This week I found myself accidentally going to Origin, the annual craft fair hosted by the Crafts Council and held in the wonderful setting of Somerset House in London. Here are some of my favourites from week two:

Betty Pepper

I absolutely love Betty Pepper’s work and always enjoy the opportunity to admire it (but unfortunatly never to buy). Betty recycles old fabric and other interesting bits and bobs to create something new, but which also retains the memory of it’s past; “this ageing fabric .. seems to have tales of its own to tell, traces of perfume, old buttons and thread”.

One of the most technically impressive things about her work is her ability to cut and manipulate books into beautiful shapes which act not only as wonderful displays, but are integral to the meaning of the pieces. You can spend hours looking at them and still find something which you have never noticed before…

Ancient Aunt Edith’s Tea Set

Woman’s Hour

Do Not Wash

Shellie Holden

Shellie Holden of Studio Spool uses brightly coloured threads and stitches on pre-existing materials such as maps or anatomical drawings.

Stitched Intermuscular Spaces

Ordnance survey of England, Cornwall and Devonshire 1919 - updated in London 2006

Marie Retpen

Takes the traditional idea of a vessel and then - melts it, to create a subverted yet funtional form. Retpen’s site also features possibly more affordable, production pieces.

Blue Deco Vase, Still Life Meltdown

Blue Hot Water Bottle

Bowl

Lina Peterson

I am lucky enough to currently own a pair of ‘dipped earrings’ by Lina Peterson and had the opportunity to be tempted all over again at Origin. Peterson initially creates forms out of wire, metal and crystals before dipping them in an (unamed) plastic coating. The resulting effect created by the use of a single vivid colour and the effects of gravity, is bold and stunning. I especially enjoy the contrasting colours used in the photography featured on her site.

Dipped Pin

Dipped Brooch

Virgina Graham

I have a hunch that Virginia Graham would be a perfect host for a tea party; her unique range of creative ceramics manage to combine an astonishing array of prints, patterns and materials whilst still being aesthetically pleasing. You can even have a brooch which matches your teapot!

Feather Teapot with Blue Stripes

Teacups