A great deal has happened since I featured Tristan Merriam of Doghead Designs in my Humans of Clevedon series. Tristan is now a certified Annie Sloan Flagship Store and Brand Ambassador, and regularly features on BBC’s ‘Money for Nothing’ as a designer. Looking ahead, Tristan will also be featuring in a new BBC TV show in 2026 called ‘Shift The Thrift’, hosted by Joanna Page (from Gavin and Stacey). He has co-hosted the ‘Joy of Chalk Paint Masterclass’ worldwide and collaborates with the Changing Lives Charity in Clevedon on an upcycling project called ‘Rethunk’. His passion for transforming furniture knows no bounds!
But today’s post is about more than just Tristan’s incredible journey. It’s about the wonderful community of dozens of exceptional artisans, whose work he passionately showcases right here in Clevedon, in Doghead Designs, his Hill Road shop. With so much talent under one roof, this post can only offer a snapshot of the unique handmade treasures available, including some makers who will be there in person on Saturday, November 22nd, for his exciting Meet the Makers Day! Get ready to discover the talented hands and creative minds behind these beautiful pieces.
MEET THE MAKER: CLARE NICHOLLS
Kicking off our Meet the Makers Day line-up is the incredibly talented Clare Nicholls, of Rustic Visions Sculpture! (Facebook, Instagram.)
From Hospitality to Heartfelt Sculpture: The Soul of Rustic Visions
Rustic Visions Sculpture is the work of self-taught artist Clare, who founded the business in 2020 after a thirty year career in hospitality came to a sudden end due to COVID-19. Thrust into the demanding roles of full-time carer and single parent, Clare found contentment and a powerful new voice in sculpture, launching her creative journey from the comfort of her own home.
A Unique Perspective
Clare’s work is deeply personal and richly textured, fuelled by a profound love for nature and the earth. She credits dyslexia with lending a distinctive depth to her worldview, seeing it not as a hindrance, but as an asset that powerfully hones her imaginative and visual planning. Clare is incredibly proud of the growth she has achieved, building her business day by day and seeing her creations sold in Somerset shops and showcased at various exhibitions throughout the year.
The Art of Reclamation
Clare deliberately chooses her materials for their history, crafting a ‘tactile poem’ from reclaimed wood, salvaged metal, and durable mediums. Her choice of salvaged materials and weathered style lets her tell raw, emotional stories. By embracing the cracks, knots, and rust, Clare creates unique statement pieces that evoke a sense of grounding, history, and essential beauty.
The Creative Process: From Vision to Visceral Form
Clare’s creative process is a dynamic blend of deep introspection and material exploration, culminating in pieces that carry a profound sense of history. The journey begins with concept and gathering. Her ideas emerge through focused sketching and meditative daydreaming on potential forms, immediately transitioning into a practical search for repurposed materials, as well as essential sculpting mediums such as air-dry clay for indoor pieces.
The Art of Lasting Transformation
For her enduring outdoor sculptures, Clare uses Pal Tiya Premium, a durable, cement-based sculpting compound. This unique medium cures to a stone-hard finish without a kiln, ensuring her work can withstand extreme weather and temperatures. The ability to work this material like clay allows Clare to achieve fine detail while guaranteeing the longevity and integrity of the final piece in any outdoor environment. Once the forms are sculpted, her emotional storytelling comes to life through painting, where layers of beautiful acrylics are applied to create deep, aged patinas, infusing the final piece with its own unique personality and highlighting its found history.
A Defining Piece: The ‘Queen of Hearts’
The sculpture Clare is most proud of is the ‘Queen of Hearts,’ a large, complex mixed-media piece that unites durable modern compounds with salvaged, recycled materials. Born from the abrupt end of her career and the challenges of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, the ‘Queen of Hearts’ was Clare’s very last sculpture, marking her creative launch. Today, it serves as a powerful, physical reminder of the incredible distance Clare has travelled, from a novice start to creating an acclaimed piece that has since been featured in various exhibitions. It truly embodies the skills, creativity, and confidence she built along her unconventional path.
Looking Forward to Maker’s Day! A Date with Rustic Visions!
Join Clare on Maker’s Day for an engaging look into the soul of Rustic Visions Sculpture! She is excited to connect with you and pull back the curtain on her unique process, from the inspiration behind her designs to the techniques she uses to create her enduring, tactile forms. You will have the opportunity to see a collection of her evocative pieces that embody her journey and passion, including a showcase of her complex mixed-media style and the incredible distance she has travelled as an artist since 2020.
MEET THE MAKER: LOUISE RITCHIE
Next up for Meet the Maker’s Day, we are thrilled to feature Louise Ritchie, the talented creator behind Made in Clevedon! Facebook Instagram
From Clevedon, With Deeply Held Eco-Conscious Values
Louise channels a lifelong, driving passion for creation into a stunning array of unique, custom homeware and vibrant wall art. Her brand name, Made in Clevedon, is beautifully literal; every distinctive piece is meticulously designed, mixed, and poured right here in her home studio, deeply tying her work to the local area.
Louise’s artistic journey began with experimentation using resin. However, as her practice developed, she grew increasingly concerned about its long-term environmental toll and toxicity. This concern spurred a profound and intentional pivot towards a superior, eco-friendly material: Jesmonite. This is not just a simple material switch; it reflects her deep personal commitment to sustainability. Jesmonite is a non-toxic, water-based, stone-like resin that is completely solvent-free. It is highly celebrated in the maker community for its smooth, tactile, marble-like finish and its exceptional ability to absorb bold dye pigments while remaining strong and durable. This commitment ensures her art is not only beautiful and built to last but is also responsibly and ethically made.
The Dynamic Thrill of the Unexpected Pour
Louise uses Jesmonite to craft a unique and ever-evolving range of functional art and homewares, including eye-catching geometric candle stacks, sleek plant pots, contemporary table lamps, and delightful seasonal items like Christmas Trees. Her studio process is a dynamic, joyful laboratory of experimentation. She equally enjoys the challenge of painstakingly creating her own unique silicone moulds to achieve specific shapes and working with ready-made forms.
A signature and truly captivating element of her technique is the use of bold dyes, particularly highly pigmented neon colours, which she carefully swirls and mixes into the Jesmonite compound just before the pour. This marbelising process is a delicate balance of control and chance, a controlled chaos. The fluid, unpredictable nature of the pour guarantees that every single piece is a one-of-a-kind original with unique veins and colour placement.
The Luxurious Shimmer of Custom Gilding
Beyond her celebrated Jesmonite creations, Louise also specialises in the intricate, high-end art of gilding. She creates striking custom pieces that involve a unique reverse-application technique. This process consists of taking clients’ personal images or designs, printing them onto clear vinyl, and then meticulously applying shimmering gold or silver leaf to the reverse side. This complex method transforms a simple image into a highly reflective, luxurious piece of personalised wall art that truly catches the light. While she accepts a wide variety of commissions, her absolute favourite works involve ‘blinging up animals’ – transforming beloved pet portraits or animal photos into shimmering, unforgettable tributes that owners cherish.
A Strong Local Partnership and Connection
Louise finds immense satisfaction in getting completely lost in a new creative project, inventing fresh ideas with ‘no rules’ governing her creative process. She proudly acknowledges the unwavering local support of Tristan at Doghead Designs, who recognised her talent early and has been an incredible partner, stocking her unique creations since the shop on Hill Road first opened its doors. Her aim remains heartfelt and straightforward: to connect with people who love her imaginative, beautiful pieces and bring a little bit of unique, local, and sustainable art into their homes.
Louise is enthusiastic about sharing her latest collections and demonstrating her creative process in person. She can’t wait to see everyone and connect with the vibrant Clevedon community at the Doghead Designs Meet the Makers day on Saturday, November 22nd.
MEET THE MAKER: KATE KEMP
The third creative we’d like to introduce you to is Kate Kemp of Pretty Pomtastic.
Based in Clevedon, Kate shares her home with her husband and three children. It was here, about six years ago, that her vibrant creative project, Pretty Pomtastic, first came to life. The initial focus was on crafting cheerful, handcrafted pom pom garlands and wreaths, but Kate’s imagination soon led her down a more glittering path.
The Creative Spark: Refusing to Choose
The true magic of Pretty Pomtastic lies in an unusual harmony of textures and light. For years, Kate has nurtured a deep passion for the playful, soft joy of pom-poms, a craft that speaks to cosy comfort and vibrant colour. Simultaneously, she was captivated by the sheer glamour and reflective sparkle of a disco ball. It felt like a delightful dilemma: how to choose between the two?
The answer was to boldly refuse a choice, pioneering a unique style where ‘cosy meets disco’. Kate made the pivotal decision to combine the dazzling, reflective sparkle of a disco ball with her signature pom-poms and tassels. The resulting creation was an instant sensation, a unique and striking product that quickly became a client favourite and a source of immense pride.
The Handcrafted Difference
Every single piece created by Pretty Pomtastic is a labour of love, meticulously crafted by hand in Kate’s Clevedon studio. The process is personal, starting with the careful winding of yarn to create perfectly plump pom-poms, followed by the precise and patient application of each mirrored tile. This commitment to small-batch, handcrafted quality ensures that no two pieces are exactly alike; each garland and disco ball possesses its own unique character and charm. For Kate, the joy is not just in the finished product, but in the entire process of transforming simple materials into a dazzling, durable piece of home decor.
Customisation and Community Connection
Kate’s favourite part of the process is working directly with clients to bring their own unique vision to life. The customisation service is at the heart of the business, allowing clients to dictate the perfect palette, whether that’s a subtle pastel for a nursery or a bold, electric mix for a statement room. Alongside her iconic custom pieces, the sleek gold, rose gold, and silver disco balls are perennial top sellers, as is the famed Christmas mirrored wreath, which reliably returns as a festive favourite every holiday season.
Kate is eager to step away from the studio bench and meet the people she creates for. She’s particularly looking forward to connecting with the Clevedon community and forging new relationships with clients and fellow local makers on Saturday, November 22nd.
MEET THE MAKER: ANNA FALCKE
We are delighted to feature Anna Falcke, the creative powerhouse and founder behind a distinctive collection of handmade and organic accessories, as our next guest at Tristan’s Meet the Makers event. Anna’s remarkable journey from a solo artist to a respected local brand is a story of passion, evolution, and finding the perfect creative path. (Facebook Instagram YouTube)
A Journey Forged in Art School and Early Entrepreneurship
Anna’s creative journey began many years ago, during her time at art school. Soon after graduating, driven by an immediate desire to bring her designs to life and test their commercial appeal, she began making items to sell. This initial self-employment phase, which began in her attic bedroom in Bradford, West Yorkshire, quickly led to an exciting leap into entrepreneurship. She joined forces with three amazing friends from her studies, and together they successfully ran their own craft and design shop for seven years. It was an unexpected, exhilarating adventure that set her on a remarkable journey of creativity and independence. Anna is still amazed that she has been able to dedicate much of her life to creating products that others appreciate, finding that earning a living through her creativity perfectly suits her personality and drive.
The Bold Beginnings: A Labour of Love on Silk
In her early days, Anna’s work was incredibly labour-intensive and defined by a commitment to unique textiles. Working from her home base, she was personally responsible for every part of the process. She produced short runs of hand-painted, dyed, batiked, and mono-printed silk fabrics. This was an intense, one-off process; each piece was a unique canvas. She used the skills of fabulous tailors and sewers to transform these beautiful fabrics into high-end accessories. Initially, the focus leaned toward the men’s wear trends of the eighties, featuring ties, cravats, waistcoats, and scarves. It was an exhilarating time, and she even made a mark in the broader fashion world by selling her unique silk lengths by the metre to exclusive high-end designer shops in the West End, carving her own distinct path in the industry.
This period, however, was a challenge. Each piece she created held deep personal significance, and as a result, selling them often proved quite complex; it was like parting with a piece of herself. A particularly cherished memory that highlights the personal nature of her original textile work is the hand-painted length of silk she made for a good friend’s wedding dress.
Finding Inspiration in Nature and Embracing Change
For Anna, the creative journey often begins with an idea sparked by a colour combination found in nature – a sudden flash of complementary hues or striking contrasts that ignite her imagination. As soon as inspiration strikes, she can’t wait to get to the workshop to experiment with mixing and matching colours and fabrics, trying to capture that natural moment in a tangible textile piece.
When she set up and moved to Bristol in 2001, her approach began to evolve significantly. While she was still producing silks and velvets, she began introducing various purchased fabrics. She felt inspired to work with combinations of different textiles and make a collection that was more accessible, practical, and affordable for day-to-day wear. This shift allowed her to focus more on the overarching creative ideas and less on the manual, time-consuming labour that once defined her early days. This experimentation with fabric construction and combinations eventually led to the development of her now-signature ‘Pleated Collection.’
The Birth of an Icon: #Wristees®
This natural progression eventually led to the creation of her best-selling, iconic fingerless gloves, the #Wristees®. Today, Anna’s unique accessories are vibrant collections designed for men, women, and children. Operating as a Bristol-based, female led design team, they are fiercely proud to maintain all manufacturing within the UK, specifically here in the Southwest. A small collective of female sewers brings their designs, including the beloved Wristees®, as well as complementary gloves, cuffs, snoods, and hats, to life.
This local focus is a core tenet of their sustainable initiative, as they invest directly in the local economy and significantly reduce their carbon footprint by minimising long-distance shipping. Anna and her team continually take steps to reduce plastic use in their business, paying close attention to environmental concerns to ensure their brand aligns with their conscientious values.
Connecting with the Community
Anna is passionate about her brand, her clients, and the creative community it has allowed her to connect with in and around Bristol. She is genuinely looking forward to spending a day at Doghead Designs, meeting other artists and local makers, being surrounded by gorgeous things, and connecting with the lovely people who appreciate unique, well-designed accessories.
MEET THE MAKER: TIM STEPHENS `
With a career spanning twenty-five years and an artistic style that has vibrantly evolved from Pop Art portraiture to intricate, deeply personal landscapes, Tim Stephens of Tim Stephens Art is a creative force whose work perfectly embodies the spirit of our local maker community. (FacebookInstagram)
From Pop Art to the Open Road: The Early Years
Tim began his artistic journey by studying art and design. After a period as a graphic designer, he transitioned to freelance work. Inspired by icons like Bowie and Warhol, he developed a distinctive Pop Art style, using bold colours and graphic lines to create vibrant, instantly recognisable likenesses. His successful 2005 solo exhibition, About Face, led him to establish Cut the Mustard, a travelling art gallery. For thirteen years, he painted in the autumn and winter, then toured with Cut the Mustard in the spring and summer, performing at music festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading, while also fulfilling private commissions.
A Creative Pivot: Finding New Inspiration in Clevedon
A back injury in 2017 forced Tim to reconsider his demanding schedule. Returning to his hometown of Clevedon, he found new inspiration in the local scenery. He began creating intricate ink drawings of Clevedon and influenced by the town’s quieter pace, evolved his portrait style to incorporate more nuanced textures and emotional depth. This shift has been successful. His Clevedon landscapes are featured in local galleries and shops, and his refined portraiture has earned commissions and art publication features.
The Cohesive Visual Narrative: Tim’s Current Style
Tim’s current work explores the fascinating interplay between people, places, and the natural world, weaving these elements together into a cohesive visual narrative. His style is a melting pot of influences, from the intricate details of the environment and the subtle contours of the landscape to the vibrant energy of subcultures, the raw power of human expression, and even a touch of playful humour. This eclectic mix results in pieces that are both visually engaging and thought provoking. Beyond creating work for general release, Tim also welcomes private commissions, allowing him to collaborate closely with individuals to bring their unique visions to life. He also enjoys the challenges and creative possibilities that commercial illustration projects offer.
Artistic DNA: A Tapestry of Influences
Tim’s artistic DNA has been shaped by a diverse range of artists, each leaving their indelible mark. These include M.C. Escher, William Hogarth, Brian Bolland, Eric Fischl, Mode2, Charles Griffin, Rodney Matthews, and Barney Farmer. All have contributed to the rich tapestry of his artistic inspiration.
The Process: From Hand-Drawn Intimacy to Digital Detail
Tim’s creative process begins with the intimacy of hand drawing, allowing him to connect directly with the image as it emerges on the page. Colour is then added, either through the expressive fluidity of ink or digitally using Photoshop, where a drawing pad and pen provide the precision and control he needs.
Community Recognition: Clevedon Artist of the Year 2024
2024 was a particularly special year, as Tim was deeply honoured to be voted Clevedon Artist of the Year by the public in partnership with the Polodango Art Gallery. This recognition means the world to him and is a powerful affirmation of his connection to the local community.
Looking Forward to Meet the Makers Day
Tim is genuinely excited to share his work and creative journey with everyone attending Meet the Makers Day. He’s looking forward to connecting with the community, discussing his process, from the Pop Art days to his detailed Clevedon ink drawings, and celebrating the local arts scene. Do stop by his table to chat about art, inspiration, and his journey!
MEET THE MAKER: REBECCA CHESTER
Rebecca, the talented artisan behind Rebecca Chester Bespoke Soft Furnishings, has a lifelong passion for textiles and a unique journey that has led her to dressing beautiful interiors right here in Clevedon. (Instagram)
A Foundation in Fabric
Rebecca’s relationship with sewing began in childhood. This early interest evolved into a serious pursuit when she studied Dress and Textiles. She meticulously developed her skills over the years, progressing from tailoring and alterations, including creating bespoke wedding dresses, to creating furnishings for significant projects, such as Christmas television sets for shows like Deal or No Deal. This rare combination of expertise, from detailed dressmaking to large-scale interiors, is something Rebecca is incredibly proud of, noting, ‘there’s not that many of us around’ with this versatile background.
The Art of Bespoke Interiors
Today, Rebecca specialises in creating high-quality, bespoke soft furnishings designed to transform her clients’ homes. Her work is often inspired directly by the beauty of the fabric itself. She uses her decades of practical experience to know precisely what materials will create the perfect, individual piece.
Working closely with clients and local interior designers, Rebecca offers a truly customised service. Her creative process is a blend of design and precise measurement, focusing on selecting the right fabrics and devising the perfect solution for the unique challenges of each project. Her flexible approach ensures that each client receives an interior piece explicitly tailored to their vision and home.
Precision and Problem Solving
What truly sets Rebecca apart is her unwavering commitment to detail and her vast technical knowledge. Clients consistently praise her as a true professional and craftsperson. For example, a client noted that a ‘huge amount of precision’ was needed to perfectly line up a complex, large pattern across three side-by-side Roman blinds in the main bedroom.
As one designer client beautifully put it, Rebecca has an ‘elastic brain. She understands your needs and analyses them from every angle. I have often ended up with a different solution and always a better one.’ This ability means she guides clients to the best outcome, ensuring they don’t make mistakes with their fabric choices or ideas – she always knows ‘what’s behind the detail.’
Rebecca enjoys the challenges of bespoke work. Every project is different, and the problem solving required is unique for each client, ensuring the result is always finished to perfection, whether it’s a detailed Roman blind, cushions, a bed runner, or custom drapery.
Collaboration, Community, and Connection
Based here in Clevedon, Rebecca actively enjoys interaction with the local creative community, frequently collaborating with local designers and creating bespoke pieces. Her commitment is straightforward: to deliver high-quality service that yields stunning, custom-made soft furnishings. Rebecca is genuinely looking forward to Meet the Makers Day, seeing it as a fantastic chance to connect with the wider community, share her passion for textiles, and discuss how her bespoke furnishings bring unique quality to any home. Be sure to stop by and say hello to learn more about her process and see the meticulous craftsmanship up close!
MEET THE MAKERS: SIMON & NATALIE, KELLY & KELSTON, PAUL & SARAH
What happens when three couples who met on the ballroom floor decide to pivot from dancing to design? You get a unique business built on friendship, shared laughter, and stunning bespoke wood resin creations. Meet Simon and Natalie, Kelly and Kelston, and Paul and Sarah, six friends who turned an addictive YouTube habit into a successful North Somerset business: Live Edge Creations.
From Ballroom to Business: A Shared Journey
This group has been dancing together for years, fostering a strong bond built on friendship, countless social events, and holidays, always guaranteed to be filled with laughter. Their business journey began five years ago during the lockdown. Each member had stumbled upon the same fascinating YouTube videos showing resin being poured between pieces of wood.
When social rules permitted, these friends gathered for a barbecue, and the videos became the main topic of conversation. Soon after, they conducted their first resin pour in a garage. The hobby quickly progressed, and five years later, they are still creating beautiful, bespoke, handmade pieces from a large workshop in Cleeve, North Somerset.
The Magic of Wood and Resin
The team specialises in combining wood and resin to create truly unique, one-off pieces. Their product range spans large, bespoke furniture, including resin river tables, worktops, and farmhouse tables, as well as smaller items such as chopping boards, charcuterie boards, and cheese boards.
The fundamental key to success lies in two crucial, non-negotiable rules: adhering to the correct moisture content of the wood and precise mixing ratios and temperature of the resin. Get these wrong, and the piece will fail. Once these technical parameters are met, the rest is limited only by imagination. The transparent resin is coloured using pigments which come in powder form. These allow the manipulation of patterns and swirls, while liquid pigments create a more solid, consistent colour.
The Creative Process: Bringing Wood to Life
The meticulous process begins with flattening the wood on at least one side. The team calls this the messiest part! They then cut the wood through the middle and turn the pieces, so the outside edges face inward, naturally forming the river channel.
The wood is clamped down to prevent floating during the pour. After calculating the required volume and mixing the resin with the chosen colour for at least three minutes, the pour begins. This is when the piece truly comes alive. A heat gun is used to pop any escaping air bubbles. The waney edge of the wood is sanded to form a key before the pour, ensuring the bond between the resin and wood is even stronger than the wood itself.
After a few days, the resin is fully cured. The piece is released, squared up, and subjected to extensive sanding before the final application of a food-safe oil. This finishing step is the ‘wow factor,’ making the wood grain and resin colour really pop.
Pride, Passion, and Local Roots
The team’s most significant source of pride is the substantial progress they’ve made in the past five years. All six members hold full-time jobs, which means success is measured by their ability to manage time productively and plan effectively.
While every bespoke piece is special and one-of-a-kind, the collective joy comes from receiving compliments from the public on their beautiful creations. Though many colours are used, blue resin remains the most popular choice among clients and the team members themselves. Finally, they are super proud that virtually all their wood is sourced locally.
MEET THE MAKER: ROSE LAFFERTY
Rose of Rose Felt Inspired fame is a textile artist who transforms natural fibres into stunning, vibrant felted pictures. Using a blend of wet felting and needle felting techniques, she captures the beauty of the natural world, turning simple wool into layered, tactile works of art.
The Journey to Fibre Art
Rose’s artistic journey began quite simply with a kit bought at a craft fair. She immediately became hooked, realising that felting was her true creative medium. Since then, she has not only mastered the traditional methods but has also developed (and possibly invented) multiple processes to achieve unique effects. Her dedication to her craft is evident; she admits her house is now ‘completely full up with boxes of wool!’
Her work is primarily inspired by nature, often drawing directly from photographs she has taken during her travels.
The Creative Process: Layering and Texture
Rose’s process is a blend of careful preparation and spontaneous creativity. While fine merino wool is the dominant material, she also incorporates a variety of other wools, silks, and fibres. Sometimes, the fibres themselves, like a whole fleece of curly locks from a Blue Faced Leicester sheep, inspire her work. She prepares and dyes these materials herself to produce unique and graduated tones.
A typical picture is built upon two thin base layers of merino wool. The image itself is created on the third layer by the precise placement of yarns and fibres. This layered creation then undergoes wet felting: the wool is consolidated into a solid piece of felt using soap, hot water, and agitation.
Once dry, the picture can be enhanced further using needle felting, a technique where materials are added on top and permanently secured with specialised barbed needles. Needle felting is best suited for fine details, such as the precise placement of an animal’s eyes.
Uniqueness and Personal Favourites
Rose is most proud of the uniqueness of her work. Her pieces possess a multi-layered tactile quality that truly brings them to life. She finds joy in creating her wave pictures, which allow her to fully express her creativity by experimenting with different colour tones and textures.
When asked about a personal favourite, Rose recalls her lion picture, based on a lion she photographed in South Africa. She said that sometimes she sees a photo and ‘just knows that I can produce it as a felted picture,’ and the lion was one of those moments.
Seeing the Craft Up Close
Rose enjoys interacting with the public because her felted pieces are often mistaken for paintings from a distance. It’s only upon closer inspection that people realise they are crafted entirely from wool.
MEET THE MAKER: LISA WOOD
Get ready to meet Lisa from Wild Grove, a Bristol-based maker whose unique approach to soap crafting blends practicality, luxury, and an uncommon technique that’s sure to surprise you!
Wild Grove: The Spark of Necessity
Lisa’s journey into the world of soap and cosmetic making started in the early 2000s in Canada. The initial spark came from a simple, beautifully scented, but expensive bar of soap, a rare luxury as a budget conscious mother of three. This inspiration quickly met a practical necessity: learning to make her own liquid soap to save money on pure, high-quality cleansers for her family.
This critical skill, born out of necessity, evolved into a deep passion and years of dedicated practice. When Lisa moved to Bristol in 2008, that personal craft began its slow transition into a business, officially launching as Wild Grove in 2016.
The Unique Craft: Felted Soap
While Lisa makes a variety of luxurious soaps, she is best known for her felted soap. This item was key to opening doors in the English market, as the technique was relatively unknown in this market.
Her signature method is hot process soap making, where the soap is ‘cooked’ to complete the saponification process before the fragrance is added. This ensures maximum fragrance that easily permeates the felt layer. The finished bar has a unique, rustic appearance and is covered in a natural wool layer that acts as a built in washcloth.
The Creative Process: From Pot to Product
Lisa’s soap creation is a hands-on, multi-step process:
- Preparation and Saponification: Oils are melted in a large steel pot. Lye water is added, and the mixture is blended until it thickens. It’s then heated until the chemical process is complete.
- Moulding: Essential oils and fragrances are added before the mixture is poured into moulds.
- Cutting & Curing: After a couple of days, the bars are cut.
- Felting: The unique part! The bars are wrapped in loose wool roving. They are then dipped into boiling water and lightly massaged until the wool cover shrinks tightly around the soap, creating the natural washcloth. Lisa is now quick enough to felt two bars at once!
- Finishing: Each bar is then pleat wrapped in coffee filter paper and labelled.
Pride, Personal Achievements, and The Day Itself
What Lisa is most proud of:
Lisa feels immense pride in selling something that most shoppers haven’t yet encountered, finding that they are usually delighted by the unique product.
The Personal Favourite: Shaving Soap
Although it sells the least, her shaving soap is her personal favourite and greatest private accomplishment. She spent a considerable amount of time researching and developing the recipe. This extensive process included sending testers to people from online forums, reading numerous articles, visiting St James Street in London (a famous destination for male grooming), and experimenting with many different ingredients until she created a product that she is personally very proud of.
MEET THE MAKER: SALLY JONES
Transforming Coastal Treasures into Wearable Art
We are thrilled to introduce you to Sally Jones of Treasure Found Design, a passionate designer and silversmith. Her work perfectly captures the calm and enduring beauty of the local coastline. Her silver jewellery is inspired by the shores she calls home, often featuring sea glass and other found treasures which the waves have shaped and smoothed into simple, wearable forms.
The Inspiring Journey to the Workbench
Sally’s path to becoming a maker is an inspiring testament to pursuing a lifelong dream. Her fondness for jewellery started early; she shares that even as a small child, she insisted on wearing five bracelets every day!
After a long career in Financial Services and once her children had flown the nest, Sally decided it was time to embrace this enduring passion and learn silversmithing. She was fortunate enough to find a wonderful teacher in Bristol, and three and a half years later, she continues to attend the same weekly workshop. She notes that there is always more to learn, and she enjoys spending time with others who share her enthusiasm for creating with silver.
Her creative process begins with those quiet, reflective moments by the sea and comes to life at her workbench, shaped by imagination, patience, and the joy of turning something found into something cherished. Ultimately, her jewellery is a little piece of the coast, designedto be worn and loved by anyone who feels a connection to the sea.
The Magic and Story of Sea Glass
Sea glass is truly at the core of Sally’s work. She finds a special kind of magic in how something once ordinary, a bottle or fragment of glass, can be broken, weathered, and transformed by the sea into something completely new. Each unique piece holds its own story, and Sally is fascinated by giving it another life in her jewellery.
She views her silversmithing as a way to complement and celebrate each unique piece of glass in an elegant manner. Her commitment is to create simple, chic forms that allow the found treasures to speak for themselves.
The Freedom of a Creative Adventure
While Sally usually begins her designs with a sketch to capture the initial idea, she explains that once she starts making, the design often takes on a life of its own. As she works with the silver and glass, she lets the materials guide her, allowing the piece to sometimes evolve into something completely different from what she first imagined.
This sense of freedom and spontaneity is what she loves most about the process. She views every creation as a small adventure, and because no two pieces of sea glass are ever the same, each piece of jewellery she makes is truly one of a kind.
Sally’s deepest pride is in the care and love that go into every creation. Being a perfectionist, she can’t call something finished until it feels just right, sometimes reworking a design until it truly captures what she envisioned. She believes this commitment ensures that every mark and curve carries a little of the maker’s heart, making handmade jewellery so special. She doesn’t call a piece finished until it’s something she’d be proud to wear herself. Ultimately, she hopes each creation brings a little of that coastal calm and joy to the people who wear it.
I asked Sally if she had a favourite piece and she chose this particular one that includes very rare yellow sea glass. She loves its overall balance and playfulness, especially the unexpected juxtaposition of cubic zirconia with the humble sea glass found on a beach.
Commission
If you are interested in commissioning a unique piece featuring your own coastal find, you can do so through Doghead Designs.
MEET THE MAKER: MEL FENTON
The Purist Organic Skincare—Healing Through Purity
We are delighted to feature the founder Mel, of The Purist Organic Skincare, whose journey into clean beauty is a deeply personal and inspiring one. Born out of necessity and driven by a commitment to purity, this brand offers meticulously crafted, effective skincare solutions. Instagram Facebook
A Passion Forged in Crisis
Mel’s journey began during an incredibly challenging period while struggling with difficult skin conditions, which were severely worsened by menopause and chemotherapy. After a long career in the hair and beauty industry, she was genuinely shocked to discover how many cosmetic products, even those claiming to be ‘natural,’ were actually filled with unnecessary synthetic ingredients and chemicals.
Determined to find a better, purer solution for herself, she decided to create her own skincare blends using only the purest, organic plant oils. The results were nothing short of transformative: within just a few days, her skin was glowing, incredibly soft, and smoother than it had been in years!
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from friends and beauty professionals inspired her to turn this passion project into a proper business. That’s how The Purist was born: a commitment to creating clean, natural skincare that genuinely works, without the exorbitant price tag.
The Meticulous Creative Process
Crafting a skin serum at The Purist Organic Skincare involves a careful process, blending scientific research with purposeful ingredient choices. It begins not with choosing a pleasant fragrance, but with a deep dive into the specific benefits of organic plant oils.
Every single ingredient is carefully selected for its unique properties. Mel chooses components that are:
- Rich in antioxidants to combat free radicals.
- Full of essential fatty acids to nourish the skin barrier.
- Known for their anti-inflammatory effects.
This ensures that every component in the blend is included for a reason, working synergistically to deliver genuine, positive results. The final serum is a purposeful formulation where the natural aroma is a beautiful bonus, not the primary reason for an oil’s inclusion, ensuring a product that is pure, effective, and beneficial for the skin.
Mel’s personal favourite product is the award-winning Night Serum. It’s special to her because it addresses the issues of sensitivity and dehydration that were central to her own initial skin problems. This serum focuses on deep hydration and healing, utilising the fact that skin is most receptive to absorbing nutrients at night to help repair the skin’s barrier. She notes that if she occasionally misses it from her routine, she really notices the difference the next morning. It’s a true testament to its efficacy, having also won awards in The Beauty Shortlist and Free From Awards.
Joining Us for Meet the Makers Day
Mel is genuinely thrilled to be present on Meet the Makers Day. For her, it’s a fantastic opportunity to move beyond the screen and connect directly with people interested in clean beauty. She loves being able to discuss the science and choices behind her formulations face-to-face and share the personal journey that started it all. More than anything, she looks forward to meeting individuals, answering their specific skin questions, and helping them find their perfect pure solution firsthand, bringing her passion for transformative skincare to the community.
MEET THE MAKER: OLIVIA SOULSON
Colour, Creativity, and Conscious Crafting
We are excited to introduce you to the vibrant world of Kaleidopop, founded by a former art teacher whose passion for colour and commitment to sustainability shine through in every piece of jewellery she creates. Get ready for a burst of bold, wearable joy! (FacebookInstagram)
From Art Teacher to Full-Time Maker
The journey of Kaleidopop started quite unexpectedly. While working as an art teacher, Olivia was given a box of leather offcuts by a colleague who thought they could be put to creative use. Inspired by a pair of leather earrings she had recently purchased as a gift, Olivia decided to experiment, transforming the donated remnants into her own jewellery designs.
Initially, making jewellery was just a fun, creative outlet for herself and her friends, with no thought of a career. However, after being invited to participate in a local craft fair in 2018, she decided to take part. Despite a slow start at her very first market, the large stash of vibrant earrings she had created encouraged her to try other markets. She hasn’t stopped since!
The business grew quickly, allowing Olivia to leave her teaching career behind in 2021 to focus entirely on Kaleidopop. A key principle remains central to her work: she continues to work exclusively with reclaimed leather offcuts and remnants. It is profoundly important to her to repurpose materials that might otherwise go to waste, embedding a strong, sustainable ethos into the brand. Over the years, her designs have become progressively brighter and bolder, perfectly reflecting her deep love for vibrant colour combinations.
The Organic and Joyful Creative Process
When creating a new design, Olivia’s process is wonderfully organic. She starts by immersing herself in her ever-growing leather stash, selecting colours and textures that harmonise well together.
She admits that, unlike her past life as an art teacher, sketching is often skipped. She prefers a more hands-on, experimental approach, working directly with the materials to form shapes and colour combinations that look and feel great. The ultimate test for a new design? Whether it brings her joy. If a prototype passes this test, she moves forward with production.
Customer feedback is also a valuable part of this process. Chatting with people at her market stall often sparks new ideas or suggestions for adapting existing designs, making the community a vital part of Kaleidopop’s evolution.
Pride in Being ‘Out in the Wild’
The thing that Olivia is most proud of is seeing her jewellery ‘out in the wild’, a term she uses for spotting people wearing her designs in everyday life. Whether it’s while shopping, at festivals, or in nightclubs, she says it always brings a smile to her face! She especially cherishes the lovely conversations she has had with clients over the years who truly ‘get’ the ethos of Kaleidopop, those who appreciate her sustainable approach and bright aesthetic.
A Constantly Evolving Favourite
I asked Olivia to choose a single favourite piece, which she found difficult as she enjoys seeing how her work has evolved, reflecting her growing confidence and ability. What she values most is not a single piece, but the moments shared when others wear her jewellery. Clients have sent her photos of themselves wearing their ‘Kaleidopops’ on significant occasions, including their wedding day, for a milestone birthday, or even on stage as part of their performance costume! These personal moments are the accurate measure of success and what makes her craft so special.
MEET THE MAKER: KATE BIRNIE
An Accidental Artist Finds Freedom in Abstract: Kate Birnie’s Art
Kate’s journey into the world of abstract art is a beautiful testament to finding opportunity in unexpected places. Her artistic awakening began while she was confined to her home recovering from a broken ankle. It was her daughter’s encouragement that led her to discover a vibrant world of abstract colour on Instagram.
Kate quickly found liberation in the abstract medium, where flaws and improvisation are celebrated rather than criticised. She had previously been told she lacked the skill to draw, making the embrace of abstract freedom particularly meaningful.
Initially, Kate explored the fluidity of alcohol inks, a medium that thrives on randomness and unpredictability. However, life brought an unexpected pivot: when her husband developed long Covid, she transitioned to acrylic paints to ensure a safer working environment. This period of lockdown became an intense opportunity for growth, as she studied new techniques through online masterclasses. Today, Kate’s work is a vibrant exploration of the relationship between colour, movement, and transformation.
The Creative Process: Upcycled and Unpredictable
Kate’s unique creative process is rooted in sustainability and transformation.
1. The Treasure Hunt: Her journey often begins at a charity shop, where she hunts for overlooked, bland pieces. Her mission is to give these items a new lease of life through colour.
2. The Foundation: She starts by priming the piece to ensure proper adhesion before building up the base layers, selecting a colour palette based purely on the inspiration of the day.
3. The Magic: The transformation happens with the addition of contrasting hues, bold shapes, and intricate details. Kate particularly enjoys using unexpected and often clashing colour combinations to catch the eye and ensure every item is truly one-of-a-kind.
4. The Finale: Finally, each creation is sealed for durability, ready to bring a jolt of joy to its new home.
The Joy of Individuality
When asked what she is most proud of, Kate focuses on the themes of individuality and the ability to make people smile. She describes the moment someone approaches her market stall and visibly brightens just from the visual hit of colour as pure magic.
While she doesn’t have one single favourite finished piece, Kate holds a special fondness for decorating her signature Christmas baubles. She sees them as the perfect small canvas, offering an opportunity for her creativity to flow and produce multiple, unique designs. Check out Kate’s Instagram, you won’t be disappointed.
MEET THE MAKER: CATHIE WOOD
Champion of the Preloved
Cathie Wood isn’t just a treasure hunter; she’s a champion of the preloved, a believer that the world brims with forgotten gems waiting for a second chance. To her, the thrill isn’t in the pristine or mass-produced, but in the unique marks of time and use etched upon each find. She’s a firm opponent of the ‘new at all costs’ mentality, convinced that our discarded ‘stuff’ holds untapped potential.
Cathie’s mission isn’t merely about repurposing; it’s about deep transformation. With meticulous care, she reimagines her discoveries, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Yet, she doesn’t seek to erase the past; some part of the original always peeks through, a testament to the object’s journey. Those imperfections, to Cathie, aren’t flaws to be concealed; they are chapters in the piece’s story, adding depth and character. Her tiny brush becomes a tool of both restoration and revelation, breathing new life into forgotten forms.
The Story Behind the Art
When asked to name a personal favourite, Cathie shared the tale of a wooden bowl that exemplifies her philosophy. Upon getting it home, she realised the bowl was broken. Rather than discarding it, she felt inspired to make it ‘extra special to compensate.’ Her creative solution was to paint a remarkable likeness of Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ onto the bowl’s surface, along with intricate lines. It’s a piece she holds dear, confessing that she has since painted the same image several times but has never quite managed to capture the same magic.
‘Buuuut shhhhhhh do not tell the other pieces I’ve told you this,’ she jokes, ‘because I literally do love them all!’
Spreading the Sustainable Love
Behind every careful brushstroke is a hope that these reborn objects will spark joy in new homes, proving that ‘preloved’doesn’t mean ‘less loved.’ Cathie’s work isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about reminding us that beauty and value can hide in the most unexpected places.
As she prepares to join the Meet the Makers Day, Cathie is looking forward to the opportunity to connect with an audience who shares her appreciation for mindful consumption and artistic vision. She hopes the day will be a chance to ‘spread the love for beautiful, sustainable Art far and wide,’ and inspire others to see the untapped beauty in what they already own or find second-hand. She is excited to meet fellow makers and enthusiasts, believing that every conversation about art and sustainability helps shift the cultural mindset away from disposability and towards enduring value.
That concludes our comprehensive snapshot of the incredible talent championed by Tristan Merriam at Doghead Designs. On Saturday, November 22nd, you’ll have the unique opportunity to explore a treasure trove of truly one-of-a-kind, handmade items, with products available from every single maker we’ve featured, Best of all, you can look forward to meeting a selection of these brilliant artisans in person, including Clare Nicholls, Louise Ritchie , Kate Kemp , Anna Falcke , Tim Stephens , Rebecca Chester , and Mel Fenton, Cathie Wood, to hear their stories and discuss their creative processes face-to-face. Don’t miss this fantastic chance to celebrate and support the vibrant local maker community right here in Clevedon!
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