This is a national award for entrepreneurs who graduated in the last 5 years from a UK university. The Midlands was the most contested area outside of the South West so we’re delighted to have been chosen as the regional winners. The judges were impressed with our products but also Anna’s understanding of the market and her vision to adapt and grow Bags2riches production and market.

Bags2riches Jewellery is made by a Fair Trade organisation using recycled plastic bags and cans. Anna originally came up with the idea in 2001 and made her creations in the UK but in order to go forward she developed Bags2riches as a Fair Trade product and now works with a Fair Trade organisation in Mumbai, supporting a small group of producers and the rag pickers who collect the bags. To support the development, Anna did an MA in creative collaborations and worked on her business plan at The Hive both through Nottingham Trent University.

The Making House is a showcase for Bags2riches jewellery as well as all the other things that we do.

There’s so much on display, from the beautiful hand painted pictures to coasters and table mats, mugs, lamps, phone covers and even the odd cat appearing here and there, (reluctantly on my part, but Meikie convinced me that people love cat images and true to form, my good friend Lindsey snapped up a cat phone cover). I love the sea colours and autumnal vines, but Meikie does designs in most colourways.

Learn the basics of silversmithing from, cutting, shaping, texturing and soldering and then take it further by developing your own designs and exploring new techniques. Learn to make different pendants, earrings and a simple ring. To allow you to develop your own designs as you want them, silver isn’t included in the price, but you can buy it at cost price from The Making House throughout the course.

For more details or to book go to our courses page

Of course for those who do do Valentine’s there’s lots of lovely stuff and courses to buy.

This was a great opportunity to try out machine embroidery techniques; Joelle created a fantastic drop in which  incorporated using recycled plastics and textiles whilst making something special for that loved one. (In my case that’s me!) I loved trying out the technique as it’s quick and versatile.

If you missed it there’s still chance to sign up for Joelle’s machine embroidery course next Saturday, (18th Feb) where you’ll be able to explore the technique further and create some recycled cuffs.

Click to view slideshow.

Rhea Clements specialises in creating design led innovative knitwear. Made from 100% cotton and inspired by nature, traditional techniques are used to create a contemporary look. Function drives the design of each item, creating an easy to use and functional product. Each piece is handmade in her studio in Nottingham, using a hand powered knitting machine, and then finished by hand creating a high quality product.

Katie is a Nottingham based papercraft artist specialising in unique origami jewellery and home accessories, all made using recycled and reclaimed books. Paper will always be an integral and often treasured part of our lives. Through experimentation with paper techniques and effects Katie creates a range of bespoke recycled accessories, reinventing the role of paper in the modern age.

Despite teaching for years, the idea of a birthday party had left me pretty nervous, so after a week of planning and re-planning we finally delivered our first birthday party on Saturday at The MAking House. 11 girls joined Amber to celebrate her 8th birthday. They made button and bead jewellery, their own party bags and finished off with food, cake and games. As per usual I tried to fit too much in, so we over ran a little but all went well; the girls had fun, they made some great pieces and we just managed to fit in a game of musical bumps! And i certainly had a good nights sleep after the days activities!!

‘Meikie Designs’

Meikie uses her own technique of silk screen painting to create colourful pictures inspired by nature she uses her designs to make everything from tableware, lights, laptop covers to gadget cases.

Preview, Saturday 11th February between 6 & 8.30

Meikie’s exhibition is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11th Feb to 10th March

http://www.meikiedesigns.com/

Textiles @ The Making House by Joelle and Pauline

Unique wall hangings, embroidery, bags, and accessories, showcase their creative skills and approaches  often inspired by the Derbyshire countryside. The exhibition  includes peg-loom weaving, various crochet techniques as well altered clothing with interesting detail and machine embroidery.

Preview Friday 16th March between 6.30 & 8.30

Textiles @ The Making House runs from 16th March to 7th April

Junky Interiors

The exhibition will be a culmination of ideas developed through courses run at The Making House and a project for rEvive in Long Eaton. We will be transforming unwanted furniture, objects, lighting, textiles and anything else that comes to hand in to new and exciting interior pieces

Preview Saturday 14th April 6-8.30

Junky interiors from 13th April to 13th May

It’s our plan that exhibitions at The Making House will act as inspiration to get you creating, so alongside selling their work, all the artists  will be sharing their skills by delivering courses, so why not check out our courses page for more information.