All Fired Arts is a new shop opening on 9 November in Kings Heath, selling locally produced artwork and commissioned pottery.

They’ll also be letting visitors get in on the action with ‘paint your own pottery’ drop in sessions, where they’ll provide you with all you need to paint, glaze and fire you own pieces of pottery in their 2 hour workshops. Sounds like great way to spend a miserable winter afternoon!

They’re holding taster demonstrations on 11 November at 3pm – 5.30pm and 13 November from 12pm – 4pm.

The Flair Designer Maker Fair at Light House in Wolverhampton on June 23rd features 40 artists and makers from the region exhibiting and selling their work, along with graduates from Wolverhampton School of Art and Design. It runs from 11am to 4pm in the covered courtyard of the Chubb Buildings.

Ranging from illustration and photography to ceramics, textiles and jewellery there will be something to suit your fancy whether it be a gift for someone or a piece of original art for your home.

Artists to be exhibiting include graphic designer Louise Carrier who produces a unique range of prints, cards and bookmarks, Celine Appleyard who produces distinctive ceramic homeware and Claire Buchanan who makes beautiful crochet jewellery.

Full press release here and for more information you can contact Lindsay Wiggin on 01902 716055 or info@light-house.co.uk.

“Makers”… I guess that’s a way of saying “craft” without the oldey worldey connotations?

Krankpod is Samantha McEwan’s ceramics company. Samantha “draws inspiration for her work by studying organic objects such as pods, leaves and seeds.

“Original drawings are then translated into the clay using a method unique to her. Colour themes range from subtle to deliciously rich and vibrant.

“The use of contrasting gloss, satin and matt glazes makes her work tactile and inviting to touch, bringing a fresh approach to handmade ceramic design.”

She’s based in the Custard Factory and her work is available to the trade and on private commission.

I picked up her business card from the counter in the Custard Factory reception. Take note of that.