www.burnishworks.co.uk

If you’ve seen us, or other artists and makers, talking about Open Studios and never been to one, there are some great reasons to drop by when they are on. Here are just a few reasons why us makers want you to visit…!

Meet The Makers

Quite often studios and workshops don’t open standard hours like shops do, and because of that, many makers normally ask that you to make an appointment, or arrange a time to come in, so an open studio is the perfect opportunity to drop into the workshop, to meet the people that make the products, without an appointment. Often it’s just the final product that you see online or in a store, but this gives you the chance to say hello to the people behind the work, find out more about their practice & see them at work in their happy place!

Buy New Work

Makers tend to use the Open Studios as a chance to offer brand new, exclusive & limited edition pieces to clients, straight from the workbench, before they get sent out to other galleries or stockists. There will be other products or collections available there that those galleries or shops don’t stock, too. That can include sale pieces or one of a kind production samples that will only be sold direct from the workshop, so it’s a fantastic time to pick up completely unique pieces that no-one else will have, or nab a bargain. If you’ve only bought or seen the artist’s work online before, seeing it in person makes a huge difference.

See Behind The Scenes

You get a better appreciation of where & how each piece is made when you see the maker’s workspace. What tools do they use? How long does it take to make? How do they come up with designs and ideas? When a maker’s work is mostly handmade, watching them at work will really give you an understanding of the amount of work, time & skill that goes into each piece.

Discuss A Possible Project

If you love the style or work of a particular designer, or maker, & have an idea of something that you’d like them to make completely bespoke for you, this is where you can arrange to discuss the idea further. Makers generally love to get stuck into a good project, where they can unleash their design skills. Especially when there’s a real sentiment or reason behind it, and working with the client to create something totally unique is so rewarding. If bespoke isn’t what you’re after, makers can also customise existing designs just for you, such as adding engraving or changing the size, or colour.

Plan A Workshop

Seeing the space where the work is made might inspire you to try it yourself. Skilled crafts people love to pass on their knowledge and skills to passionate people who want to learn, and they are in the best space to do that – their own fully equipped workshop. You can book in for scheduled classes, workshops or taster sessions, to get an idea if it’s really something you’d like to do more of. If the planned workshops or dates don’t work for you, you can always arrange a private class to try a skill you’ve always wanted to have a go at, with friends or family, or maybe a special occasion, for another suitable time.

Support Local Creative Businesses

Lastly, by going to Open Studios, you are supporting small, local businesses, and people that really do always need community support. The great thing about buying direct from the maker is, you know your money is going straight to them. Even if you don’t buy something on that visit, you know where they are for next time you might want to source a unique gift. Pick up a business card & tell your friends & family to check out the maker’s website, where you’ll find more of the maker’s local events or craft fairs, and get yourself down to the next Open Studio!

See the here to find out when the next Burnish Works Open Studio is.