Interiors and Garden design journalist, Natasha Goodfellow chooses her 5 Favourites
Written: 24 April 2019
News from the Capital of Craft...
There are just 6 weeks until the 16th edition of Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey. Read on for our next 5 Favourites and introducing one of our special features, Out of the Woods
Writer, editor and curator Natasha Goodfellow chooses her five favourites from this year’s exhibitors.
Ali Herbert
There’s an alluring sense of calm about Ali Herbert’s ceramic tableware. I’m not sure if it’s the delicate colours, the satisfying forms or the tactile finishes (whether gloriously glossy or matt and earthy), but they make me what to get the kettle on and just stop.
Alison Dickens
Based in London but channelling the forms and patterns made in nature by water, wind and wave, Alison had never really considered baskets until she took a short course. Immediately hooked, she now uses Somerset willow and bark to fashion her sculptural, functional and decorative pieces, all too beautiful to be overlooked.
Clover Robin
I’m a huge fan of Clover Robin’s painted paper collages, so much so I’ve bought her book, Cut Paper Pictures, in an attempt to follow suit. But while her methods appear simple, it’s her artist’s eye that sets her work apart.
Teresa Dunne
A lifelong frustrated artist who has only recently had the opportunity to explore and apply her talents, Teresa Dunne’s passion for textiles shines through. Her handwoven lambswool scarves are beautifully coloured, and sing of her glorious location on the North Cornwall coast.
Sarah Straussberg
There’s a timeless simplicity about Sarah Straussberg’s sculptural, minimal jewellery. I also love her strong design vocabulary which ensures synergy and cohesion between her various collections so buyers can mix and match with ease.
Natasha Goodfellow is a writer, editor and curator of Beautiful & Useful.
Introducing the first of our Special Features
Out of the Woods
Enter a dreamy world of woodland crafts and an opportunity to sit, watch and make, curated by Heritage Craft Association Maker of the Year, Hilary Burns.
Hilary Burns, is a highly acclaimed willow artist, basket maker and willow expert. She will be joined by basket makers Richard Lewis, Josey Goodin and Geraldine Jones, spoon carver Felix Kary, furniture maker Peter Lanyon & willow weavers Willow and Rush.
This year there will be a range of 1 hour workshops available in the Out of the Woods tent, which are available to book now. CLICK HERE to book your Out of the Woods Workshops.
Apply for our new Community Fund
As a non-profit making company, if we have any surplus from the Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey, we give money away to local charities. For many years we supported The Bovey Tracey Youth Café giving them over of £8,000. Our director, Sarah James was also a Trustee for 5 years.
We are now opening out the opportunity to charities, non-profits and local community groups in the TQ13 9 and Heathfield postcode area to be supported by us via our Community Fund.
Applications are now open for 2019 and will be announced at the Craft Festival Preview Evening on June 6th CLICK HERE to apply
Have you booked your workshops yet?
With many sold out and lots with limited availability, you'd better get your skates on and book your workshops NOW!
You can choose from stained glass, wire sculpture, stone carving, needle felting, spoon carving and much more. BOOK YOUR WORKSHOPS HERE
Your Craft Festival Needs YOU?
Time is running out to enter our great competition to win tickets to The Good Life Experience
Win 4 adult camping tickets to The Good Life Experience 2019!
Two nights. Three days. Friday entry from 2pm.
Co-founded by Cerys Matthews, Steve ‘Abbo’ Abbott & The Gladstone family, this festival of discovery & adventure celebrates its sixth birthday this September. It’s set to be the best party yet! Expect raucous music from all over the world curated by Cerys, axe throwing, foraging, campfire cooking sessions with world-class chefs, daily feasts, wild children, mass sing-a-longs, over 40 craftspeople, beer served by experts, talks by explorers, abseiling, a free 1930s fairground, tree climbing, poetry, literature and endless How To... talks. If you love making, the Good Life Experience is for you. Competition Closes Midnight April 26th CLICK HERE TO ENTER OUR COMPETITION