Craft Focus - Oct/Nov (Issue 63)

With the traditional high street threatened by the dominance of the large chains and the increase of internet shopping, the Craft Coop makes a stand for the small, independent retailer who offers something different and creative. The Craft Coop supports local charities, offers open workshops for those aspiring to learn more about different crafts and helps maintain community spirit. Effectively it offers a platform to local crafters who wouldn’t be able to afford shop rent on their own, instead they get the opportunity to share a shop, which in the current economic climate is the best way forward for small, creative businesses. The shops boast a collection of different crafts, from handmade jewellery and soft furnishings to cards, mosaic kits and more. The aim is to inspire other crafters nationwide to follow suit. The Craft Coop is a community-interest company with shops in Maidenhead and Marlow, which supports local designers and craftspeople, and is on a mission to bring community spirit back to the British high street! crafting in the community WE CHAT TO FOUR CREATIVE COMPANIES WITHIN THE CRAFT COOP TO FIND OUT HOW THE CRAFT COOP HAS HELPED THEIR BUSINESSES: INDIGO AND ROSE indigoandrose.co.uk Indigo and Rose is owned by Jane Wilkinson and sells a collection of handmade gifts and homeware, combining the new and the nostalgic. The ranges are made from heritage textiles including handmade lambs wool horses, sheep and lavender owls filled with wheat and lavender, plus cushions and lampshades in vintage floral prints. What benefits are there for a small craft business to being part of the Craft Coop? It has enabled my small business to establish a loyal local customer base in the pop-up shops, giving me a great opportunity to meet customers and gain feedback on the products that I make. The Coop is all about teamwork, meeting our crafters and sharing ideas is always inspiring. How has it helped business grow? The Craft Coop offers more than just a retail outlet, it’s a community hub with advice and courses run on many related subjects such as visual displays and social media – all of which gives us the confidence to grow and develop our businesses. RHIAN WINSLADE rhianwinslade.com Rhian Winslade is a ceramicist working with a variety of different clays. Some of her favourite pieces include her salt pots with vintage spoons, plant tags and quirky porcelain decorations. What benefits are there for a small craft business to being part of the Craft Coop? The shared experience and expertise of all the makers within the Craft Coop is very reassuring. As a group, we all have different skill sets and ideas, which when combined can be awesome and inspiring. Working in the shop also keeps us very much in touch with our lovely loyal customers. How has it helped business grow? Listening to other makers and customers has helped with some key decisions. A single commission or idea can often take your work in a new and unexpected direction that can really make a difference. 82 craft focus