We, Ginger and Tweed (Aka Jo and Rob) combine our skills and passion for making to create bespoke handcrafted homewares from our home in Wiltshire. From doorstops to ottomans and larger bespoke items, our products are inspired by seeing potential in a piece of wood, or fabric and thinking what do people need or want in their homes? Many ideas came from things we created for our own home or as gifts for friends and family. creating something that can be both useful and beautiful is so rewarding. 

I’ve been working full time from home since 2017 when I decided to leave my job of almost 14 years at a restaurant in Bath. I’d worked there since leaving uni in 2003, where I studied Fine Art,  and have always been split between designing and making, my photography jobs, and the long, hard shift pattern of the catering industry.  

I left the management team in 2015 to work part time as a waitress, but just didn’t feel I ever had enough time to put into my creativity, which was essentially what I wanted to be doing. With the amazing support of Rob and the investment into our little shed, I took the leap and moved full time to Ginger and Tweed. 

I find the most difficult part of working from home, especially when there isn’t a defined separate workspace, (the wonders of living in a tiny cottage) is that we are often still working well into the evening, sometimes as late as 10/11pm…

I think when you’re running your own business, especially when you love what you do so much, you never really switch off. 

I do love being able to have lots of cuddles with the littlest ginger though- Georgie the cat, who is great company!

I can’t see myself ever going back to work in a job like the one I had before Ginger and Tweed. It’s always been a dream of mine to make things for a living and that’s what I’m doing – I get to share that with Rob too which is the best part! 

When we trade at markets, we get to chat about our products and what we do with lots of lovely people and it is so rewarding, making all the hard work worthwhile. The artisan community is a fantastic one to be a part of with so much support from fellow traders. We have made some wonderful friends. 

In recent times, with markets being cancelled, we have missed this but MakersMarketFromHome has this great sense of community and everyone involved is so supportive and encouraging towards each other. 

We have loved being a part of it and have found lots of wonderful independent businesses that we will continue to follow and purchase from in the future. 

Catch up with our Midday Makers chat with Jo on our MakersMarketFromHome IGTV channel

Have a look at their website www.gingerandtweed.com

Instagram @gingerandtweed