These highly regarded national awards, first launched in 2009. It is a public online vote for British and Irish designer makers whose work is represented in Selected. Craft&Design hosts a prestigious online gallery at craftmaker.
The online public vote, which is open from 1st January until 31st March, determines a shortlist of twelve makers in each of six categories. The panel of judges select select six finalists. Specialist invited judges, together with the Craft&Design panel, subsequently assess the work of the finalists to establish one Gold Award Winner, two Silver Award Winners and three Finalists in each category, with just one person being awarded the top accolade of craft&design Maker of the Year Award.
Craft and design is alive and thriving in Britain today. These Awards successfully promote the work of talented designer makers internationally. The online public vote enables people to browse the site, vote for their favourite makers, and at the same time discover new and exciting work.
Whilst the Public Vote plays a vital role in deciding the finalists for each category, the Invited Specialist Judges and craft&design panel brings an important element of expertise to the proceedings.
Images of Saskia Shutt at work in her workshop in the heart of Brussels; Top left: checking the gemstone fits the silver rubover collet which she just made Top right: after soldering a post on the ear stud. Saskia is sinking the ear stud into the cement so she can set the gemstone. Bottom left: Saskia is saw piercing silver sheet in preparation to fold it over. Bottom right: annealing silver. The Craft & Design awards are upon us again! Please, could I ask you to vote for me and increase my chances of winning the award. Thank you.