This month we’re focusing on Agnis Smallwood, a maker whose workshops are always popular at Chirpy.

Here’s a little interview we did with Agnis.

Tell me a little bit about yourself

My name is Agnis Smallwood and I am a Designer, Maker, Researcher and Educator. I love all things textiles though I specialise in weaving. I live close to Chirpy in neighbouring Meanwood and work from my studio at home. As well as designing and weaving my own products I also deliver lots of workshops across the county. I love sharing with people traditional craft skills and techniques, whether that be through courses or one off workshops.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

I have always been creative and have been fortunate to be able to pursue this as a career. I went to Cumbria Institute of the Arts to study on the Art Foundation Course, this is where I fell in love with weaving and went on to stay to study a BA in Contemporary Applied Arts to develop my skills. Since graduating in 2009 I have developed my business to enable me to share my making and teaching with others.

What the best bit about running workshops?

The participants! I love getting to meet lots of different people and to make and create with them. Some people I meet just once and others I see more regularly and get to share in their creative journeys. I love it when I see people a few months after a workshop and I hear about what they have been doing at home and how they have expanded their knowledge. Workshops are always lots of fun and there is something really enjoyable about making alongside others and sharing in the experience together.

What’s the favourite thing you’ve created?

Hard question! I think it changes if I am honest as my work developes and changes. I am still proud of the range of scarves I launched last Autumn/Winter after such a difficult year for everyone. In the first lockdown I had spent much of my time learning to garden, it was maybe inevitable that this time would permeate into my work and hence inspire a range of scarves called, 'At the Bottom of the Garden' featuring 5 scarves inspired by different vegetables, Radish, Carrots, Tomato, Leek and Potatoes!

Is there a craft you’d like to try which you never have?

I have never used glass as a media before. I think having a go at some glass blowing at some point would be incredibly fun, though I am not sure you would get the opportunity to correct a mistake like you do in weaving!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to try something new?

Go for it! Workshops are great for exploring a new craft, as unless it is an Intermediate or Advanced course I never assume that participants have any prior knowledge so I always make sure that you get a good foundation from which to enjoy making and exploring a new craft. You never know what craft skill you are going to get totally absorbed by unless you have a go.

You can join Agnis on one of her Festive workshops at Chirpy

Christmas Fabric Wreath : 26th November

Contemporary Festive Wreath : 2nd December

Woven Christmas Baubles : 10th December