Crafts Alive - Flowers and the Maker Collaboration - Jan Knibbs

Several Guild makers are collaborating with local florists who focus on sustainable practices to create installations at Rodmarton Manor, reflecting the theme for this year's show, 'Flowers and the Maker'. 

Textile artist Jan Knibbs has taken inspiration from the Arts and Crafts garden at Rodmarton Manor and the anonymous poem -
                                         
                                           “Your mind is a garden
                                            Your thoughts are the seeds
                                            You can grow flowers
                                            Or you can grow weeds”

She has used her couture embroidery skills to create a soft sculpture to represent a blooming brain as well as a collection of framed pieces, garments and embroidered jewellery. She is collaborating with florist Kate Colwell of Fox Lane Flowers to create a Secret Wonderland in one of the attic rooms and to show that weeds are actually only plants that are out of place.

Kate completed an apprenticeship at River Cottage, before setting up her own flower growing business, Fox Lane Flowers. Kate grows her flowers at Oakbrook Community Farm in Stroud, where she makes gorgeous seasonal bouquets and arrangements and offers courses and workshops.

Crafts Alive 'Flowers and the Maker' runs from September 10-14 at Rodmarton Manor, near Cirencester. Buy your ticket here.