Spotlight on the seller.... Sara Gartside

My name is Sara Gartside.

I studied Illustration at the University of Westminster and graduated with a first class honours degree, many moons ago!

Since then I have worked full time as an Illustrator, Muralist and Designer.

The hours are long and I have no switch off button, but I am passionate about my work and never forget what a privilege it is to use my talent and make a living from doing something I love.

My work has often incorporated Hearts and a few years ago I decided to develop my interest for this universal shape within my work.

I love combining art with something useful and practical, hence the mirrors, but since then the hearts have expanded into a range that includes names, dates, messages and gestures for special occasions including weddings, christenings and birthdays.

My influences come from a wide range of things; nature, jewellery, ceramics and general designs that surround us in everyday life.

The heart is such an iconic shape and I really enjoy experimenting with new ideas, shapes, colours and textures.

The heart shapes are my own design and are cut exclusively for me to my own specifications.

I produce a ready to buy range, which includes a wide variety of colours and designs. Also, I provide a bespoke service, taking commissions for any size of mirror, heart or keepsake.

I will work with the customer and discuss colour, size, design and deadline to ensure the end result is very special and each one unique!

Spotlight on the Seller...Merry Band of Plague Doctors

I’m an Artist & Designer from the Aire Valley in West Yorkshire. 

Since returning home from living abroad & travelling I spend most of my time in my studio working on various projects. 

 


My current work includes fine art , a cosmetic range & leather craft with engraving available. 

 

I draw inspiration from literature, historical events, word of mouth & my own observations & experiences to provide a narrative for my work in order to tell a story through visual language.

Spotlight on the Seller...Lilliput Forge

"Some Things Are Just Best Done The Old Fashioned Way. Made By Hand, Judged By Eye and Forged in Fire." 


Lilliput Forge is the Passion of Local Artist Blacksmith Simon Reed. 

Simon Started his working life as an electrical engineer down the Yorkshire Coal mines (anyone remember them!), and then spent over 25 years as a lighting engineer. 

He took up Blacksmithing as a hobby just over two years ago and was encouraged by fellow smiths to exhibit his work at the Great Yorkshire show, Simon says “I was pleased to win two awards at that show and subsequently be awarded the prestigious Certificate of Merit by the Worshipful Company Of Blacksmiths in London “..for work of a high standard in the skill of Blacksmithing..” normally awarded to Blacksmiths of 10 or more years experience.

Simon’s work is varied but includes modern and traditional jewellery, Contemporary garden pieces, traditional and current pieces for you and your home. Recent commissions include a Viking and Anglo Saxon iron work for Leeds City Education Department and a range of “magical “ pieces for a fantasy film based computer game. 

I love to demonstrate the traditional art of the Blacksmith and do many country shows, I can be found most weekends at the Smithy at Temple Newsam House in Leeds where the public can come and watch and chat to me while I work. 

If you want to have a go yourself I also do a short introductory course that will give you some basic Blacksmithing techniques and you get to take home something that you have made yourself.

Spotlight on The Seller... Just Sew Sana

Just Sew Sana is a new design venture by Sana Lindsay. 

With experience of working within the luxury Fashion, Embroidery and Bridal industry, Sana’s handmade designs are quirky, colourful and fun.

Specialising in hand made bunting, headbands, aprons, bags and brooches, each hand crafted item is made in her Leeds based studio.

Sana’s inspiration stems from vintage fashion/textiles and the vivid colours found in nature. Her love of embellishment, embroidery, printed textiles and texture is reflected in all handmade items.

Having recently relocated back to Leeds after living and working in London for the last ten years, Sana is proud to return home to Yorkshire’s rich textiles heritage.

Just Sew Sana items can be made to order for special occasions. 

Sana enjoys collaborating with clients to design and make bespoke items that are tailored to customer’s needs.

Just Sew Sana welcomes all commissions, big or small.