links
people and businesses that i’d like you to know about.
They are either people I know, have met, have been recommended to me, or that I have been a customer to.
antiques and restoration
Antique Corner Clock and Barometer Sales and Repair
Website - Antique Corner Clock and Barometer Sales and Repair
’David and Jacky Andrews have been repairing and selling all types of antique clocks and barometers since the 1980's. We have a passion for these beautiful and unique items that has remained undiminished throughout the years. "We regard antique clocks and barometers as true survivors, from a time when life was slower...and simpler". David is qualified scientifically to MRSC MIScT and we are members of the B.W & C.M.G, so you can be sure that your antique clocks or barometers will go to no better workshop. Clocks do not travel well, so you won’t find us at fairs or at auction sites. If you are interested in antique clocks or barometers please browse the website OR you can see and hear them first at our shop.’
- Antique Corner, 86 Bryants Hill, St George, Bristol BS5 8QT
Artists and Painting
New Masters Academy
Website - New Masters Academy
‘New Masters Academy offers artists of all levels a streaming art education that is better and more affordable than traditional art school.’
“New Masters Academy (NMA) is revolutionizing art education by re-imagining what it means to master the craft. We combine the timeless principles of the Old Masters with cutting-edge technology to bring accessible, affordable, and high-quality art education to a global audience. Our mission is to center skill, craft, and human intention at the heart of art education, defending it against the cultural decline brought by low-skill, mass-produced art.”
Paula Wilson Artist
Website - Paula Wilson Artworks | Classical Artist in Cheshire
Paula Wilson is an artist in Cheshire.
She also is Becky’s friend and can be seen on ‘Our Diaries with Becky and Paula’ where they discuss life, things they’re working on, traditions and often have an interesting guest whom they interview.
You can also see their interviews here - Our diaries with Becky and Paula on Gan Jing World
artists - storytelling
Regina Linke - artist/author
Website - 'The Oxherd Boy'
Regina Linke is a Taiwanese-American artist that specializes in contemporary Chinese ink illustration. Her work aims to inject an ethereal quality into everyday scenes, reminding readers young and old alike that the miracles of tenderness and beauty exist all around us. She is currently based in Taipei, Taiwan and open for commissions and illustration opportunities.
Regina is writing a series of books ‘The Oxherd Boy’ and she drew her inspiration from the questions her young son would ask her, that even adults struggle with. ‘I was inspired by Charlie Mackesy's work and wanted to give my son something similar based on Chinese traditions.’
She kindly offers free digital postcards of her work which she gladly wishes to share with the world - they are stunningly beautiful - Shop | The Oxherd Boy and she also has a number of videos which show people how to make a Chinese painting.
Buy -
The Oxherd Boy by Regina Linke | Waterstones
The Oxherd Boy a book by Regina Linke - Bookshop.org US
Amber Dickinson - Artist/author
Book - ‘Prince Edac and the snail’
My friend Amber’s book ‘Prince Edac and the Snail' is her first book published under the name of ‘Amberlina P’. She says it was written just for fun and to encourage herself to not take herself too seriously, as she puts it! The book was over 10 years in the making, started when her children were small.
Buy -
Prince Edac and the snail from AuthorHouse
Prince Edac and the Snail By Amberlina P | World of Books GB
handmade wares
dawn colgan ceramics
Website - Dawn Colgan Ceramics | Exeter Devon artist
My childhood friend Dawn started making pottery during 2020’Lockdown’ and thankfully hasn’t stopped! She started her own business selling her beautiful ceramic creations in Devon and Cornwall at several craft fairs and exhibitions.
Dawn uses porcelain and earthenware clay; ‘‘I take inspiration from my the environment and architecture around my hometown in Devon.’’
Upcoming Fairs and Exhibitions - Wonky Pots By Dawn (@wonkypotsbydawn) • Instagram photos and videos
“My love for pottery started during the first Covid lockdown in 2020. Since then, I have started my own business selling my ceramic creations in Devon and Cornwall at several craft fairs and exhibitions.
Using porcelain and earthenware clay; I take inspiration from my the environment and architecture around my hometown in Devon.”
Stained glass centre
Website - www.stainedglasscentre.co.uk/
‘The exhibition of Stained Glass in the teaching studio charts the history of the art and craft from medieval times to the present day. The stages of making a stained glass window are explained. You can also watch a DVD showing Lampshades and windows been made by the team at the Stained Glass Centre.’
These Two Hands
Website - https://thesetwohands.co.uk/
“These Two Hands is a carefully curated collection of beautiful, handcrafted homewares, gifts and accessories that bring nature in to your home. I find my favourite nature-inspired designs from local independent makers or commission bespoke designs for the collection. Everything here has a story and is made with love, using natural and sustainable materials. I would love these things to become part of your story and bring joy to your home and to anyone you give them to as gifts. Each purchase makes a real difference to every maker and helps to keep small and independent crafts alive, in a world of chain stores and mass production. Thank you for shopping small and supporting handmade! Naomi x”
Article - The girl who makes time last longer.
Wendy Calder Ceramics
Website - https://wendycalderceramics.com/
‘Wendy Calder is a ceramicist, living and working in Bristol. She produces ceramics with beautifully hand crafted mono prints. She also runs intimate pottery courses and one-t-one sessions on the pottery wheel from her home studio in St Anne’s Bristol.’
music
“I am an artist. I have written music for the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Opera House, Juilliard and many more, gaining awards and fellowships along the way.
Nature has always played a big part in my work and the central philosophy of my iForest is to see ourselves as a part of the natural world. It’s a simple idea: human voices are a part of the natural environment, but when we encounter beautiful, ethereal singing voices that magically fill the woodland something profound happens; we experience ourselves as one species among others, a part of the natural world. Some are moved to tears, others have run, danced and skipped in response to iForest, many say they feel a deeper connection to nature.”
wilderness skills
The Off-Grid Survival Show
Website - http://survivalshow.uk/
The Wild Harvest School of Self Reliance
Website - https://wildharvest.org/
Wild Harvest offer natural crafting, foraging, and instinctive archery tuition ideal for Birthday or Hen Do Activities around the country.
Wilder Ways
Website - https://www.wilder-ways.co.uk/
Francis Lawrence is a wilderness expert living between Gloucester and the wilds of Scotland. He is continuing his training with the survival school as a Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Living Skills Instructor and Mentor. He also is a fine craftsman and you can buy his beautiful handmade baskets on his website, amongst other items.
wood, woodwork and tools
colin mantripp
Lillyfee Woodcarving Studio
Website - http://www.lillyfee.co.uk/
I first met Colin in 2017 when I was looking for a woodcarving course online and came across his website, and was instantly captivated. I decided then and there to enrol on one of his weekend beginners’ courses.
“‘Lillyfee Woodcarving Studio is a renaissance workshop run by Colin Mantripp - Master Carver - and his team since 1994. The team has been involved in numerous projects. Handmade, hand-carved, using only the finest materials and traditional methods, combined with great craftsmanship. The workshop is located in a charming yet functional 250 year old grade II listed barn in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, situated high in the Chiltern Hills, 25 miles from London.’”
Timeless Tools
Website - https://timelesstools.co.uk
A specialist in vintage and new gardening tools.
Located in Derwentside Shopping Mill - A large 4 storey Victorian Mill, situated in the market town of Belper in the heart of Derbyshire. Forming part of the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site.
wool
Baavet Wool Duvets and Pillows - sourced from and made in the UK
Website - Baavet Wool Duvets
’We are manufacturers of wool duvets, pillows, mattress protectors and natural fibre mattresses. Made in the UK with 100% British wool.’
blarney woollen mills
Website - Irish Gifts | Aran Gifts from Ireland | Irish Crystal | Blarney
’’A family run Irish business since 1823 - Blarney Woollen Mills is more than just a destination—it’s a legacy stitched into the very fabric of Ireland. Established in 1823 as a working woollen mill, it once echoed with the rhythm of spinning wheels and the soft rustle of woven dreams.’’
