Meet the team

Karen Wick

Hi, I'm Karen, owner of Mumadora Crafts.  I've been crafting for many years, specialising in sewing, macrame, decoupage, wire craft, 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 started including my other craft skills. 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 cat, Peanut.

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. 

Instagram - @bindweed_art_studio

Website - www.janinamaher.artweb.com

hazel Reindorp

I am a bookbinder, and I work under the name of Odd Bindings. I came to this wonderful craft late in life, I have been practicing for about 8 years, I have been fortunate enough to learn from some exceptional binders and studied towards my City and Guilds in Bookbinding and I am a member of The Society of Bookbinders. I am passionate about paper and the variety of forms a book can take. A never-ending discovery of the different uses people find for books, ways to gather pages together in wild and original ways as well as the traditional quarter bound journal.

Instagram - @oddbindings

Website - www.oddbindings.co.uk

Jen Deges

Hi, I’m Jen and I specialise in illustration and ceramics. My work is inspired by my fascination with the natural world, in particular the animals I have encountered from my travels and closer to home. My way of working is constantly adapting as I experiment with a variety of materials, combining traditional and contemporary techniques, whilst always maintaining my bold and playful style. I sell my own line of illustrated prints and stationery and more recently launched my first collection of ceramic vases and tableware.

When I’m not busy in the studio, I love hiking, camping and spending time with my gorgeous rescue dog George.

Instagram - @jenniferkellettdesigns

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

Jacky Ashworth

Hi, I’m Jacky, a South African ceramic artist and graphic designer based in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire, UK, where I work from a cosy barn studio on a sheep farm. I make functional ceramics, sculptures, and colourful digital illustrations.

I have followed a creative path through graphic design, fashion, and film before falling in love with clay. I spent most of my career in the fashion industry, including several years as a Studio Design Manager heading up the prints and graphics department at a large retailer which really shaped my love of bold prints, colour, and character, all of which now feed into my work.

What started as a hobby with clay has grown into a full-time creative practice, and I now spend my days making, designing, and running pottery workshops.

My style is a bit eclectic, and organic, shaped by my South African roots and years of designing prints and clothing. I love sgraffito, rich textures, and creating work that brings a bit of joy. When my hands aren’t full of  clay, I’m usually sketching new ideas for prints, cards, stickers, and other illustrated goodies.

On a side note ;) I have a deep love for animals with dogs and capybaras being at the top of my list!

 I’m always happy to share what I do and help others get creative too.

Website: https://www.gingermothstudio.co.uk

Instagram: @gingermothstudio

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.