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Carmarthenshire Crafts
Studios and workshops specialising in pottery, glassware, painting, sculpture and woodcarving can be found all over the county and many open their doors to visitors.
Visit potters, sculptors and artists at work in unique surroundings or see it all under one roof at the impressive West Wales Centre for the Crafts at St Clears. Some traditions can be traced back centuries - the clear fast-flowing waters of the Teifi once powered countless woollen mills, now only a handful remain. Enjoy the diverse craft experiences this county has to offer by following the Carmarthenshire Craft Trail.
Ceramics by Jonathan Cox, Peniel.
This is a fascinating display of ceramic art - from the traditional to the strikingly modern; from flowers to 'facepots'. A distinctive feature of the work is the decorative process of tubelining which gives a raised effect to the decoration. jonathancoxceramics.co.uk
Crafts Alive, Llandeilo.
The shop provides a selling platform for individual high-quality arts and crafts including wood turning, ceramics, ironwork, soap, textiles and hand-knits, jewellery, glass, natural cosmetics and more. The shop is manned by volunteers. If they don’t have what you want - they can usually put you in touch with someone who can make it.
crafts-alive.co.uk
Curlew Weavers Woollen Mill, Rhydlewis.
This is a family firm specialising in the production of a wide range of woollen fabrics, including tweeds, flannels, dress materials and upholstery fabrics. The whole process from the yarn to the finished article takes place here. The mill also produces travel rugs, tablecloths, ties and made to measure curtains.
westwales.co.uk/curlew.htm
Diane Mathias, Fine Art Studio, Henllan.
Diane paints atmospheric scenes from around Carmarthenshire and the surrounding countryside in oils and pastels. Her subjects include many of the most tranquil places which, in our busy lives, may be passed by unnoticed.
dianemathias.com
Dorothy Morris, Fine Art Silk & Ceramics, Ferryside.
Dorothy is an experienced art teacher, lecturer and practising artist working in a wide range of materials including textiles, ceramics, mixed media and more traditional mediums such as watercolours and acrylics. She draws her inspiration from the environment around her, especially Ferryside her home village. (dorothy morris)
talented-art.com
Felingwm Pottery, Felingwm.
Commemorative wares such as 'one offs' to celebrate births, marriage and anniversaries, are the speciality of Felingwm Pottery. They make popular gifts as well as being of interest to collectors and local historians.
felingwmpottery.co.uk
Gwili Pottery, Pontarsais.
Gwili Pottery produces a wide range of hand-thrown, hand-painted earthenware ceramics in both traditional and contemporary designs. Visit the studio, showrooms and the beautiful landscaped gardens which provide inspiration for artists and potters. gwilipottery.com
Janet Bristoll, near LLandysul.
Artworks available to buy in a range of sizes to suit your wall space and interior design. Please check out the online canvas prints gallery. Commission a painting for your home or office / workplace or as a gift. With a diverse range of styles, semi abstract, landscape, portrait and seascape paintings there will be something to suit everyone.
janetbristoll.co.uk
King Street Gallery, Carmarthen.
The gallery offers a wide range of original and affordable artwork. Among the salient exhibits are large ceramic pieces based on the female form with striking glazes; elegant horse sculptures crafted from porcelain, metal and stone; vibrantly coloured stained glass and beautifully crafted wooden bowls.
kingstreetgallery.co.uk
Laugharne Glass, Laugharne.
Watch glass-blowers skilfully fashion works of art from the molten 'metal' in the glare of the furnaces. Only age-old traditional methods of manufacture are used here. The studio is also a world-renowned originator of fine design in hallmarked silver overlay.
laugharneglass.com
Makepeace Cabinetmaking, Pentrecwrt.
Specialists in beautiful hand crafted fitted and free standing furniture including dressers, tables, wardrobes, kitchens and more. All designed and made to your specification.
makepeace-furniture.com
Mellangth Stained Glass, Carmarthen.
Artists at this studio design and produce a wide range of products using the traditional methods of leading and foiling, as well as glass fusing. Just come in and watch as they work or browse in the gallery area.
mellangth.co.uk
Merlin’s Hill Wool Collection, Abergwili.
The Merlin’s Hill collection is made from 100 per cent pure wool from a flock of Jacob sheep that are naturally reared on Merlin’s Hill. The breed’s unusual colourings are the inspiration behind this exquisite collection which includes blankets, scarves and throws. Sheepskin rugs are also available.
merlinshill.com
Moriath Glass, Cwmpengraig
This gallery displays a sparkling selection of kiln-formed studio glass. Vibrant, striking colours are a main feature of the artist’s work, along with the use of colour-refracting dichroic glass in jewellery.
moriathglass.co.uk
Neil Richardson Ceramics, Trevaughan.
Neil has a distinctive, unmistakable style using glazes which have been specifically blended to enhance each individual form using both chemical and natural compounds. Neil is both maker and teacher. raku.co.uk
Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Carmarthen.
A regional fine and applied art gallery featuring an exciting varying programme of exhibitions. There’s a specialist craft retail area showing the highest quality design-led craft by local and national makers.
orielmyrddingallery.co.uk
Origin, Carmarthen.
Origin is a local co-operative now based in the lovely old Hardings shop at 23 King Street, Carmarthen. You will find fine art and high quality crafts including ceramics, glass, wood, textiles and jewellery among other more unusual items. The shop is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. All the products are made in or around Carmarthenshire and the shop is manned by the makers on a rota basis so customers can discuss how pieces are made and the inspiration behind the work. Most of the makers will also take commissions. More details about the co-operative and the individual artists and makers can be found on the website.
origincarmarthen.co.uk
Roy Thedvall (Artist Blacksmith), near Crymych.
Traditional forging methods are used to produce a range of products both big and small which can be viewed in the on-site gallery or at one of many annual shows. Materials used are mainly wrought iron, steel, copper, slate and marble. Products include: candleholders, sconces, clocks, companion sets and sculptures. Unique trophy designs are also available for creation as per request.
roythedvall.co.uk
Saith Gallery & Café, Burry Port.
Teas, coffee, cakes and light refreshments. Great range of art on show, including paintings, photographs, sculpture, crafts and ceramics. The majority, if not all of the art is by local artists and is of a very high quality, very reasonable prices too! There will be craft courses, painting, spinning and other classes. Also introducing 'Speed Crafting' where you try lots of crafts in one day!
saithgallery.com
Siramik, Alltwallis.
Share in the delight of turning a ball of clay into a beautiful pot you can take home and enjoy! Siramik offers clay workshops at your home or in the community. Guaranteed mess free!
siramik.co.uk
The Gate Craft Centre, St Clears.
Situated in the heart of St. Clears in beautiful rural Carmarthenshire. Originally a mill, then the Farmers’ Co-Operative Stores, in its new guise this lovely stone building retains much of its original character and still acts as a focal point within the town. Offering a wide variety of facilities, events and activities, including classes and demonstrations, exhibitions and a paint-your-own pottery studio. the-gate.org
The Maker’s Mark, Newcastle Emlyn.
Under the roof of this lovely Georgian building you’ll find the work of more than 70 craftsmen, including original paintings, prints, ceramics, felt, wood, glass and jewellery. The Maker’s Mark prides itself on offering an alternative to high street mass production.
themakersmark.co.uk
The Old Smithy Craft Shop & Heritage Centre, Cenarth.
The Old Smithy is one of the main tourist attractions in the picturesque village of Cenarth. A new gallery showcases the work of local artist Kathryn Harvey. The shop sells hand produced crafts and gifts made in Wales as well as locally made jam, honey, ice cream and chocolates. britinfo.net
Waun Hir Pottery, Llandeilo.
Storage jars, casseroles and lemon squeezers are just some of the tried and tested range of Nick Membery’s kitchen pottery made with the cook in mind. All pots are individually hand-made and richly glazed either speckled blue or white with unglazed 'toasted' rims being a feature.
kitchen-pottery.co.uk
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