Meet the team
Karen Wick
Hi, I'm Karen, owner of Mumadora Crafts. I've been crafting for many years, specialising in sewing, macrame, beadwork, fabric crafts and floristry.
I set up Mumadora Crafts following loosing my Mum to cancer in March 2021, attending craft fairs and workshops was something we always did together. I feel spending time with friends and family and taking time out from everyday life to relax and learn something new is important and what better way is there to do this than attending a creative workshop. I also feel supporting local small businesses is important and wanted to set up an outlet for local makers like myself so began the Makers Fairs in June 2021.
I've been running my other business, Victoria Jane Designs for over 20 years. I started by making a tiara for my friends wedding and have gradually combined my floristy, sewing skills and macrame too. www.victoriajanedesigns.co.uk.
When I'm not working I love being out and about, drinking coffee and eating cake with friends and family or being at home with my 19 year old cat, Pumpkin.
Ros Davies
Hello my name is Ros designer and owner of R Kay Jewellery.
I have always had an interest in making Jewellery, using various mediums through the years. Around 30yrs ago I attended Maidenhead College to learn traditional Silversmithing, which I really enjoyed. In my spare time I enjoyed making various pieces for myself and family members.
Fast forward to Christmas 2019 my eldest son brought me some Silver Clay. After spending many hours watching YouTube Tutorials, I took the step which has led me to this point in my life.
Metal Clay is an interesting medium to use. The alchemy of watching a bit of clay turn into solid silver is fascinating. I must say once I used it I was totally hooked, which was handy as we went into lock down the following March. With my health issues I had to stay isolated so Metal Clay became my new best friend. I have certainly enjoyed continuing my journey and look forward to sharing my passion with you all.
Facebook - R K Jewellery
Website - www.rkayjewellery.co.uk
Tasha Arkell
Hi, I’m Tasha - owner of tishpaints & lover of all things floral.
I originally began sharing my artwork online during the 2020 pandemic, when I started painting daily & selling hand-painted Christmas cards on Etsy. From there, tishpaints was born! Since starting my own business, I’ve created my own line of eco-friendly greeting cards, prints, stickers & more, inspired by flowers & nature. For as long as I can remember, I've been painting something. What started as a love of learning how to draw animals as a child has blossomed into a love of all things floral & watercolour related.
If I'm not in my studio, you'll usually find me walking in the countryside somewhere, or exploring in mid-Devon.
Instagram - @tish.paints
Website - www.tishpaints.co.uk
Etsy - http://tishpaints.etsy.com
Janina Maher
Janina has loved drawing, painting and making things, from a very young age. She remembers going on drawing expeditions with her artist father and they both had a fondness for drawing quirky buildings.
She teaches regular classes in handmade books, gel plate printing and painting, both in person and on line. Her aim is always to develop skills and inspire confidence in her students through carefully structured demonstrations and gentle encouragement.
She is an exhibiting member of the Reading Guild of Artists, and Henley Arts and Crafts Guild.
Julia Philips
Hi I'm Julia. Since completing courses with the Open College of Arts and City & Guilds, I have continued to develop dyeing and printing techniques to enable me to run independent mixed media workshops.
I enjoy passing on my knowledge and expertise, inspiring others to create their own unique work.
Rebecca Bennett
Rebecca has been a secondary school Art and Design teacher for 13 years, having taught a wide range of different Fine Art, textiles and photography techniques. Since qualifying as a teacher, Rebecca has actively pursed opportunities for career progression and is passionate about inspiring and enthusing students with the desire to be creative.
As Head of Art and Design for several years, something which Rebecca is extremely proud of, she has led and managed several Art projects which are permanent features within the school grounds, one of these pieces contributed towards the International Schools Award and her students have been entered into several competitions.
Rebecca’s career has taken her overseas, where she taught in an American High School for a year, she has taken students on school trips to India and Barcelona. Her degree was in Fine Art Sculpture, during her degree, she exhibited work at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol and The Royal Society of British Sculptors in London.
In 2020 Rebecca decided to step back from teaching full time to concentrate her role as being a Mother and to also pursue her Art and Craft business.
diane Frazer
Diane has always loved art and knew from a young age she wanted to have a creative career. After graduating, she worked at a portrait studio becoming Style Director of Photography before launching Diane Frazer Photography in 2008 and has since won several awards for her wedding photography.
Diane has been a frequent visitor to local schools taking portraits and prospectus imagery. She has also been invited by teachers to be a guest visitor in their classroom to share her career experience and knowledge to support students with their technical photography and Photoshop skills.
Diane has been a regular exhibitor with Mumadora crafts at the Christmas events where she sets up her mobile studio to take family portraits.
When not working Diane is still taking photos! She loves going for walks with her partner locally and on the Cornish coast, and also enjoys doing cross stitch, watching sport and catching up with friends over a coffee!
SARAH iVES
Hi I'm Sarah and I've always loved nature and crochet. When I discovered botanical printing and natural dyeing it seemed a perfect fit. I use plants, flowers and leaves to dye fabrics and yarn to create accessories and clothes, combining the crafts I am passionate about. I also like to upcycle fabric and clothing giving new life to old, expanding their lifespan and reducing waste.
As an outlet for my creations I began my business Hooked on Leaves.
Georgia Simms
Meet Georgia, the creative force behind Luminary Silverworks. Her journey into the world of silver jewellery began with a birthday gift – a jewellery workshop. Captivated by the process, Georgia's passion for crafting her own pieces led her to invest in the necessary equipment and teach herself the art of silversmithing.
What sets Luminary Silverworks apart is Georgia's dedication to sustainable practices. Working exclusively with 100% sterling silver, she prioritises recycled materials, aligning her artistic pursuits with an eco-friendly ethos.
Georgia's artistic displays show commitment to community and family. Sourcing from small businesses and incorporating creations by her talented family members, each piece tells a story beyond its craftsmanship.
Instagram - @luminarysilverworks
Website - www.luminarysilverworks.co.uk
Jean & Shirley
Shirley (Swirls) and Jean started “Nimble Thimble, Fabric & Felts” when their swing dance company came to an abrupt halt at the start of the Covid lockdown. They had both always enjoyed crafts and creative projects and turned their hands to making handmade gifts. In early January 2021 they “discovered” needle felting and added this skill to the range of gifts they now produce. As the business developed they were able to offer needle felting courses and workshops.
Kat
Hi, I’m Kat,
I love lettering! You will always find me busy working on some form of lettering or decorative art with a pencil, pen and ink or paint brush in hand.
I'm a traditional sign-writer by trade which means that I hand-draw and paint all my lettering designs. The jobs I do are varied, from lettering blackboards and menu boards for bars & cafes, to writing beautiful calligraphy onto shop windows, hand-painting shop fascia signs, pub signage, vehicles, house signs and wall art.
I also specialise in ‘Reverse Glass Gilding’ and produce stunningly reflective typography inspired wall art using real gold leaf, shell inlays and enamel paints applied to the back of glass and framed.
Alongside this, I practice calligraphy on a daily basis. I'm also a member of the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society CLAS.
Calligraphy and traditional sign-writing add a unique and personal touch to any project. As with any skill, it takes time and dedication. I am continually learning, practising and improving. I find that people really love and treasure a hand-crafted and original piece of lettering art that has been created especially for them.
Website: https://www.colourfulkatsigns.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/colourfulkatsigns
Join the team
If you're a local artist or crafter and would love to share your sklls with others by becoming one of our tutors we would love to hear from you. No experience in teaching is necessary, just a passion for your craft as we will help you be able to share your skills with others.