Welcome to Find a Maker

MAKER OF THE DAY

Karen Dawn Curtis

My love for the craft and my faith have shaped every step of my journey as a ceramic artist. While my formal education—a BA (Hons), a Master of Art in Ceramics, and a PGCE in Adult Education—gave me the technical foundation I needed, my Christian faith guides my hands and heart in every piece I create. I am inspired by the story of Bezalel, whom God chose and filled with His Spirit to craft artistic designs for the Tabernacle, a sacred place where God’s presence would dwell on the earth. Like Bezalel, I want to use my creativity for a higher purpose.

In 2016, my journey as an artist took a pivotal turn when I discovered the joy of adding colour to my clay. This discovery opened up new dimensions in my creative process, allowing me to integrate colour as an essential part of each piece's form and spiritual essence. The potter’s wheel, which I had rediscovered with renewed passion, became a sacred space where the making process felt divinely inspired. It allowed my designs to evolve organically, each piece reflecting the presence of God in the act of creation.

A key aspect of my work is the understanding that it will be used. There is something deeply meaningful in knowing that my ceramics will become part of someone’s daily life—whether it’s a mug that holds their morning coffee or a vase that displays fresh flowers. This connection, that my art is not just for display but for everyday use, is crucial to me. Each object I create is designed with this dual purpose in mind: to be both beautiful and functional, carrying with it a sense of spiritual resonance.

I am inspired by the Japandi-style aesthetic, which embraces simplicity, natural textures, and calm, earthy tones, as well as the beauty of the British landscape. These influences are reflected in my refined textural surfaces and the soothing natural colours I use. These designs' peaceful and restful qualities are meant to evoke the tranquillity of nature and the peace of God. I hope that each person who touches, uses, and treasures my ceramics will sense the presence of God, experiencing a quiet connection to the divine through these everyday objects.

One important element I’ve come to embrace along this journey is the beauty of imperfection. Often, a piece doesn’t turn out exactly as I envisioned, and instead of seeing these moments as mistakes, I’ve learned to see them as part of the piece’s story. Just like in life, the imperfections in my work add character, depth, and authenticity. Each subtle variation in shape or glaze reflects the handmade process and the human touch, turning every piece into a one-of-a-kind object that carries its own story.

In this journey, shaped by faith, education, functionality, and celebrating imperfection, I have understood that my work is not merely a craft but a calling. This vision makes my brand more than just important to me; it truly reflects who I am, what I believe, and how I hope to bring God’s Spirit into the world through the functional, beautiful, and uniquely imperfect objects I create.

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The Capital of Craft Podcast with Ami Pepper

The Capital of Craft Podcast

Craft Festival Wales Season 2026

Craft Festival Director, Sarah James MBE, met jeweller, Ami Pepper in her workshop / atelier in Newport to talk about her work, her family background and her approach to developing her jewellery collections. We also talked about what she is looking forward to at Craft Festival Wales 2026.

Ami Pepper Jewellery

Meet Ami at Craft Festival Wales at Cardigan Castle from September 11-13th 2026.

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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.

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