MAKER OF THE DAY
Shelagh Brown
One of a kind, wearable art. Natural colours and textures of the high moor.
My ‘paints’ are my handspun, dyed and undyed British breed lambswool, silk and sustainable natural fibres.
Contemporary artisan, slow textiles entirely handmade on Dartmoor using spinning wheel, knitting needles and weaving looms.
Handspun, hand knitted unisex sweaters and hats. Handspun skeins of yarn. Handwoven scarves, cushions, bags.
Provenance is vital. Sustainable British rare breed, heritage, breed specific lambswool and natural fibres are sourced as locally to me as possible... Devon, Cornwall and the greater South West.
Washed, processed, carded, dyed, blended, handspun, handwoven or handknitted in my Dartmoor studio.
I often use end-of-line top quality lambswool from local British wool mills for variety of colour in my weaving, to save it from landfill. Once it's gone it's gone. Nothing is ever wasted.
Britain’s historical wealth, sixty-four separate wool breeds are perfect for fine knitwear, cloth, carpets, insulation and mulch. Warm, cool, sustainable, fire-resistant, biodegradable, recyclable and totally natural. Wool is circular, replenishing the earth at the end of its long life.
Increasingly, informed consumers, heritage and conservation farmers and designer-makers value beautiful British wools. I am one of them.
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The Capital of Craft Podcast with Alex Finberg
The Capital of Craft 20th Anniversary of Craft Festival Season
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Craft Festival Bovey Tracey in June, here is the 4th season of The Capital of Craft hosted by me, Sarah James MBE. I am the director of Craft Festival and Find a Maker.
Alex Finberg was the recipient of Craft Festival's Making It Award 2023 and debuted at Craft Festival Bovey Tracey that year.
In our podcast we find out more about his career. Trained in psychology, his entry into woodworking came about from working on therapeutic projects. I loved learning more about Alex's life and his passion for the outdoors.
He talks with me from his Devon home.
https://alexfinberg.co.uk/
https://www.craftfestival.co.uk/
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
Why Do You Love Craft Festival
W H Y D O Y O U L O V E C R A F T F E S T I V A L? A little while back, we asked you why you love Craft Festival and we received some lovely messages. Thank you so much. A tear or two may have been shed. Here are the thoughs of the lovely Liz Barlett, who has been a long-time supporter. "It was love at first sight for me! I first went in 2009 with my daughter who was literally 3 months old. I expected to be there for an hour max, how wrong could I be. Sarah was actually closing the gates as I realised I had been there for over 5 hours. Fast forward 14 years, I have it on my calendar and I am on count down. My diary is blocked out so that I can just enjoy the 3 magical days.I think that these amazing makers are unsung heroes. Their dedication to their craft is humbling and I truly marvel at their creativity, style, talent and dedication. I love Craft Festival, it’s my favourite event in a year-long calendar. May it continue FOREVER!" Thanks Millions Liz ❤️
