Meet the Makers
Posted on 09 August 2023
When it comes to showcasing talented local makers, we are very lucky to have The Crafters as our near neighbour right here in the heart of Melrose. This unique shop was formed as a co-operative in 1998 by a small group of local designers and artists. It has gone from strength to strength expanding into a highly successful outlet for the makers who display their work here. From Bags to Basketry, Painters to Pottery and Knitwear to Clocks! The Crafters really is a must visit when in Melrose.
But if a visit to The Crafters has whet your appetite for getting out and meeting some of the extraordinary makers, creators, artists and designers who live and work throughout the Scottish Borders, here are just a few of our favourites.
https://thecrafters.co.uk/
Holmes Glass, Selkirk
Holmes Glass is the father and son team of Peter and Andrew Holmes who have a combined history of 65 years in glassmaking, extending from traditional to abstract styles. Their ranges include paperweights, vases, bowls and small gifts. Seasonal ranges are available for Christmas, Valentines & Easter. Bespoke custom orders can also be made.
Visit the gallery and workshop and you can even book a glassmaking experience.
https://www.holmesglass.com/
The Marchmont Workshop, near Greenlaw
The Marchmont Workshop is run by Richard Platt and Sam Cooper, the first new facility making rush seated chairs to open up in 54 years!
The duo select the correct ash and oak logs to mill for chairs and harvest and process their own rush to weave strong but comfortable seats, turning delicate spindles, elegant chair legs and everything in between. They also make tables and other furniture inspired by the designs of Ernest Gimson and the Arts and Crafts movement.
Due to popular demand, Sam and Richard are now offering courses in both rush-seating and eventually chairmaking at their wonderful workshop.
https://themarchmontworkshop.com/
Photo credit The Marchmont Workshop
LOVE Scottish, Hawick and Melrose
Established in 2015 by Lesley Landels and inspired by Scottish living. LOVE Scottish offers a collection of artisan Scottish-made products for your home. Specialising in candles, fragrance, textiles and ceramics.
A new workshop space has recently been developed in Hawick within a former dairy. LOVE Scottish have created a vibrant space for customers to visit but also relax in the coffee shop allowing them to watch how the LOVE Scottish products are created and sample the best of Borders produce.
The Borders Distillery, Hawick
The Borders Distillery opened in 2018 – founded by John Fordyce, Tim Carton, Tony Roberts and George Tait, all veterans of the Scotch Whisky industry. They had a vision of bringing distilling back to the Borders by building the first whisky distillery in the region since 1837.
During the whisky distillery Tour, you will be guided through the production areas, learning the whisky making process along the way. You will find out how the team use local barley to distil Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Kerr’s Gin, and Puffing Billy Steam Vodka. The guided tour will take you through the mashing, fermentation and distillation halls.
https://www.thebordersdistillery.com/
Photo credit Famously Hawick
Kinsman Blake Gallery, Smailholm near Kelso
The Kinsman-Blake Gallery and working studios are situated in the village of Smailholm. Showing high quality jewellery, ceramics, paintings, furniture and woodwork, visitors are welcome to spend time in the gallery of high quality arts and crafts and to see the artists at work.
Ceramics, jewellery, woodwork and paintings are individually made by the Kinsman Blake family in the studios adjoining the gallery.
https://kinsmanblakegallery.co.uk/
Rob Elliot Furniture, Selkirk
Rob works mainly in Wych Elm and makes a point of using only trees that have died naturally, ensuring no living trees are felled to make this furniture. His stunning furniture includes dining tables of differing styles as well as side chairs and carvers, beds, dressers, cabinets, rocking chairs, mirrors, desks, chest of drawers, coffee and occasional tables.
Rob Elliot’s workshop is located in Selkirk and work can be viewed at his onsite showroom.
https://www.robelliotfurniture.com/
Roslyn Whiting Leathercraft – Melrose
Luxury leathergoods made using traditional methods and with a creative twist. Everything is designed and handmade in Roslyn Whiting’s workshop in Melrose.
Roslyn’s courses are relaxed and creative. Where you have the opportunity to learn how to hand-stitch a belt, wallet or card holder and hand-tool designs onto leather. You will learn about the various aspects of leatherwork including the different types of leather, the tools and how to use them.
https://roslynwhiting.co.uk/
Photo credit Stella Lathangie Photography
Sue Elliot Creative Silks and Velvets – Selkirk
Sue Elliot dyes silks and velvets and then transforms them using an embellisher, machine and hand embroidery. Her inspiration comes from the colours and textures she sees around her.
The main focus of her business is in the design of scarves, wraps, bags and corsages. She also makes a range of small gifts. Over the past three years she has added nuno felting to her business and is enjoying creating light and textured scarves and wraps using this technique.
Sue has her own studio and shop which is situated at River Cottage, Riverside Road, Selkirk. You are most welcome to see her working.
News and Events from Melrose and the Scottish Borders.