Lydia from Lydia Miriam Design

I have a passion for people, their purpose and the planet. I believe we all have the capacity to be creative, and have a deep desire to make a positive impact. I know God has called me to use my creativity to inspire others, and do that in a sustainable way to help our beautiful planet and those who live in it.

After studying Textiles, an Art & Design BTEC and finally a contemporary Jewellery & Accessories degree at Middlesex University, where, during a work placement I spent 5 months in Tanzania at a craft centre for differently-abled people, I found myself working up the ranks of a very well known coffee chain (of course!).

Still, with a love for art and a deep desire to do good, my husband and I took a leap of faith, straight into the hot and humid hustle and bustle of Latin American. We landed in Ecuador as volunteers for Artizan International with the brief of setting up a craft-based social enterprise that would train and equip differently-abled people in papermaking, providing them a pathway out of poverty. Those two years were the closest I have been to doing my dream job, however, being a volunteer forever is not sustainable, so we handed the project over.

Whilst living in Ecuador we met Mariuxi, who, along with her family, runs a tagua workshop. Tagua is a nut, grown sustainably, on a certain type of palm tree in South America. It can be hand-carved and coloured to create beautiful jewellery and souvenirs. Business for Mariuxi and her family has fallen over the years, as tagua is still a relatively unknown material. I want you to discover for yourself the beauty of this natural and sustainable material whilst also supporting a wonderful family business.

My goal is to grow a sustainable business, support artisans in Ecuador and donate 10% of profits to charities in Ecuador who are doing amazing work for those in need.

Makers Market From Home has pushed me to continue to pursue my call to use my creativity to inspire others, knowing that we all have something beautiful to bring to the world.

Watch Lydia’s Midday Makers Interview here.

For more info visit:

Etsy Shop – LydiaMiriamDesign

Instagram – @_lydiamiriam

Andy Greenacre from Unruly Print

Midday Makers

In my business Unruly Print I hand-draw, hand-cut and hand-print all of my designs, using traditional lino printing methods and techniques. The imagery in my work is inspired from my own childhood memories, but I also work on commissions for customers memories too. Each lino print is a unique artwork and comes signed by me.

Like everyone I loved playing and being creative as a kid. I have really fond memories of this time and there were always lots of other children in the house because Mum and Dad child-minded. This meant we spent every spare minute coming up with games and making things with bits of old cardboard, paint and glue.

As I grew up, I forget to make time to play, society and life threw some challenges my way that got in the way of being creative. Lucky for me I was given the chance to go to uni at the ‘mature’ age of 23, I successfully gained a Fine Art degree and Masters in Art.

After leaving university I had a series of different jobs to help balance and juggle the life of an artist and the reality of bills and adult life. I went into teaching for 5 years and while doing this was able to spend time learning with the children through play. This is when I started to revisit a childhood skill of printing and from a print of Southwold Lighthouse in 2017, Unruly Print was born.

I am now a full-time artist working in print, photographing, sculpture and digital media. I am also a speaker and broadcaster of creativity and I am passionate about giving everyone the opportunity to experience and enjoy art.

Makers Market From Home has given me a focus for my creation of prints. In ‘normal’ times I would try and create new work for upcoming markets, now I have a virtual market to work towards instead. I have met some wonderful makers and customers which has made me feel less alone in this time of isolation.

Watch Andy’s Midday Makers video here.

For more info please visit:

UnrulyPrint.co.uk

Etsy Shop – Unruly Print

Instagram – @UnrulyPrint

Mental wellbeing with Earth Goddess Jewellery by Jai

Inspiring Interviews

On the first day on Mental Health Awareness Week talented maker Jai from Earth Goddess Jewellery by Jai spoke with us about her own mental health journey. Hearing her story was inspirational and provided helpful ideas for coping with anxiety, stress and boosting wellbeing.

Watch the full chat with Jai by clicking on our IGTV video here.

If you want to find out more about Jai’s creations give her a follow on Instagram @earthgoddessjewellerybyjai.

Small business advice from designer Wayne Hemingway

Inspiring Interviews

When we spoke to designer Wayne Hemingway the conversation covered advice for makers and creatives, along with Wayne’s journey from market stallholder to iconic designer.

Watch the full interview on MakersMarketFromHome IGTV here.

For more information about the projects and products Wayne Hemingway is currently working on check out his website at HemingwayDesign.co.uk.