Designer products at your fingertips

Interest in buying direct from local designer-makers has burgeoned over the past few years and it’s easy to see why.

You’re more likely to get something original that is well-made and you know exactly who created it, what from and why. Plus you are supporting the local economy. In short, it’s a deeply satisfying experience.

The only problem you may encounter is hunting out the right maker, which is why Sheffield-based Janet Paske has come up with a solution.

Janet has launched Craft Finder, a website that lists leading designer-makers along with galleries, events and fairs in the UK.

Janet, a former charity worker whose venture is lottery funded by the Arts Council, says: “At a time when supporting home-grown talent is increasingly important to consumers, Craft Finder helps shoppers to buy British through supporting independent retailers and championing the handmade.”

She is keen to stress that hers isn’t a site for craft hobbyists. It only features makers who are trained professionals. Nor is it a online shop.

“I think the nature of craft is that people like to see it and touch it before they buy. It’s very much a hands-on, visual experience and you don’t get that buying online,” she says.

A simple postcode and town search facility identifies all the makers, events and stockists in the area on a map. You can also compile a personal collection, selecting examples of work you would be happy to buy or receive, with the option of sharing the selection with friends and family. Another feature allows visitors to set up a list of their favourite makers,

Designers who want to be featured on the site are vetted and their listing is free for now, though there is to be a fee of £100 per year from September.

Janet says: “People love the Open Studios events, which allow them to discover designers they didn’t even realise existed and this idea grew from that. If you want to commission a furniture maker all you need to do is type in your postcode and you should get a list to choose from.”

Craft Finder also has advice on how to commission a furniture maker. Tips include:

Have an idea of the function of the piece as well as type of materials and style you are looking for. Putting together a mood-board, however simple, works well in giving the maker a sense of what you are looking for. You may wish to see examples of a maker’s work and to get testimonials from previous clients.

Have a reasonable idea of your budget. If you are more flexible, get the designer to create both a high-end and low-end concept to choose from. Ask if any other fees are likely to be encountered, and if payments are to be made in instalments.

Set a deadline. Creating something new from scratch can be an unpredictable process so you should get a reasonable idea from the maker how long the job will take.

Finally, make sure you give feedback to the designer and, if you are happy, write a testimonial on their website/Facebook. This will help them to attract more clients.