Mums Who Make: Creativity, Chaos & Motherhood
Being a mum is a full-time job. So is being a maker. Put the two together, and you get a life that’s as messy - no paid leave, no set hours and a constant juggling act between family life and creative work - as it is magical - full of creativity, chaos and moments of pure joy.
In the run-up to Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women who do both. We’ve asked some of our favourite maker-mums to share a snapshot of their world, a note of advice they carry from their own mums and the piece from our collection they’d love to receive.
The reality of balancing making with mothering is a testament to the resilience of all craftspeople. It’s working late, squeezing in making during naps, packing orders while someone tugs at your leg. It’s fulfilment and exhaustion in equal measure.
For those who are mums, have mums, miss mums, or love like mums—this one’s for you.
Meet Liz Vidal & Jack
Liz Vidal makes functional ceramics and unique one-off pieces using stoneware clay. Her pottery is made to be used and enjoyed every day. With a focus on utility, Liz aims to create tactile forms which sit comfortably in the hand. Her process of creating pots spans two to three weeks and differs with each season; the slightest change in temperature or humidity alters her rhythm of making. Based in Bristol, Liz has just returned to work after maternity leave and is in the thick of finding time to focus on very little sleep. We’re thrilled to have her back!
Passed Down: What Mum Told Me, What I Tell Them
The first thing that came to mind that I learnt from my mum is kindness - not quite a piece of advice, but being kind is a good way to be and something I hope is prevalent in my parenting.
Their Mother’s Day Pick: If they could unwrap anything from our collection this Mother’s Day, this would be it.
I would most like to give or receive one of Anna Jones’ Dreamlands mugs. You can never have too many handmade mugs, and choosing one off the shelf to drink from is the best!
Meet Frankie, S & P
Frankie and her partner Tom established You’ve Got Pen On Your Face in 2016. A greetings card family business full of witty puns and excellent illustrations intent on capturing the stories, laughter and love that make each day a unique adventure. Their rallying cry is simple: greetings cards may be frivolous, but they don’t have to be forgettable.
Passed Down: What Mum Told Me, What I Tell Them
I'm sitting here trying to think of something sweet and meaningful about becoming a mum, while my two children are driving me absolutely crazy - both climbing on top of me, screaming at each other, and testing every ounce of patience I have. But then, in these chaotic moments, I catch a glimpse of their tiny hands, their chunky tummies and hear their sweet little voices, and I’m suddenly reminded of just how incredibly lucky I am to be their mum. These two wild little spirits, who fill me equally with rage and overwhelming, heart-bursting love, are my greatest blessing.
My mum always taught me that there’s a way around everything, if you’re stuck - you just have to find it. Never give up. She lives her life to the fullest, still out dancing and partying every weekend at 70! While I may not be much of a party girl anymore, I admire her zest for life. I hope my kids will grow up to embrace life with the same enthusiasm and never let obstacles stand in their way.
Their Mother’s Day Pick: If they could unwrap anything from our collection this Mother’s Day, this would be it.
I love all the mugs you sell. I would most like to receive a Beci Callow Person Mug because I used to have a mug like that, but my son smashed it!
Meet Lydia Johnson & Ada
Lydia Johnson is an architect, product designer and the maker behind Fettle Studio. Lydia has developed ceramic tableware, lighting and interior tiles, becoming known for her carefully designed, delicately made, geometric slip-cast ceramics. On her own self-build project, with partner Dan, Lydia made all 700 tiles to clad the outside of the rear extension and often makes ceramic wares to furnish her architectural projects.
Passed Down: What Mum Told Me, What I Tell Them
I grew up in the New Forest, my mum was a gardener and my dad a decorative artist, furniture restorer and home renovator, both self-employed. My sister and I were always outside, creating dens in the garden or exploring the forest, as well as getting creative which I think is clearly in our blood! My mum’s motto was ‘dirty children are happy children’ - and so we were! Living in Leyton as a parent myself now, I am trying to install the same philosophies and freedoms to my daughter Ada as she grows up. She’s certainly taking every opportunity to be creative, with as much cheek and sass as a 2.5 year old can do, which we love, delighting and surprising us everyday!
Their Mother’s Day Pick: If they could unwrap anything from our collection this Mother’s Day, this would be it.
I would love a vase, probably with a touch of deep blue or orangey terracotta to suit my kitchen! (Also, probably an excuse to have more flowers and displays around the home). I have a few of my own around the house but not enough - I think vases can be the perfect combination of sculpture, function and interior design - which I do a lot of in my architecture work - creating delightful moments when spaces need a little lift or pop of colour.
Meet Sophie Alda & Sol
Sophie Alda's work explores the relationship between function and sculpture, with a playful approach to the use of her material and the narrative within the surface decoration. Sophie recently returned to work after the birth of her first child. During her maternity leave, Sophie relocated her ceramics studio to the end of her garden in Bristol in the hope of finding some opportunity in the moments in between.
Passed Down: What Mum Told Me, What I Tell Them
My mum was always very encouraging of me going my own way and following my own path, my toddler certainly demonstrates his strong feelings about life! If I can encourage him to continue to be independent and passionate in his interests, I’ll be very happy.
Their Mother’s Day Pick: If they could unwrap anything from our collection this Mother’s Day, this would be it.
I would love to receive a Brutes collage butter dish, its lovely things like this that you can use every day that make life beautiful.
Meet Libby Hood, Nicola Morland & their best studio mates
HoodMor are a design duo based in London. Born from friendship and a love of creating, HoodMor is a collaboration between Libby and Nicola. Working from a shared studio space in London, they bring together different creative backgrounds - Libby from the interiors world and Nicola from branding. The interdisciplinary studio focuses on creating functional homeware pieces with unique playful personalities. A common thread across their collections is a richness of texture with unexpected details. It’s all about craft, intuition and accessibility.
Libby & Nic balance a creative practice working together, alongside their own personal experience of motherhood.
Passed Down: What Mum Told Me, What I Tell Them
Take the time to properly thank people that are kind to you. My mum would have my sister and I to write handwritten thank you notes. This is something I will pass on to my daughter. A heartfelt note means so much more than a text message. Also, always wear sunscreen!
Their Mother’s Day Pick: If they could unwrap anything from our collection this Mother’s Day, this would be it.
Meet Emma de Clercq & Hero
Emma de Clercq is a London-based ceramicist practicing under the moniker Brutes Ceramics. With a focus on minimal, durable design, her pieces are made by hand at her studio in South London. Emma was a founding member of a co-operatively run pottery studio, Clay Collective. Basedin Hackney and established by a group of like-minded makers in 2016.
Passed Down: What Mum Told Me, What I Tell Them
My mum has taken a lot of brave leaps over the course of her life, moving across the world several times, learning new languages and raising three kids in a new country. I have so much respect for her, knowing now, as an (apparent?!) adult, how hard it actually is to take leaps like that. This bravery to jump head-first into new challenges is something I would love to pass on to my daughter.
Their Mother’s Day Pick: If they could unwrap anything from our collection this Mother’s Day, this would be it.
Meet Katie Leamon, Baloo & Woody
Katie Leamon is a design led card & stationery brand rooted in the desire to create beautiful, practical design with tangible craftsmanship. This is a true family run business, established by Katie and her partner Ruairi in 2010. The production studio based in Essex is managed by Katie’s Sister, Rachel. Inspired by the warmth and satisfaction associated with receiving handwritten correspondence, along with our innate habits and value associated in everyday tasks. Their paper based products aim to make these tasks more enjoyable while considering their impact on people and the planet.
Passed Down: What Mum Told Me, What I Tell Them
In terms of advice, my mum has given me plenty over the years. She is a great source of love and support in our lives, and I've never doubted that. On the day our first born arrived she was on her way to the Chelsea Flower show - she was finally going after YEARS of wanting to, but on the train up, knowing we were about 10 hours into labour, she turned around and came back to North London as she couldn't bear the idea of being far away. She just waited, silently without telling us at first, but she just felt she needed to be close. She came in to see me at the point that I felt like giving up and was such a boost, I was so exhausted, emotional and pretty delirious, but I just remember knowing I was in for such an overwhelming love, she has always told us every day how much she loves us and how there is simply nothing else like that love, and I was excited to experience that. It gave me the boost I needed to get Baloo out! I think I owe her a ticket to the Chelsea Flower Show this year!
Their Mother’s Day Pick: If they could unwrap anything from our collection this Mother’s Day, this would be it.
My mum and I are very similar in terms of taste, so what I would choose myself I would probably buy for her too. My favourites are the Beci Callow ring dishes and the Hoodmor still vase! My mum also collects small or unusual spoons so the little salt spoons would also be on my list!
From us to you and to whoever you call Mum, however they appear in your life, with love this Mother’s day.