Local makers and artists who’ve taken part in Makers Fairs
Susie Ramsay-Smith – Ceramics
Mark Austin – Turned and carved wood products, including Christmas trees!
Charlotte Matthews – Handmade prints
Woolcraft with Wensleydale – Woolcraft techniques, wall hangings and garments
Heffle Fibres – Fleece garments, rugs and wall-hangings
Marion Hayes – Hand-stitched cushions, bags, jewellery and Christmas gifts
Jo Hudson – Watercolour demonstration
Sophie Douglas – Drawing class
Jill Levick – Cards and Christmas from original paintings
Marianne van Niekerken – Basket maker
Susie Ramsay-Smith – Ceramicist
My artistic journey was inspired by my mother with painting, but once I touched clay I realised I’d discovered the medium for me! The primordial nature of clay appeals to my sense of tradition, yet allows my individual style to evolve. I’m an experienced tutor with regular classes, exhibiting locally.http://experiencesussex.co.uk/ceramics/
Mark Austin – Wood turner and wood artist
MJA-WOOD provides a range of bespoke woodturning, wood sculptures and artwork. Unique natural beauty in wood, and artwork inspired by nature. MJA-WOOD was started in 2015 by owner Mark Austin following comments from friends that other people would love his creations. The website www.mja-wood.com was established in 2015. In 2016 the Etsy shop was established and has now grown in 2017 as a founder member of the Brighton market and supporting local shows around Rushlake Green. www.mja-wood.com
Charlotte Matthews – Print maker
I am a printmaker who enjoys using wood, lino, card, in fact any material that can be cut, scored and glued down to create a block from which I can print an image. I take inspiration from my surroundings both natural and man-made.
www.charlottematthews.co.uk
Woolcraft with Wensleydale
We will be demonstrating our work, which includes every stage from sheep to shawl, plus examples of our work for sale. This will be a great opportunity for anyone interested in woolcrafts to share passions, learn about traditional techniques and find out about our woolcraft workshops, courses and open days. Julia Desch. Please contact me on info@woolcraftwithwensleydale.com
Heffle Fibres
Three local fibre artists who use Sussex fleece to create garments, rugs and wall-hangings. We teach and demonstrate using traditional wool crafts. See us knit, crochet, weave, dye, locker hook and spin at the Christmas Crafts in the Making, where we will also be selling our creations. Wendy Cocks, Lorraine Paton and Kate Feaviour-Scagell.
Marion Hayes – Textile artist and maker
I have always made things for as long as I can remember enjoying mostly textiles. Felting and needle felting, making cushions, bags, jewellery etc, but have always enjoyed making for the Christmas season. Lately, I have combined wool and fabrics in layered abstract pictures using much more colour than I would have considered in the past and am thoroughly enjoying it!
Jo Hudson – Watercolour artist and tutor
I paint because I just must, and I paint in watercolour because it constantly challenges me. I live in the country in an area designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. How could I not be inspired by all that I see around me? I particularly enjoy painting the small, intimate corners of my world. They present me with more of a challenge in terms of painting techniques. I have exhibited widely throughout the Sussex area during the last 20 years and have many paintings in collections both here and abroad. Painting, for me, is pure pleasure – if the end product is pleasing to others then that is a wonderful bonus. I also teach. In 1992 I set up my own Watercolour Painting School, which is still flourishing and, in addition, I act as visiting tutor to many of the local Art Groups. http://www.johudson.com ~ johudsonpaint@gmail.com
Sophie Douglas – the Arts School
Sophie has taught art and design since 2004 in colleges and galleries in London and South East England. Sophie embraces her expansive knowledge of techniques and materials striving to explore and develop further. Sophie has a passion for supporting learners to achieve their goals, at whatever stage they are at.
Jill Levick – Artist
Jill will be selling cards and Christmas cards made from her own paintings.
A qualified Art and Crafts teacher, my paintings have sold to public and private buyers. As a decorative painter and guilder I have also worked on pieces from jewel boxes to grand pianos, and painted trompe l’oeil murals. My cards began as printed details and now include seasonal views, especially at Christmas. Jill Levick.
Marianne van Niekerken – Basket maker
With over 10 years’ experience as a basket maker, Marianne van Niekerken has developed a style and collection that is instinctive and organic, using techniques that are hundreds of years old. Functionality is key. May it be willow, birch, beech, ash, hornbeam, Siberian dogwood or brambles, to name but a few; if it is colourful and pliable, it will be used in various ways for dog baskets, cat pods, log-, stair- or shopping baskets, or any design or use that you have in mind.
Didie Hall – Embroiderer and Jewellerer
I make raised embroidery in a 17th century style, using sheep wool stuffing and wire. I also make woven bead necklaces.