MEET: Wudwerx

Introducing Mike Rankin; the creative force behind wudwerx - handmade wood and driftwood home and garden accessories... 

driftwood candle holder

Tell us your name and a bit about what you do.

My name is Mike Rankin, and I work in my "real" job as a commercial diver, travelling all over Scotland fixing boats and piers. In my spare time, I'm an amateur woodworker, making various items for your house and garden from the small workshop in my garden, that I sell at wudwerx.

Between the two things, I'm pretty busy. One of the bonuses of working on the coast is that I can go hunting for driftwood for my shop quite easily!

the ibee hotel

When did you realise you wanted to do what you do now and how did you get started?

I've always been quite creative, so although my shop is fairly new, I've sold a few bird boxes over the years. I think the first were made with the help of my dad about 20 years ago and we sold them to neighbours. Since then, my career got in the way for a few years but now I've moved back to Edinburgh I have more spare time to create. I bought a saw and a drill press and got stuck in!

Tell us about the first thing you made.

The first things I made for my shop were two sets of three candle holders from a piece of driftwood I found on the beach at Cramond, north of Edinburgh. I cut them to different heights and drilled them to take tealights. When I listed them on Etsy they sold quickly to a customer in the USA. I packed them up and sent them off - and they disappeared! They are the only thing I've ever sent out that didn't make it, so that was a really disappointing start to my business. Luckily things have got a lot better since then!

driftwood frame

What do you love most about what you do?

There are many things that I love about working with wood. I love the smell of all the different types of wood as I walk into my workshop. I also love the feel of the wood as I work with it. It's always warm to the touch. Seeing things come together is always great. It's so cool that a plank of wood can be transformed into a bird box where new life is born. I have one of my bird boxes in my garden which is being used by a family of Great Tits so it's great to see them in use.

What's the ethos behind your work?

I love making items that either re-use things like driftwood, or make it possible for things to grow.  My whole family is fairly green. My Brother sells Solar panel systems; my parents run a plant nursery that sells rare and unusual plants; so I think there is a strong sense of Nature in me. It's great to be able to express it in the way that I can.

bird box

What sort of things inspire/motivate you?

It's really motivating to know that a piece of driftwood I found can be turned into a beautiful frame or candle holder that will look fantastic in a room; or that a plank of wood can be turned into a feeder to help feed a family of birds. I enjoy the act of making things too. It's great to be able to take something and turn it into a good looking, functional item.

Where do you sell your work and how do you promote yourself?

I sell my items both online and face to face at various outlets. I also have a couple of wholesale customers. My online presence is quite large with shops at Folksy and DaWanda, and my main shop at wudwerx. I sell at various markets around Edinburgh and the Lothians, and have items in shops in Prestonpans, Castle Douglas and Penicuik. I rely on word of mouth for most of my promotion, though I do put flyers out at other markets that I don't actually sell at. I'm fairly low tech, and don't promote on Facebook, Twitter or any of the others. It's something I will look at in the future but at the moment I am quite busy with all the orders I have at the moment.

set of 6 wooden labels

What sort of business goals do you set for yourself and what is the next milestone for you?

I would like to expand my custom order business. At the moment I am working on an order for over 200 Silver Birch candle holders for a wedding in July. It's a big job and has presented me with some problems that have been hard to crack - Like where to find 35 metres of Silver Birch branches that are the right thickness, and where to get them kiln dried. I think there is certainly potential for more custom orders and wedding orders, and it's great to know that candle holders that I make can help bring a bit of joy to a couple on their big day.

What one key piece of advice would you give to someone just starting their own 'handmade' venture?

Network! It's tough to get yourself known, which in turn makes it difficult to sell things. What I've done is joined several online groups, talked to market stall holders and gallery owners, printed off flyers, told friends, family and work mates,(several early sales of mine were to friends) and spread the word in any way you can.

bird feeder

Who are some of your favourite artists/designers/makers?

I've got a few! My favourite has to be my partners site! He is a Aboriginal from NW Queensland in Australia who I brought back with me on my return from Down Under. He paints contempary Aboriginal art that he sells at maiawalliart  You will also be able to see his art featured at Gardening Scotland  on the 4th, 5th & 6th of June. Another one of my favourites is EquilibriumDesigns   It's very simple, but useful stuff. My final shop is woodguy32 who's got the perfect store for me, combining iPhones and wood! The genius!

the lizards - group of 3 original paintings by Mike's partner, maiawalliart

If you had time what new craft would you like to learn?

I'd love to learn Cabinet Making. My Grandfather was a Master Carpenter and made some stunning pieces, including a bureau that my parents now own. To be able to make something so beautiful and skilfully crafted, and that still works so well and looks so good after so many years would be amazing.

Is there one special thing that you would like to make for yourself?

At the moment with the nice weather we've been having I'm sorely tempted to make myself a table and chairs for the deck! I think for the long term I'd love to find a big tree root on a beach somewhere and turn it into a  big seat, or a funky shelf type unit.

small bee hotel

If you happen to be in or around Gorebridge, Midlothian this Sunday 30th May, you can go along and meet Mike at his wudwerx stall at the Gracehounds Charity Dog Show & Spring Fair at Vogrie Country Park near Gorebridge. The Fair is open from 11am to 3pm and is well worth a visit if you are planning a weekend outing :D

MEET: Kim Matias

This week we catch up with talented embroidery artist Kim Matias who made the transition from photography to embroidery and has never looked back!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your transition from photography to embroidery?
I started my BA in photography in 2000. Initially I was disappointed as it seemed more commercial then art based.  Before I started the course, I began to explore fusing photography and textiles and it was deemed unsuitable for me to continue this. I loved finding interesting subjects to photograph and enjoyed learning how to colour print in the traditional dark room. I left with a strong portfolio and continued to take photographs when I studied towards my MA in fine art.

When I completed my MA, I did a teaching qualification and was offered a job teaching A’ level photography and art. Teaching art was very challenging because, although I had a Masters in fine art, I had never learnt how to draw or paint. I overcame this by learning at the same time as the students. I was a quick learner and felt that I had just undertaken an A' level in art myself. Around this time I became very friendly with the artist in residence who did his degree in textiles. We soon moved in together and although we didn't have a fridge, hoover, washing machine or any home essentials, we did have a sewing machine. After a painful relationship break up – Lee taught me how to use a Bernina to create free machine embroidery and  I have been sewing ever since.

What is the ethos behind your work?
FEELING NOT MEANING

What kind of formal education, training or experience do you have that applies to what you do?
Teaching (and learning) A’ level art and putting those skills to use in my embroidery has helped develop the work I do.

Are there any techniques/skills that you learnt through your photography that you are able to apply to your embroidery?
The two main things I see in common with my photography and embroidery are narrative and colour.

When I left college and could no longer use the dark room facilities and the world began to embrace digital photography, a little part of me died. Digital photography should have opened up a new world of possibilities – it’s cheaper, easier and quicker. However, I refrained from using it; I hated it and didn't and still don’t trust it. For me, it made photography lose its beauty.

I realised that I loved the process of taking, developing and printing the photographs. I like wandering around the dark room and using equipment and dials to ‘create’ a photograph rather than staring at a computer and clicking a mouse.

Around the same time, I was learning embroidery and it eventually took over. It fit into my life style, I no longer had to wait to find a dark room to print my photos, I could get the same buzz from creating at home and I no longer had to battle with the demon of digital photography which was a losing battle. I was surprised to discover that, with painting and embroidery, I could create anything I wanted, rather than being confined to what I could photograph.

What do you love most about what you do and what do you find the most frustrating?
I love what I do because I find it therapeutic. If I’m having clouds of self doubt I look at what I have created and it is like looking at a flattering reflection. I look at it and I feel good about myself.

The most frustrating part is if I’m not creating, or if I have created something I don’t like. Then, I feel the opposite of when things go well and it affects my self esteem and after a while I start feeling depressed and a bit worthless.

Is handmade a lifestyle choice for you and if so why?
Handmade is a life style choice as it is the only thing I know and I don’t have any other choice.

Can you tell us a bit about your studio/workshop/workspace?
I live in a cheap, big house and use the spare room as the studio. I have everything I need; a Bernina and a cupboard full of fabric and a tin full of crystals.

How do you balance your work and home life, what do you do to wind down?
My work feeds into my home life; it inspires the embroideries I produce (especially personal work). I work with people with mental health issues and they inspire me. They are able to delve into their unconscious on a more superior level to those that are deemed ‘mentally stable’.

To wind down, I embroider or work in my sketch book, or watch ‘Over the rainbow’ and listen to potential Dorothy's.

Do you ever experience periods of creative slump and if so what helps you through?
I had a creative slump for 4 years during the transition between photography and learning embroidery. I just kept creating work I was unhappy with until one day I had a break through.

Who or what inspires you most in your work?
I have always loved fairy tales and mythology. Recently, I have been reading the works of Carl Jung and his theories on dream analysis and the unconscious have fed well into my work. I don’t know many textile artists as I am new to the arena, however, my good friend Lee Mattocks who taught me embroidery inspires my work immensely. If you Google his name you can see some of his work, he is very special.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I did my first market stall last week in the town in which I live (Bristol). I am doing a weekend Art market in a couple of weeks and plan to try and get a more regular slot at the tobacco factory where they support local artists. I always make sure I have business cards at the stalls.

If you had the time to learn a new skill what would it be?
Contemporary Dance!

For more information on Kim Matias and her work visit her blog: http://kimclarkson.blogspot.com/

MEET: Fluxplay Jewellery

Devon-based designer, Maria Whetman, is the creative force behind the innovative jewellery label Fluxplay Jewellery. We caught up with her to find out more about her and her work.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started?
Being rubbish at most stuff in school except for Art, spending most of my childhood at my little desk in my bedroom with my art-stuff, it was inevitable that I would go into some kind of artistic line of work. Small-metals became my love, making tiny little artworks in these seemingly impossible to manipulate materials, playing alchemist with chemicals, carrying out processes which can date back thousands of years….I still find it amazing.

 Instructions Ring

What is the ethos behind your work?
I wanted to try to make jewellery that was not like anything on the high street but still as affordable as possible to ordinary people like me, who don’t have the cash to buy exclusive, high-value items but would love to own an entirely handmade design that’s either a one-off design or of a very limited edition. That middle-ground market which features many contemporary jewellers, is a difficult one to sell in I now realise, but I still want to feed the enthusiasm of those who appreciate design and craftsmanship but can buy something nice for themselves or as a gift only once in a rare while.

What kind of formal education, training or experience do you have that applies to what you do? 
I took a National Diploma in Art & Design from Hereford College of Art when I left school in 1987. After a year of trying everything from weaving to blacksmithing, I specialised in metals for the 2nd year of that course. Next, I did a BA.hons Degree in 3D / jewellery silver-smithing at Central Saint Martins and a teaching Postgrad’ Degree from Cardiff and HUGE debt later, I began my journey as a metalsmith, I’m 39 now. I learnt soooo much at Hereford about design processes, experimentation, collecting information, learning how to paint, draw, make and create as well as finding out what my interests were. Central was outstanding at training us in the skills of working in small-scale metals, it was very traditionalist, which suited me fine as I’d learnt about design and creativity at Hereford.

 Fisherman brooch

What inspired you to combine tin and other recycled materials with traditional silver smithing techniques?
Several reasons; I like statement pieces with big set stones, but there were already lots of people around doing that so well, I wondered how else I could make big ‘cabochons’. I like challenging the idea that jewellery has to be either of ‘material value’ or something that makes you look ‘pretty’, or for ‘finishing’ an outfit….that’s all fine but what if you just want to wear something just because you like it? I love compositions and collages of text, colour and shape. I was trying to make my work more affordable with lower-cost materials but without ‘cheapening’ the work.

What do you love most about what you do and what do you find the most frustrating?
I can’t tell you how much I love having materials around me and deciding what they should become, whether its beads, scraps of tin or a current shape or colour trend that dictates, I’m happy when Im in my workshop making something that’s materials led or from one of my sketchbooks. I like working to the monthly challenge set by the Etsy team I’m a member of (EtsyMetal) as it gets me thinking about making different things and finding solutions to ways in which I can incorporate tin and maintain my house-style. Most frustrating for me is knowing that my work is too niche ever to support me income-wise and my being too stubborn to branch out and move into more profitable areas of jewellery making.

Hoops Necklace

Is handmade a lifestyle choice for you and if so why?
To an extent, as time allows I make a lot of things myself…wedding dress, spice rack, bread, craft show display cases, all kinds of things. I just have to give myself months and months to get something done in-between working and being a mum…. We even grow veg’ in our small garden, lots of it in pots. I save up spending money for craft fairs, to buy lovely things from artisans who I would never even try to emulate. There is something special about a piece made by a person who has considered every aspect of that item and then made it themselves or researched the best outsource for an element of that piece. That piece has character and soul and individuality, it should last a long time and do its job well, be made of good quality materials…. I think this is the true meaning of ‘craft’.

Can you tell us a bit about your studio/workshop, can we take a sneaky peek?
My brilliant husband put up a 10x12ft shed at the end of our small garden. I was very jealous assuming it was for all his stuff, but half of it was for me. My very own half-a-shed. It’s insulated and has electricity and I have to be very organised with storage and space, but it’s all I really need, it has my equipment and tools and bench as well as a hammering table and a drawing desk. It makes me really happy to be in it, I know I’m very lucky.

How do you balance your work and home life, what do you do to wind down?
Very difficult, I’m always tired. I teach 3-4 days a week at Plymouth Art College, spend the rest of the time with my young daughter and use nap-times / evenings / taking weekends in turn with my husband as my jewellery making / admin / computer work time. To wind down we go out for walks, surfing, the beaches, messing about by the rivers, camping, tending to the garden…I find it really, REALLY hard to know when to stop as my brain doesn’t stop thinking about what needs doing.

Do you ever experience periods of creative slump and if so what helps you through?
Oh yes, of course. It’s really easy to want to give up, especially in this market. EtsyMetal run a monthly blog-carnival which some of us bloggers take part in, and I’ve covered that question there with 20 examples of how to get out of a rut.

Golden Pot Plant Bangle/Bracelet

If you could give an aspiring artist, designer, maker one piece of advice what would it be?
Be completely interested in what you do and for more than just reasons of the money it might earn you, be true to yourself in your designs and the huge effort that is needed to be a craftsperson.

Who or what inspires you most in your work?
Finding interesting materials to work with inspires me a lot. Sometimes, the students I teach inspire me in many different ways. Lovely craft, art and design books inspire me. Artists who have always inspired me are Tim McCreight, Robert Dancik, Bob Ebendorf, Kiff Slemmons, Peter Blake…there are many more.

If you had the time to learn a new skill what would it be?
I’ve tried and failed many times to learn to knit and crochet, I wish I could get those processes to stick in my head! Instead I do a kind of basket weaving technique and a sort of knit using a 2-pronged thingy (Viking invention) I bought in the V&A shop years ago. That’s how I made the fishing net on the Fisherman brooch.

For more information on Maria and Fluxplay Jewellery visit her website: http://www.fluxplay.co.uk/