Laura Sherriffs is an amazing designer whose business Fernweh creates beautifully crafted bags. The textural lunch bags make me want to pack up some sandwiches and a flask then head out for adventures! Laura gives us a glimpse into her creative life.

Lorna is a brilliant textile designer and tutor who is just about to open a new community print space called INK on MESH.

Aubin’s work uses simplified shapes and materials such as perspex, leather and pearls to create the most brilliant combination of shape and colour.

Rachel creates tactile practical and beautiful bags, cases, and purses. I’ve got one of her lovely crossover orange bags and I feel super stylish wearing it, plus my hands are free to chase the wee boss!

I first remember seeing Leanh’s work, this sunny orange arch popped out through the glass case. It had little flecks of white. It was stand out yet subtle, I didn’t think that could be a thing but this was exactly that. I got the necklace there and then and still have it now.

Why are you a creative?

I think it’s just a natural part of who I am? I’ve always been creative, and when my creativity has been curbed in the past I felt like I wasn’t really being me!

This season we are all trying to be a bit more sustainable with our gift choices, there’s been a great shift to supporting local and small businesses. Sometimes it can be hard to find when our search engines and feeds are being filled with big companies especially at this time of the year. So we’ve pulled together some amazing creatives for this local and sustainable gift guide.

Our first interviewee is the North East scarf queen Helen of Helen Ruth Scarves.