| Featured Seller | Sandra Igbodo |

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Sandra Igbodo and I am a part-time designer-maker with a small business called Tea & Ceremony.  I am based in Lancashire, England, and spend most of my time thinking about new designs.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I enjoy visiting antiques mills that specialise in bric-a-brac and I’m always on the lookout for vintage craft books. I enjoy visiting new places, going to food festivals, watching films and reading lovely design blogs of course!

Where does your inspiration come from?

Bright and bold designs are always an inspiration to me whether it is on fabric, ceramic or paper.  I like happy designs like the work of Olle Eksell, Ingela P Arrhenius and Edholm Ullenius.  I am very fond of Scandinavian and folk design.

What would you like to do in the future?

I like the idea of having my own studio/shop so that I could combine a work and retail space and host art and craft workshops for children and adults alike.  I would also love to extend my range to items such as tote bags and screen prints.  I’m working on it!

What does handmade mean to you?

Handmade is an idea conceived independently without considering market value or popularity.   I make the things that I do because I like them and I’m sure that every other designer-maker will say the same.  It’s a bonus that other people like your designs too.  The day that you wake up in the morning and decide to create an item featuring a vampire on it because Twilight’s popular at the moment is a sad day indeed!

How would you describe your creative process?

I have a pocket sketchbook that I carry in my bag.  As soon as I get an idea I draw a quick sketch or make some basic notes about the design.  I then translate the idea into a working design using Adobe Illustrator.  I personally love using graphics software as you are able to change the look and feel of a design swiftly.  I usually try at least a dozen variations before settling on a final version.

Tell us about a funny experience you had while working.

My cat makes me laugh while I’m working as she walks around my work desk and she has a tendency to make herself comfortable right in front of the computer monitor!

Some of Sandra's work:

Sandra's:

Website: www.teaandceremony.co.uk

Independent Shop: www.teaandceremony.bigcartel.com

Etsy Shop: www.teaandceremony.etsy.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/teaandceremony

Don't you just love her?

She is making a giveaway!!
Look at all this lovely christmas badges!!                          

*Closed*
so... How can you win?!

It's really simple...

1. Follow the handmade blog.

2. Tell us about some item you

 liked of tea and ceremony. 

3. Tweet, facebook or post about 

this giveaway.

4. Write us a comment! 

(we are glad to listen to you!)

Good Luck!!

This giveaway is for England and the USA. The giveaway ends this Monday at 5:30 (PM).