Meet The Maker: Hannah Way

Who are you, where are you from and what do you make?

I’m Hannah! I’m a Welsh girl in Wakefield and I make a lot of Candlesticks.

What inspires you?

I love 70’s homeware! All the shapes and colours, they’ve been a big inspo for me when I design my pieces. A bit mental but functional.

What is your workshop luxury?

A sit down with a full fat coke. I have an old industrial standing wheel, she’s a bit of a beast and very loud so any time I can take a break is lovely.

Your favourite studio lunch?

My lunch prep is severely lacking. Most of the time it’s leftovers or a cuppa tea and biscuits but sometimes i treat myself to a sausage, bean and cheese pasty from Greggs.

Best spot in the British Isles?

The land of my Fathers.. Wales.

What do you find challenging about being a creative?

Having to start all over again! I’ve had a few explosions in the kiln which has taken out the majority of my work, it can be absolutely devastating. Trying to find the motivation after having months of work disappear in the blink of an eye really takes it out of you.

What would you like to learn next?

My absolute goal would be to make a candelabra! Maybe even a chandelier…. Just got to figure out how to actually do it!

How do you let your hair down?

I’m a bit of a grandma, I absolutely love sitting on my sofa watching tele or reading a book.

Maybe an afterwork pint if I can be persuaded.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Love a bit of Jungle.. The band, not the genre.

What makes you feel well chuffed?

Opening the kiln and everything has gone exactly how it was meant too. No explosions or weird unexplainable glaze disasters just some gawjus looking candlesticks!

What is your fave recipe?

My classic go-to is a carbonara… all that cheesy creamy goodness.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I have so many talented and creative women in my life it’s hard not to be inspired everyday but my biggest is probably my sister Ellie. She’s a designer, printmaker and absolute boss. Her work ethic is out of this world and she still finds the time to help me when I’m having a wobble.

What is your fave item on The Chuffed Store?

It changes every week but at the moment it’s got to be the patchwork cushions by Slow Progress. Those colour combos are stunning!

Spring, summer, autumn or winter?

Without a shadow of a doubt, Summer!! Any time I have a tan is the best time.

Which tool would you like to add to your workshop?

Mud tools (very aptly named) make these deathly sharp trimming tools, think of all those satisfyingly crisp edges I could get!!

It may have to be my Christmas present to myself.

And, lastly, one question you would like us to ask the next Meet the Maker….?

The question of all questions…..Marmite? Yes or no?