0:00:03 > 0:00:07Britain's long handmade heritage is something we should all be proud of.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11But many of those traditional skills are under threat.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Some risk disappearing for ever.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16I want to stop that decline, and I need your help, so,
0:00:16 > 0:00:20come on, join me, Paul Martin, and my Handmade Revolution!
0:00:42 > 0:00:45This summer, the search has been on
0:00:45 > 0:00:48for the very best of amateur British makers.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50When I saw glasswork, I just fell in love with it,
0:00:50 > 0:00:52and thought, "that's for me."
0:00:52 > 0:00:54We will find out if have they got what it takes
0:00:54 > 0:00:57to make something valuable that will stand the test of time.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59They've certainly got the passion.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Self-smithing gave me the confidence that I could do something great.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Oh, yeah, definitely try and take it to another level.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09That would be the ultimate ambition for me.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12But what we haven't told them is just what an amazing opportunity
0:01:12 > 0:01:15we have lined up for one talented individual.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20The chance to see their work at the spiritual home of the handmade.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25I'm please to announce the judges' favourite today is...
0:01:28 > 0:01:32In this series I'm celebrating our talented British makers
0:01:32 > 0:01:34and I'll show you how to get involved.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42A Jinney Ring, or gin-gang, was a large wheel like this one,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45turned by horse power to drive farm machinery.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48In fact, the word "engine" derives from this term.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Now, here at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre, in Worcestershire,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54a group of dedicated craftsmen and women are some of the engines
0:01:54 > 0:01:58powering the drive to keep our craft heritage alive.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01So, how many of the handmade pieces
0:02:01 > 0:02:05we see will last decades to become valued antiques of the future?
0:02:07 > 0:02:11And watch while I have my wood-working ability tested
0:02:11 > 0:02:14to the limit, skills which you could learn.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- Good work! - Everything was moving then.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21We have five amateur makers with us today,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25whose talent and skill have brought them a fantastic opportunity
0:02:25 > 0:02:30to present their finest work to our panel of hard-to-please judges.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34Mary Jane Baxter is all about the handmade,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37and spreads the word through her writing, teaching,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- and work as a milliner. - There's real talent out there.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43There's so many brilliant British makers.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45I can't wait to see what we find.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Textile designer Piyush Suri has an eye for detail,
0:02:49 > 0:02:50and is an entrepreneur who
0:02:50 > 0:02:54encourages up and coming designer-makers.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56There's a revival in handmade all across Britain,
0:02:56 > 0:02:58and I absolutely love being a part of it.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02And our Head Judge, Glenn Adamson, is renowned
0:03:02 > 0:03:06in the world of craft writing and research for his expert opinions.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Britain has a deep and wonderful craft heritage.
0:03:10 > 0:03:11I'm looking forward to meeting people
0:03:11 > 0:03:14who are taking that tradition into the future.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17There's a lot to play for, because what our makers don't know yet
0:03:17 > 0:03:20is that one of today's finalists will earn
0:03:20 > 0:03:24the career break of a lifetime - the chance to see their work on display,
0:03:24 > 0:03:29alongside the stunning collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35There's a groundswell of support behind my handmade revolution,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39whose aim is to keep traditional skills alive and kicking.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42But it's time to start our search for today's judges' favourite.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Will graphic designer Laura Hart have what it takes
0:03:52 > 0:03:54to impress judge Mary Jane?
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Laura, you've brought this beautiful piece along,
0:04:00 > 0:04:04and I gather that you are a bit of a fan of orchids!
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- Just a touch! - Surprising, isn't it?
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Yes, I had 67, and, well, I only have glass ones now, unfortunately.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Hold it up to the light for me, because I think
0:04:14 > 0:04:18seeing the light come through this... I mean, that's lovely.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Just seeing that, that really brings it to life for me.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25Well, I'm trying to emulate how orchids are.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28With the light behind an orchid, you can see every vein,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30every single detail.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32That's it. It really is so much more like an orchid
0:04:32 > 0:04:34when it's held up to the light.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Now, it's made out of fused glass, which I believe goes back to
0:04:38 > 0:04:43the second millennium BC. Ancient Mesopotamia.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46So, you are carrying forward a terribly ancient craft!
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Well, I'm terribly ancient!
0:04:51 > 0:04:54How do you go about constructing a bowl like this?
0:04:54 > 0:04:59Talk us through the basic techniques of fused glass.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Well, start off, I will cut each of these petals separately
0:05:01 > 0:05:06from sheet glass, and then the next process is to flame work.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10These little tiny strands are sheet glass, very small pieces,
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- run through a flame so you get absolutely hair-fine threads.- Wow.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18And then they are all laid on separately.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20This piece, and this piece then sit on the top.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- So, these are all separate pieces? - Yes.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25And the actual fusing technique,
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- is done with a huge amount of heat, I imagine.- Yes.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32But glass doesn't like being layered like this.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34It will fell shock very often and stress,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36if the glass isn't entirely compatible.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I have to grind these down, these pieces,
0:05:39 > 0:05:40so they're a millimetre thick.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45So they're so fine. If you drop one, that's it, forget it.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49It sounds to me like a terrifying craft!
0:05:49 > 0:05:51It is, actually. It is, because you...
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- So much can go wrong.- Absolutely.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55But you obviously absolutely love it,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and I think you came to fused glass after experimenting
0:05:58 > 0:06:00with several different crafts?
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Yes. I started out with oil paints, moved on to clay,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05found a piece of wood, and carved it,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08but when I saw glasswork being done,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10I just absolutely fell in love with it
0:06:10 > 0:06:13and I thought, "That's for me, I must do it."
0:06:13 > 0:06:15How long would a piece like this take you to make?
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- Ten days, really. - Ten days' work?- Yeah.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23And that, of course, means that, if you're to sell your work,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26it would be hugely expensive.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30I do make things that are far more realistic in terms of price,
0:06:30 > 0:06:34and I would say that, if I get a chance to get to sell things,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36that would be the staple.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- This is a labour of love. This is an art piece.- Yes.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42I knew I was never really going to get its value,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44it was just such a challenge.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- Laura, thanks so much for coming along today.- Thank you.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51If Laura was to sell her orchid,
0:06:51 > 0:06:55she'd want around £450, which sounds rather a lot.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59But the ten days it takes her to make it, soon adds up.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03But will her impressive piece appeal to the other judges
0:07:03 > 0:07:06for its shape and statement?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09It gives me a sense of actually having created
0:07:09 > 0:07:12something of value for me, really.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17They're art pieces, and they're 99 percent for me.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20And it just gives you a good feeling at the end of the day.
0:07:20 > 0:07:21It really does.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Now from glass to metal, but this time re-used.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32Tony Evans, a retired insurance man, finds his inspiration in old copper.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35I'm sure Piyush will find something to say about that!
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Tony, I'm very intrigued about this piece,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42it has a lot of emotion and movement in this piece.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Would you like to tell me a little bit more about
0:07:44 > 0:07:46what's your inspiration?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48I'm really pleased you picked up on the movement,
0:07:48 > 0:07:49because that's the main thing I'm after.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53I love to try and get the effect of movement.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56The actual feeling of the animal itself.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Yes, I can feel the emotions of the horse in this piece.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01That's what drew me to this piece. I love it.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03But tell me a little more about the material,
0:08:03 > 0:08:05and how did you make this piece?
0:08:05 > 0:08:09Well, the material is copper. It's a mixture of new sheet copper,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11and recycled domestic plumbing.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13It's a recycled material element to it?
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Some of the old immersion cylinders I take out of houses,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18they've got beautiful verdigris effects inside.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20It's fabulous. And that adds to the texture,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23the overall look of the piece.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26The actual making process is quite involved, actually.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28It starts with quite a lot of sketching and painting.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30When you're doing a three-dimensional piece,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32it's not like a drawing.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Each time you move it, the actual image changes.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38The silhouette changes. So, when I've got the best drawing,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40I'll make a small wire version of it,
0:08:40 > 0:08:42because, with a wire version, you can change
0:08:42 > 0:08:45the angles of the legs a millimetre at a time very, very easily.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48And then, when I've got that right, I'll start on the finished piece.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51So, how much time does it take you to make this piece?
0:08:51 > 0:08:55I honestly couldn't say, because it's a passion and a hobby,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58and everything all rolled into one, so,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00I'll be sitting in front of the telly of a night,
0:09:00 > 0:09:01I'll be making a wire.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03I'll involve that with playing with the grandchildren,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- I'm doing it all the time. - Your doing it as a hobby, basically,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09or you are you trying to get it to another level,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11because I can clearly see the potential,
0:09:11 > 0:09:12you know, as a professional piece?
0:09:12 > 0:09:16Oh, yeah, I'm definitely trying to take it to another level.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18I mean, my big ambition would be to make this life size,
0:09:18 > 0:09:19and have it cast in bronze.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22That would be the ultimate ambition for me.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- Why cast in bronze?- I don't know.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27It's like a painter who works in oils.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28There's a certain cachet about it.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31I think it's more interesting to have this kind of texture,
0:09:31 > 0:09:35that gives... Look at the hair and tail, it just is giving the movement
0:09:35 > 0:09:40and texture. I think it's much more beautiful than a cast bronze horse.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43I mean, I like, I love this material, because it's lightweight,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46the tiny chinks and things that are left.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49As you move around it, that changes it completely,
0:09:49 > 0:09:50that creates the impression of movement,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53because the light comes through it in different ways.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56So, piece like this, how much would it cost?
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- Probably about £1,250. - Pretty reasonable,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01I can see that selling in a lot of galleries here around.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04I love the emotions in them. I really like the emotions in that.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06I'm delighted to hear you say that,
0:10:06 > 0:10:08that's exactly what I'm trying to achieve.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11It's just creating a connection with the person,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13and that's what a good piece is all about.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15It's what a good sculpture is all about.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- A person can connect through it. - Yeah.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19I think your emotions are coming through it,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22rather than the piece emotions.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23I think that's very true,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26because when you work hard at something, you know you've achieved.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28If it comes too easily, it hasn't worked.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- It's a labour of love.- Yes, yeah.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Tony undoubtedly has talent,
0:10:33 > 0:10:37and I admire the fact that he's come to sculpture later in life.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Piyush clearly admires the way Tony has made something beautiful
0:10:40 > 0:10:43from cast-off copper, as do I.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45£1,250 sounds reasonable
0:10:45 > 0:10:47for such a unique piece.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49But will the other judges like it too?
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Some of the pieces that we see today might well stand the test of time
0:10:53 > 0:10:55and become the antiques of the future.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Sale rooms all over the world regularly hold auctions
0:10:59 > 0:11:02where sought-after pieces by master makers from the past
0:11:02 > 0:11:05command hefty sums of money.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12This wooden table may seem unremarkable at first glance,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15but it was made well over 200 years ago
0:11:15 > 0:11:20by an unknown maker. Not every piece needs a name to be prized.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Wood as a material for making goes back millennia.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27It's one of the most accessible of nature's resources.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Some pieces only get better with age and use,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33but will the buyers see the potential in this one?
0:11:35 > 0:11:39The table is probably Welsh. It's a farmhouse kitchen table,
0:11:39 > 0:11:42made of sycamore, which is a nice unusual wood.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44We consider it to be Georgian,
0:11:44 > 0:11:47probably dating to the mid-18th century,
0:11:47 > 0:11:52about 1750 and it would have been made by, maybe, a family workshop.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55It's pegged, it's made properly with pegged construction,
0:11:55 > 0:11:57which is always a good thing to look out for.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00It's very hard to say who made it.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Only records exist for top-end furniture-makers
0:12:03 > 0:12:05like Chippendale and Sheraton.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08A lot of these country makers, very little's known about them,
0:12:08 > 0:12:11but they'd have done it all their lives and their fathers before them,
0:12:11 > 0:12:13so they learnt the trade that way.
0:12:13 > 0:12:178 to 1200 seems a very reasonable estimate.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20I would really hope it makes that and more.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24A handmade functional piece that centuries later is rightly admired.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29Will any of our finalists' items have an illustrious future?
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Alongside woodworking in the canon of British crafts
0:12:37 > 0:12:40is the long-standing heritage skill of glassblowing.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Back in Bromsgrove, there's a resident glassblower
0:12:43 > 0:12:45bringing the past bang up-to-date.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50I think you'll agree, watching the whole glassblowing process
0:12:50 > 0:12:52is absolutely magical. It takes 12 hours in the kiln
0:12:52 > 0:12:54before the bauble is ready to take out,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56so, Stuart has kindly made me one earlier,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00which he's finished, complete with our own Handmade Revolution engraving
0:13:00 > 0:13:03on it. So, I'm going to hang it, very carefully,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05in this tree, outside his workshop.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09There we are. Look at that, swinging beautifully.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Isn't that marvellous? The great thing is he changes his theme every odd month
0:13:12 > 0:13:15so, there's always something going on in glass.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25Here's Mary Jane, whose love of sparkle
0:13:25 > 0:13:27means she might find a kindred spirit
0:13:27 > 0:13:29in sales assistant Hayley Wright.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31You've brought along to show me,
0:13:31 > 0:13:35these two beautiful rings, but you're wearing a necklace,
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- earrings and another ring. - And another one.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43All of which you've made. After doing a short silversmithing course,
0:13:43 > 0:13:44- is that right?- Yes.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48Well, these rings you've brought along are amazing!
0:13:48 > 0:13:53So, we've got a snow globe ring and that one is the big cat...?
0:13:53 > 0:13:54It's just a tiger ring, I call it.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58A tiger ring, they're both fascinating. It's like one of those things,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02you shake up and obviously that's what you're trying to capture,
0:14:02 > 0:14:03but how did you make it?
0:14:03 > 0:14:05It's very hard to make, actually.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09It's all made in silver inside, the toadstools are silver.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13Then we lacquer them and we put reindeer moss inside there
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- because it stays forever.- You put WHAT inside there?- Reindeer moss.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21What is reindeer moss? Is it a type of real...
0:14:21 > 0:14:23It's a dried moss that won't deteriorate,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- they use it in flower-arranging, I believe, and model railways.- Yes.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29It conjures up this image of a fairytale world as well,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32which is all about the story behind this ring, really,
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- it is a little fairytale world.- Yes. - And let's look at this one, too.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39He's really lovely, it's a tiger
0:14:39 > 0:14:42and you've got a real pearl in there as well. Yes.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46What gave you the idea for this? I have a feeling there might be a story behind this one.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Someone said to me, a few months ago, it's better to live one year as a tiger
0:14:50 > 0:14:53than 100 as a sheep. It's a Chinese proverb.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55How true that is!
0:14:55 > 0:14:58But being a sheep for many years... I had a nasty accident
0:14:58 > 0:15:01and didn't like leaving the house, and I found that silversmithing
0:15:01 > 0:15:05gave me the confidence and belief in myself
0:15:05 > 0:15:07that I could do something really great
0:15:07 > 0:15:10and I thought I'd rather be a tiger for a bit now,
0:15:10 > 0:15:12so, that's what it's all about, really.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- A fabulous story to have with that ring.- Yes.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18It's a reminder every time you see it as well
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- of that particular time in your life.- Not to be a sheep.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Not to be scared, yeah absolutely,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25and to take a real leap of faith as well.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Do you do much in the way of commission work?
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- Yes. A majority of what I do do is commission.- Really?- Yes.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34But you still have a day job, don't you?
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- This is just an amateur thing at the moment.- Yes.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39I have a feeling that you're somebody who would like
0:15:39 > 0:15:42to turn her hobby into a business, am I right?
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- It's my dream to do that.- I thought you might be that sort of person,
0:15:45 > 0:15:49because you are really dedicated to your craft,
0:15:49 > 0:15:53you love it to bits, and I think jewellery is one of those things,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55actually, isn't too difficult to sell,
0:15:55 > 0:15:59if you get the right market and you can interest people in your pieces,
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- it perhaps is something that could earn you a living.- Yes.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07What sort of price would you expect to pay for something like this?
0:16:07 > 0:16:11I've sold a couple of those for £89 at the moment.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13That one's substantially more because every ring
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- has to be carved to size. - Right, so how much?
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- I'd probably want about £150 for that one.- I think, to be honest,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24you could be looking to sell them for more as well.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Hayley, thank you very much for bringing them along today.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28It's been my pleasure.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Hayley's set the bar high for today's other finalists.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36I've never seen anything like her snow globe ring before.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40£100 for an unusual piece like this sounds fair.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44I really enjoy the work and when you see the finished product,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46it really gives me a thrill, every time,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50not just the first or second, but every time I make something.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03My campaign for handmade isn't just about all the dedicated craftspeople
0:17:03 > 0:17:07already on message and making, it's about encouraging
0:17:07 > 0:17:09everyone, young and old, to have a go.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Pick up a needle or a chisel
0:17:12 > 0:17:13or perhaps even a bodging tool.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16I've invited some local craft groups along
0:17:16 > 0:17:19to join the revelry and I'll tell you, the Bantock Bodgers,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22are a motley crew, aren't you, ladies? You really are.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26You are keeping the skills and traditions of rag rugging
0:17:26 > 0:17:28well and truly alive, right here, right now.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31I've never heard of this before and I've never seen it before.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- When you get together, I suppose you have a real giggle.- Absolutely.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40- 40 of us, you can imagine.- 40 of you? - 40.- In one place at one time?- Yes.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- Bodging.- The noise is incredible. - Very noisy.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46We've been told off once already today.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Well, I love what you've made, I really do.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53I think that's splendid. Tell me all about it.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56The actual material we're using today has actually been bought.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00In the old days, they used to use material, clothes,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- that they'd thrown away... - OK, old scraps.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07- These are all recycled? - This is all recycled.- Brilliant.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- Yes, this is fleece. - Right, that's fleece.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- This'd do.- That's it, do you want it?
0:18:13 > 0:18:16It's a lovely convention!
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- You don't sit down too long! - You can't have my trousers!
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- OK? You can't have my trousers! - We would, we would!
0:18:24 > 0:18:25Can I have a go at this?
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- You can.- Should I practise, or just get stuck in?
0:18:28 > 0:18:33Just do it, there you go, we can say this is your bit.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36I see the great thing about sack is it's quite pliable, isn't it?
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- Just there?- That'll be fine, yes. - Stick that there.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43You put your corner on the top push.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- Pull it through?- Pull it through. Halfway.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49Now, put another hole next to that one, about three or four strands.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- Bend that over, poke that through. - Just the end, not the middle, no,
0:18:52 > 0:18:56because you'll find it's difficult to pull through at the back.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Put your corners together at the back. That's it. And there you go.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02What stops that from falling out, then?
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- Each one... the hessian tightens up. - Oh, I see!
0:19:05 > 0:19:08When you put some more next to it, yeah, I see what you're saying.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10It pushes the threads out even tighter.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Keep going, girls. I'm coming back later on in the day,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17bodgers, to have a look.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20'They'd have had the shirt off my back
0:19:20 > 0:19:22'for the rags, given half the chance!
0:19:22 > 0:19:25'Their enthusiasm and lively spirit should encourage everyone
0:19:25 > 0:19:27'to take up the domestic art of rag rugging.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33'But one person they don't need to convince is housewife Gail Borschia,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36'who's passionate about the heritage technique.'
0:19:36 > 0:19:38So, what fascinates you about rag rugging?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Well, I like the thriftiness of it
0:19:41 > 0:19:44and I like playing with the colours.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46It's very obvious.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51Yes, yes, it's the third rug that I've done so I'm still learning,
0:19:51 > 0:19:52I'm still playing with the colours.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55I do a bit of painting and different things,
0:19:55 > 0:20:00so I'm just on my journey really, my artistic journey with it.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04So, what is the use for a rag rug? Is it used as a carpet?
0:20:04 > 0:20:09You could use it... put it on the floor, or put them on the wall.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14They take a long time, so by the time you've done it, you want to put it on a wall!
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- You can put them on the floor. - Because I thought...
0:20:16 > 0:20:18there are a lot of textures going on.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23Is it because of the limited materials that you've got, the recycled products?
0:20:23 > 0:20:25There are different kinds of fabrics.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29This is a blanket and you've got a T-shirt there...
0:20:29 > 0:20:32this was an old coat of my cousin's,
0:20:32 > 0:20:36this was a little bit of eyelash wool.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38I like your concept about rag rugging,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41like using recycled materials, it's fantastic.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- What I'm having trouble with this piece, there's too much going on.- Right.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50Now, in bits and pieces, there are certain elements which are very interesting,
0:20:50 > 0:20:54like this part, I love this bit, you know, the texture and the colour.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- It's very simple, but it's quite contemporary.- Yes.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Then there are a lot of forms going on and, for me, this colour combination
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- is not working, it's very dated. - Different people
0:21:05 > 0:21:11bring different things to it, so your rag rug would be different.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16You like two colours, very plain, you could do graffiti if you wanted,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19people do portraits, it's just endless.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21So, what would be your target market, let's see,
0:21:21 > 0:21:26what would be the ideal person who would buy this kind of product?
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Well, I'd like to do workshops,
0:21:29 > 0:21:34because we've done our house up and I'd love lots of people there,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37doing rag rugging, just having a lovely time.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- People coming together as a community?- It's a social activity.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46So, can two people or four people work on the same piece?
0:21:46 > 0:21:48What if you don't agree on the colours, then, or the forms?
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- What happens, then?- Well, someone's got to be in charge!
0:21:51 > 0:21:53THEY LAUGH
0:21:53 > 0:21:56And I can certainly tell who's going to be in charge!
0:21:56 > 0:22:00I don't think Piyush believes that turning rag rugs into riches
0:22:00 > 0:22:04would be easy and in handmade labour hours alone,
0:22:04 > 0:22:08the rug would add up to around £700, but I'm convinced that, for Gail,
0:22:08 > 0:22:10it's less about the money and much more about the enjoyment
0:22:10 > 0:22:14of making and a desire to share her skills with others.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18I think a lot of people could get a lot of pleasure from doing crafts.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23To bring crafts into the fore now is really fantastic.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30Head judge Glenn is on site to make sure that no handmade gems
0:22:30 > 0:22:35go unnoticed and he's found a fashionista in the crowd.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Hi, Cheryl, thanks very much coming in today
0:22:37 > 0:22:39and thanks for bringing your beautiful assistant.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Laurie's wearing a dress that you've made. Tell us a bit about it,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45what's it made from to begin with?
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Well, it's made by a felting process.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Felting, OK, this is another piece you've made that you're wearing.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- It is, yes.- Your shoulders, OK.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57This is very unusual as well, because it's a see-through silk
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- and the felt is worked into it, somehow.- That's right.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04It's made by using the natural properties of the wool fibres.
0:23:04 > 0:23:10They've got little hooks and crinkles along each fibre.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- It's a bit like natural Velcro. - Right.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16When you massage it with warm soapy water, gently, with bubble wrap,
0:23:16 > 0:23:21all those little hooks and crinkles, they all
0:23:21 > 0:23:24catch on to the silk, they catch on to each other
0:23:24 > 0:23:27and that's how I made the dress.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29It's a layer of silk organza,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32then merino wool
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- then I put all these textures on top. - One question I wanted to ask
0:23:35 > 0:23:40about the dress was that beautiful wrinkled texture in the middle
0:23:40 > 0:23:43that almost courses down through the dress like a river,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47it's so beautiful and appropriate to the design, how did you achieve that?
0:23:47 > 0:23:49With felt, things shrink slightly
0:23:49 > 0:23:53and it tends to get that crinkly effect.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Tell me how you got involved in felting in the first place.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59My daughter went on a day course
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- and then she showed me how to do it with the materials.- I see.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- I was hooked.- That's a lovely story, because we often hear about parents
0:24:07 > 0:24:11teaching their children a craft, but it's your daughter teaching you the craft
0:24:11 > 0:24:15- and getting you inspired, so it's a reversal of the normal process.- Yes.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Cheryl, thanks for coming in and showing us these beautiful things
0:24:18 > 0:24:21and adding an note of glamour to our sunny day.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28We have just one finalist left to put through her paces.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33Housewife Cathy James also has a feeling for felt.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Cathy, we've got two real little characters here, haven't we?
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- Yes, we have.- Tell me their names.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44I've got Blodwyn and you're holding Bronwyn.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46I've Bronwyn sitting on my knee.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51She's quite an ugly cutie, if you see what I mean.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52Oh, I love ugly cute!
0:24:52 > 0:24:54THEY LAUGH
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Just look at her expression,
0:24:56 > 0:25:00I mean, you have got an incredible eye
0:25:00 > 0:25:05for people's faces and expressions, because look at that little face.
0:25:05 > 0:25:10And the details, little whiskers, the fingernails there...
0:25:10 > 0:25:13such attention to detail and I like the fact that these girls
0:25:13 > 0:25:17are real tomboys. Instead of a handbag, what's she got?
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- A catapult!- Not your average girl!
0:25:21 > 0:25:22And I like that about them.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24My little baby's got a peashooter.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26She's got a peashooter!
0:25:26 > 0:25:29They're quite modern-day trolls, aren't they?
0:25:29 > 0:25:30Oh, yes, yes.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33And they're made out of needle felt.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Needle felt, yes. From carded fleece.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Needle felting is basically stabbing a pin lots and lots of times
0:25:39 > 0:25:44into some raw wool. And as the needle goes into the wool,
0:25:44 > 0:25:48it makes the natural barbs in the wool sort of gather together.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50And it tightens it and makes it hard.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55And how many hours would it take you to complete a figure like this?
0:25:55 > 0:25:58With the detail, I would say a good 20 to 30 hours.
0:25:58 > 0:25:59Oh, my goodness!
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- Depending on how much detail I wanted to put in it.- Yes.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Have you sold many of them?
0:26:04 > 0:26:08I've sold a few characters and I was charging £60.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12Doesn't seem very much at all for 30 hours' work, does it, really?
0:26:12 > 0:26:18- No.- I mean, I think you really need to think about that seriously.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23I mean, in a way, they perhaps need to be marketed as collector's items.
0:26:23 > 0:26:24Because that amount of work...
0:26:24 > 0:26:25Yes, no two are the same, ever.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27No two are the same. Exactly, Kathy.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30So I think perhaps that's where they need to be marketed,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33and that sort of price needs to be given to them.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36As I said, you know, I expected to hate these!
0:26:36 > 0:26:40But having seen them, I've actually sort of fallen for them!
0:26:40 > 0:26:41They are so cute!
0:26:41 > 0:26:43They are. You know, I never thought I'd want to cuddle a troll!
0:26:43 > 0:26:45But here I am, cuddling trolls!
0:26:45 > 0:26:49I mean, I didn't think that would happen, ever in my lifetime.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51You know. I'd love to see a whole load more trolls, really!
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Bye-bye!
0:26:57 > 0:27:01As well as encouraging you to have a go at trying to make something,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04I want to showcase the people whose dedication to their craft
0:27:04 > 0:27:06is what keeps traditional skills alive.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Robin Wood is a respected craftsman. He uses local timbers
0:27:10 > 0:27:14and traditional techniques, but with a modern twist.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22In the heart of Derbyshire's Peak District,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26you'll find a woodturning workshop where old-fashioned man-power
0:27:26 > 0:27:30and traditional skills are the order of the day.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Robin Wood, who is chairman of the Heritage Crafts Association,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36is so passionate about handmade that he even forges his own tools.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44Just looking around, Robin, you know, this is a great place to come and work, isn't it?
0:27:44 > 0:27:46It really is. This is your office space.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- It's not a bad office, is it, really? - How long have you been based here?
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- I've been here 16 years. - How did you find the place?
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- Did you grow up locally?- No, I used to work for the National Trust.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- And this is a National Trust property.- Yeah, it's a little hidden secret, isn't it?- It's magic.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05But that is the Pennine Way, so you do get a lot of people walking past.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08But we're a long way away from the nearest cars.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13- So where do you get all your wood from?- Most of my trees come from local tree surgeons.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18So all within 20 miles. You can see, there's not a great deal in Edale.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- But the fact that it's local is important to me.- It's very good.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23You've got a nice piece of sycamore there. Shall we get started?
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Yeah, let's get to it!
0:28:29 > 0:28:31To get the ball rolling,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Robin has to start with chain-sawing bowl blanks from a sycamore log.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Chunks of wood that will then be roughed out with an axe
0:28:38 > 0:28:40to form a bowl shape.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43How long would this process normally take with that axe?
0:28:43 > 0:28:45It depends how good you are,
0:28:45 > 0:28:47but it would normally take me probably about 20 minutes
0:28:47 > 0:28:49- to rough a bowl blank with an axe. - Yeah.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53I also cut them with a chainsaw, which takes about ten minutes.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Yeah! OK, let's look at the axe technique anyway, and start it.
0:28:56 > 0:28:57Yeah.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03'This is a little bit like survival skills, lesson 101!
0:29:03 > 0:29:05'And you can't get too gung-ho when wielding an axe!
0:29:05 > 0:29:08'But I'm quite at home in a woodpile.'
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- You're doing remarkably well, there. Have you done this before? - I have, yes.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Well, like you, I've worked in wood all my life as well.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21But as an amateur, as a hobbyist.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I built a clinker built dinghy with my father when I was about 16
0:29:24 > 0:29:26and lots of furniture.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Oh, wow. Clinker built boats are a fantastic project.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32- I'd love to do that. - Yeah. It was good fun.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42I can see why he uses a chainsaw now! Yeah, it's starting to hurt.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44How are we doing? Yet, it pulls the tendons.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Yours is almost there, isn't it?
0:29:46 > 0:29:49I've got another probably 15 minutes, haven't I?
0:29:49 > 0:29:53Or you can give up and have one we made earlier?! Entirely up to you.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Do you know, I might do that! Yeah, that's starting to hurt.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- There you go, why don't you have that one?- OK, thank you.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01- I'll have this one.- Yeah, great.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04And we'll take it and have a go on the lathe. On to the next stage!
0:30:13 > 0:30:15I'm really jealous of your setup. Gosh, I am.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- It's not a bad spot, is it? - I feel like I'm on a movie set.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20It's that pretty. And obviously this is your pole lathe.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- Here's the source of energy, a sprung sapling.- That's it.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26This is exactly the source of energy!
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- You need the spring up there, don't you?- Yeah, yeah.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33'Before I make a bowl, I need to watch all the stages of Robin in action
0:30:33 > 0:30:37'to see how to operate the lathe and the tools efficiently.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39'Although the bowl is a simple end product,
0:30:39 > 0:30:41'it's extremely well crafted.'
0:30:43 > 0:30:45'It only takes Robin minutes to get from blank to bowl.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48'And I've got a good few hours to try this.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51'But it's the sort of craft anyone could get addicted to.'
0:30:53 > 0:30:57So what got you into wood turning in the first place?
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Well, I was interested in different traditional crafts.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02And I heard about this guy, George Lailey,
0:31:02 > 0:31:06who had been... everyone called him the last bowl-turner.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09And he was the last person who was using just this sort of lathe
0:31:09 > 0:31:11to make wooden bowls.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- And it's a tradition that goes back to medieval times.- Oh, for sure.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19But he was the last person making wooden bowls on a foot-powered lathe.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25'When George Lailey died in 1958, aged 89,
0:31:25 > 0:31:29'the old skill of turning a wooden bowl on a pole lathe died with him.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33'Until Robin taught himself the techniques, decades later.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37'George's father and grandfather were also bowl turners
0:31:37 > 0:31:40'and the Lailey handmade bowls were so sought after,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43'they were even sold at Harrods.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45'And there are other crafts that could die out
0:31:45 > 0:31:50'if some of the specific skills involved aren't passed on to another generation.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53'So it's important that we don't let that happen.'
0:31:55 > 0:31:56Can I have a go?
0:31:56 > 0:31:59But will you really please sort of concentrate and help me?
0:31:59 > 0:32:02- I know it's not going to look as good as this, but I want it to! - Yeah! Yeah.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08- Oh, bang on!- Oh, not bad, not bad! - Beautiful.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12- That's pretty impressive. - Let's wedge that in tight, shall we?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16I wouldn't have a clue which one of those hooks to pick up that you've made.
0:32:16 > 0:32:17No, it's a bit of a lucky dip.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21I would start with the that one, right hand end of this.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Yeah, that one there is a good one to start it with on the roughing out.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Before you deal with a tool at all,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30though, just get your leg moving and get the feel of it.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- Right. So up and down.- How does that feel?- Yeah, that's pretty good.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38I'm about the right height. That's a good downward stroke.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Obviously all the power is generated on the downward stroke on a pole lathe.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45- Exactly.- OK, safety glasses? - Safety glasses,
0:32:45 > 0:32:48because we are going to be spraying shavings everywhere, hopefully.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50This will be going everywhere!
0:32:55 > 0:33:00- OK, I've got my rhythm going. - There you go, there you go. Yes!
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Nice!
0:33:06 > 0:33:08Good work! Good work!
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Everything was moving then!
0:33:13 > 0:33:18'This is such an enjoyable process. But it's hard to remember to breathe! I'm concentrating so hard.'
0:33:22 > 0:33:25Basically, we've roughed out now. That's the first stage.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29That should take you about a minute, there. But, you've done well!
0:33:29 > 0:33:30Oh, my arms ache!
0:33:30 > 0:33:32HE LAUGHS
0:33:32 > 0:33:33Yeah.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36So, what we've got to do next, there's two things.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- We've got to flatten the base off. - OK.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42And then we're going to change tool
0:33:42 > 0:33:46and get a fine tool to get a really nice clean finish if we can.
0:33:50 > 0:33:57How did you make the transition from amateur maker to professional maker, and become a master?
0:33:57 > 0:33:59The jump from amateur to professional,
0:33:59 > 0:34:01I went in at the deep end. Just jumped in.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06But I'd been a very, very serious, dedicated amateur for a good few years.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- A lot of craftspeople have to be obsessive.- Sure.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- You have to be completely committed, obsessive.- Yeah.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15And I'd spent about five years doing this as an amateur.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- Completely focused?- Yes. - That's all you wanted to do?- Yeah.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21And if you do that, you know, whether it's being a footballer,
0:34:21 > 0:34:23or a musician, or a craftsperson, if you put in the hours,
0:34:23 > 0:34:24you will get good.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Yeah. What do you think of my first attempt?
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- I think it's absolutely fantastic. - I'm exhausted, by the way!
0:34:30 > 0:34:31HE LAUGHS
0:34:31 > 0:34:34I didn't think it was going to be as hard as that.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36No, it is hard physical work.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40'Robin makes bowls like these every day and they'll most likely last decades.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44'It is all about technique and skill.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48'There's no sandpaper at work here at all. It's all tool action.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51'Speaking of which, I need to turn the inside of my bowl.'
0:34:53 > 0:34:55That's lovely. Absolutely lovely.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02- Look at that!- That a bowl! - That is a bowl, isn't it?
0:35:02 > 0:35:03That is definitely a bowl.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05That's the first bowl I've ever made in my life!
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- Do you reckon that would do for a breakfast bowl?- Oh, yes!
0:35:09 > 0:35:14The trouble is, I'm a family of four! I couldn't make three more!
0:35:14 > 0:35:19This one's going to be my bowl and only I'm allowed to use it!
0:35:19 > 0:35:20- I couldn't make three more!- No.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23But I do know somewhere where you could buy three more!
0:35:23 > 0:35:25OK, well, you've got a commission, that's for sure!
0:35:25 > 0:35:27THEY LAUGH
0:35:27 > 0:35:30'You could do what I've just done here. It's so satisfying.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32'Just a last little bit to finish off my bowl now,
0:35:32 > 0:35:36'while Robin kindly carves me an accompanying spoon.'
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- Oh, thank you. - You're very welcome.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- I thoroughly enjoyed my day here. - Does it fit your bowl?
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- And does it fit your mouth? - Yes, it does. Look at that!
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- That's what we need! - And boy, does it taste good!
0:35:49 > 0:35:50Just need the muesli now!
0:35:50 > 0:35:52THEY LAUGH
0:36:00 > 0:36:01'It's now crunch time.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04'The five amateurs have really impressed us
0:36:04 > 0:36:05'with their range of skills.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08'The domestic textile handicrafts of rag-rugging
0:36:08 > 0:36:12'and toy-making are being pitted against the traditional skills
0:36:12 > 0:36:14'of glassmaking and metalworking.'
0:36:15 > 0:36:18'But only one of these five will be singled out
0:36:18 > 0:36:22'when their pieces go before the critical eye of our three judges.
0:36:22 > 0:36:29'The finalists will find out shortly just what an extraordinary opportunity has been lined up.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32'The judges' decision could change the life of one of them.'
0:36:32 > 0:36:37All right, guys. Here we are with five objects by our five finalists.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Very high standard of craftsmanship. Really good to see that.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Piyush, could you start us off talking about that rag rug?
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Yes. This is a rag rug by Gail. I'm not a fan of rag rugs,
0:36:46 > 0:36:50but I can appreciate the skill involved in that.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52The amount of hours she spent.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55To win this programme would be absolutely fabulous.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00I think to bring crafts into the fore now is really fantastic.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03It's clearly not a commercial craft for her,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06because she wants to bring the community together.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09But I think probably it's women coming together,
0:37:09 > 0:37:12doing a bit of gossiping, and doing the rag rug.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16Excuse me! What's wrong with women getting together doing a bit of gossiping?
0:37:16 > 0:37:19Some of the best crafts started out that way. Community crafts!
0:37:19 > 0:37:22- Tell me one.- Patchwork.- OK, yes.
0:37:22 > 0:37:23- Knitting circles, Piyush.- Yes.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25- Rag rug making.- OK!
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Coming back to the rag rug,
0:37:28 > 0:37:30I do like little bits and portions in there.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33I think there are a few interesting elements.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35But it's a step too far, for me. As a personal taste.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37- Lots of work in it, obviously.- Yes.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40OK, shall we go onto these beautiful little rings?
0:37:40 > 0:37:42Yeah, these are Hayley's rings.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Hayley works, as you can see, in silver.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47And she's become pretty accomplished, I think,
0:37:47 > 0:37:50in the short amount of time she's been doing it.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53My work will hopefully still be here when I'm gone.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56And people will still be wearing my rings or passing them down.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58No-one destroys gold or silver.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00So it's leaving my mark on the world.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03I think the rings are very, very charming.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07I love the snow globe ring. I could imagine wearing something like that.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10- They are very striking. - What about these little guys here?
0:38:10 > 0:38:14Oh, my goodness! Kathy and her felted troll figures.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16When she whipped these out of a plastic carrier,
0:38:16 > 0:38:19I just burst out laughing.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24In a good way! Because I thought they were fantastic.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28It's nice to think that I've actually made somebody smile.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31I think there's too much glumness in the world.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36I just think her way of capturing those faces is fantastic.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Very expressive. I must say that, very, very expressive.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Really expressive. She's a complete amateur.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42She taught herself with a DVD.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46And I think she's brought herself up to an incredibly high standard.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Yeah, I agree. They are very impressively made. Absolutely.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50And then there's Laura.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55Graphic designer by day, fused glass maker by night.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58She is absolutely passionate about this craft,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01which she's discovered over the last couple of years.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Every spare minute of every day, she's doing her fused glass.
0:39:04 > 0:39:10It gives me a sense of actually having created something of value, for me, really.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14They are art pieces, and it just gives you a good feeling at the end of the day. It really does.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17When you hold this dish up to the light, it is lovely.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- Lovely quality of light through it. - I can imagine.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22You can really see how graphic training coming through.
0:39:22 > 0:39:23Yeah, you can.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26And it also reminds me of the paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe,
0:39:26 > 0:39:27very painterly.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31- You know, very beautiful object. - I can see people buying this.- Yes.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- Definitely. OK, and that brings us to this amazing horse.- Yes.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37It's made by Tony, who is a retired insurance man.
0:39:37 > 0:39:43- He largely uses recycled copper from hot water cylinders.- Really?- Yes.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46And I love the emotions in the horse.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Look at that. The movement. It's amazing.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52As if the horse is turning and talking to me while running away.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55It feels like the wind, in a way, it's just lovely.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57I've not even thought about winning.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00I'm just delighted to be included in the show.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03But obviously, I'd be delighted to win. It would be great.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06I've seen some of the other stuff people have brought in, so I'd be made up.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09Reminds me a little bit of the kind of horse sculptures
0:40:09 > 0:40:12you might see in a tourist shop in the south-west of the United States,
0:40:12 > 0:40:13like in Santa Fe.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15Oh, that's quite damning!
0:40:15 > 0:40:17You can't do much with the horses' shapes, though.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Probably he is inspired by that kind of sculpture.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Oh, I'm sure he is. But I suppose, for me,
0:40:22 > 0:40:26I wish he'd picked an image that was a little bit more unexpected, a little bit more creative.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30OK, guys. Well, we've had a look at each of them in turn.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31Any opinions to share?
0:40:31 > 0:40:36There are probably two things I particularly love, for very different reasons.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37OK. Piyush?
0:40:37 > 0:40:39I have the clear favourite in this.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42OK, I think we have obviously a wide range to select from.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Really high standard, really impressive objects.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48What you really want to see is people mastering their material.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Each one is somebody that's really got to know the stuff they're working with.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54They know it in their hands, they know it in their heads.
0:40:54 > 0:40:55That's really, really impressive.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- So much shall we call Paul in, then? - Yes.- Yeah.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Judges, judges, judges!
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- There's a decision? - There is, yeah.- OK.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08It's now time to call in the finalists.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Well, congratulations to you all for having come so far.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25There's a great deal of talent in this room.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30What I see here today is fabulous. You've all brought something different to the table.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32I think all of you have got a promising career
0:41:32 > 0:41:34if you stick at it. Now, for one lucky person,
0:41:34 > 0:41:37I can reveal what we've got lined up for you.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41It's the chance to have your work put on display in the V&A shop
0:41:41 > 0:41:45at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- The spiritual home of arts and crafts. Good, isn't it?- All: Yes!
0:41:48 > 0:41:50OK!
0:41:50 > 0:41:51HE LAUGHS
0:41:51 > 0:41:55Now, the judges have made a decision.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57One particular item stood out amongst the rest.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01This decision was based on the masterful use of the materials.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04And the spirit of the composition.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08OK? I'm pleased to announce, today's judges favourite is...
0:42:12 > 0:42:16..Tony and his copper horse. Well done. Congratulations!
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Everybody was brilliant.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23'It was a tough decision. Every item had its merits.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26'But it was Tony's rendering in copper of the sublime figure
0:42:26 > 0:42:30'of a running horse that made the biggest impact.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33'His journey from a long career in insurance to a late flowering
0:42:33 > 0:42:37'of obvious talent should be an inspiration to us all.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39'Tony surely is a worthy winner.'
0:42:41 > 0:42:43The judges have been so impressed with the wealth of talent
0:42:43 > 0:42:45we have seen here today.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49All of these makers have the potential to have an exciting future.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52The next time, it could be you! Come on, give it a go.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55Come and join our handmade revolution! See you next time.