Gilbert and Stone began life on a 1 metre square table in my living room while I was on maternity leave with my second son. A lifetime of crafting led me to begin creating tiny items from clay- buttons, badges and Christmas decorations which I sold online and around craft markets. As the business grew, so did the items I made and I moved out of the house into a very cold and draughty workshop where I make mugs, bowls and egg cups, designing shapes that can be personalised and gifted on special occasions.

There's something very special about making pottery to mark life's big occasions. My ceramics have been part of birthdays, funerals, christenings, weddings and engagements- not to mention the hundreds of Christmas decorations I've made over the years. On Christmas Eve I always think of the decorations adorning trees up and down the country and the ceramic gifts waiting to be opened in the morning.