Teresa
I have been an enthusiastic beachcomber for sea glass and ceramics for as long as I can remember. Since moving to Anstruther in 2017, we have spent many Sunday afternoons wandering the beach nearby and hunting for these treasures.
Initially, I decided to use some of my finds to create a picture of some birds for my sister's birthday. I found the process very rewarding and therapeutic, and was pleased with the outcome of my first beach scene picture, so I decided to make some more!
I have been creating pictures and greetings cards for two years now, selling online and at craft fairs. As a member of East Neuk Open Studios, I have taken part in exhibitions at Bowhouse and I have made many commissions for local buyers and those further afield. I have thoroughly enjoyed creating every piece and have been honoured to be raising money for a cause close to my heart.
I mainly use sea glass ("sea gems") and pieces of sea shaped ceramics found on the local beaches. I have also used broken shell pieces and small pieces of driftwood. I take as little as I can when I collect my finds and make sure I am not disturbing any habitats.
My first designs were mounted on a background of metallic card but I now create pieces on a more natural looking background of recycled cardboard.
Melanie
I have always loved to knit. I have knitted many different gifts for friends and family throughout the years, leaving behind scraps of yarn, buttons and other craft materials.
As with any crafter, I am reluctant to discard anything that might be turned into something beautiful and Flotsam and Jetsam has given me the perfect opportunity to use the smallest piece of yarn or odd button to create something unique.
I currently live in Edinburgh, having made Scotland my home in 2008, and my creations are inspired by the Scottish landscape of Heather Glens, long sandy beaches and Croft houses. I design and knit each small picture myself. As I use such small strands of yarn, no two pictures are ever the same.
I am also an avid beachcomber of 'sea treasures', often trying to beat my sister to the best find, and I am currently inspired to create cards that combine sea glass and pottery with materials from my craft stash, to add texture and variety to my work.
Samantha
I have been a keen maker for many years and dabble in a variety of crafts including sewing, knitting, card and jewellery making to name but a few. I am never happier than when I am curled up creating something in my armchair at home.
I make mostly for my family and friends but when my sister started up her craft venture I wanted to contribute. As a breast cancer survivor, I am very pleased that a portion of all the sales go to Maggie's to help others going through what I have been through.
I live in East Yorkshire where the Yorkshire Wolds meet the Humber and I am inspired by the woods, dales and big skies around where I live.
I am an avid recycler and reuser of any materials that can be repurposed for crafts and can often be found at our local 'Scrapstore' both making donations and picking up reusable items for my creations.
I use largely reclaimed and leftover materials from other projects to make reusable lined gift bags which are available for sale on the Flotsam and Jetsam stall at craft fairs. As I use different materials for every bag, each one is unique and they are perfect for gifting again and again, saving on single use wrapping paper and plastic tape going to landfill.
