Interview with Nicola Rowland

The last of my interviews from St Andrews Court Craft Fair was Nicola Rowlands, who is a designer and illustrator. I didn't initially go over to Nicola's table to ask for an interview, I went over because I was drawn to her unique products and quirky designs. I was under strict instructions from my boyfriend that I wasn't allowed to buy anything but I was tickled by this mirror so couldn't resist getting it.

 'Catula Mirror'

Nicola's interview was the perfect end to the day, her work completely represents the new craft movement which attracted me to my research topic. Her work is cute, fun and original, and if you want to see more then you should definitely visit her website: www.nicolarowlands.com

Nicola also has an etsy shop and you can use this code: COOLFORCATS to get 10% off your purchase!

Interview with Paul Capewell and Lisa Made Me

Although I interviewed both of these sellers separately, they were sharing a table so I thought it fitting that they share a blog post too.
The first of the pair of interviewees was Paul Capewell, who is a photographer based in Manchester and was selling some of his wonderful prints; sharing the table was his girlfriend Lisa Abrams who runs Lisa Made Me, who specialises in lovely handmade cushions and bags from vintage fabrics. Despite being fairly new to craft fairs both interviewees had very well formed opinions and ideas within their interviews and although Paul and Lisa shared a table they both had their own unique voices and thoughts on the subject. I very much enjoyed meeting both of them and wish them the best of luck in their pursuits.

If you would like to find out further about Paul Capewell's work then you can visit his website: www.paulcapewell.com

If you would like to have a look at some of Lisa's creations then you can visit her folksy store.

Interview with Love Umbrellas

My next interview of the day was with with Klair Lee from Love Umbrellas. She specializes in customized umbrellas and parasols for any occasion including weddings, everyday use and specialist costumes. What I particularly liked about Love Umbrellas is how they reinvent a seemingly mundane item into something very beautiful, I like how this opens the potential to appreciate special items when things have become increasingly more disposable.

I found Klair to be very professional and she gave me some excellent new perspectives within her interview. Love Umbrella's products demonstrate the real increase that is happening of niche markets and demand for bespoke items. I wish them the best of luck in their growing business.
If you would like to purchase or inquire about any of Love Umbrella's products then you can contact them through their website. 

Stay Creative

Source: http://paulzii.tumblr.com/

Interview with Heidi Chadwick

My third interview of the day was with the lovely Heidi Chadwick, who runs yoga and creativity workshops in Manchester and is also a fine artist. Heidi's art is truly magical, her paintings are bright and bold featuring a mix of vibrant colours. I would say that my favourite pieces of her work were the 'Dream Boxes', these could be described as beautiful little dioramas which I found to be truly inspiring.

Please visit Heidi's Etsy store if you would like to purchase any of her work or her visit her blog to find out more information about her yoga and creative workshops

Interview with Stitch Me Lane

Every single interviewee of the day was amazing and I know that I shouldn't pick favourites, but I really enjoyed meeting and chatting to Jen Gilmour, who runs Stitch Me Lane Fabrics and Accessories. Jen was such a friendly interviewee, she was very welcoming and has great taste, just look at all the amazing things she had for sale!

My only regret was not going back to her stall to buy some of the fabric that I wanted but I will be sure to visit her Folksy store.

In regards to her interview Jen had loads to tell me, not only about her business but the many other craft related projects she is involved in too. I'm actually hoping to talk to her again in future regarding some of these projects towards a paper I have in mind.

She was also kind enough to give me this handmade fabric fortune cookie, which was really sweet and I hope to get the opportunity to speak to her again soon. 

Interview with Crafty Karma

As I managed to get seven excellent interviews at the St. Andrews Court Craft Fair on Saturday, I thought that I would stagger the blog posts and write about each interviewee one day at a time and in order.

My first interviewee of the day was the lovely Cara Graham who runs Crafty Karma, I was attracted to the beautiful colours and kitsch jewellery that was display on Cara's table - particularly the Day of the Dead pieces, as it is a theme which is a real favourite of mine. Despite Cara being fairly young, she is very confident about her self and her work and her personality really shines through all of her pieces. She gave me a great interview and I was really pleased that I got the opportunity to speak to her as she gave me a great start to the day.

 If you like cute handmade accessories with a twist then be sure to visit her page on deviant art