MAKER OF THE DAY
Melissa James
Melissa’s process for creating and designing jewellery begins with an idea. That idea comes from either the shape, colour or markings on stones she is working with. Placing them in different configurations can create the outline for a piece and when she is happy with the result she will put it together. It is then Melissa might decide what else to add – maybe a hammered metal shape, or a series of shapes, or possibly an antique brooch or artefact. There is always the delightful surprise when serendipity occurs.
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The Capital of Craft Podcast with Cathryn Gwynn
Craft Festival Wales Special
I met Cathryn Gwynn at her home studio in Cilgerran, a village near Cardigan in West Wales.
Her early life in Cardiff led her to a career in writing, editing and finally teaching at Preseli School. She later began an access course in art, leading to a degree in Textiles from Carmarthen School of Art in 2020.
Text, texture and textile: three words which reflect sher practice as a mixed-media artist. She is drawn to thread, pen, ink and paper and work somewhere on the cusp of these materials.
Cathryn Wynn will be giving an illustrated talk about her work at The Capital of Craft at Craft Festival Wales at Cardigan Castle.
Her work is part of an exhibition of 8 important Welsh makers at Canfas Gallery in Cardigan. Woven, curated by Suzi Park from Cambrian Wool, runs from September 5-October 5th.
Craft Festival Wales September 5-7, 2025
Award Winning Festivals
Since 2003 we have run multi-award winning Festivals in Bovey Tracey, Devon, Cardigan and Cheltenham. In June, we host the UK's best loved and finest contemporary Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey featuring over 200 curated makers. Hosted in idyllic parkland on the edge of Dartmoor. Complimented by an dazzling number of workshops, demonstrations, masterclasses, talks, family activities, street theatre, live music and feasting! In March we head to the beautiful Regency town of Cheltenham, presenting 100 makers at Craft Festival at the Town Hall. In September we will be hosting our first Craft Festival Wales at Cardigan Castle.
Latest News
A creative escape on the edge of Dartmoor
Hello! The sun is out and we can't help but look forward to welcoming you to our very special corner of Devon for Craft Festival Bovey Tracey. Join us for a breathtaking weekend of joy and creativity on the edge of Dartmoor in June. Meet over 200 exceptional makers, enjoy workshops, watch and learn from amazing demonstrations, listen to great talks, watch films in our solar powered cinema as well as letting children run free in the Craft Club with workshops, stories, circus skills and performances. Add in fantastic food and lots of great live music, and you have a wonderful weekend, packed with making, ideas, conversation and heartwarming community. Our 2026 workshop programme for Craft Festival Bovey Tracey is filling up.This year’s programme includes willow weaving, wood carving, natural dyeing, stone carving, stitching, broom making, woodworking, leatherwork and marbling, something for every curious maker.Book your workshops now, before they sell out! Catch up soon, Sarah


