The Makers blog: stories behind the craft
Celebrating artists, craftspeople, furniture restorers and creative makers who transform everyday objects through colour, craftsmanship and imagination.
This upcycling business was founded on a passion for transformation, turning vintage furniture into functional art while inspiring creativity in others. Drawing from nature’s geometry and the elegance of Art Deco, each bespoke design is distinct yet timeless. With a focus on mid-century pieces, the work blends vibrant colours, craftsmanship, and a personal touch. Alongside furniture commissions, plans include expanding into murals and homeware, continuing to celebrate individuality and sustainability through innovative design.
Avalana Design and Lucia-Kreate blend creativity and craftsmanship to transform interiors into striking, functional spaces. Avalana, inspired by nature and romantic maximalism, creates cinematic designs, while Lucia, driven by practicality and restoration, elevates vintage and commercial spaces with unique touches. Their partnership thrives on bold ideas, meticulous execution, and shared vision, as seen in their transformation of Solberge Hall’s Drawing Room, where opulence meets Georgian elegance with contemporary flair.
Avera Cosplay blends craftsmanship and creativity to bring bold, intricate characters to life. Focusing on armour-heavy designs, Avera uses techniques like foam work, LED integration, and cel-shading to create standout builds, such as the Demonic Brigitte mashup for BlizzCon. Inspired by fun and competition, her creations reflect a love for detail and storytelling. Transitioning from commissions to guesting and education, Avera continues to inspire the cosplay community while aiming for a world championship win.
Develey Atelier blends artistic passion, colour, and pattern to transform vintage furniture into unique statement pieces. Inspired by South African culture and guided by William Morris’ ethos, the work celebrates craftsmanship, enhancing each piece’s natural beauty with thoughtful designs. Using high-quality paints like Guild Lane for vibrant, seamless finishes, the creations reflect a love of artistry and sustainability, offering timeless, repurposed furniture that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Kookiwood began in 2019 when a budget-friendly idea to use wallpaper on furniture sparked a passion for upcycling. Founder and former RAF member, Karen, transitioned to full-time furniture artistry in 2021, blending mid-century aesthetics with bold designs and techniques like decoupage, gilding, and hand-painting. Specialising in cocktail cabinets, she transforms vintage pieces into striking, functional art, guided by her love for experimentation, creative freedom, and the joy of crafting unique, standout furniture.
Monsoon Dragonfly Interiors began 18 years ago when a passion for rescuing quality furniture evolved into a thriving upcycling business. Founded on principles of craftsmanship and originality, they specialise in transforming solid wood, vintage, and antique pieces into stunning bespoke designs. With an emphasis on functionality and opulence, their work combines heritage colours, rich textures, and intricate details, ensuring every piece tells a unique story while preserving its historical charm.
Marcie K’s lifelong creativity and resourcefulness, shaped by a make-do ethos of the ’70s, led her to upcycling as a career. From sewing her own clothes as a teenager to experimenting with papier-mâché furniture and running a children’s clothing business, her journey evolved into transforming vintage finds into bespoke pieces. Combining thoughtful designs, bold colours, and sustainable practices, Marcie creates unique furniture that balances character and functionality while preserving history and reducing waste.
