PEOPLE planning on visiting a designer makers market in Barnard Castle this weekend can look forward to seeing the unusual art of lampworking in action.
Jewellery maker and designer Suzanne Tweddle will be one of several artists who will be giving demonstrations of their work at the annual designer makers market at The Witham, on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.
From her studio in Barnard Castle, Mrs Tweddle fashions intricate pieces and beads by melting glass rods with a blow torch.
Raised in Staindrop, Mrs Tweddle went on to complete a silversmith’s degree at Derby University before becoming a graphic designer in the art department of William Smith, in Barnard Castle.
But it wasn’t until she completed a lampworking workshop 15 years ago that she returned to her passion of jewellery making.
She said: “Colour is what inspires my designs, from the brightest oranges to the coolest blues. The combinations evolve through experimentation inspired by nature, fabrics and fashion.”
People gained an insight into her work when she took part in Teesdale open studios a few years back.
Mrs Tweddle said: “I enjoyed the interaction and people asked if I would do workshops.”
Her studio is now equipped with several work stations where people can try their hand at the art and people from all over the country have since signed up for her workshops.
She also has a portable demonstration booth which she will be taking to The Witham for people to see first hand how she creates her designs.
For more information visit suzannejewellery.co.uk.
Also at the designer makers market will be “bicycle taxidermist” Richard Parvin, who operates out of a studio in Stanhope.
His quirky hunting-style trophies are made from such odd items as handlebars, saddles and brake-levers and will make for an usual addition to the market, which runs from 10 am to 4pm each day.
Some 30 artists and designers will be taking part with many of them giving demonstrations or offering people an opportunity to have a go at their craft.
Entry to the market is free but a donation to St Teresa’s Hospice will be gratefully received.
