perspectives of nature and traveling around the world collecting curio to be inspired by. Porcelain has mainly been utilised in her works to create intimate installations and customised relation gifts. She believes objects tell stories of people’s lives, often holding personal and collective meanings of a particular time, place and event.

What tips would you have for any other makers looking to start selling their work?

Get involved… volunteer for related organisations, attend events and training to continuously develop your skills, gain experience in your field through subject specialist roles, grow your audience in person and online. Most importantly, do what you love and it will shine through.

You also run pottery workshops, can you tell us a bit more about these?

In July 2019 Fay launched a new business, a mobile miniature pottery workshop called State of Clay, holding public and private events. These workshops include public miniature throwing and customised site. My aim is to share ceramics with a wider audience, to make it easier for all to be creative with clay. Touching, shaping and crafting with clay increases well-being, while developing satisfying skills of making artistic objects by hand.

Indie Edit - Inkwell Designs

*This is a paid feature

 
 

Meet Inkwell Designs, a homeware and fashion accessories company with a focus on sustainability and zero waste.

SoLo Craft Fair sits down with founder of the brand, Nicola, to discuss how the brand has evolved and the inspirations behind her quirky designs.

“Hello, I’m Nicola Erdpresser, founder of Inkwell Designs. As a freelance graphic designer and stained glass artist I enjoy making marks, and working with graphic elements, colour and light. I studied Typography and Graphic Communications at Reading University and have worked for most of my career in book publishing.”

“Having discovered a love of making colourful patterns I’ve been developing my collection of products with a focus on being sustainable and kind to our planet. I’m an environmental campaigner and started off with a zero waste cutlery bag, then moved on to scarves and tea towels in organic cotton.”

“In 2020 during the pandemic, I kept creative by running an online sketching hour per week with a group of like-minded people. A selection of these drawings have been printed as greetings cards on recycled card and are available in the shop.”

“You can find out more information about my stained glass at www.stainedglassartshop.co.uk and freelance graphic design at www.designcreateinnovate.co.uk.”

“I am passionate about creating beautiful, original designs in small scale production and in a way that is environmentally friendly. My collection includes organic scarves, organic tea towels and cutlery bags, plus some greetings cards printed on recycled card.”

“Inkwell Designs is built on three core philosophies: my original designs, made in small scale production, and all in a planet friendly way. We love bees and in an effort to support their continuity, 1% of our sales will be donated to Bumblebee Conservation Trust via Work for Good.”

“My unique and quirky designs are inspired by a wide variety of observations, my travels and favourite places, and each is given a different name. I favour bright and cheerful colours and my patterns are bold and often layered in technique.”

“Everything is made in the UK in small scale production, meaning that my scarves and tea towels are limited editions. All packaging is custom designed and plastic free. ‘Slow fashion’ is the opposite of fast fashion and considers the way the textiles are produced. It advocates for buying better quality garments that will last longer, and values fair treatment of people, animals, and the planet along the way.”

“Having researched the manufacturing of silk and other fabrics I’ve chosen organic cotton as the most environmentally and insect-friendly option for my scarves and tea towels.”

“Using organic cotton reduces our environmental footprint. No toxic chemicals are used in the growing of organic cotton. It doesn't damage the soil, has less impact on the air, and uses 88% less water and 62% less energy. Conventional cotton uses about 16% of the world's insecticides and 7% of pesticides.”

“All of my products are still quite new, but I am looking to grow my range and create some organic cushion covers in a small selection of my patterns.”

“My top tip for other inspiring makers? To make something you feel passionate about and to enjoy the process of being creative.”

Want to learn more about Inkwell Designs? Find their products in the Indie Maker’s Shopping Guide, head over to their website to shop their full range and follow them on Instagram and Twitter for their latest updates.

Meet The Maker: Rose Brain Embroidery

This week we chat to Rosie Brain Embroidery about her incredible designs.

What is the story behind your embroidery business?

In the summer of 2020 I was finishing my degree in textile design and having just moved back home due to the first Covid-19 lockdown I was feeling quite lost and had no idea what I was doing. I was contacted about a job opportunity to be trained on the free-motion ‘Irish’ embroidery machine at Rachel Rousham Embroidery and I immediately applied! I had used the machine a little whilst at university but hadn’t really planned on specialising in it. After a couple of months I bought my machine and started creating my own work alongside my freelance jobs.

Since developing ornate visible mending techniques for denim during a university project, I have been passionate about finding exciting ways to extend garment life. The patches came about as a method to customise garments as well as being a wonderful way to cover holes and stains. They are all made in small batches on 100% wool felt which makes them perfect for stitching onto knitwear, and they also look great on denim. After discovering a hole in the cuff of a vintage blouse, I also began embroidering directly onto garments to cover holes, a more subtle method of repair that becomes part of the garment and look as if it was always there. 

I now take on bespoke embroidery commissions and small batch custom embroidered patch orders, and have recently started running garment customisation workshops where you can learn how to stitch one of my patches onto an item of clothing as well as some basic hand embroidery techniques.

 

What does your creative process look like?

I take most of my inspiration from nature, as well as vintage/antique hand embroidered pieces, there is so much to be learned from them! I am often driven by the process itself, I love playing around with stitch direction and layering, and then will find a way to incorporate a particular effect into my work. For example the centre of my sunshine patch came about from experimenting with how light reacts to thread depending on the angle it’s stitched at. I also love to use unusual colour combinations, sometimes they don’t quite work but that’s part of the fun of it! I draw everything by hand which can be time consuming but I quite like the slowness and the repetitive nature of it. When I am covering holes and stains with embroidery I like to draw over the shape that needs to be concealed so that I can tailor the embroidery design to it, a few people have compared it to a tattoo cover-up which I love! 

 

What embroidery machine do you use? And what advice would you give to others thinking of investing in an embroidery machine?

I use a Juki LZ-271 free-motion embroidery machine, which is a modern version of the Singer Irish embroidery machines which sadly aren’t made any more. Nothing is programmed onto the machine, the fabric is guided by hand, with the stitch width controlled by a knee presser and the speed by a foot pedal.

My advice when buying a machine new would be to find a local stockist if you can so you have access to a technician if something goes wrong. For this machine specifically I would say keep your fingers away from the needle and don’t stitch when you’re tired! 

 

As well as machine embroidery, you also create intricate textile sculptures, can you tell us a bit about these?

I first began creating my textile sculptures during the final major project of my degree. They were originally inspired by the textures and colours of thistles, flower heads and dried seed pods. I was developing techniques on the Irish embroidery machine when the first lockdown began and I moved home, so I had to figure out how to translate the machine techniques into hand embroidery. Since I got my machine I have been experimenting with combining the machine embroidery with hand stitching techniques. The sculptures are made up of many layers of satin stitching, combining machine embroidery threads with hand-stitched sections made up of raffia, tapestry wool, and various threads that I find in charity shops. I love creating contrasting hard/soft textures, as well as experimenting with different ways to layer colour for effect. The pieces are shaped by attaching them to lycra after the bulk of the stitching is complete. I never really know how a piece is going to look until the very end which can be a bit nerve-wracking, particularly after spending days on a piece but is also quite exciting!

Other than Solo Craft Fair pop-up shop, where do you sell/exhibit your work?

Currently I sell my work and take commissions through my website and Instagram, as well as markets and pop-ups including A South London Makers Market and Women Will Create. I also do mending with embroidery and customisation projects for The Seam and Make Nu. I’m also hoping to start exhibiting my textile sculptures later this year.