“Since I was little, I’ve always enjoyed being arty and creative, and  over the years I’ve explored a whole range of different arts and crafts; from theatrical stage make-up for school plays as a teenager, learning graphic design, digital photography and silversmithing at college (and working in design), painting on silk, ceramics and watercolours, to creating fused glass and jewellery making. Over time you discover which things you excel at and enjoy doing the most.

“Although, the creative path is definitely not the easiest way to earn a living, its very rewarding in many other ways. Every day is different -you become the designer, maker, photographer, promoter, seller and the list goes on – the actual making is just a small part of it. My favourite part is the feeling of achievement you get when you make a piece of jewellery or glass and other people love it too, want to buy it and wear it. I feel so honoured when I see people wearing one of my pieces and returning to buy more.”

Samantha, Jewellery artist – www.jewelart.co.uk

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“I do what I do because I enjoy it and I can get lost in the challenge of seeing the blank canvas develop. I enjoy watching my initial idea evolve and how the colours merge to create the finished picture.”
Lily Batteson – www.lilybatteson.com

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“After being made redundant from my dental job in February 2013 I decided to start up my own business combining all of the skills learned as a Dental Technician with my Artistic abilities and I’ve been making a living as a Glass Engraver for the past two years… after all Teeth are made of Glass!I enjoy the challenges of creating bespoke pieces… every day is different. I also love to meet people so networking is a big part of my business and it has replaced something that I miss now that I work alone, which is meeting people and working with others.”
Alexis, Walking on Glass – www.walkingonglass.co.uk

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“I first started sewing, aged 8, making dolls clothes and progressed through my teenage years onto making my own clothes (not always successfully!) However, bags are far more forgiving than clothes as one size fits all.”
Zylpha, Zed Bags

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You can meet and chat to us, see a selection of our work and take the opportunity to buy direct from us and the other Lancashire makers taking part in the Handmade in Lancashire at Barton Grange Garden Centre, Easter Friday and Saturday.