Mollie Makes Awards 2017

I was so thrilled and honoured to be asked to be on the panel of judges for this year's Mollie Makes Handmade Awards 2017. I was very familiar with the event as I'd won the Established Business Award in it's first year in 2014. 

The event took place on a boat on the Thames which was good fun in itself. The whole day was fabulous from start to finish and I returned to Devon buzzing with enthusiasm. 

I spent most of the day listening to pitches from all the various shortlisted categories - a real mix of creative talent and diversity. I loved seeing everyone's work, listening to people's dreams, aspirations and ideas. Such a 'fruit salad' of creativity. 

The panel itself was an incredible mix of talent too - the textile designer Donna Wilson, Fiona Humberstone of The Brand Stylist, Sara Tasker of Me & Orla, Blogtacular founder Kat Molesworth, Patricia van den Akker of The Design Trust, Katy Faulkner of West Elm and Kate Allchin from Pinterest. It was super interesting to meet and hear the responses from the panel and have discussions with them. Our final decisions weren't always easy and we had to vote with our eyes closed on numerous occasions. 

The event finished on the top deck with some inspirational words from Donna Wilson followed by the rewards ceremony and prosecco. 

Here's a photo of all the winners - you can read more about them here.

Esther Thorpe (Origami Est), Jacqueline Colley, Lucy Tiffney, Joanne Hawkes and Rosa Pietsch. A huge thank you to the wonderful team at Mollie Makes for putting on such a terrific, inspiring event.

The Judges.