Meet the Maker - Gemma with a G

This week we meet Gemma of Gemma with a G

Tell us a little bit about you.

I'm Gemma Hadley, I'm 26 years old and I live in a beautiful little cottage in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

Have you always been crafty, or is it something that you've picked up more recently?

For as long as I can remember I've always had some sort of crafty project on the go. I trained as a graphic designer and while I love computers, there's nothing quite as satisfying as sitting down with some paper, glue and a craft knife and seeing what you can create with your hands.

Have you been particularly influenced by any other artists or events?

I've always been hugely influenced by nature and colour. I also love rummaging through local markets and car boots and am often inspired by the unusual papers and treasures I find.

What other artists are you excited about seeing at Handm@de Cambridge?

So many! I keep on noticing a new exhibitor I didn't see at first and am hugely looking forward to seeing them all! To name a couple though, Bread of Many's illustrations are beautiful and I love the look of Emma Passey's ceramics. I'm a huge teacup fan!

What is your favourite piece?

My butterfly cards were my first design so they'll always be special to me because of that. They take a while to cut out but they look lovely sat on a mantelpiece. They're one of my more detailed cards and people usually react very positively towards them which is a great feeling :) I'm also very busy working on some Christmas designs at the moment!

Are there any specific pieces you fancy that will be at Handm@de Cambridge?

The Print Tree's blossom print clutches look beautiful, I'm a huge fan of Japanese style prints and am definitely looking forward to seeing them!

Seller Selections

1. All Fired Up - http://www.all-fired-up.co.uk/

2. AmazonCat - http://amazoncat.etsy.com/

3. Averil Hyton - http://averil-hylton.deviantart.com/

Seller Selections

1. Peeko Crochet - http://www.peekocrochet.com/shop/

2. Snapdragon Beads - http://www.snapdragonbeads.com/

3. QHere - http://www.qhere.net/

Meet the Maker - Trash Chic

This week we meet Sandra and Jane, the dynamic duo behind Trash Chic

Tell us a little bit about you.

SANDRA: Jane and I met nearly six years ago and quickly identified a joint interest in clothes, crafts, art. But it was relatively recently that we decided to take it a step further and form Trash Chic. The idea is that we take remnants, left-overs, broken jewellery, abandoned wool and all kinds of other discarded materials and turn them into aprons, bo chos (bohemian style chokers), bookmarks, cushions and scarves. It's a great stressbusting hobby for us. By profession, I'm a writer and editor

JANE: ... And I'm a web designer.

Have you always been crafty, or is it something that you've picked up more recently?

SANDRA: My mum taught me to knit and sew when I was very, very young. Then I picked up crochet, tatting, embroidery, patchwork, and, as I got older, bead jewellery making and bookmarks. I've always shopped in charity shops and jumble sales, then adapted my purchases. So, yes, it's certainly something I've always had an interest in.

JANE: I started designing and making my own clothes at a very young age and I recall some of my more unusual outfits bringing a smile to the faces of family and friends. In the 80s I sold clothes at Camden Lock and Greenwich Market. I also launched a range of funky outsize clothing which was pretty revolutionary at the time.

Have you been particularly influenced by any other artists or events?

SANDRA: Style and accessory wise, you can't beat a bit of Coco. In terms of artists, Cambridge has an abundance of really amazing talent. Personally, I prefer something clean, natural and in calming tones. The pieces I choose for myself definitely help me to relax and connect with nature or the sea.

JANE: My biggest influence is Vivienne Westwood. I also love Steampunk, anything gothic and Amy Winehouse’s hair. If I was a man I would be a dandy, sport colourful cravats and carry a walking cane.

What other artists are you excited about seeing at Handm@de Cambridge?

SANDRA: Well, it's always great to see Ruth Schmid, QHere bags. We both have several of her bags. But, to be honest, it's exciting just being among all kinds of other creatives and seeing what they make. It's tempting to spend the day buying their things rather than selling ours!!

JANE: I visited Handm@de last year and was completely blown away with the talent. I am sure I’ll be purchasing as well as selling this year.

What is your favourite piece?

SANDRA: Easy: Jane's full-length and half aprons. They really are fabulous, and definitely add a different dimension to being in the kitchen!

JANE: Sandra’s SECRETS bookmark. Roses, hearts and a dash of passion ... a tale of lasting love.

Are there any specific pieces you fancy that will be at Handm@de Cambridge?

SANDRA: I love jewellery. I'm always on the lookout for really unusual chunky earrings and pendants.

JANE: Can’t resist paper, tags and boxes!

You can find out more about Trash Chic on their website http://www.trashchic.co.uk

Meet the Maker - Kiran Ravilious

This week our featured seller is Kiran of Inkling Prints

Tell us a little bit about you.

I'm Kiran. I'm from Singapore. I moved to England 5 years ago. I now live in Leicester with my husband Ben, our two year old daughter Jill and my seven months old border terrier puppy Daisy.

Have you always been crafty, or is it something that you've picked up more recently?

I've always liked art. I trained as a graphic designer. I've always enjoyed illustrating and painting. I was inspired to get into printmaking when I met my husband whose grandparents were both printmakers. It was only recently though, that I started printing on fabric.

Have you been particularly influenced by any other artists or events?

I think I am influenced by nature and things I see all the time. I love botanical illustrations and the works of artist Alois Auer. I also find folk art very inspiring.

What other artists are you excited about seeing at Handm@de Cambridge?

I'm excited about seeing Yunisacs and also The Print Tree. Looking forward to popping round and getting myself a lovely purse or two!

What is your favourite piece?

My favourite piece has to be my napkins. I've printed 4 different designs to be sold as a set of 4. I like them because I think they are colouful and fun!

Are there any specific pieces you fancy that will be at Handm@de Cambridge?

I'm interested in Trash Chic's cushions And also Bread of Many I love the style of illustration!

You can follow Kiran and her work on her blog http://blog.inklingprints.co.uk/