March Meet the Maker or #MarchMeettheMaker is a wonderful Instagram challenge that happens every March. First created in 2016 by Joanna Hawker the challenge involves posting something with a new prompt every day for the 31 days of March. The prompts all help you get to know the people behind the brand, see how products are made as well as things like the struggles people face and lessons they have learned. Now five years in and with small businesses and makers around the globe taking part, the challenge is huge on Instagram and something I really look forward to!
Meet the Makers
I have been taking part for the last three years and I love it! The maker community is really wonderful and it’s so great to find other small businesses, see what people get up to behind the scenes and get to know more about the businesses you love. With such a big following it can be a bit overwhelming but I do try and have a browse throughout the month and build up a little list of things I find that catch my eye. It’s often a very helpful list to come back to at birthdays and Christmas too!
My post for March Meet the Maker day 1: Brand Introduction
I thought I would share a little selection of some wonderful creative makers who have taken part that I have come across this year. As I said the challenge is huge now so this is only a very small insight into some of those involved, but I hope you enjoy my little selection!
Rachel Mammone Paints
Rachel is a super talented artist who creates beautiful work inspired by the sea and sky. The colours in her paintings are even more wonderful in real life so if you are looking for an original artwork or print then do take a look at Rachel’s wonderful work on her website here!
Izzie artisan
Izzie creates amazing botanical jewellery & artwork from recycled materials in her Brighton studio. You can find more of her work on her Etsy page here.
Kirsty Williams Ceramics
Kirsty is creator of wonderful tactile ceramics, I bought one of her beautiful yellow mugs after finding her page through March Meet the Maker and immediately became my favourite mug. Head to her Etsy shop here to see some more of her beautiful work.
Katie Chappell
Katie is an illustration genius and all round lovely human. This portrait she created as part of March Meet the Maker was one of my favourite things I saw! Head over to her website here to find out all about what she does (do you know what live illustration is? Katie can tell you and she it’s amazing at it!!).
Lellibelle Designs
Helen produces cards and gifts from her amazing freehand embroidery pieces. This close up of her Kingfisher shows just a glimpse of the intricate work she creates. To see more of Helen’s work click here to head to her website.
Chris Millard
Chris is an hugely talented illustrator and designer who (amongst other wonderful pieces) is working through an illustrated alphabet which he puts together for these custom name signs and they are beautiful! Click here to see more of his work over on his website.
The Land of the Cuckoo
Amy is an illustrator and designer maker based in Yorkshire, her work is bold, fun and colourful and there are so. many of her pieces that I love. Click here to see more of her work in her Etsy shop.
Nicola Watson Illustrator
A freelance illustrator from Manchester, Nicola’s work is just delightful. This witty little thief caught my eye as one of the March Meet the Maker prompts and it’s also a great saying to remind yourself of as a maker (or any human really!). Head to her instagram here to see more of her work.
Bella and Bear Keepsakes
I saw this wonderful embroidered copy of a children’s drawing and just thought it was such a wonderful way to recreate a special treasure! Collette makes beautiful teddy bears, quilts and other keepsakes from your favourite pieces of children’s clothing, capturing memories through her stitching. Click here to see more on her website.
Rebekah Marshall Artist
Rebekah’s work is all about chickens and that is right up my street. I love her illustrations of different types of chickens and their beautiful eggs. I also love her instagram feed with updates of her own lovely chickens! Click here to visit her Etsy shop and see more of her wonderful work.
If you want to find more makers you can head over to Instagram and search the hashtag #MarchMeettheMaker or follow along next year in March! If you can’t wait Joanne also does a meet the maker week before Christmas (usually late November), so keep an eye out on her page (you can find it here to give her a follow) if you’d like to keep up to date and keep exploring all the wonderful work by brilliantly talented people!
If you took part or found something or someone you’d like to share I would love to hear about it and you can comment below or drop me and email and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
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