I try to choose a broad range of makers in different mediums. I like the work to have a humorous, fresh, appealing and eye-catching look to it. I think it is important to make visitors smile and to create a good memory of the work after they have gone on. Certainly my experience from last year as an independent house has shown me that Samantha Stas’s accessories create a gasp when visitors come into the room where she is displaying her work. It’s very colourful. I have noticed when people place a corsage next to their black/grey/navy jacket it immediately changes their whole look. So excellent for the British public. She also produces a nice range of tea cosies which are very popular. I don’t see tea cosies anywhere in the shops and you would think it a rather old-fashioned accessory but people love them. Her new range of cosies is super.

Mary Moo, a new maker, has produced the most imaginative, fascinating new range of crafty creatures. I’ve never seen anything like them, they’re unique and a must see. Apart from being a delightful human being she’s also a very inspirational artist. Her influences come from Julie Arkell and Freddie Robbins.
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