Beginning her jewellery career early, Rebecca started her journey as a jewllers assistant in Glasgow’s West End. It was at this point she knew she wanted to learn more. She studied jewellery at Cardonald College and then went on to gain a first class degree at Duncan of Jordanstone, Dundee.
The inspiration behind her collections of jewellery came after discovering over 300 love letters sent during WWII from her Granddad to her Grandmother. Her pieces capture the sentiment and romance she discovered in the letters, these collected images and words adorn her pieces which she hopes captures the nostalgia and the greatness of their true love story. Rebecca adds a hint of colour through the traditional process of ENAMELLING, the vintage colour pallet she uses in the collection for the treat store has been taken from the stamps, ink and images from the postcards exchanged.
ENAMELING is a process that uses powdered glass and requires high temperatures to fuse it to the metal, also known as vitreous enamel. Vitreous enamels are finely ground glass, like a fine sand. They can be opaque or transparent and the range of colours come from the addition of oxides, the colour of the metal glistens through if using the transparent enamel. There are many techniques and types of enamel that can give a vast array of finishes, metals can be worked – etched, chased or formed to create patterns and shapes before any enamel is applied. Rebecca has used bold opaque colours to adorn her cooper shapes and finishes off the pieces with 925 silver details and findings.
Lime Oval Studs £42
Olive Oval Necklace £55
To purchase any of these items or read more about Rebecca and her work visit the treat store here.
All work is created at her studio in Glasgow.
Rebecca has recently been part of the Craft Scotland summer show and is a frequent exhibitor at the Tea Green Pop up events. For more of her latest news, keep updated at her Facebook page here.
Images courtesy of the artist and Lewis Matheson.
A true master at her craft, taught by her granny at the age of 4 Jennifer McHardy has been knitting all her life. Jennifer studied her Undergraduate Degree in textile and surface design at Grays School of Art and then went on to complete her Masters at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London.
Jennifer is inspired by traditional Scottish knitting, intrigued by the stories, meanings and historical techniques behind the patterns. She uses this as her starting point, adds in her own contemporary spin then ends with designs that are bright, colourful and full of character. The work stocked by the treat Store is sold under her business name Nervous Stitch, all her designs are original and are created using a KNITTING MACHINE.
Invented in the 16th century the KNITTING MACHINE has come a long way since it early days of making stockings! The most advanced being computerized industrial sized machines that knit from programs and are completely automated, think along the lines of knitting robots! Somewhere in between these two extremes is Jennifer’s Brother KH970 domestic knitting machine, which is now sadly obsolete. She begins her process with drawing and sketching, translating them into patterns that are programmed into her machine. This often takes a few attempts to get it just right but is worth the perseverance, because with the help of the machine she can run a pattern much quicker than hand knitting. This machine still requires a level of manual work such as casting on and off, shaping and moving the carriage is done by hand and once the fabric is knitted all her patterns are sewn together and stuffed to make the glorious cushions below. If you want to find out more about domestic machine knitting visit this site where you can find out about the different machines and techniques involved, a great source of information.
To purchase any of these items or read more about Jennifer McHardy and her work visit the treat store here.
All work is created at her home studio in the North East of Scotland.
Jennifer has recently been part of the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail and designed a punk version with her intricate knit work. For more of her latest news keep updated at her Facebook page here.
Images courtesy of the artist and Lewis Matheson.
Her jewellery is concept driven and she uses precious and non precious materials.
Interested in the age long relationship between human and object she makes pieces that reflect this connection. The pieces stocked by us in the treat store are from The Dream Drawings collection which is based on intuitive drawings. Focusing on colours and shapes, she mixes computer technology to LASER CUT acrylic and combines these pieces with silver using more traditional techniques. The juxtaposition of silver and acrylic creates depth and contrast, allowing every piece to be worn as a statement piece for a special occasion and on an everyday basis to go with any outfit.
LASER CUTTING is a technique first used by industrial manufacturers who used laser optics to cut all kinds of materials. Wood, paper, plastics and even metal can be cut this way, Anaïs has applied this to her jewellery by cutting acrylic and laser etching them using the same method. ( The surface etching is just a partial cut.). Her drawings have been set out in a Computer Aided Design program which is then sent to the laser cutter machine, this then cuts by melting the acrylic with the laser beam!
To purchase any of these items or read more about Anaïs Paulard and her work visit the treat store here.
All work is hand finished in her studio in Dundee.
For her latest news keep updated at her Facebook page here.
Images courtesy of the artist and Lewis Matheson.
Crafty Lou, Louise McLaren is a designer maker producing handmade prints, cards and stationary. She originally trained as an Architect at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, which explains her attention to detail and crazy skills with a craft knife.
Inspired by ‘big’ things in life, the things that really matter; love, family and friendship, she produces PAPER CUTS and screen prints. The imagery and words contained within them are positive and uplifting, usually beginning life as a drawing.
Louise uses the medium of PAPER CUTTING the same way it has been done for centuries, This technique requires no technology, a scalpel, a good eye for design and illustration and of course patience! Louise’s paper cutting skills are entirely self taught and her choice of paper and cutting tool has been won through a process of trial and error.
To purchase any of these items or read more about Crafty Lou and her work visit the treat store here.
All work is designed and cut in her studio at her family home in Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland.
For her latest news keep updated at her Facebook page here.
Images courtesy of the artist and Lewis Matheson.
Rachael Elliott Glassworks specialises in making glass sculptures and jewellery. She became inspired to become a glass artist after discovering many talented artisans whilst traveling in New Zealand. On return Rachel studied a design degree in Architectural Glass at Edinburgh College of Art.
Working with Glass can be unpredictable but Rachel loves a challenge and this is what informs her design process. To make the sculptures stocked on the treat Store she uses a technique called WATER JET CUTTING. This alows her to cut sharp angles in the glass, creating her playful characters. These are then finished by screen printing enamels onto the surface which are then fired in a kiln.
WATER JET CUTTING has been around for over a century by using steam power to create the jets. Technology has advanced and now uses dangerously high pressure to stream a concentrated jet of water through a nozzle. It is mixed with abrasive garnet grit and then directed by the computer to cut the shapes.
To purchase any of these items or read more about Rachel Elliott and her work visit the treat store here.
All work is designed and manufactures at Rachel’s studio in Glasgow, all pieces are handmade limited editions.
Rachel was recently awarded a silver in the Glass category at this years awards from Craft and Design magazine.Well done! For her latest news keep updated at her Facebook page here.
Images courtesy of the artist and Lewis Matheson
Berty B is a surface design company based in Edinburgh, established by Amy Buchanan in 2013 after graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone textile department.
Influenced by the post second world war textile movement and Scandinavian design she creates her lively home wares and accessories using various manufacturing techniques such as screen and DIGITAL PRINTING. By using these techniques she can design her patterns as energetic, bright and colourful as she is!
DIGITAL PRINTING is a technique that surface designers use frequently to produce products with their own patterns. It is a process that can be applied to a multitude of materials by using a variety of different technologies which are usually outsourced to specialist manufacturers as it requires expensive equipment. Commonly it is used to produce fabric by producing digital files which are sent to a specialist large scale printer that houses ink or dyes with the ability to print on to fabrics. There are many variations of these printers which are suited to different types of materials. The fabric can then be made into clothing or home wares such as Berty B cushions.
To purchase any of these items or read more about Amy Buchanan and her work visit the treat store here.
She is passionate about working with UK suppliers and designs and manufactures many of her limited edition products in-house from her studio in the heart of Edinburgh, in Scotland.
Amy regularly takes Berty B on the road to exhibit at design and trade shows. Keep an eye on her Facebook page for updates here.
Images courtesy of the artist and Lewis Matheson
Beth Lamont trained as a Jeweller at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art.
Inspired by the clean form and touch of porcelain she uses ceramics as a medium to make her jewellery and objects. Beth uses a process called SLIP CASTING to create shapes from hand carved forms which she finishes off with a luxurious gold luster glaze.
SLIP CASTING is a ceramic making technique that involves making a plaster mold from a master. The master can be made from wood, clay or even plastic. It can also be hand carved, built or an already pr-existing item. Beth hand makes all of her own masters and molds in her Edinburgh studio. Liquid clay called slip is then poured into the mold until a desired thickness is reached, the remaining clay is then poured back out. The item is left to dry then is de-molded, finished with a glaze and then fired in the kiln.
To purchase any of these items or read more about Beth Lamont and her work visit the treat store here.
Recently Beth has been exhibiting her work at the latest Visual Arts Scotland show and has also been selected as part of the Craft Scotland Summer Show Exhibition. This will be on during the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, located at The White Stuff. Beth is on a roll as she has also been chosen as a finalist for an Etsy award in the Fashion and Accessories category, well done Beth!
Images courtesy of the artist and Lewis Matheson
Ashley Jessiman & Ian Dunlop (SodaKitsch) are modern British bag makers based in Edinburgh. Ashley studied Graphic Design which sparked an interest in printmaking. Whilst Ian took leather working courses which led him to take up an apprenticeship at a bag makers in Edinburgh.
To produce their bags and accessories they use natural vegetable tanned leather and soy wax canvas, all sourced in the UK. Each pieces is slowly crafted by hand, the leather is decorated by SCREEN PRINTING using eco friendly water based inks to make unique and bespoke items. The duo also dye, wax and burnish all of their bags by hand and all stitching is hand-finished for strength and durability. Fixtures and fittings are all Brittish solid cast brass wear with all pieces embossed with the Sodakitsch logo.
SCREEN PRINTING is a form of traditional printmaking, a technique which forces ink through a mesh screen with a pre drawn pattern, allowing the ink to be transferred onto a number of surfaces like paper, metal or fabric.
Inspired by the quality craftsmanship of the past they build their bags to last, to be passed down through the generations. No time or expense spared!
Sodakitsch are currently working on a larger range of canvas and leather products like the lunch bag, this will hopefully ready to launch this coming Summer. These will be launched under S.K Works and will be a more utilitarian collection.
As well as the canvas and leather products they are also working on a new range of prints for their screen printed leather goods which will be launching next Autumn.
To purchase any of these items or view more about Sodakitsch or see more images of these items please visit treat Store here.
Photos courtesy of the artist and Lewis Matheson
Jo Walker is a ceramicist based in Fife who trained as a Jeweller and Silversmith but went on to discover her passion for pottery.
Her work is made from clay, usually thrown on the wheel and finished with layers of clay slip using a technique called SGRAFFITTO.
SGRAFFITTO is the Italian word meaning to scratch. For pottery it is a decorative technique which requires applying layers of coloured slip on top of the thrown pottery ( usually leather hard/partially dry ). Tools are then used to scratch into the surface to create contrasting patterns, textures and images to reveal the other colour of clay underneath. Tools such as a wire stylus or rubber tipped shapers work well to create the desired effect.
Her patterns and imagery are inspired by nature, the simplicity of Scandinavian design and ’50s textiles. In particular plants and birds influence the form and function of her ceramic works.
To purchase or view more about Jo Walker or see more images of these items please visit treat Store here.
Jo Walker has just taken part in Spring Fling in Dumfries and Galloway as one of their Springback exhibitors. This weekend ( June 10th to 12th 2016) Jo will be participating in Potfest at Scone Palace where she is exhibiting for the second year, where she looks forward to meeting her customers in person.
Photos courtesy of the artist and Lewis Matheson
Introducing the artists, designers and makers represented in our treat Store for Spring Summer 2016. Over the coming weeks we will be introducing you to each of them individually, giving you insight into their techniques, inspiration, use of materials and where their items are made.
treat Store is a brand developed to promote high quality contemporary craft to new audiences. The online treat Store provides a specially curated selection online of the best of Scottish craft, changing twice-yearly.
All of the products are limited run and made by hand in studios throughout Scotland.
This seasons artists are
Amy Buchanan (BertyB), Anaïs Paulard, Ashley Jessiman & Ian Dunlop (SodaKitsch), Beth Lamont, Clare Dawdry, Jennifer McHardy (Nervous Stitch), Jo Walker, Judy Scott, Louise McLaren (Crafty Lou), Mitchell & Black, Rachel Elliott, Rebecca E Smith (Smith & Gibb), Rebecca Wilson and Ruth Stiven.
Poetrytreat exhibition for StAnza 2016 Poetry Festival:
For StAnza 2016 six poets were invited to write a poem in response to the gift of a craft object. This was chosen for them from the forthcoming Spring/Summer treat Store collection which is now available to purchase at our treat Store online. The varied responses show how an object can stimulate the imagination in many and sometimes unexpected directions.
Each week we will be showcasing the 6 different poems along with the craft object that inspired it. This week we will be focusing on the words of poet Jim Stewart and the makers Ashley Jessiman and Ian Dunlop of SodaKitsch.
Jim Stewart after Homer, Odyssey 10
Jim Stewart is Poet in Residence at Tentsmuir Forest in north-east Fife, to find out more about Jim and his work please visit here.
Inverleith Lunch Bag by Soda Kitsch, £40
SodaKitsch is a design company based just outside of Edinburgh, to view more of their work on sale at the treat Store or purchase this lunch bag then please visit here.
treat is a brand developed by Fife Contemporary Art & Craft to promote high quality Scottish craft through a curated group of work featured in the online treat store and special pop-up events. To view our whole new spring / summer range please go here.
Poetrytreat exhibition for StAnza 2016 Poetry Festival:
For StAnza 2016 six poets were invited to write a poem in response to the gift of a craft object. This was chosen for them from the forthcoming Spring/Summer treat Store collection which is now available to purchase at our treat Store online. The varied responses show how an object can stimulate the imagination in many and sometimes unexpected directions.
We will be releasing each poem along with the craft object that inspired it. This week we will be focusing on the words of poet Julia Prescott and maker Beth Lamont.
Julia Prescott did a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology long ago and has been hooked ever since. Nowadays she is mostly a painter when she is not writing, to find out more about Julia and her work please visit here.
Beth Lamont is a Jeweller and Ceramicist based in Edinburgh, to view more of her work on sale at the treat Store or purchase this pot then please visit here.
treat is a brand developed by Fife Contemporary Art & Craft to promote high quality Scottish craft through a curated group of work featured in the online treat store and special pop-up events. To view our whole new spring / summer range please go here.
Poetrytreat exhibition for StAnza 2016 Poetry Festival:
For StAnza 2016 six poets were invited to write a poem in response to the gift of a craft object. This was chosen for them from the forthcoming Spring/Summer treat Store collection which is now available to purchase at our treat Store online. The varied responses show how an object can stimulate the imagination in many and sometimes unexpected directions.
Each week we have been releasing each poem along with the craft object that inspired it. This week we will be focusing on the words of poet Chris Powici and a glass ornament handmade by Rachael Elliott.
Chris Powici is a Scottish poet based in rural Perthshire, to find out more about Chris and his work please visit here.
Rachael Elliott is a glass maker based in Glasgow, to view more of her work on sale at the treat Store or purchase this ring then please visit here.
treat is a brand developed by Fife Contemporary Art & Craft to promote high quality Scottish craft through a curated group of work featured in the online treat store and special pop-up events. To view our whole new spring / summer range please go here.
Poetrytreat exhibition for StAnza 2016 Poetry Festival:
For StAnza 2016 six poets were invited to write a poem in response to the gift of a craft object. This was chosen for them from the forthcoming Spring/Summer treat Store collection which is now available to purchase at our treat Store online. The varied responses show how an object can stimulate the imagination in many and sometimes unexpected directions.
Each week we have been releasing each poem along with showcasing the craft object that inspired it. This week we will be focusing on the words of poet Nalini Paul and knitwear handmade by Mitchell & Black.
Nalini Paul was born in India and grew up in Vancouver, and has lived in Scotland for most of her adult life. She lives and works in Glasgow, to find out more about Nalini and her work please visit here.
Mitchell & Black are a knitwear company based in Dundee, to view more of their work on sale at the treat Store or purchase this snood then please visit here.
treat is a brand developed by Fife Contemporary Art & Craft to promote high quality Scottish craft through a curated group of work featured in the online treat store and special pop-up events. To view our whole new spring / summer range please go here.
Poetrytreat exhibition for StAnza 2016 Poetry Festival:
For StAnza 2016 six poets were invited to write a poem in response to the gift of a craft object. This was chosen for them from the forthcoming Spring/Summer treat Store collection which is now available to purchase at our treat Store online. The varied responses show how an object can stimulate the imagination in many and sometimes unexpected directions.
Each week we have been releasing each poem along with the craft object that inspired it. This week we will be focusing on the words of poet Katherine McMahon and ceramics handmade by Jo Walker.
Katherine McMahon is an Edinburgh based performance poet, to find out more about Katherine and her work please visit here.
Jo Walker is a ceramicist based in Fife, to view more of her work on sale at the treat Store or purchase this delightful ceramic bird then please visit here.
treat is a brand developed by Fife Contemporary Art & Craft to promote high quality Scottish craft through a curated group of work featured in the online treat store and special pop-up events. To view our whole new spring / summer range please go here.
