Pilot Schools Project

Architect and Designer-Maker Eve Eunson was born and raised on Fair Isle, Shetland. In 2018 she began an ambitious research project to trace, survey and recreate the traditional chairs of her native isle. Through the Fair Isle Chairs Project, the Heritage Crafts Association became aware of the precarious nature of the future of the Fair Isle Strawback Chair and listed the technique on their Red List of Critically Endangered Crafts. Inspired by the chairs, Eve’s ‘Knotted Baskets’ guide shows how to make your own basket using the same knotting and binding technique.

Stefanie Ying Lin Cheong is an Artist Jeweller from Fife, whose work is underpinned by ethical making. Stefanie works predominantly in Fairtrade and recycled metals, combined with rock which she sources from across Scotland. She uses traditional stone cutting techniques with a contemporary aesthetic often with interchangeable elements that encourage the wearer to consider sustainable design. Stefanie’s guide ‘Making Impressions’ explores materials and their connection to the man made and natural world and shows how to cast your own future fossil using natural materials.

Deirdre Nelson is an Irish artist-maker creating textiles which explore humour, place and social history. She partners traditional techniques with contemporary processes such as digital print, to create work which is not only exhibited but presented through artist residencies and within education and community projects. Deirdre’s practice has been aptly described as ‘quiet activism’, advocating for the circular economy and environmental and social justice. Deirdre’s guide ‘Care not Consume’ is a series of activities focused on the circular economy and mending textiles.