Interview with Steph Marsden from Craft House Concept
Name: Steph Marsden
Creative field: Owner of Craft House Concept, furniture designer and maker
Website: www.livingwithcraft.com
Twitter: @crafthconcept
Facebook: Craft House Concept
Tell us a little about your background
I studied furniture design and production at Adam Smith College as a mature student. I had long been interested in design, but wanted to learn some practical skills as well. I decided to go for a local college in which traditional cabinet making skills were combined with design. I graduated from Adam Smith College in 2007 with an HND in Furniture Production and Design.
I was also awarded the Haldane UK Design Scholarship in 2007 and my magpie design industries collection was launched at the East London Design Show in 2009.
Tell us what you do
Working mainly in wood, I produce handmade, contemporary, sculptural furniture and design-led accessories. My magpie design industries collection has grown from a curiosity in finding stylish, creative and fun design solutions to handmade sustainable craft.
My new shop, Craft House Concept, showcases the best of British design-led craft for the home.
What inspired you to launch Craft House Concept?
It actually started with the thought of 'wouldn’t it be great to have a B and B where guests can stay somewhere where everything is handmade, local and you can buy it, too.'
As a furniture maker, I felt that it was important to have a space where both handmade furniture and other craft can sit side by side, whilst also supporting other up and coming British designer/makers who make work for the home.
I heard about the opportunity to become an interior sponsor for HLM’s Passivhaus at Scotland’s Housing Expo and thought this is something I’d like to do on a more permanent basis – engage new audiences with craft and the commissioning process. I saw the space in Minto Street, Newington and thought it was right for what I wanted to do. It all happened very quickly!
Can you describe your creative process?
Since I left college, I work in a more organic way – doodles on the back of an envelope, then straight into modelling /prototyping with my trusty jigsaw!
Where do you look for inspiration and ideas?
Being in a wonderful city like Edinburgh there’s so much out there to stimulate a creative person. Most of the ideas I have come from a silly conversation with friends though. My bite chopping board was made to compliment a rather stylish knife I had bought a friend for their birthday.
It’s been great forging some collaborative partnerships working with other designers, and this is something I’m keen to do more in the future with Craft House Concept.
Do you have favourite designers or styles?
Everything in the shop is a hand-picked favourite! My own personal style of design is contemporary, playful and eclectic – I furnish my home with stylish interesting objects made with a playful sense of humour and consideration of the environment. Many of my suppliers already are part of my home, such as Tabitha Bargh’s laminated recycled cardboard lampshades, Sarah Thirwell’s beautiful hand-turned vessels in ash/acrylic vessels, Studio at 37 squashed cups and mini moderns cushions.
The next things on the personal wishlist are Showpony’s Insect Soup cushions, a Susie Maroon venison leather iPhone cover and a Lorna Syson wallflower.
When you’re not being creative, you are…?
Eating, cooking and drinking real ale. I’m a member of Slow Food Edinburgh which promotes food which is good, clean and fair.
What’s the best advice you have been given about running your own business?
Be true to yourself and trust your own judgement. When you set up a business, it’s really important that you love what you do, you’re passionate about it and have moral integrity.
Are there any business problems that you consider are unique to a craft business?
I’m not going to shock anyone by saying pricing is often the biggest hurdle to overcome. The home interiors market is a strong one, but consumers are used to seeing cheap imported machine-made goods and throw-away trends.
As a maker myself, I completely understand the work, time and commitment involved to being a craft business. As a retailer, I think it’s important to articulate the value of buying from local independent businesses and support our British craft industry.
Can you tell us all about your future plans or ideas in the pipeline?
The next event we have is on Saturday 21st August. From 3pm, Simon Whately will be talking about his brand new range of furniture from it’s inspiration, prototyping, design challenges and the environment. Ooud Kitchen will also be supplying some rather lovely cake and tea . . . yum.
You can also see us at HLM's Passivhaus until 31st August at Scotland's Housing Expo.
The 'Concept' behind CHC is community – we have a flexible space that can be used for anything creative, be it exhibition, installation, workshops and we want the public and Creative Boomer’s to be involved. There are plans in the pipeline for us to be much more than just a shop, so opening is just the start . . .
If you have a similar vision and would like to part of the future of Craft House Concept please do contact me on 07900 901481.
Where do you shop, besides Craft House Concept, of course?
Moleta Munro for great design. Flux for great eco gifts. Korres for beauty products. Earthy and Real Foods for interesting larder products. Habitat for frames and inspiration!
Finally, what are your 5 favourite things about Edinburgh?
Green spaces, great food, culture, finding like-minded people and Leith. I love Leith!
Contact: info@livingwithcraft.com steph@magpiedesignindustries.com
Craft House Concept 31E Minto Street Edinburgh EH9 2BT
Phone: 0131 667 7700
Opening hours
Mon: 10:00 – 18:00 Wed - Sat: 10:00 – 18:00 Sun: 12:00 – 18:00
