At WHAT IF Paisley Ltd we have a whole family of makers through our Maker Membership Programme.  This month we’re using one of our windows to feature Starfish on Harris.  Sarah was the first to send in the completed questionnaire sent out - read on to find out more about Sarah and her makes.

When asked what she makes and for the story behind what she does Sarah said:

“I make a variety of things really, whatever I feel like making. I love to recycle/ upcycle things to give them a new lease of life, I don't really like waste. I make cake stands from old antique crockery, decoupage anything I can find. I love going to beaches to see what I can find, I metal detect too , but mostly find old tin cans.

I love making things from shells, I like making trinket dishes and decoupaging from a pretty paper I find. 

I've always been creative in many ways really. My dream was to go to art school, more interested in design rather than fine art. I did graphic design but didn't enjoy the course much.

Since then I've worked ever since. I currently work for a support company in Kilmarnock where I support someone in their own home. So really I'm just creative in my spare time. Although at work I do a lot of arts & crafts and make things from cardboard which is quite fun.”

I asked if Sarah currently offers or plans to offer any workshops on her craft, she said:

“Currently due to my commitments at work and at home I'm not able to offer workshops right now but it's something that would be nice in the future. - ( I think I'd need your support on that one Catherine).”

Some food for thought there, watch out for our maker focused workshops coming up in the next few months.

I asked Sarah for a fun fact and was amazed at her design history:

“A fun fact is about 10 years ago I designed a shoe for hush puppies. It was a competition called 'shoeperstar' and I was one of 5 finalists. My shoe was made in china and fabric from India I think and I had a few trips to London. I won shoes for a year and got a makeover from Helen Mirrin’s Stylist and got the most beautiful dress. The article was in the guardian too so I had my 5 minutes of fame.”

The Pic we have shows Sarah with her winning shoes and looking gorgeous in her beautiful dress.

I asked why Sarah sells through WHAT IF Paisley Ltd:

“I have all of my stock in the What If shop in Paisley which I'm so grateful for as I probably wouldn't have any things I make out there. This really has given me a boost and encouraged me to make things, so thanks so much Catherine for this.” 

And finally I asked Sarah where else our customers could find her:

“Customers can find me on Instagram @starfishonharris. I don't really post much as I'm not too great at updating.  ( I need a kick up the bum with that one )”

You can see Sarah’s work here at WHAT IF and check her out on Instagram.

If you fancy joining our maker family then please check out the info on the web site, or pop in and have a chat.

And look out for the Maker focussed workshops coming up in the next few months.

Catherine 💝✨