Heritage Crafts

Bone, feathers, metal, and clay, wood and wool, plants and pigments; using natural materials and ancient techniques to create art, artefacts, and mess!

What are heritage crafts?

Heritage crafts aim to use techniques and materials from the human past to create objects, some practical, some decorative! This can range from using specific hand tools to shape material, or using materials like bone which are now not often used. 

Crafts on Etsy

A range of hand-made objects using natural materials and ancient techniques, available through Etsy!

Custom orders and commissions

Get in touch to commission objects for your specific requirements; for individual use, educational materials, and even props.

Workshops

Coming soon! Learn how to use ancient techniques to make beautiful, and sometimes even useful items!

Crafts on Etsy

What's in stock?

We make all kinds of items for the Etsy shop! As well as special and one-off items, some of the usual suspects you'll find are bone dice and needles, ancient language tiles and sets, a range of quills, and reproductions of a range of artefacts. If you have any specific requests for custom items, or alterations to current items, please do get in touch through Etsy, or through our 'Contact us' section at the bottom of this page. 

Custom Orders

Do you need a specific historic or archaeological reproduction? A bespoke gift for an oddity collector? A prop? A tool? An accessory? I am able to work with bones, feathers, clay, wood, and fabric to create beautiful items to fit your requirements. Get in touch via our contact form at the bottom of the page, or through the Etsy shop!

What can be made?

Bone

Bone items are somewhat reliant on the size of bones available, but there is a lot of scope for what can be made, and there are many archaeological examples of bone carving for inspiration! I am able to take on custom orders for items which need specific specifications and/or decorations.

Examples include beads and pendants, needles, decorative hairpins, small blades such as letter openers, carved language tablets and inscriptions, and even small figures.

Wood

Wood can be carved in a similar way to bone, and while less hard and durable, has more available range in size, shape, and colour! While I largely work in reclaimed and upcycled woods, specific types can be sourced as needed for custom items.

Examples include beads and pendants, decorative hairpins, small blades such as letter openers, handles for tools, carved language tablets and inscriptions, and even small figures.

Feathers

Feathers are an incredible natural material! Hugely varied, and stunningly beautiful. I source my feathers only from sustainable and ethical sources. Where possible, I buy whole birds from ethical butchers and process them myself, and when that's not possible I buy from small ethical sellers with trusted reputations. 

Feathers can be used for a number of decorative items! Examples include writing quills, decorative wreaths and hangings, and jewellery and accessories. 

Composite items

Composite items use a number of different materials to achieve the final result. For example, while I do not primarily work with leather or glass, there are items I make that incorporate these materials!

Examples include small bags and pouches, jewellery, tools, wall hangings, and many more!

Workshops

More information on Illmade & Errant workshops will be coming soon! After teaching at the University College London experimental archaeology event for a number of years, I hope to offer heritage crafting experiences to individuals, school groups, and hobby clubs.

Watch this space!

Reviews

Create Your Own Website With Webador