A Little Introduction…. Handmade at Bramley Cottage
“A little introduction” is our way to put members of the little makers market family in the spotlight. To give them the opportunity to shine and talk about their products and processes, likes, dislikes and to capture a glimpse of their personality, which unless you’ve met them at a market you would be unaware of.
So without further ado, for our first blog in the series, it only makes sense to introduce you to Libbi from ‘Handmade at Bramley Cottage’. Libbi has been a long-term member of the TLMM family and is a very close friend of mine for years. She is always a ray of sunshine, bringing her positive outlook on the world and spreading joy to customers with her adorable & unique facepots.
Tell us about yourself
Hi I’m Libbi and I am a studio potter living in Suffolk. I work with stoneware clay mainly using the potter’s wheel. I also teach pottery at the West Suffolk College and 1-1 lessons at my studio. I am never happier than when I have clay under my fingernails and pots on my shelves.
How do you do it?
Most of the work I produce is done using the potter’s wheel although I do some hand-building as well. Pottery is a craft where patience is a key ingredient. I form the clay using the potter’s wheel and then need to wait for it to dry a little (leather hard stage) depending on the item. I may turn the bottom of the pot, add handles, carve into the clay or put features on my facepots etc. I then need to wait until the item is fully dried (greenware stage) before I put them in the kiln for the first firing to 1000c (bisque ware) this takes 24 hours as it needs to cool thoroughly before opening the kiln. I then glaze each item using glazes or underglazes and then it is back in the kiln for another 24-hour firing to a temperature of 1200c.
Describe your business in 3 words?
Quirky Colourful Cheerful
Where did it all begin? Why did you start your business?
I started, like many people, touching clay for the first time at school age. We had a ‘Saturday Morning Club’ in Essex where I grew up and at the age of 9 I joined the Art and Craft group and from the start I loved it!!!! I didn’t do pottery for a long time following secondary school but we moved to Bury St Edmunds in 2000 and had a real urge to have another little go at Pottery so found an evening class at the West Suffolk College. My first pottery teacher was very encouraging (in fact we are still in contact and she still encourages me all these years later). Little did I know that 10 years on I would be teaching the class I attended.
I started selling at markets on a part-time basis before gradually developing to becoming a full-time potter and starting my business, Handmade at Bramley Cottage, almost 3 years ago.
What’s your biggest achievement?
I started my business in 2019 just before lockdown so one of my biggest achievements is that my business survived. I am very proud that I have built up my classes at the West Suffolk College from 1 lesson a week to now teaching 9 lessons per week during term time. I am proud of all of the students I have taught over the years some of which have gone on to start their own pottery businesses. I feel that bringing people together whether it be from purchasing my work or from my teaching is a big achievement.
What’s your goal/dream?
This is a tricky one. For many years my goal and dream was to be a full-time potter and live a creative life. I am now doing that so what next?
Current goal – To have a more balanced work/home life. Away from my work one of my goals is to travel more, especially to India.
Future dream - I would love to write a book about pottery. I am already writing ideas down.
One day I would love to have a home right by the sea so I can look out of the window and see it all the time. I love watching the sea it is so relaxing. But of course, my main dreams are to be healthy, happy, successful and loved.
What’s next for you & your business?
I am always working on new projects and new items to make. I have lots of prototypes on the go in my studio at the moment. I am also working on new batches of glaze colours.
If you could time travel, where would you go & why?
I absolutely love the era of the 1900’s -1920’s (Bloomsbury Group, William Morris, Art Nouveau and Art Deco) it was a really creative time in history. I recently really enjoyed the film ‘The Colour Room’ about Clarice Cliff. The fashion of the era was wonderful as well, so stylish.
Favourite place?
Anywhere by the sea. It is so calming. I grew up by the sea and really miss it. A holiday is not a holiday for me unless it is by the sea.
If you could be an animal what would you be, and why?
When I was a little girl when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up my answer would be a monkey. I always thought they seemed so happy and have so much fun. I even used to put my dad’s black gloves on my feet and pretend to be one. I never grew up to be a monkey but a potter was a close second choice.
What’s your most listened to song, podcast or audiobook?
Whilst working I mostly listen to audiobooks. I started doing this during lockdown as listening to the radio was too gloomy, so I lost myself in a book, I have continued this and really enjoy listening to Louise Candlish and Lisa Jewell. I light an incense stick, turn on my audio book and engross myself in creating. At the moment I am listening to Keri Beevis in my studio and then finish my day by reading Keith Brymer Jones.
My music choice is eclectic from 1980’s to Ed Sheeran to musical and even a bit of folk. The only music I am not keen on really is opera.
What’s your workspace/studio like?
We moved house in 2019 to a little flint cottage with a couple of old black wood clad outbuildings (they used to be stables back in the 1800’s). My studio was little more than a room but I could see the potential behind the dirt floor, spider’s webs and decay. Now it is a light filled room with tiled floor, tongue and groove walls, and 2 skylights. I have kept the wonky beams on show as I love the character. I feel really lucky to have such a beautiful space to create in. I am surrounded by lots of photos, paintings and items which mean the world to me.
What’s your life philosophy? A piece of advice you would pass on?
Trust your instincts and believe in yourself. A few years ago I was working in a secure job in an office but it was not what I wanted to do, I felt trapped and frustrated. I wanted to be a potter and live a fully creative life, people laughed at me. I sat myself down and decided I would be more disappointed if I did not try than if I tried and failed. I took the leap and it was the best decision I had ever made.
Any new projects coming up that you are excited about?
During the summer I intend to start making for Christmas!!!!!!! It is always a rush around Christmas and I am determined to be organised this year. I have lots of lovely new product ideas for the festive season.
What does shopping small mean to you?
Shopping small means the world to me. I always support fellow makers and small businesses rather than big corporate companies. I know what a great feeling it is when a sale/order/commission comes in it is not just a sale it is supporting someone’s dream.
What’s your favourite small business? Why?
This is a really tricky question to answer as I have lots of wonderful small businesses that I love. Here is a couple:
Beckie Egan Photography This lady is a genius with a camera. All of the photographs she produces are top quality and so natural. She did my photos for my website and also some for my Instagram account.
Dainty Kate Jasmine produced all of the artwork for my logo, adoption certificates and lots more. She is an amazing artist.
I really enjoy surrounding myself with creative people, they inspire, energize and encourage me.
If you enjoyed reading about Libbi and her products, why not check out her website here or via Instagram at @handmadebramleycottage