Welcome to Find a Maker

MAKER OF THE DAY

Tess Wakeling

Tess began working with willow over 10 years ago. Her basketry work encompasses contemporary lighting, woven bags, sculpture and installation. She believes the world is a better place when we remember our connection to nature. Through practical, tactile experiences with natural materials we can all feel better, calmer and more present. After teaching basket making to young adults with additional needs for the past 7 years, she now runs workshops for all folks whether complete beginners or those wishing to delve deeper into the craft. Teaching willow work connects her to a long line of people who have passed on this ancient skill to others, keeping a heritage craft alive for future generations.

Working from her studio she enjoys making willow lighting, wearable baskets and sculptural vessels. Aiming to bring calming, natural texture into the home whilst finding a relevant place for basketry in our modern lives.

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The Capital of Craft Podcast with Cathryn Gwynn

Craft Festival Wales Special

I met Cathryn Gwynn at her home studio in Cilgerran, a village near Cardigan in West Wales. 

Her early life in Cardiff led her to a career in writing, editing and finally teaching at Preseli School. She later began an access course in art, leading to a degree in Textiles from Carmarthen School of Art in 2020.

Text, texture and textile: three words which reflect sher practice as a mixed-media artist. She is drawn to thread, pen, ink and paper and work somewhere on the cusp of these materials.

Cathryn Wynn will be giving an illustrated talk about her work at The Capital of Craft at Craft Festival Wales at Cardigan Castle. 

Her work is part of an exhibition of 8 important Welsh makers at Canfas Gallery in Cardigan. Woven, curated by Suzi Park from Cambrian Wool, runs from September 5-October 5th. 

Craft Festival Wales September 5-7, 2025

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Award Winning Festivals

Since 2003 we have run multi-award winning Festivals in Bovey Tracey, Devon, Cardigan and Cheltenham. In June, we host the UK's best loved and finest contemporary Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey featuring over 200 curated makers. Hosted in idyllic parkland on the edge of Dartmoor. Complimented by an dazzling number of workshops, demonstrations, masterclasses, talks, family activities, street theatre, live music and feasting! In March we head to the beautiful Regency town of Cheltenham, presenting 100 makers at Craft Festival at the Town Hall. In September we will be hosting our first Craft Festival Wales at Cardigan Castle.

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