Image Credit; Cardsbyalice. Available on Etsy
The flexible designer has long been a job requirement for our role. Never has this quality been more evident than in the last year. Designers are much more than scenographers of the space, even in our “day” jobs we pivot from technical to expressive, from large scale to intimate. We also extend this chameleonic ability to our lives outside of theatre and this year the challenges we have all faced has meant our abilities to make, create and teach have generated a wealth of creative passions becoming bonafide small businesses. Showing just how wide and varied the skills it takes to be a designer can be spread. As designers we constantly pivot, shape shift and re-invent, a DNA we should be proud of.
With this in mind we wanted to showcase and celebrate all the ‘designer’ offerings available in time for Christmas.
Jane Jones
“Flights of fancy to make you happy” A prop maker turned creator of quirky Christmas decorations, cotton masks, and childrens’ gifts.
David Farley - 2scale.shop
“We have 3D printed 1:25 Parcan earrings and cufflinks. We can also produce 3D printed components from your 3D or 2D CAD drawings, sketches or just reference images.”
Jennifer and Frances - In the Nud
“Jennifer and Frances, sisters and London-based freelance artists. Jennifer is a designer and illustrator, Frances an opera singer. Art and textiles celebrating tits and bits.”
https://www.instagram.com/inthe_nud/
RT Scenery - The Yorkshire Kids Co
“We launched our kids furniture and Christmas decoration shop, got a steady flow of orders coming in.”
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheYorkshireKidsCo
Hazel Low - Christmas Cards
Illustrated nature greeting cards and prints.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/hazellowdesigns
Jess Staton - Jester Made
“Beautiful and useful 3-layer cotton facemasks and scrunchies handmade by Jess Staton.”
@Jestermade
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JesterMadeShop
Louise Bowker - LouLah Handmade Design
“illustrative ink and watercolour originals and prints by Louise Bowker.”
@Loulahart
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LouLahHandmadeDesign
Alice Hobbs - Creates by Alice
Handmade cards. Painted, printed and designed by Alice Hobbs.
@createsbyalice
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CardsbyAliceUK
Laura Foy - Laura Foy studio
Prints and Greeting cards, designed by Laura Foy
https://www.etsy.com/shop/laurafoystudio
Declan Randall - Custom Cookie Cutters
Yes, we make custom cookie cutters. We have a wide range of cookie cutters already available in our catalogue, but you can design your own by sending us your artwork or idea and we will convert it into a cookie cutter for you – no minimum order quantities.
We have a theatre-themed range of cookie cutters (pic attached) and we are donating 10% of all sales of the Theatre Set to Backup.
Facebook – @MyOwnCookies
Instagram – @My_Own_Cookies
Twitter – @OwnCookies
Etsy – https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CustomCookieByDeclan
Amanda Mascarenhas - Amanda M Ceramics
Ti Green - Article Green
“Stylish and understated garments, made sustainably, with a touch of theatre. By performance designer Ti Green. “
@articlegreenuk
https://articlegreen.co.uk/new-products
Imogen Melhuish - Wizarding Wands
“Bespoke hand crafted wands for every witch, wizard and optimistic muggle…”
@wizardingwands_
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/IMelhuish
Alisa Kalyanova - Alisa Makes Art
“Bright and bold poster prints of awesome architecture by Alisa Kalyanova”
@alisamakesart
Hanna Boothman - Green St Mask Workshop
“Re-usable, eco-friendly face masks, made from organic and deadstock cotton.”
@greenstmaskworkshop
Irene Jade - Rattle and Roost
Fun handmade kids clothing
@rattleandroost
Molly Davis - Planet Apex Clothing
“Our Apexian promise is to bring you the best street/festival looks outside of your solar system!”
@planetapexclothing
https://planetapexclothing.com/
Lorna Dolman & Hannah - Yews
“YEWS was founded by best friends Hannah and Lorna, both textile graduates from the University of Huddersfield. With a shared love for sustainability, they set out to create conscious homewares with the planet at heart”
Eco friendly homeware store
Instagram; @shop.yews
Katherina Radeva
“All drawings are original made with inks and acrylics.”
www.katherinaradeva.co.uk/?page_id=5469
Bek Palmer - Crunchy Lipstick
Handmade fashion incorporating repurposed materials.
Nerissa Cargill Thompson - Folksy
Textile art and jewellery made from recycled fabrics.
https://folksy.com/shops/nerissact
Ella Magiera
Bespoke pet portraits from photos. Traditional oil paintings to digital prints.
Instagram: @curlyella_petportraits
Constance Villemot
Set and costume designer Constance Villemot is embroidering theatre quotes, feminist messages and the best Celine Dion lyrics amongst other designs on tshirts and tote bags.
http://constancevillemot.etsy.com
Instagram: @constancev_set
For more work by Theatre professionals check out www.notonthewestend.co.uk
A curated directory of small businesses. Every one of them is helmed by someone who usually makes their living from working in UK theatre, but has been forced to use their talents in other ways whilst theatres are closed because of the pandemic. Created by costume professional Anna Saunders.
