The Makers blog: stories behind the craft
Celebrating artists, craftspeople, furniture restorers and creative makers who transform everyday objects through colour, craftsmanship and imagination.
Self-taught and internationally known, Jonathon Marc Mendes on layered decorative finishes, furniture painting and teaching painters around the world.
Artist and signwriter Chloe Dowsett on creative confidence, a commission in historic Arundel and finding a metallic paint she can rely on.
Jade Richardson of Jade Dawn Designs is recognised for her vibrant use of colour and signature gold accents. As a passionate creative and workshop tutor, Jade shares her artistic legacy and love for creating.
Siobhan Murphy of Interior Curve brings her signature maximalist style to life in a Hollywood-inspired dressing room layered with gold, colour, and bold pattern. In collaboration with Lucia-Kreate, the space becomes a theatrical celebration of glamour, creativity, and fearless design.
Meet Tracey Galt, the creative force behind Scarlett & Wolfe Headwear, and explore how she transforms vintage jewellery and botanical inspiration into hand-painted crowns and headpieces full of story, soul, and sustainable beauty.
From Landfill to Wearable Art – Kim of Sew Much to Say rescues discarded textiles and transforms them into fashion. Using BLEO fabric paint on a sculptural bucket dress, she experimented with colour mixing, freehand techniques, and handwritten details. As a passionate upcycling tutor, she inspires others to rethink waste through creative reuse.
Daniel Bland is known for his fearless use of bold colour and intricate gilded details. Inspired by Parisian architecture, he transformed his cinema room with Guild Lane Super GILD, blending Gold, Burnt Copper, and Platinum to create a striking trompe-l'œil masterpiece infused with vintage opulence.
Upcycled Reloved by Jodi transforms discarded furniture into bold, bespoke pieces, blending sustainability with artistry. What began as a pandemic hobby has evolved into a thriving business rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and a love for bold design. Guided by meticulous preparation and high-quality materials like Guild Lane’s GILD range, Jodi’s work celebrates transformation and community. With a vision to create an upcycling hub, Jodi aims to unite creatives and clients in a space celebrating sustainability and unique design.
Amy Jane Elves’ Fine Artist & Printmaker art merges realism with fantasy, drawing on themes of mythology, resilience, and transformation. After years of hesitation, she left teaching to pursue her dream as a full-time artist, creating intricate graphite, ink, and gilded works. Her Medusa series and Death Tarot card exemplify her ability to blend storytelling with detailed artistry. Inspired by personal experiences and her love of mythology, Amy’s work celebrates beauty in darkness while exploring new creative horizons.
Karen Musgrave Hill’s journey into botanical art began as a serendipitous discovery, evolving from coloured pencil drawings to intricate glass vessels. Her work merges delicate botanical illustrations with layered decoupage and gilding techniques, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate nature and craftsmanship. Influenced by vintage Japanese papers and rich colour palettes, Karen’s art reflects her passion for precision and beauty. She continues to explore new techniques, preparing for an exciting solo exhibition showcasing her distinctive fusion of art and glasswork.
Former PR professional turned upcycling artist, Rebecca, transforms vintage furniture into bespoke statement pieces, blending glamour and practicality. Drawing inspiration from her fashion and design background, Rebecca creates bold yet timeless designs, like her art deco-inspired dining table for Amanda Holden. Guided by sustainability and a love for craftsmanship, her work balances client needs with her signature style, celebrating unique artistry while championing the beauty of repurposed furniture.
Lotus Blu Book Art blends artistry, heritage, and sustainability into handcrafted journals and creative tools. Inspired by South Asian and English traditions, founder and self-taught bookbinder, transforms vintage fabrics, handmade papers, and natural dyes into one-of-a-kind pieces. Combining vibrant designs with meticulous craftsmanship, her work preserves cultural legacies while offering functional art. Through workshops and online courses, she shares her passion for bookbinding, encouraging others to explore their creativity and create with meaning.
