Meet The Makers: Women of Lewes
Lewes is home to a wealth of creative talent, where artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs dedicate their craft to sustainable, thoughtful practices. This Christmas, we invite you to support local makers by considering their unique workshops and handmade offerings for your gifts. From analogue photography to perfumery, jewellery design, and floral artistry, these talented women are shaping the creative landscape of East Sussex. Each offers a chance to learn their craft while supporting local businesses. Here’s a closer look at four inspiring women whose work will add beauty and depth to your gift giving this festive season.
This showcase is curated in collaboration with The Makers Directory in Lewes.
Torz Dallison: Capturing Time with Film
Analogue Photographer
Torz Dallison brings portraiture to life through the magic of film photography. Based in Lewes, Torz’s approach is rooted in the tactile and timeless quality of analogue photography, where each shot carries depth, warmth, and a personal connection. With a Photography MA from Brighton University, Torz works from her studio, 71 Darkroom, Lewes, offering a bespoke experience for her clients. Whether you’re looking to create cherished family portraits or professional images, her medium format film sessions offer an intimate, hands-on process that creates beautiful, lasting results.
Workshop to Explore:
Analogue Film Shoot Experience
Over two days, participants will master the fundamentals of black and white photography, including a hands-on photo walk, film processing, and darkroom techniques. With a small class size of just three, they will receive personalised instruction. Participants can bring their own camera or borrow one from Torz's selection.
Mollie Pailing: Jewellery with Purpose
Jeweller and Sustainability Advocate
Mollie Pailing is a jeweller whose passion for architecture and geometric design informs her stunning creations. Inspired by her love for linear forms, Mollie crafts unique pieces for everyday wear within thoughtfully curated collections and offers bespoke commissions that actively involve clients in the design journey.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, Mollie prioritises using recycled and ethically sourced materials, embodying her ethos of "reuse and remodel." Her pieces are not only designed to be cherished but also to leave a minimal environmental footprint, ensuring they last for generations.
Workshop to Explore:
Wax Ring Workshop
Mollie offers Wax Ring Workshops, where participants can learn the art of wax carving in an intimate setting. In these small classes, you'll design and create your own bespoke ring, gaining hands-on experience in the techniques behind lost-wax cast jewellery.
Amy Bell: Floral Stylist
Floral Stylist and Vintage Enthusiast
Set within the tranquil gardens of Hamsey House, Amy Bell’s floral workshops bring nature’s beauty into your home. Drawing inspiration from the English countryside, Amy uses seasonal flowers and vintage styling to create arrangements that exude charm and elegance.
Passionate about allowing plants to express themselves, she draws inspiration from unconventional cuttings to craft unique wreaths and floral arrangements. Her site features a beautiful flower garden, a wildflower meadow, and a willow farm, all of which enrich her workshops and emphasise her deep connection to the garden.
Whether you’re looking to create a gold-leafed gift or a handcrafted Christmas wreath, her workshops are a wonderful way to embrace the festive spirit. With over 40 years of history at Hamsey House, Amy’s family garden serves as the perfect backdrop for her classes, where students can connect with nature and explore the art of floral design.
Workshop to Explore:
Floristry Workshops
Join Amy Bell’s floral workshops, where you can enjoy the art of floral arranging, seasonal wreath making, and even gold leaf gilding.
Nancy Meiland: Scenting Your Story
Perfumer and Trained Nose
Nancy Meiland’s perfumes are an ode to nature’s raw beauty, translating the wilderness of the South Downs into fragrant stories. With a background in designing bespoke scents for individuals seeking something entirely unique, her creations offer a sensory experience unlike any other. Nancy’s ready-to-wear scents are inspired by the diverse landscapes of the South Downs, showcasing her artistry and deep connection to the region.
Her signature scenting experience goes beyond simply choosing a fragrance; it’s about distilling the essence of who you are into a luxurious, personal perfume. Her workshops provide the perfect opportunity to create a fragrance for yourself or as a cherished gift for someone special, allowing you to engage with the artistry behind each exquisite scent.
Workshop to Explore:
Signature Scenting Experience
Explore Nancy's workshops, where you can choose between the signature scent experience, immersive perfume-making classes, or personalised perfume consultations.
This showcase is curated in collaboration with The Makers Directory in Lewes.
