Spotlight On The Seller... Clavis & Claustra

I've always loved heritage, whether it's a crumbling ruin surrounded by ancient trees, an engraved pocket watch passed from one generation to the next, or even the gravitas of Latin with its immense linguistic legacy.  I grew up amid the majestic mills of Bradford and after over a decade in Oxford and London studying literature and working in publishing, I have returned to the magnificent Yorkshire countryside to set up on my own.

This is a very small me, outside Keighley's Cliffe Castle Museum

Clavis & Claustra, 'key & lock' in Latin, represents for me the excitement of discovery, of unearthed secrets, of unlocked treasures, but also the necessity of cherishing and protecting those things which we prize, be they precious relics, people's life stories or the natural world.  Conservation and sustainability are very important to me, which is why my products feature designs which evoke the romance of bygone ages; it's also the reason I upcycle and love chic reusable tote bags.

This is one of my Shuffle the Deck greetings cards made using pre-loved playing cards

This is one of my Quotelets, handmade using upcycled pages of some of my favourite novels

My new supplier of tote bags and aprons is a fantastic company called Vandanamu which I came across at the Women of the World festival.  Their business is invested in cultivating sustainable livelihoods and a thriving community for their workers.  Community means a lot to me, whether it’s supporting my local shops, joining Fabrication, or nurturing links with other businesses and organisations who have goals similar to mine.  There is something uplifting about connecting with a group of other people who share common purpose or interest.


When I come to publish children’s books next year, I will be engaging directly with the audience: I want to foster a close relationship between author, illustrator and reader, and to hear ideas and responses from the children themselves.  The first book explores the importance of welcoming outsiders into your community and including those who are different, all through the eyes of funny little creatures (more details later this year - watch this space).  Celebrating diversity, especially in children’s literature, enables us all as readers to be enriched by a broader range of experiences.

These are two of my suffragette goodies: a Notes for Women notebook and a Deeds Not Words to do list pad

Underpinning my love of diversity is a lifelong belief in equality of all people.  Honouring those who have fought for equality led me to create the suffragette series - that, and a weakness for puns.  In fact, if you’re reading this and you too love a pun, or anything else I’ve mentioned, it would be great to hear from you.  Send me pictures of your favourite heritage sites, fun facts about suffragettes, memories of learning Latin at school, or whatever you fancy.  Because life is more exciting when you share your treasures.


#ShareYourTreasures

Seller in The Spotlight.....Glass Bubble

Several years ago I attended a stained glass course at my local education centre (Swathmore in Leeds), and I found a passion for creating glass pieces using traditional stained glass techniques – both using copper foil for smaller pieces and lead for larger ones.

 

After becoming more proficient in the basics, I decided to invest in the equipment I needed to enable me to continue to develop my skills at home – that was the beginning of the journey, after filling all the windows in our home with glass creations, I began to give them away for any occasion!, and then friends and family started to commission pieces, this then led to my trying my hand at selling to the unsuspecting wider world!

And so evolved Glass Bubble – I love the translucent qualities of bubbles and although most of my work is nothing what so ever to do with bubbles, it seemed as good a name as any!

I find that I have a constant stream of creations waiting in my mind – and often the only thing keeping them there is the time it takes to make them reality. It is a time consuming process and many of the pieces that I make are often very delicate and fragile.

Each piece is made individually, by hand, many are one off, which may be recreated, although never exactly the same.

I am happy to consider commissions.

Thanks for reading!

Lucy

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... CERAMICS AND HOMEWARE by MARGARET L GLACKIN

Originally from Ireland, I am a Leeds based ceramic artist and woodworker.

All my products are individually designed and the glazes are my unique recipes, representing Yorkshire and the coastline of County Antrim. I also produce various interior items made from reclaimed and other sustainably sourced wood. These include serving boards, log carriers, and other furniture.

Yarn Bowls: The Yarn Bowl allows the wool to be dispensed in a controlled manner so preventing it from rolling around and becoming entangled. It allows the knitter to observe the quality and beauty of the wool as it unravels. The solid body of the Yarn Bowl complements the softness of the wool. While remaining essentially functional, the Yarn Bowl can also be enjoyed as a piece of art work.

The Yarn Bowls inevitably evoke a smile and a conversation, usually stimulating memories of a knitter friend or family member (which I love as an observer of social interaction).

The glazes used are all my own recipes and inspired by the Yorkshire Moors and coastline. Latterly I have developed a “heritage” range of glazes, inspired by my childhood memories of the Antrim Coast. Domestic Ware: I make utilitarian domestic ware including furniture, dinner and tea services, drinking vessels. I also offer a bespoke service if you are looking for a particular piece of furniture or a ceramic item, made to measure.

My work is driven by a principle of challenging cheap imports and raising the profile of home-grown, well-designed handmade ceramics and woodwork.

Sculptural Work: My sculptural work is heavily influenced by my previous employment working with the homeless, my interest in politics and the built environment. Such topics are displayed in my pieces where the themes of longing for safe space can be seen. I also aim to challenge the perception of neglect and disregarded people and objects.