Make and Do, Bristol

Learn how-to make your own lampshade and applique lampshade pannel with Make and Do in Brislington.

Check out Make Your Own Lampshade on Cut Out + Keep Check out Applique Lampshade Panel on Cut Out + Keep

How did you get started?

Make and Do started at the end of 2010. I had given up my job as a secondary school art teacher over a year earlier to have my first child and was already actively involved in the arts and creativity in Bristol, having run a community art space and chaired Southbank Bristol Arts. I was finding it increasingly difficult to find the supplies I liked using. This teamed with a passion for teaching and inspiring creativity led to the beginnings of Make and Do. Initially I sold online and at local events whilst teaching classes at community centres and my kitchen. Fabrics, ribbons and buttons began to take over my house, so with encouragement from friends and customers the business moved in to a shop. The Make and Do Emporium moved to its current location in September 2013 and has become something magical full of all of my favourite things with a team of three talented staff, two of whom also run their own hand made businesses (Sockjems Creations and Stokes Croft Stitching)

Where are you located?

The Make and Do Emporium is in Brislington, South Bristol, England. Sandy Park road has a friendly village feel and is packed full of independent shops.

Which products do you specialise in?

We have a fantastic, varied range of cotton prints and plain dyed cottons used for quilting, soft furnishings and dressmaking. And all sorts of fabulous ribbons, trims and buttons.

We have also developed our own range of sewing kits to make things like an owl and a button tortoise and send out a monthly subscription inspirations pack full of crafty goodies with project ideas.

Do you have a particular favorite product that you sell?

This is really hard because I love everything in the shop, I have pretty much filled it with my favourite things. My all time favourite product is Bondaweb, a product fusible on both sides but with a paper backing. I create a lot of applique work so wouldn't be without it. Although I'd also be lost without my Olfa rotary cutter and my Omnigrid. In terms of fabric Valori Wells and Joel Dewberry have yet to bring out a collection I don't love and there are some gorgeous designs coming from the British based Dashwood Studios.

What's on the stereo?

Anything a bit cheesy that we can sing along to.

Where else should we visit in your area?

We are lucky to be in an area full of great independent shops. Almost opposite we have Direct Sewing Machines, Bristol's only specialist sewing machine and accessories shop, they often help me find sewing machine feet that I didn't even know I needed. At the bottom of the hill Shiney Rocks stock a fantastic range of beads and jewelery making supplies, it's a bit like walking into a glitter ball. In between there is a fabulous florist (worth a visit just for the amazing smell), a bakery and a really friendly cafe. Also nearby is Get Knitted which is crammed full of knitting and crochet supplies.

Do you host any workshops, classes or special events?

We teach regular workshops in all sorts of textile based crafts from making simple cushion covers to lampshades to clothes using gorgeous patterns by Oliver and S. Our weekly craft club is really popular and has been running since the beginning, we meet every Friday evening and make something different each week, whilst drinking tea and coffee and eating biscuits.