Mary Pritchard

I am a local Queens Park artist and work from a specially-designed studio at home. I generally open my studio to the public twice a year, in the Summer and in the run-up to Christmas. I work in ceramics, photography and hand-made artists’ books and love the variety of having different artistic interests which in fact all fire off each other:

I love my new funky vases which I have really enjoyed making and decorating. I usually make sculptural or non-functional ceramic pieces so to make vases has been a new adventure for me which has been very satisfying. It is a great thrill to think of someone enjoying and using one of my hand-made vases in their everyday home-life:

Although I am a great fan of nature and the natural world and get much of my inspiration from those sources, I can be inspired by anything I come across from a random object spotted in the street, a painting or drawing either famous or otherwise, to a pattern on the seats of a tube train! For me as an artist it is about being open to the world around me and using it for ideas. I am also interested in research-based art and am currently working on a project based on archival material from my mother’s early life in 1930s Ireland.

Come and meet Mary at Homeworks on Sunday 10 December.

Cardabelle Design

I am a printmaker working with the traditional techniques of linocut and letterpress. I set up Cardabelle Design three years ago, using my prints to develop quality products the kitchen and home. I love traditional print, I also love food and cooking, which I celebrate in my work. I also teach traditional printmaking techniques from my studio in West Hampstead:

My favourite product is my new Soupe de Poisson tote bag, very sturdy and strong - beautiful and practical, it is big enough to hold all you need, perfect for a trip to the farmer's market! My Soupe de Poisson print has long been my best selling design and it goes so well on this distinctive bag:

I love wandering around food markets, taking photos and being inspired to draw, print and cook!

Cardabelle Design are coming to Homeworks on Sunday 10 December.

Sally Hampson

Weaver Sally Hampson is passionate about pure British wool and sheep breeds such as Shetland, Welsh Black Mountain and Jacob and has spent time with shepherds in the Cheviot Hills on the Scottish border:

This wild and rugged landscape is an important part of what inspires her weaving and this is evident in her blankets, wraps and scarves – Sally is always close to the colours and textures of natural materials and the simplest way of combining them together: 

The Connemara Banket or the Family Blanket as Sally calls it, was a wool blanket her parents brought over from Ireland when they came to settle in London. The blanket became a very special object, almost like another family member and it was well used for picnics and holidays.

Being the weaver in the family, Sally inherited this precious heirloom from her parents. She decided to replicate it, counting the threads of the faded check and softening the colours slightly to reflect the surrounding landscape along the Connemara shore line, with pools of water and light against the peaty, heathery earth:

These simple aesthetics continue to influence Sally’s artistic career, from working in the theatre on costumes and sets, to travelling to Egypt, Ethiopia and Kenya, to work with artisan weavers, potters and basket makers.

Sally Hampson will be back at Homeworks on both Sunday 3 & 10 December.

Lord and Taft

My name is Tracy Lord and I am a knitwear designer based in Muswell Hill, North London. My brand is called Lord and Taft , I’m a member of Muswell Hill Creatives and I also teach and write design books sometimes!

 I make machine  and hand knitted accessories for men, women and children including ties, scarves, gloves, hats and socks. They’re all made of lovely natural fibres like alpaca, silk and cotton:

Currently my favourite products are my silk and cotton blend ties:

Being observant and in the right frame of mind to notice things is the best place to be for inspiration – sometimes I’ll see an amazing bit of lichen, or a carving on a door, or maybe just the colours of leaves against the pavement – and that’s enough to spark an idea when I get home.

I believe you can do this absolutely anywhere, it’s a state of mind rather than a location. Having said that, travelling through New Mexico was pretty damn cool for inspiration!

Lord and Taft are at Homeworks on Sunday 3 December.

Urbanknit

My name is Dolapo and I started Urbanknit in 2006 with the aim of providing unique and colourful handmade fashion accessories that give you a sense of individuality. Trained as an architect, I love to design and make pieces that are unique and unusual in bold prints, bright colours and interesting textures:

I particularly love using traditional African prints and fabrics and combining them with fabrics like denim, corduroy, and cotton to make accessories that are durable yet interesting thus mixing colours and cultures where the old tradition meets the modern world:

My favourite product is the zipper pouch. They are small and colourful but also extremely useful. They are great for keeping together little bits and bobs in your bag, like coins, receipts, makeup etc. They are bright so you can find them easily!

I love wandering somewhat aimlessly in the city and one of my favourite stops is Tate Modern for some contemporary art inspiration.

Come and see Urbanknit at Homeworks on Sunday 10 December.