Cornish Art and Contemporary Crafts Blog

For us, and we hope for you, jewellery is special for so many reasons. Artisan jewellery is an artform in itself, carefully designed and considered, skillfully crafted. But it is also wearable, the art takes on a shape and purpose that allows it to adorn your body. Just as painters create magic with pigment and…

The father figures in our lives are notoriously tricky to buy for, but over the years we’ve discovered the knack for gifting for men. Believe it or not, there are plenty of alternative options to the mass-produced ‘dad’ gifts, which are often a little gimmicky and a bit naff! Why not treat your father to…

Did someone say al-fresco? Finally, the season we’ve been waiting for is here! And that’s al-fresco season… All winter I crave feeling the warm sun on my face, sitting in the comfort of my own garden for a sunny lunch or supper.  So I tend to go all out when the weather improves. Warmer and…

Art Curator Vicki, at Inspire Makers For many of us, buying art can feel inaccessible. It’s often presented as an aspirational luxury, available to the select few. This is largely because when we think of ‘art’, we initially think of the large showstopping pieces that take centre stage on a wall.  Due to the sheer…

Talented artists and makers in Cornwall excel in their own creativity, using heritage techniques to produce extraordinary artworks and objects. Unfairly, with the rise of social media, many creatives are expected to become expert marketers just to reach an audience.  So that’s why we’re shining a spotlight on 5 top Cornish artisan artists and makers…

‘From Cornwall with Love’ - No, not the latest James Bond film, although wouldn’t that be a must-watch, but our jam-packed gift guide for Valentine’s Day. This gift guide has a more romantic spin than usual, which comes naturally. That’s because, unlike retail giants, we don’t select certain stock just for the 14th of February,…

Falmouth, a thriving small town on the south coast of Cornwall, has a stellar (and deserved) reputation that far exceeds its size. The buzzing university town is a favourite among Cornish locals, and visitors looking for a Cornish holiday in a vibrant, creative location. The town is full of independent shops, eateries, and galleries, with…

We’re rounding off another fabulous year on Falmouth’s Old High Street, home to an eclectic and gorgeous mix of renowned independent shops. But before the year is out, we have the Christmas festivities to prepare for and celebrate. And, Christmas is a time for giving, so we’re giving a shout-out to our wonderful neighbours on…

Each year the noise surrounding Christmas gets louder and louder, earlier and earlier. Black Friday is the foghorn that seems to declare we’re hurtling towards shopping and gifting season. Black Friday happens on November 29th this year (2024), although sales under the ‘Black Friday’ umbrella begin earlier in the month. The impulse buying extravaganza is…

Chloe’s Sketches for the Minack Theatre Autumn is one of my favourite seasons – it’s not too cold and miserable yet, and there’s an exciting novelty of staying indoors after a busy summer. Autumn is a time to nest, to transform your home from the summer’s indoor-outdoor hybrid, into a cosy, warm and inviting space…

Creatives in Cornwall are often lured in by the natural landscape here, whether it’s the famous golden light in the sky, or the rich clay in the ground. Inspired by the ever-changing scenery and dynamic natural forms in Cornwall, not to mention an abundance of clay, this county has a long legacy of experimental ceramicists…

Fused glass tableware by Article Glass Contemporary fused glass is an art movement that deserves huge recognition. It’s a very technical discipline as well as creative and requires much scientific know-how due to its changing molecules and scorching temperatures. ‘Fusing Glass’ might only be for the brave, right? Well, hopefully, we’ll show you that with…

Riverbird Studio Cornwall is home to many talented printmakers, who use different printmaking processes to express their response to their surroundings. And as we’re in Cornwall, the scenes they explore are often ones of stunning landscapes, charming wildlife, and the vibrant Cornish spirit. Okay, we might be a little biased… But the dramatic and breathtaking…

We’re reaching that point in the year where we cast our minds back and wonder where on earth the time has gone? 2024 has been a whirlwind of the best kind, full of new collections by existing favourite makers and the introduction of many new artisans to Inspire Makers. We’re thrilled to have added to…

Throughout centuries, empires, and religions, jewellery has been a decorative adornment that reflects the status of the wearer. Often made from precious metals, and by the hands of skilled jewellers, historically jewellery has been a little piece of luxury. Fast forward to today and jewellery has been added to the ‘fast fashion’ machine, which churns…

Think Cornwall, and you might conjure up thoughts of expansive beaches, golden coves, sunshine sailing, and quaint fishing villages. This romantic notion of Cornwall might be a little dated (and selective!), but these days, it is a thriving, creative county, but also a county with its own social and economic challenges. However, the connection between…

When it comes to buying jewellery, most people choose based on the style and the colour of the metal. What else? PLENTY else as we’ll show you! Understanding the properties of different metals and being clued up on the scramble of different metal terminology, is key to choosing jewellery that will last a lifetime with…

Buying gifts can be tricky, especially in an age where we’re more aware of shopping well – seeking out affordable items that have been made ethically and will last a long time. It is the thought that counts, but we also want to give presents that will be loved and cherished. With a strong connection…

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to measure your jewellery size at home! Getting the right fit for your rings, bangles, and necklaces is crucial for both comfort and style. In this guide, we'll walk you through easy and accurate methods to measure your sizes, ensuring that your cherished pieces adorn you perfectly. Whether…

Wondering what to do in Falmouth when it rains? It’s a thought that might occur all too often during the winter months, and even throughout the summer, as the coastal Cornish weather loves to be unpredictable. Luckily Falmouth is a vibrant town full of creatives and innovators, meaning there’s plenty of rainy-day activities to keep…

Cornwall’s history of artisan crafts is famous the world over, and this landscape has been home to many artists and makers using their hands, and humble equipment to create exquisite pieces. Cornwall has a rich legacy in art and craft, and is recognised for the renowned artists and makers who nurtured and refined their skills…

At Inspire Makers, we adore being on the Old High Street in Falmouth and feel very passionately about supporting the independent businesses that make our town so vibrant and special. So for us, it’s important to provide a little context as to why it’s so important to support the high street. Indulge us in sharing…

This month is Plastic Free July, a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. We thought it was a perfect time to introduce you to the growing movement of recycled plastic jewellery in the UK.  Jewellery made from ocean plastic is the very definition of one man’s…

Open the dictionary and scan the pages for the word ‘craft’, and you’ll find the definition stated as ‘an activity involving skill in making things by hand’. Often lumped in with ‘Arts & Crafts’, craft can be seen as the lesser respected of the pair. Many artists and makers avoid using the word for fear of…

If you’re a beach lover in Cornwall, chances are you’ve enjoyed combing your fingers through the sand looking for shells. Occasionally, you might come across a small pebble-shaped burst of colour, which is sea glass! Sea glass is responsible for a jewellery movement rapidly growing in popularity, due to its eco-friendly credentials and the thrill…

Falmouth, Cornwall is the chosen town for a melting pot of creatives, entrepreneurs, surfers, sailors and many more. Located on the south coast of Cornwall, the seaside town of Falmouth is vibrant all year round, thanks to Falmouth University, and a fantastic festival schedule, not to mention the many independent shop owners who keep things…

The Christmas season is drawing near! Whether you buy handcrafted or make your own, we explore why giving the gift of handmade always means so much more. Why Buy A Handcrafted Gift? When buying something handmade by an artist or maker, you are buying more than just that particular gift or item you are also…

A little something I have been working on behind the scenes, Form Art Festival Friday 30 Sept to Sunday 2 Oct 2022. Friends Born Out Of Adversity Ann Morgan of Morgans gallery and I first met in 2020 and bonded over both coincidentally trying to refurbish Grade II listed buildings and open our new businesses…

Do you Beach Clean? What do you do with your found treasures? The Great British Beach Clean This September, from the 17th to the 26th, thousands of people will take to the beach all over the UK to take part in the annual Great British Beach Clean. At Inspire Makers we champion sustainability wherever possible…

Why it’s good to spend time on exploring your creative side…. It's A Fact! In May 2019 BBC Arts published a piece of research, the “Great British Creativity Test” which surveyed 50,000 people about which creative activities they took part in. Researchers identified three key ways that creativity is used: as a ‘distraction tool’ to avoid…

One year on, I look back and reflect on the inspiration behind “Inspire Makers”. The Best Laid Plans... Who would have known that when my husband and I decided to relocate permanently to Falmouth in 2019 that the COVID-19 pandemic was around the corner. Potentially not the best time to start a new business, but…