Calling UK Designer Makers!


Etsy are looking for UK makers of affordable, high quality contemporary craft to participate in the Four Corners of Craft exhibition at the London Design Festival later this year. The exhibition is being held in partnership with Tent London and the London Design Festival, as part of a maker development and exhibition initiative supported by creative organisations throughout the UK. It will run from 24th to 27th September 2015.


Major partners in the exhibition include The Crafts Council, Contemporary Applied Arts, Design Trust, Craft Scotland, Creative Scotland, Craft NI, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Helfa Gelf. Other supporting organisations include Arts Council of Wales, Ruthin Craft Centre, and The Makers' Guild in Wales.

According to Fiona Logue, Director of Craft Scotland, "Etsy is a supportive and accessible route to market and their work assists our makers in developing their businesses." All the participating designer makers will be chosen by Etsy, and will benefit from professional development training as well as being able to exhibit and sell their and work at the exhibition. Those chosen to exhibit will enjoy the following benefits to further their designer-making careers:

  • Selling opportunity: Selected pieces will be included in the exhibition at Tent London during London Design Festival. Etsy will curate and manage the exhibition.
  • Promotional opportunity: Etsy will lead a marketing campaign to promote the exhibition and associated makers, supported by the partner organisations involved.
  • Professional development: Accessible training from the Design Trust and signposting to local support services in the run up to the exhibition.


You must have an active Etsy shop to apply, but if you or someone you know fits the bill and doesn’t currently sell on Etsy, it's easy to open an Etsy Shop now, and they'll even give you 20 free listings to get you started! The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 7th and you can apply here

Applicants must have an active Etsy shop, and be UK based designer-makers aged over 18. Etsy are looking for people who both fit all the criteria, and whocdesign and make crafts in one of the following categories:
  • Basketry
  • Ceramics
  • Fashion & Accessories
  • Furniture
  • Glass
  • Interior Products
  • Jewellery
  • Paper and Book Art
  • Printmaking
  • Silversmithing and Metalwork
  • Textiles
  • Woodwork

I've chosen to illustrate this article with a selection of beautiful items designed and handcrafted across the UK - but I'd like to say good luck to everyone who applies!

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