Meet the Maker - Katie Beeke

Tell us a little bit about you.

I'm Katie, I'm 33, originally from Wales, I have lived in Cambridge for 11 years, i live in a busy neighbourhood with my husband, 2 kids, 2 cats and 3 chickens.

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

I studied fashion at uni but ended up working happily as a graphic designer for years, however I craved something creative that didn't involve a computer screen. I have always loved fabric and have a large stash after years of foraging in charity/vintage shops so thought I'd better get to work and make use of it! I love escaping to my sewing room and creating away, it reminds me of spending hours in my bedroom as a child, drawing and making.

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

I am constantly inspired and impressed by the huge online presence of women with such full, busy lives but still managing to remain creative and crafty. I love the Australian online community of crafters and their vibe. I also love all things Scandinavian from folklore art and textiles to modern stuff. One of my biggest influences is also my kids, their drawings and imagination and their response to my work is always spot on!

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

Inkling Prints textiles look right up my street, the prints look really fresh so I'll look forward to seeing them in the flesh. Poor Robin's colourful buttons are beautiful too.

What is your favourite piece?

Probably my collection of owls, they are all different but each has the softest organic cotton fleece back, very tactile. Also my patchwork christmas stockings, very festive without being too twee!

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

I'm craving The Print Tree's purses -gorgeous colours and fabric choices.

Gifts for... The little Ones

A selection of delightful gifts for children, from tiny new arrivals to energetic toddlers!

Lula Handmade

Soft, friendly creatures to brighten up a book shelf.

Lotte Mai

Children's gifts and Clothing

BibBibs

Designer bibs for new diners and experienced messers.

Mamma-K

Waldorf inspired dolls

Handmade Treasures

Crocheted Hats for little ones

Fiona Carver

Beautiful art for the nursery.

Fabric Friends

Unusual fabric animals and other creatures

Nat's Nest

Adorable mice just calling out for a hug!

Well Done Oxford!

As you might know, Handm@de Oxford was held yesterday in the amazing large hall at the town hall. The weather may have been pretty terrible but it was great to catch up with people and meet with the stall holders who will be at Handm@de Cambridge this Saturday.

Meet the Maker - Bethany Kelman

Tell us a little bit about you.

My name is Bethany Kelman, I am 27 years old and I live in Cambridge. I love vintage glamour, but I often found it hard to find vintage pieces that fit well so I started making my own dresses from vintage patterns. People liked them and often asked me where they could buy them, so I decided to start making dresses for sale & Jezebelles Boutique was born! I now make bags and accessories as well as clothing.

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

I come from an artistic background as my Mum is very crafty - she worked as a dressmaker when I was little and is now a jewellery maker, so I was encouraged to be artistic from an early age and art was always my favourite subject. I studied Fine Art at University & spent most of my time making sculptural dresses from unusual materials. After graduation I decided to embrace my inner seamstress!

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

All sorts of things inspire me and influence my work, including 1950s style, burlesque, the punk rock & psychobilly music scene, Vivienne Westwood and Japanese street style.

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

I am really looking forward to seeing all the other exhibitors work as there's such a diverse range of artists. I am especially excited about sharing a table with PinkAppleJam!

What is your favourite piece?

I am most excited about the new 1950s style evening bags I'm making in a range of different colours and fabrics. I'm also working on some vintage style pyjama sets which I think will make nice Christmas gifts. http://www.jezebellesboutique.co.uk/pyjamas.htm

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

I had the pleasure of seeing PinkAppleJam creating some tote bags with hand-drawn characters on them and I already have my eye on one of them in particular! http://pics.livejournal.com/pinkapplejam/pic/002p6rdf I am also very keen on Trash Chic's aprons! http://www.trashchic.co.uk/apronfull.htm And these Little Button Nose Notelets: http://www.littlebuttonnose.co.uk/notelets.html & all of Yunisacs purses! http://www.etsy.com/shop/yunisacs

Find out more about Bethany and her work at her website: http://www.jezebellesboutique.co.uk

Meet the Maker - Cat Hylton

This week we talk to Cat Hylton...

Tell us a little bit about you.

Hi I'm Cat, I'm from Norfolk . I'm currently a mature student re-taking some A Levels before going back to university to study veterinary medicine. I will be exhibiting my polymer clay creations and handmade goats' milk soaps.

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

My mother, who will be exhibiting alongside me, instilled me with her crafting spirit. So crafting is something I've always been into. I've had a go at everything from dress making to lino printing and back again. I'm also a keen photographer, who exhibits work as regularly as possible.

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

My mother and grandmother are my main influences, both taught me, encouraged me and supported me in all my crafty exploits. A lot of my clay work is inspired by Christi Friesen.

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

I'm a big fan of turned wood - I love the way it feels so I'm pretty excited about seeing Louise and Robert of 'Turned and Twisted'. I'm loving the quirky creations of Fabric Friends - I think one of those might have to come home with me! Hodge Podge Arts has some amazing, unique pieces, which are certainly worth a look. Little Molly the Lamb might just be the cutest thing I've ever seen - I'm a big lamb fan having spent a faie bit of time lambing.

What is your favourite piece?

Probably my little steampunk hedgepig. There will be a variety of steampunk animals available.

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

I think there's likely to be a bit of a fight over those adorable mice by Nat's Nest - everybody seems to love them! I want a GlowBox Lantern for Christmas too!