Busy! Busy!

Well, have we been busy the last few weeks?! The Diamond Jubilee gave us lots to celebrate and inspire our creativity, and many of our makers produced something special to mark the occassion.

Kath made all sorts of patriotic little mementoes, such as this Union Jack Heart. We made the most of them with a stand at the special Jubilee Market that the Mall organised in the Regency Arcade.

This had an added benefit - many of our fans seemed to have 'lost' us when we moved from the old toy shop, by Butlers cafe, and you rediscovered us through the stall, which is lovely! Welcome back, friends!

We were able to give people a good 'appetiser' of samples from nearly all our exhibitors, and it was interesting how the smaller expanse of stock gave people a chance to actually *see* more of what we have to offer - I think sometimes it is possible to have too much of a good thing, you can't take it all in!

This baby hat, by Amanda hawkins, sold out in no time! But you can still commission one for your 'Made in England' treasure!

We have been without soaps & bathtime treats for a while, but we are about to remedy this, Kate Burgess, of Cotswold Naturals will be joining us soon.  You can see more at http://www.cotswoldnaturals.co.uk/ But in the meantime here's some more examples of her temptations.

Kate is due to set out her goodies on Sunday 24th June (next Sunday) I have a suspicion they will also sell like hot cakes, so don't hang about!

This is a gift pack of several bath treats, want to buy yourself a present? Oh, go on, let us lead you astray!  Finally, the best of good news, Jackie Hawkins, who fell and suffered a nasty leg break, is back on the rota - today! The brave woman is coming in on her crutches, such is the way we makers feel about the By Local community, so please pop in and admire her charming glass.

Kathy Cooper. Ceramics with a personal touch.

 
When I was a child I loved to draw, sew, knit and make things from plasticine. When I first worked with clay I knew this was going to be a life-long passion. It was always my dream to make a living from making things.

I studied a Degree in Ceramics in Cardiff and have been involved in ceramics in some way ever since.
I worked for five years in a small pottery factory before going on to teach various adult pottery classes and being a pottery  technician .
Alongside all this I have always made my own work . Since 2008 I have been selling my own work full-time, designing and making a range of home accessories and gifts.

My inspiration comes from  childhood  memories, pattern in textiles, and visiting museums.  I am very interested in traditional pottery and craft techniques  and   keeping   these  skills  alive .
I work in a white earthenware clay and use underglaze colours and coloured slips and hand- made clay stamps to add decoration.

I want to make beautiful  hand-made products that are affordable and a pleasure to have in your home.