Today we are getting to know Number8Glass who creates fused glass pieces and traditional stained glass. All pieces are made by Katherine Wilson who began working with stained glass about 10 years ago and now works full time in her studio in Nottingham.

How would you describe your style?

Bright and contemporary

Where do you work and does your location influence your work?

I work in my studio in Tollertonand over look the garden – this is a huge influence and lots of my pieces reflect the time of year when I first made them.

How did you get started as an artist/designer?

I first started working with glass about 14 years ago – then I think I followed a fairly common path of developing my skills and style, making for family and friends and then starting my business.

Can you give us an idea of your creative processes?

I rarely start on paper,  there is something about needing to hold glass and see the colours together to get the inspiration flowing!

What is inspiring you or your work just now?

It is all about green now – it must be the fact that everything is growing to fast (including the bind weed!) but I keep finding myself choosing shades of green and looking at different ways to put them together.

Do you have any new designs you can give us a sneak preview of?

I’ve been commissioned to make a 3 panel wall piece for a couple – I’m looking forward to showing off that when it is finished

What is your favourite thing about Nottingham?

There is such a great, supportive community here – everyone is always ready with advice, a “like” or a retweet

The best piece of makers advice you have been given or can give to others?

Keep researching what it is your customers like, want and will buy.

You can view Number8Glass over on the website here and in our online shop.

Today we are getting to know Sam Pierpoint who creates fun and whimsical illustrations.  Sam handcrafts all of her 3D creations out of a range of fine quality papers, before photographing and editing the images digitally, to create each finished piece.

How would you describe yourstyle?

I’d say that there’s always an element of escapism in my work, I’m a day dreamer and I love to get lost in my own little illustrated world, expanding on it every day is what makes me happy!

Where do you work and does your location influence your work?

I work in a cabin at the bottom of the garden with my partner ‘Michael Foyle’ who is a photographer. I love it because it’s separate from the house which allows me to properly focus with no distractions.

How did you start as an artist/designer?

Art and Graphic Design were always my favourite subjects at school, the teachers particularly in these lessons were always the happiest and most chilled out which I really believe says a great deal about subject! I knew I wanted to do something fun and creative which would allow my imagination to run wild!

Can you give us an idea of your creative processes?

Yes! I build things out of paper, photograph the paper sculpture at different angles and arrange and edit the work on photoshop to create the final piece.All of my 3d work starts with making the base out of foam board using a glue gun to glue everything in place. Once I have a solid strong structure I can then start covering it with paper.

What is inspiring you or your work just now?

My illustrations are inspired by Mother Nature, wildlife and travel. I have a huge obsession with pattern, which always finds its way into my work. It often contains fusions of architectural, geometric, cultural and natural patterns to create vibrant and rich pieces.

Do you have any new designs you can give us a sneak preview of?

Of course! I have been working on a few things over the past month, including some branding and graphic design for a Tea Shop in Winchester, some designs for thank you cards and I’m currently working on a 3d paper London scene as a self initiated project.

What is your favourite thing about Nottingham?

The art shop in Bonnington! When I was at uni I couldn’t get enough of the different patterned specialist papers that they sell!

Today we are meeting Hannah Stevens. Hannah creates quirky, illustrative, personalised tote bags and greetings cards from her little home studio in Nottingham. Her illustrations are so cute and fun especially her new and very popular beard range, you got to love a beard!

How would you describe your style?

Weird, geeky, quirky and fun

Where do you work and does your location influence your work?

I currently work out of our tiny spare bedroom, there’s not much space and I’m always making a huge mess… I’ve filled the walls above my desk with photos, old cards and pictures for inspiration and to make the space a bit more cheerful!

How did you get started as an artist/designer?

I studied Decorative Arts at NTU and after leaving decided that I wanted to run my own business designing and making quirky products. At uni I specialised in screen printing and carried on with this for a year or so after leaving uni but I have since changed the way I work and my style has evolved quite a bit too.

Can you give us an idea of some of your creative processes?

I tend to come up with ideas at random and scribble them down in my little sketchbook, these ideas then sit around for a while and then I pick and choose the best ones to illustrate digitally using my drawing tablet. These designs are then edited to become either tote bags, prints, greetings cards or even jewellery

What is inspiring you or your work right now?

At the moment I am loving spacee travel and the idea of jumping into a spaceship and travelling the universe!

The best pieces of makers advice you have been given or can give to others?

Create an online presence, everyone is online at the moment, whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. It’s so important for people to be able to find you online as there are just so many different makers around the world and you need to stand out!

Also have a website that’s nice and clear and easy to navigate, I’ve come across fab designers and makers who’s websites are so dated and hard to get around that I just get put off. You need to make it easy for buyers and potential stockists to find you and to see what you’re about.

Today we are getting to know Katie Stainer. Fascinated by books, stories and papers Katie specialises in unique origami jewellery and sculpture created using recycled and reclaimed books.

How would you describe your style?

Intricate and geometric, with my materials adding a hint of vintage.

Where do you work and does your location influence your work?

I work from my studio at Oldknows Factory Nottingham (Formerly a lace factory) which is a great space with large bright windows, loads of light all year round and a fantastic community of other creative businesses. It’s an inspiring place to work, meet other creatives and feel inspired.

How did you get started as an artist/designer?

After completing my degree in Decorative Arts in 2011 I just jumped straight in, opening a pop up shop in Nottingham selling a selection of designers and graduates work. I haven’t stopped since then!

Can you give us an idea of some of your creative processes?

Finished products often start off as an idea which I tend to sketch down wherever I am, or are developed from small models. I’m always experimenting with how paper can be folded and joined so I have a basket of these experiments ready and waiting for a solution or a use I’d not thought of at the time!

What is inspiring your work right now?

Geometry! I’m currently working on drawings inspired by the strong lines and shapes in my origami jewellery collections. I’ve spent 90% of the last 3 years folding paper to create ideas so it’s been a nice change to draw rather then fold!

Do you have any new designs you can give us a sneak preview of?

I’m currently working on a range of vintage collars, laser cut jewellery inspired by drawings of my origami work and a range of book sculpture incorporating visual depictions of sound.

What is your favourite thing about Nottingham?

The creative community. There are so many talented designers and makers out there and Nottingham is never short of exhibitions, pop up shops and exciting events.

The best piece of makers advice you have been given or can give to others?

It’s a lovely sunny morning perfect for tea and biscuits in the garden. So today we are getting to know Upsydaisy Craft. Upsydaisy is a ceramicist who creates tiles, pots and jewellery from earthenware clay.

How would you describe your style?

Quirky, British and colourful

Where do you work and does your location influence your work?

I work from a shed at the bottom of my garden and I am totally influenced by the birds that visit, the colours around me, the shapes and patterns fund on nature. Inside my shed I’ve filled it with inspiration, photos, postcards, flowers and my collection of Hornsea ‘fauna’ pottery

How did you get started as an artist/designer?

I’ve always been ‘crafty’ as a child I made allsorts of things from plasticine, air dry clay and fimo. Having always enjoyed arts/crafts I went off to university after school to study Contemporay Decorative Arts which I enjoyed immensely and specialised in ceramics. Since leaving university I have set up home in Nottingham and now I have my shed/studio at the bottom of my garden which is my pride and joy. I now have a website, facebook and twitter; I sell my ceramics online and through various crafts fairs in the midlands. I’m building my following up to eventually be able to rely on this full time – currently I have a day job.

Can you give us an idea of some of your creative processes?

I started making jewellery as I wanted to be able to wear my creations and I thought that the market didn’t have enough affordable colourful jewellery – so I started making some! Aside from my jewellery my designs are originally sketches, I always have a sketch book on me – doodling. These are then created in clay – either hand built or carved in lino and imprinted into clay tiles.

 What is inspiring your work just now?

British nature and culture. Nature for my tiles and framed art pieces and cultures for the tea drinking and biscuit munching side of my ceramics.

Do you have any new designs you can give us a sneak preview of?

I’m working on some quirky functional pieces, I’ve started with spoon rests – these have been very popular, goodness knows what we’ve all been doing with out one! I’m also looking at a range of pots for tooth brushes, pens, things, bowls for bits and bobs. These will be out at my craft fairs this summer and online soon.

What is your favourite thing about Nottingham?

The vibrancy and energy, there’s always something going on! – Though there should be a regular Artist Market as I currently attend the one in Lincoln and it’s really popular.

The best piece of makers advice you have been given or can give to others?

You should always enjoy what you make, I really only wear my own handmade jewellery and my walls at home are covered in test pieces and original art works. Surround yourself in the things you love and are inspired by and remember that a creative mind may not always have a tidy house.

On this very wet Monday Morning we are getting to know Farah Batool. Her beautiful ceramic brooches are teamed with glass to create delicate yet intricate work

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as intricate and subdues. I like to create complex lines, shapes and pattern and then knock it all back.

Where do you work and does your location influence your work?

I work in numerous locations around my house, depending on what I am doing. Most of my ideas for making come when I’m out walking, I guess day dreaming plays a large part in my creative process

How did you get started as an artist/designer?

I have been tinkering about in wirework for years but not having the confidence to do anything with it. A couple of years ago I had a eureka moment and decided that the ideas would translate well into clay so gave it ago and haven’t looked back.

I work full time alongside the making process so progress has been slow, but I know it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. My official launch was January this year.

Can you give us an idea of some of your creative processes

I work with press moulds. The process starts with creating my own drawings based on walks in the countryside or images in books. This is then translated into illustrator and further developed in to the format I use to create my moulds. The moulds are lazer cut ( I used to hand cut them but they couldn’t get the clarity of line and detail I was after) and then the making process begins with clay. I often spend months adjusting the moulds to get it exactly how I want.

What is inspiring you or your work just now?

I’m in the process of developing more jewellery. As always being out and about in the countryside had a massive influence on my creativity, it always has.

Do you have any new designs you can give us a sneak preview of?

At present the only jewellery I have online are my brooches, I am working on more but this is still in the drawing phase. I am however excited about my reclaimed wooden frames.

What if your favourite thing about Nottingham?

I love the events that are always going on and the buzz the city has about it. I’ve only lived here a few years and am always discovering new and interesting things to do and places to visit.

The best piece of makers advice you have been given or can give to others?

Making is good for your soul but not always easy on your pocket. I have a day job I love that pays for the bills and affords me this creative opportunity without which I would be struggling. i guess what I am trying to say is achieve balance in your life. Don’t stay in a day job you hate and don’t give up on your dreams, you could have it all if you work hard for it

You can view Farah Batool over on the website here and in our online shop.

On this lovely Easter Monday we are getting to know Delish Cake Pops. I love cake, who doesn’t?! and nothing makes cake better than pretty cake on a stick!

How would you describe your style?

I would describe it as ‘detailed simplicity’ – I know this seems like a contradiction but with cakes pops it’s the detail that makes them effective and deceptively simple.

Where do you work and does your location influence your work?

I work in my kitchen which is too small!

How did you get started as an artist/designer?

I discovered cake pops through Pop Bakery and still get inspired by their designs.

Can you give us an idea of some of your creative processes?

A lot of my creative process is spurred on by customer requests. They normally come to me asking to recreate a character or object in a cake pop form, so initially I need to see what the defining features are and how they can be re-created in cake.

What is inspiring you or your work just now?

Spring! I want to do more colourful designs!

Do you have any new designs you can give us a sneak preview of?

Not so much designs but I can do dessert tables for weddings, corporate events or kids birthdays – including homemade marshmallows, brownies, cupcakes, cakes, macaroons, meringues etc. they can be themed, I have done Under the Sea theme recently for Speedo and Mickey Mouse, Super Heroes and Minions

What is your favourite thing about Nottingham?

The fact that is has plenty going on but it’s small enough so you see people you know around town.

The best piece of makers advice you have been given or can give to others?

Don’t give up your day job! lol making money is sooo hard and once you start doing it full times you might not enjoy it as much.

You can view Delish Cake Pops over on the website here and in our online shop. If you would like to commission a design just get in touch

On this sunny Monday we are getting to know Deborah Ballinger. Deborah creates beautifully dark illustrations inspired by history, culture, flora and fauna. These illustrations are then used as prints for textiles, stationery, giftware

How would you describe your style?

Traditional and timeless, with a twist

Where do you work and does your location influence your work?

I work from my spare room at home – Having been brought up and living in the historic Nottinghamshire countryside, I take a lot of inspiration from the folk tales and scenery.

How did you get started as an artist/designer?

I graduated in 2010 from Norwich University of the Arts with a degree in Illustration – I was always producing more tactile work then 2D, and I knew I wanted to expand my illustrations to be used on surfaces, rather than just in print. With the help of the Prince’s Trust, it aided me to be not only just a designer with a product, but a designer who could run a business.

Can you give us an idea of some of your creative processes?

It all begins with the illustration – these begin life as paper collages, which I draw from in 0.3 pencil. I like a lot of detail, and I try to translate this into my products whether that be the colour of the thread of the finish of the fabric. Sometimes I create illustrations that then inspire a product, i.e I have just finished a coral reef inspired print which is spurring me to try out making beachwear

What is inspiring you or your work just now?

The seasons! Now that spring/summer is coming all I want to do is work with colour which isn’t something I work a lot in. I want to illustrate exotic things, mysterious things, things that make you want to go on a adventure.

Do you have any new designs you can give us a sneak preview of?

Certainly! You can see my new Coral Diamond pattern – I have a lot of ideas for where to use this one.

What is your favourite thing about Nottingham?

The history – Everywhere you look in Nottingham there are beautiful old buildings, places of historic interest and always a story to be told. Having lived in 3 different cities in 3 different parts of the UK over the span of 6 years Nottingham will always have a place in my heart for that sole reason.

The best piece of makers advice you have been given or can give to others?

Always trust your initial gut reaction – it’s never let me down.

On this grey and wet day we are getting to know the ray of sunshine that is Jo want from Hello Sunshine. I cannot help but smile when I think of Jo and her work, how can you not be happy with a Hedgehog Shuffle brooch, so cute! So here is what Jo had to say about work and design process.

How would you describe your style?

Simple yet fun (a bit like myself :P)

Where do you work and does your location influence your work?

I often work in my spare room at home (Sunshine Towers) but I tend to travel quite a bit at weekends so often doodle when I’m out and about too! I take inspiration from wherever I go really and I am always shuffling things around in the house so it never looks the same. New places, people and experiences inspire me so it’s important that I shake up my environment regularly, whether its just sitting in the garden with my sketch book, reorganising my ‘studio space’ or taking work on a trip with me.

How did you get started as an artist/designer?

Um… I’ve always been a doodler but when I finished uni and got back from a bit of traveling I decided to try and sell some of my artwork off (going to art college and uni you collect a LOT of stuff!). I was amazed and delighted that people wanted to buy what I had made so from then I made it my mission to design and make things for lovely people.

Can you give us an idea of some of your creative processes?

It all starts with a sketch pad, whether is becomes a piece of laser cut jewellery or a commissioned sunshine caricature it starts with a scribble. Then my doodles usually end up being jigged about in photoshop and illustrator before they either become a print for a customer or go off to the laser cutters to be cut from wood or acrylic and start their journey on my jewellery production line.

What is inspiring you or work just now?

If I’m honest it has to be these two… Pegs and Toby

Do you have any new designs you can give us a sneak preview of?

Not at the moment bit there’s a HUGE clue in the above picture that may give you an idea of what my next jewellery collection is based on!

What is your favourite thing about Nottingham?

The fact that my family and most of my friends are super close by and even those who may live far away are just a train or bus ride away thanks to the pretty good public transport services here. Oh and Annies Burger Shack – I love a good burger and she does damn good ones!

The best piece of makers advice you have been given or can give to others?

“Do what you love and you’ll never work another day in your life”

You can view Hello Sunshine over on the website here and in our online shop