Author: Lucy Wray

I explore and develop waste materials to create art from salvaged resources.
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Crafts Council & Wayne Hemingway’s ‘One to Watch’

Crafts Council
IMG_0031May was host to two big Maker Fairs this year.  Firstly Saltaire Inspired, an Arts Trail and Craft Fair with over 70 amazing artist, crafters, designers and makers showcasing their work. This was my first year traiding at Saltaire and I had a great time. It’s a chance to talk to customers and get valuable feedback.

Next up was the National Festival of Making in Blackburn. A weekend of creative activities, music, food, street performers, demonstrations, workshops, art installations and much much more. I was showcasing my work in the Makers Fair and picked up an award from the Crafts Council as ‘one to watch’. I’m thrilled.

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Craft Open Exhibition, Selectors Prize Winner

 

IMG_9903Craft Open Exhibition

Platform Gallery, Clitheroe

14th April – 23rd June

Thrilled to announce that I won an award – The Selectors Prize at the opening of Platform Gallery’s Craft Open.

Three of my pieces sold instantly and I my Squirrel is featured on the front of the advertising leaflet.

IMG_9899All the pieces will be on display until the end of June so pop in and have a look if you are local.

 

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Blog Feature | Mr X Stitch

Thrift Design| Red Squirrel| Close up | Mixed Media | 45cm x 35cm| £45 |Lucy Wray
I’m very proud today to have been featured in a blog!

The lovely Jess of Load of Bobbins who writes the Exploring Etsy feature on the Mr X Stitch blog. Asked me questions about Thrift Design and shared some images of my current work available on Etsy.

If you would like to have a read follow this link;https://www.mrxstitch.com/exploring-etsy-thrift-design/

 

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Salvage Search: Harris Tweed

 

 

IMG_8792 Todays Salvage Search was less about searching and more about it finding me. This is becoming more often the case, as local businesses and fellow makers start to think about the waste they create and what they should do with it. The wonderful Anne of Fab Fleur has sent me a massive bag of her Harris Tweed offcuts.

Of no further use to her, these beautiful scraps of fabric would have tragically found their way into landfill.

 

I can’t wait to get creating with these wonderfully rich sumptuous deep pinks and purples… hmm Valentines maybe?

 

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“One to Watch”

looking right owl Featured Maker in Craft&Design Magazine.

I am delighted to find that I have been featured in this months Craft&Design Online Magazine as ‘One to Watch’.

After meeting Rachael Chambers, Contemporary Craft Editor at the British Craft Trade Show this year. Rachael was very complimentary about my stand and expressed an interest in writing an article about my work.

I was thrilled by this opportunity and I’m even more thrilled to see my work featured in a magazine.

Here is a link to this months Craft&Design Magazine: http://www.craftanddesign.net/online/craft-and-design-jul17.pdf

You’ll find my article on page 39- have a read, or if you are too busy you can jump straight to the article on my media page.laughing in my studio

An image of my press pack from the BCTF is also front and centre in a different article on page 25. I must be doing something right.

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British Craft Trade Fair- Harrogate

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The British Craft Trade Fair Harrogate 2017

I’ve just got back from the prestigious BCTF in Harrogate after a whirlwind three days of showcasing my Thrift Designs. Not only is it a fabulous opportunity to talk to existing customers and potential new buyers but it’s also an amazing opportunity to network with other makers.

I’m a relative newbie to the BCTF having only exhibited there once before as a ‘New Comer’. So leaving my stand to go and look at the other exhibitors was nerve-racking to say the least – you always think that as soon as you leave your stand, hundreds of buyers will descend wanting to place orders (which typically seems to happen). This year I was lucky enough to have a helper doing work experience with me for her BA degree at Uclan. So I was afforded the opportunity to go and investigate. Check out @missjonestextiles she’ll be hot stuff on the circuit in the next few years

There was an amazing array of talent to be seen and a lot of good advice to be taken from some of the show regulars. Everyone was so forthcoming with help and advice. It was one of the best networking experiences I’ve had with such a supportive community of British Makers.

A massive thank you and much appreciation to fellow stand holders;

Maxine from – Big Black House Design Co, www.bigblackhousedesign.co.uk

Tracy from – Ruby Spirit Designs, www.rubyspiritdesigns.co.uk

Andrew from – Gobannos, www.gobannos.co.uk

And Edwin from – SpiritLight gallery, www.spiritlightgallery.co.uk

For your kind help and support, suggesting leads to follow up and even sending their buyers over to look at my stand!

 

 

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Salvage Search: Wood

WoodTodays Salvage Search has me headed back to see a good friend and fellow upcycler; Chiltern’s Church Antiques. It’s an amazing wood workshop, which salvages the wood from decommissioned churches and makes new pieces of furniture for retail and domestic customers. I love exploring the nooks and crannies of the wood store – some of the wood carvings are amazing. I’m often tempted by the elaborate chairs and tables they restore, but I need to keep focused – I’m here for the carpentry offcuts loitering around the feet of the wood working machinery.  A fresh new batch of Victorian wooden Owls are waiting to be created.