Collarless Japanese pearls with aquamarine, sapphires, diamonds, moonstones, labradorites and pearl seeds are inspired by seaweed found on Holkham Beach. Produced by Lisa Bambridge of Stoned and Hammered-Image source: Lisa Bambridge, Stoned & Hammered
Iron sculpture or fire pit
Blacksmith Nigel Barnett has been fascinated by the nearby steel furnace that illuminates the night sky since he was a child.
Today, he owns his own forge in Great Fransham near Dereham, where he uses strong flames and huge hammers to shape iron into exquisite flowers and animals, garden fire pits, towering sculptures, and even swords for repeaters of history .
Before moving to Norfolk to become a blacksmith, Nigel worked as a welder on large construction projects.
Nigel Barnett of Fransham Forge-Image Credit: Courtesy of Fransham Forge
At Fransham Forge, he worked on projects ranging from large-scale public art commissions to exquisite metal gifts. He made benches from recycled railroad tracks that mark the miles along the Marriott Boulevard between Norwich, Lipham, and Elsham, and the huge rope and herring sculpture at the entrance to St. George’s Park in Great Yarmouth .
Next year, one of his sculptures will be exhibited in Sandringham. As part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, Nigel also made thousands of butterflies to raise funds for the Norfolk Hospice Hospital.
He also makes smaller pieces-perfect as a beautiful original Norfolk gift. There are decorative spoons and corkscrews, hand-forged leaf-shaped key rings (£8), and silhouettes of spiked animals standing in the garden, including ducks, hens, hares, hedgehogs, frogs and deer. A pair of boxing hares costs 70 pounds, and a hedgehog costs only 17 pounds. Nigel also made towering poppies and quirky sidewalk feet for the flower beds, so gardeners can step over without crushing plants, nor crushing plants and towering poppies. Coupons for Nigel forging courses are also very popular gifts.
Poppies by Nigel Barnett of Fransham Forge-Image Credit: Courtesy of Fransham Forge
The forge is located in 4.5 acres of woodland, and visitors can admire the outdoor sculptures of Nigel and his talented team, as well as galleries and shops. For business hours and online store, please visit www.forged-ironmongery.co.uk
Potter Philippa Lee makes plates and bowls and serves dishes. In her pottery and shop, the hens and hares of Burnham Deepdale are decorated with designs including hares, fish and fruits. The shop also sells crafts made by others, including jewelry, glass and greeting cards. Philippa has used clay to make pottery for nearly 30 years, and she likes the fact that her art is used in ovens and dining tables all over the country.
Pottery by Philippa Lee-Image source: Courtesy of Giggly Goat
Ignis Szy handbag-Photo Credit: Ignis Szy
Julia Hulme's hares and seals-Image source: Courtesy of Giggly Goat
"I like to work with clay-it is a great material. I find throwing jars very soothing and meditative. It is very satisfying to create works that will be used and enjoyed," she said.
The hares and hens are part of the Dalegate market in Deepdale, Burnham. The best-selling items include bakeware in various shapes and sizes, as well as specially tailored plates and bowls tailored by Philippa for weddings and other gifts.
When her children were young, she began to decorate her flower pots with animal pictures, inspired by the animal illustrations in their story books.
Now, her daughter Helen Parker sells Philippa flower pots in her own shop in Norwich. The Giggly Goat on Goat Lane in Norwich is filled with crafts made by local manufacturers. In addition to Philippa's work, there are ceramics, glass, paintings, prints, textiles, greeting cards and jewelry made by talented craftsmen. Take a look at the ceramic animals made by Julia Hulme of Norfolk, and the fascinating overlays of Norwich architecture drawn by Norwich illustrator Ignis Szy on tote bags, tea towels and cushions. Ignis West studied at the University of the Arts and Turn her urban street scene photos into art-themed gifts. www.thegigglygoat.co.uk
The leaves picked by Lisa Bambridge of Stoned and Hammered of Elm Hill in Norwich from the park around Blickling Hall turned into beautiful jewels.
Every piece of Lisa's silver, gold and gemstone works is inspired by the Norfolk countryside and is made in her Elm Hill workshop and shop.
"This year people really want to buy jewelry with stories to tell," Lisa said. "Our acorn necklaces and bracelets are individually cast from acorns from a long-standing local tree. Our leaf jewellery blends leaves from the park around the University of East Anglia to the famous local place in Blickling Hall.
"For women and surprisingly young men, pearls have become very popular again. We have some wonderful natural organic baroque pearls with incredible luster. For those who like darker shades, we have simple , Simple silver or pure gold Tahitian pearl necklace."
The sterling silver bracelet was inspired by the ripples of raindrops falling on the pond of Eaton Park in Norwich. Produced by Lisa Bambridge of Stoned and Hammered-Image source: Lisa Bambridge, Stoned & Hammered
Collarless Japanese pearls with aquamarine, sapphires, diamonds, moonstones, labradorites and pearl seeds are inspired by seaweed found on Holkham Beach. Produced by Lisa Bambridge of Stoned and Hammered-Image source: Lisa Bambridge, Stoned & Hammered
Brod, next to the University of East Anglia, is a hand-forged silver pendant with Tahitian pearls inspired by water lilies. Produced by Lisa Bambridge of Stoned and Hammered-Image credit: Lisa Bambridge, Stoned and Hammered
The price of a pair of simple handmade pearl earrings ranges from £20 to hundreds of pounds individually commissioned.
Most jewelry is silver, but a few are gold, and everything is handmade. Stonedandhammered.com
Textiles by Witts Designs mother and daughter Michelle and Stephanie-Image source: Witts Design
Mother-daughter design duo Michelle and Stephanie Witts sell their textiles and homewares from their new store and studio Witts Design in Timberhill, Norwich.
They use prints inspired by the Norfolk coast and the countryside to make cushions, curtains, scarves, handbags, lampshades, table mats and kitchen textiles-all made in the UK.
"Our most popular products are golden tablecloths, tea towels and double oven mitts, placemats and coasters, and our lavender bags," Stephanie said. wittsdesign.com
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