0:00:02 > 0:00:05The craftsmen and women of this country are working hard to
0:00:05 > 0:00:06uphold a proud tradition.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09And I want to thank them for their dedication towards Britain's
0:00:09 > 0:00:12craft heritage and I want to help them.
0:00:12 > 0:00:13But I need your support.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17So, come on, join me, Paul Martin, in my Handmade Revolution.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42We put out a call across the country,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44and hundreds responded!
0:00:44 > 0:00:48It's a passion, it's something that I'm just driven to do!
0:00:48 > 0:00:52And we'll be finding out how special their pieces could be,
0:00:52 > 0:00:54all handmade with great skill.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56I do it so I can feel creative,
0:00:56 > 0:01:00I do it so I can take pride in making something from scratch.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03These people don't know that one of them
0:01:03 > 0:01:06will be given a life-changing opportunity.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10The chance to see their work at the spiritual home of the handmade.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Today's judges' favourite is...
0:01:14 > 0:01:17This county, Worcestershire, was once famed for its glove-making.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21The industry declined and the glove-maker's art is all but lost.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23But the craftsmen and women who work here today
0:01:23 > 0:01:27at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre are flying the flag for history.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29Upholding our fine craft traditions.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34But this is also about finding the antiques of the future.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Objects that could stand the test of time.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Later on we'll be exploring the centuries-old art of scissor making.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Is it a phoenix rising from the ashes?
0:01:45 > 0:01:47They're poetry in motion.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Five fortunate amateur makers will be going before our judges today.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57All eager to show off their best work.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01But they have to demonstrate they have what it takes to impress.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07So let's meet our judges. First is engineer turned
0:02:07 > 0:02:11textiles designer and entrepreneur, Piyush Suri.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13There's a revival in handmade all across Britain
0:02:13 > 0:02:15and I absolutely love being a part of it.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21And thoroughly modern milliner and maker, Mary Jane Baxter.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23I know there's real talent out there.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25There's so many brilliant British makers,
0:02:25 > 0:02:27I can't wait to see what we find.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Then there's head judge, Glenn Adamson,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34who is a curator at one of London's top museums.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37This country has such a rich tradition of craft, and I'm hoping
0:02:37 > 0:02:39to meet people who are carrying that on into the 21st century.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43There's a lot riding on this, because the maker named
0:02:43 > 0:02:47judges' favourite will get a unique opportunity - the chance to
0:02:47 > 0:02:51see their piece inside London's Victoria & Albert Museum.
0:02:53 > 0:02:54This is a privilege.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58A chance that could literally change someone's life.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06First up to face the judges is 64-year-old Tony Jones,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08and Mary Jane is having great fun getting to grips with his work.
0:03:11 > 0:03:12Tony, you know what?
0:03:12 > 0:03:16I'm finding it really hard to take my hands off this.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21It's such a tactile piece. It's got a lovely roundness to it.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24A wonderful quality, and look at its bottom.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Do you ever see bottoms like that? I mean, it's great.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30I can't say it's styled on anything in particular,
0:03:30 > 0:03:32but it's achieved its objective.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Because one of the things I like about wood is the tactile
0:03:35 > 0:03:36nature of it.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38And it's got to say to you, "Pick me up."
0:03:38 > 0:03:40And it does definitely say that to me.
0:03:40 > 0:03:47Any piece of wood, to me, has got a shape hidden inside it somewhere.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49If you like, a latent image inside the wood.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51You're a bit of a Michelangelo, really.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- That's what he thought, wasn't it?- It was, yes.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57I'm not chipping bits of stone off to release the image.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Do you have a feeling as to what's inside your block of wood
0:04:01 > 0:04:02before you start?
0:04:02 > 0:04:07Sometimes. Sometimes as I start to turn, it almost...
0:04:07 > 0:04:09produces itself in shape.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12I'm not an expert when it comes to wood,
0:04:12 > 0:04:19but I think that getting it as thin as this is quite a sign of expertise.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22It's tricky. It's certainly tricky.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25So that looks to me like a very good quality.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29And you've chosen too to have this lovely rough edge.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30Why did you choose to do that?
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Well, I was intending to keep the bark on,
0:04:34 > 0:04:37but there was an insect attack on the bark.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Just down into the cambium layer,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42which is the soft layer just underneath the bark.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- But it hadn't gone any further. - I see.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49But to actually sell this to somebody,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51they're not going to want wormholes.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56No, it would put me off. Tell me how you got into this craft?
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- Well... - Because you started when you were 14, as a Boy Scout, is that right?
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Well, yes, I did. I turned a bowl then.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06A shallow dish, which I've actually still got.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09It's probably my most important piece, in some respects.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Is it what you'd save, Tony, if your house was burning down?
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- I think I better save the wife first.- The wife, then the bowl.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19I think it's good you said it that way around. She's probably watching.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22How many hours, Tony, would you say it takes to make a bowl,
0:05:22 > 0:05:24like this one?
0:05:24 > 0:05:25That one took a long time.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Because it's very hard wood, plus the fact that this particular
0:05:30 > 0:05:33one stayed on the lathe for rather a long time, cos it injured me.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38As it was revolving, I got a tool caught.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40Got a dig in through my hand.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43So, was it whirring round as it cut into your hand?
0:05:43 > 0:05:46At a great number of revolutions per minute, yes.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- I'm surprised you don't hate this bowl after doing that.- I love it.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51In spite of the fact that it injured you.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53It was such a challenge to finish it.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56I wasn't going to let it beat me.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59When you are pricing up something like this, where do you start?
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I could imagine if I was at a high-end gallery,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06a piece like this might be something around £100.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07Well, I think you're right.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Perhaps around £100 mark as a retail, because you've always
0:06:10 > 0:06:13got to remember how much they're going to take off in commission.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Which is usually a considerable amount.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19But if you're doing a craft fair or something like that,
0:06:19 > 0:06:25I tend to look at what the end purchaser is likely to
0:06:25 > 0:06:28pay in a place like this, for that item.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31So, you're quite canny when you're pricing?
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Well, there's no point pricing yourself out of the market.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35That's a really lovely bowl, Tony.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38I'm really happy to have seen it and I don't want to let it go,
0:06:38 > 0:06:40because it feels so good.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43I'm a wood man myself
0:06:43 > 0:06:46and I have a soft spot for anyone who suffers for their art.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Tony's bowls are clearly beautifully made
0:06:49 > 0:06:52and well worth the £100 price tag.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56But will it be worthy of a place at one of London's top museums?
0:06:56 > 0:06:58I think she liked it, the amount she was handling it,
0:06:58 > 0:06:59I think she liked it!
0:07:00 > 0:07:04From modern wooden bowls to something much more ancient.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Head judge Glenn is obsessed with ceramics
0:07:06 > 0:07:09and he has discovered here at Bromsgrove
0:07:09 > 0:07:11they are practising the ancient art of Raku.
0:07:11 > 0:07:17This form of ceramics dates back to the 16th century and is the pottery
0:07:17 > 0:07:20traditionally used by the Geisha to perform Japanese tea ceremonies.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Hey, Chris! How you doing?
0:07:25 > 0:07:30This is a very dangerous technique which involves a unique firing process.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32It's really exciting to see Raku firing being done
0:07:32 > 0:07:33here in the present day.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37You, however, are doing Raku pottery in a very modern way with gas
0:07:37 > 0:07:39and lots of modern bits and bobs.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42So can you tell us a little about how you do Raku pottery?
0:07:42 > 0:07:46We just fire the pots to 1,000 degrees,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49take them out with tongs, long tongs, so you're far enough away.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53Put them into sawdust and it draws the oxygen back
0:07:53 > 0:07:56out of the materials in the glaze and it's quick.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00Instead of a normal pottery cycle, which would be sort of eight
0:08:00 > 0:08:04hours for a kiln to fire, you're firing in 20-30 minutes.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07This is a really immediate process, as ceramic making goes.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09And you really get a sense of involvement,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12you get a sense of excitement, a sense of surprise from it, don't you?
0:08:12 > 0:08:15You're always excited when you lift the pot out cos you never
0:08:15 > 0:08:17quite know if it's going to work or not.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19And if you hate it, you just put it back in again
0:08:19 > 0:08:22and re-fire it again, which is even better.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26So, it's really that immediacy and it's also the simplicity of these objects.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28It is magical.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30I'm inviting young and old alike to come
0:08:30 > 0:08:34and join the ranks of the handmade revolutionaries like Karen Smith here.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37She's a 53-year-old teaching assistant, who has taught herself
0:08:37 > 0:08:42the art of stained glass, but Piyush is going to take some persuading.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Please convince me about this piece, I'm not sure about it.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49Because it reminds me of European cathedrals and religious figures.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52It's not very different, I don't think, from a cathedral window.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Cos when the light comes through...
0:08:55 > 0:08:59..the colours shine through just as it does in cathedrals.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- That was your inspiration? - It was, actually.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04From an early age when I used to go to Sunday school.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08We sat in church and the colours coming from the stained glass
0:09:08 > 0:09:10windows used to fascinate me.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12So, what's the story behind the tree and why a tree?
0:09:12 > 0:09:14I've always loved nature.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17My family call me a bit of a tree-hugger.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21So, I thought, why not make something for myself, that I love.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24It does remind me a little of mosaic work, as well.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Is it a mosaic work, or is it just painted that way?
0:09:27 > 0:09:30No, this is actually, although it looks like stained glass it's
0:09:30 > 0:09:33actually a glass-on-glass mosaic.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37I use a glass cutter, so each piece is hand-cut
0:09:37 > 0:09:41and adhered to the laminated glass at the back.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44It has a texture on it, yes, that makes it a little more
0:09:44 > 0:09:47interesting than a normal stained glass panel.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Yeah, you've got a lot of different types of glass in this.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55This is all opaque, because I made this for my bathroom window.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58So I wanted a bit of privacy so, so far up this is opaque
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- and more transparent glass at the top.- So, these are all hand-cut.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Every piece is cut by hand, yes.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06So, how much time did it take you to make this piece?
0:10:06 > 0:10:08I stopped counting when I got to 50 hours.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Your husband is in the Navy, so you travel a lot.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15So how does that influence your work?
0:10:15 > 0:10:18That's been a big influence, especially recently.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22We travelled to Cyprus. We've had two tours over there.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24We went round the historic sights in Paphos
0:10:24 > 0:10:27and seeing the mosaics over there...
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- Must be incredible.- Yeah, I found that really interesting.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35That inspired me to learn about mosaics on our return to UK.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38So, is it a very complex process or is it something people can do
0:10:38 > 0:10:40it at home or learn very quickly?
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Well, I've learnt how to do the mosaics myself.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47I would recommend a course for the copper foil technique
0:10:47 > 0:10:48and the leaded technique,
0:10:48 > 0:10:53but I'm quite happy with the progress I've made with mosaics.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56You know, I always have a problem with one thing with glass when it comes.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Why do people use such traditional colours?
0:10:58 > 0:11:04Is it because it's very limited colours which are available in glass?
0:11:04 > 0:11:09I disagree, I think the colour in glass today is absolutely amazing.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13Just look at the streaky glass and the colours you see.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16So, ideally you would want to work with interior designers or architects
0:11:16 > 0:11:19to work on commissions and that's your market you're thinking of?
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Or do you want to just create some products and just sell?
0:11:22 > 0:11:24I'm very open to ideas.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29As long as people appreciate what I do,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32that gives me fulfilment in what I do.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35You know, when you go commercial, you have to count the hours beyond 50 as well.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- It's not 50 and you stop counting. - I've got a lot of learning to do.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44You have to keep all the record of it.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49I think Karen's glasswork is beautiful. She's
0:11:49 > 0:11:53working in a tradition that has been around since the 7th century
0:11:53 > 0:11:55and still going strong.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59We can see her work selling for around £500
0:11:59 > 0:12:02and being an eye-catching feature piece in many houses.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Programmes like this, I think
0:12:05 > 0:12:10it's invaluable, it's stirring an interest with younger generations.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Now, who's to say what we're seeing here today might not be
0:12:15 > 0:12:17the antiques of the future?
0:12:17 > 0:12:21The work of yesterday's makers is today sought after by bidders
0:12:21 > 0:12:24all over the world in high-end auction rooms.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30As with Karen's stained glass tree, the natural world has always provided
0:12:30 > 0:12:34a rich source of artistic inspiration.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38In London an unusual gilt inkstand is going under the hammer.
0:12:39 > 0:12:45It's an early Victorian silver gilt inkstand, modelled as a lily pad.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48With flowering buds, one forming the inkwell, which has a cover
0:12:48 > 0:12:52and the other forming the pen holder.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57It's made by Messrs Barnard and it was assayed in London in 1839.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Anything that's gilt normally is quite desirable.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Just because it looks quite nice on anyone's desk.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07It's quite a quirky thing and I think the novelty
0:13:07 > 0:13:10aspect of it is something which is also appealing to buyers.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14So, I think probably the main selling point in it is the fact that it
0:13:14 > 0:13:20is the naturalistic modelling of it, which is always quite collectible.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25£2,000 is the estimate for the inkstand, a classic piece of Victoriana.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Those Victorians are well known for their love of decorations.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30The origins of the Art Nouveau movement,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33with its focus on nature, dates from this era.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Quality and quirkiness will always have an abiding
0:13:36 > 0:13:39appeal for collectors.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42I wonder if any of our finalists will feature in the auction
0:13:42 > 0:13:46houses of the future. Jennifer McCartney Wells is a
0:13:46 > 0:13:4928-year-old primary school teacher who has dreamed of being
0:13:49 > 0:13:51a designer all her life.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Is her piece the one to get the judges talking?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Jennifer, I was so excited
0:13:57 > 0:14:01when I heard that there was another milliner coming, I can't tell you.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04And you've scored points, firstly, by actually wearing your creation.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- Yes, of course.- Nothing worse than a milliner who doesn't show off her hat.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Give us a twirl.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Now, I think it's made, I know it's made with sinamay,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17which is a sort of banana plant fibre.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18That's right, yeah.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21But what I'm interested to know is have you made every element yourself?
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- I did make the mini top hat, actually.- Now, that's impressive.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Take it off and show me a bit more closely.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30This was actually just something recent
0:14:30 > 0:14:32because I have to say I'm learning all the time
0:14:32 > 0:14:37and for mini top hats what I quite often would do was buy the mini top hats pre-made.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39But I decided, given the nature of this programme,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42it would be better to actually make it myself.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Well done. That impresses me. I'm so happy.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48If you'd come to me and said "Yeah, I got a shop-bought
0:14:48 > 0:14:50"mini top hat on there," I would have cried.
0:14:50 > 0:14:51I know. I know.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54So, I'm really glad to see that as a milliner you've taken the time
0:14:54 > 0:14:57and effort to make your own mini top hat.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Tell me what's the method you used to make it.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01It's obviously got the base there,
0:15:01 > 0:15:05which is a circular pattern with a circle out of the middle.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Then there's the side there which is a slightly longer piece
0:15:08 > 0:15:10and then a disk for the top.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12I have to be honest, that's the very first one that I've done.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Well, you've done a cracking job.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16You really have, because they're not an easy thing to make
0:15:16 > 0:15:19and you've done it really well.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21There are bits that I think, "Next time I'll do that different."
0:15:21 > 0:15:26What I like about this is that you've done something quite
0:15:26 > 0:15:28sculptural here too with this piece of sinamay.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31And you've wired the edges really nicely.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33It's got a wire all the way through, so it holds its shape.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36That's something that I really wanted to achieve,
0:15:36 > 0:15:38is this idea of sculpture.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40The pieces that I'm making, for me are a piece of art,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42as well as something wearable.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Isn't it fantastic making hats? - It's amazing, it's fantastic.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48I really, I have to be honest,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50it was never something that I planned for.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53When I was a young girl I wanted to make dresses.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57Beautiful big dresses for princesses and then two years ago
0:15:57 > 0:15:59I decided to do a night class
0:15:59 > 0:16:03and millinery just happened to be at the local college and that was it.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- You were hooked.- I was hooked. I fell in love instantly.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- And I haven't stopped.- So, you've only ever done ten weeks training?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Well, it was one night a week for ten weeks.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18Given that that's all you've done, I think that shows huge potential.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20The little things I notice about it.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23It's got a little bit of glue and stuff on it there,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25it's got a bit of glue on the inside.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27You know, things can be smartened up,
0:16:27 > 0:16:32but as a piece to wear and as an idea, I think it's really great.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34If you were going to sell something like this,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37what sort of price do you think you would put it at?
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Given the work you've put in.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Well, I did it over two nights,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43so maybe about six to eight hours all in.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46I think off the top of my head the top hats that
0:16:46 > 0:16:49I was selling before I sold for maybe £30.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52But they were the ones that you pre-bought. This is made from scratch.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Yeah, so I guess it would have to be more, but I don't know.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Given the hours you spent making it, you'd want to,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01I think be selling it for something around £120 or so.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- Oh, my goodness.- That's what I think a similar piece would command.- Wow.
0:17:05 > 0:17:11For a couture piece, I think you'd have to charge a realistic amount.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14What do you want to do, Jennifer? Would you like to take it further?
0:17:14 > 0:17:17I would love to, of course I would.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19I have my day job, which of course I love. I'm a teacher.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21I'm a primary teacher and I love my job.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23I hope you get those kids making hats.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- Get them started early.- But this is more personal, this is my dream.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32This is about my creativity and being able to exercise that.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34And if I could make that my day job,
0:17:34 > 0:17:38if you like, then I think that would be a dream come true.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42It's tough. I have to say making a living as a milliner ain't easy.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46It may not be easy but it can definitely be rewarding.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Millinery is Mary Jane's area,
0:17:48 > 0:17:53so I bow to her expertise in suggestions of a price tag of £120.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55She knows the amount of blood,
0:17:55 > 0:17:59sweat and tears that goes into making a hat like this.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02But will the other judges share her enthusiasm for hats?
0:18:02 > 0:18:06I can't tell you how exciting it was to speak to someone who's obviously
0:18:06 > 0:18:09much further down the road than I am and has a wealth of knowledge
0:18:09 > 0:18:11and experience to pass on.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13It was a real treat, it was fantastic.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17There's something of a millinery theme going on here today.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21And three ladies are eager to show off their skill in the hat
0:18:21 > 0:18:24department - Mary Jane better watch out.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29Well, congratulations to all of you. Bernie, Rita, and Pat.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- You are the Hattery?- We are.- And you have created this hat in a day.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36That is very clever. How do you start?
0:18:36 > 0:18:39We start with a flat piece of sinamay.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41Like that.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43And then we block it on a wooden block,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46which is underneath the hat for the crown.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49And then the brim is blocked on, it's actually a fruit bowl.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51That is a fruit bowl, is it?
0:18:51 > 0:18:54I was just about to say is that a fruit bowl or is that something special?
0:18:54 > 0:18:55A giant fruit bowl.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- Do you design it on paper or does it evolve?- No, it just evolves.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04We have a shape in mind, and then we work on it and it does just evolve.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06What are those things? They're like curling tongs.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10They are curling tongs, but we use them to make shapes, as well.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- Just like that. - I see, it just heats up.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19- And just keep going until we get a shape we like.- Who's made what, here?
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- These are Bernie's.- OK.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Is that your kind of style, Bernie? - Yes, we all have our own style.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- I bet you do.- So, that is just a little cocktail hat.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Very nice. Lovely colours.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Does it make you feel different when they're on?
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Do you sort of have a different sort of character or personality?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- You feel feminine and elegant. - We go to Ascot in them, don't we?
0:19:38 > 0:19:40We make them and go to Ascot.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43You don't make hats for men, do you? Not really. A bit boring?
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Tend to be less colourful. - Well, hey, there's a market then.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52There's a gap in the market, ladies.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- Colourful hats for men.- I'm sure you'd wear one.- I probably would.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- A red trilby or something.- You never know what you do of a weekend.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- It's up to you. - Yeah, I've got one of those.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Piyush is meeting Barbara Lawler, a retired teacher,
0:20:10 > 0:20:13who is a lover of the ancient art of crochet.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17But can Piyush see her work in one of London's top museums?
0:20:19 > 0:20:20You know, I was having nightmares
0:20:20 > 0:20:23when I heard that you were coming with a crochet bag,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26because it's such a cliche for women to do crochet part-time.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29But I'm very, very pleasantly surprised.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Looking at the product, you know,
0:20:31 > 0:20:33it's brilliant, fantastic and very clever.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Tell me a little bit more about it.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Well, I started with some photographs of fruit that I'd
0:20:38 > 0:20:40grown in the garden.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Apples and plums.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44And I drew them
0:20:44 > 0:20:48and then I made a template to work from on the computer.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53And I crocheted just into the shapes. So, it isn't a written pattern.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57It has its basis in free-form crochet,
0:20:57 > 0:21:01which would be too hard to actually write down written instructions.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04So, you follow a template or a picture.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- Do you have the template to show? - Yes.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10This is the one that shows crochet from the template.
0:21:10 > 0:21:11You see, this is how I started.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16So I crocheted that shape so it fitted into there.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19So, how much time does it take for you to make one apple or one pear?
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- Like this, maybe about 20 minutes.- Wow.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25So, this bag must have taken you a day to make?
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- No, I'd think there would be about 50 hours in that.- 50 hours!
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Expensive bag.- Oh, yes.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37That's why nobody would buy it
0:21:37 > 0:21:40because you could just buy a pair of knitted gloves for a pound.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42So, if you saw this bag in the market,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44how much would you buy it for?
0:21:44 > 0:21:47On THE market or in a market?
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- In a market or on the market. - It depends where it was.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55If it was in a craft stall, £80, but I think it's worth more than that.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- So how much is it worth?- 300. - That's fair enough.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03I'm sure there are a lot of craft lovers who would spend that
0:22:03 > 0:22:06amount of money.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08I don't think I'd like to sell it.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11So, what's the purpose of making if you don't want to sell it?
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Because I have an idea in my head and I visualise it in my head
0:22:14 > 0:22:16and I need it to come out.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18But is it a hobby craft, or do you want to take it to the next level?
0:22:18 > 0:22:23Because you certainly have the skill and also the imagination.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27So, a little bit of tweaks here and I think it could be very professional.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29What would the next level be, then?
0:22:29 > 0:22:32You need to just minimise a little bit.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Maybe the back fabric could be just plain fabric
0:22:34 > 0:22:36and you are stitching those.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38And it becomes commercial.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- I see.- Maybe leather handles, instead of crochet handles.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43So, you are reducing the manpower,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46but you are still making the product which people will buy.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Don't you think it would detract a little from its, I don't know,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52charm or appeal if you did that?
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- I don't think so.- I'm not...- Little bit, make it more contemporary.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00I do think it's amazing skill - what you have done is brilliant.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04But it's a little bit becoming crafty.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07It has got a very rural feel to it, with the shape of the bag
0:23:07 > 0:23:08and things.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12Again, I'm coming back to my point about certainly you have the
0:23:12 > 0:23:14skill, but why not take it further.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17I don't know where to go from here.
0:23:17 > 0:23:25I'm quite happy just thinking things and then actually creating them.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28But isn't that what a designer does?
0:23:28 > 0:23:32There's no doubting Barbara's green and nimble figures.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Piyush is hard to please, but it seems Barbara's won him around.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38If she were to sell her template in kit form she'd
0:23:38 > 0:23:41encourage others while also making money.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46It's just like an expression, it's something that comes out of your head,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48and you make it with your hands.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53What making can give you is not only satisfaction
0:23:53 > 0:23:57but a unique piece to show off your effort at the end of the day.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59We've invited makers
0:23:59 > 0:24:02of all kinds to bring along their work today.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Rosie is a recent arts graduate...
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- Where is this?- This is Droitwich Spa High Street.- Is it really?
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Obviously inspired by your local surroundings.
0:24:12 > 0:24:13Yes, I live in Droitwich.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15I love the higgledy-piggledy cobbled stones
0:24:15 > 0:24:17and the way it evolves into the houses.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19It's all very organic.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Yes, this painting's called "Wonky Droitwich"
0:24:21 > 0:24:24because they used to extract the brine for the salt.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28And it's ruining the foundations of the buildings. So, it's all sort of tumbling inwards.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Yes, but I've obviously exaggerated it.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Good social history point there. And what's this one?
0:24:33 > 0:24:36This painting's called "Salt Day" and it's in Salt Borough Market,
0:24:36 > 0:24:38which is again in Droitwich.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41I think you've come up with a great idea of representing your local town.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44I love your style and that's quite unique, isn't it?
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- How long have you been painting in this style?- For a few years now.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50It's really since I finished uni that I developed.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53You just stumbled across it and thought this is really good.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56I know you've sold the originals at an exhibition you had.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- These are of a print run. Good luck with these.- Thank you.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- I think you've got a promising career.- Oh, thank you.- Stick at it.
0:25:03 > 0:25:04I will do.
0:25:06 > 0:25:07Creating a limited edition
0:25:07 > 0:25:11print from your original painting is another way to generate revenue
0:25:11 > 0:25:15as an artist. And if you're in the market, it makes art affordable.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21Now, last of the day for Mary Jane is Rachel Norris,
0:25:21 > 0:25:23she works in medicine, but is inspired by the zoological.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Could her piece be a classic design?
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Rachel, one look at this and I'm thinking red carpet.
0:25:32 > 0:25:33Thank you so much.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36That's just the impact that I wanted to create with it.
0:25:37 > 0:25:38A beautiful impact piece.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42You wouldn't need to wear anything else, apart from a dress.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47I have to admit, I've never made anything out of wire before,
0:25:47 > 0:25:49so talk me through wirework jewellery.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52How would you start making something like this?
0:25:52 > 0:25:53Well, it starts with a reel of wire
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- and a little heap of little gemstones you select. - Yeah.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59And you weave and you use sort of basket weaving techniques to
0:25:59 > 0:26:01actually weave through the piece.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04So, it's basket weaving techniques, is it?
0:26:04 > 0:26:05It actually is an extension of that.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08From the minute human beings could work with metal
0:26:08 > 0:26:11they used those techniques, because they couldn't necessarily solder.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14So, this is a way of making jewellery without soldering
0:26:14 > 0:26:15the metal together.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19So, it's a really ancient form of jewellery making?
0:26:19 > 0:26:24The traditions that are being used in all of these crafts are not
0:26:24 > 0:26:26lost, they're progressing.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29They're being handed on to the next generation in a contemporary way.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34I love this lazy lizard who's slithering over this lady's bosom.
0:26:36 > 0:26:37But he wants this dragonfly.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40How many hours would it take you to make a piece like this?
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Because I'm a mum of three and I've got a busy working life,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46if I was sitting down and I had two days to myself,
0:26:46 > 0:26:48it would take about two and a half to three days to make.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Do you get really absorbed in what you're doing?
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Yes, I can totally lose myself.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56From that point of view, I would thoroughly recommend it to anybody wishing to take up
0:26:56 > 0:27:00wirework and jewellery making or any craft, actually.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04It is that part of release of creativity that may be pent up
0:27:04 > 0:27:06in you for decades.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09But that's what's so great about craft is it releases so much.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12It's a fantastic way of expressing yourself.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14It's a great way of distracting yourself from tough stuff
0:27:14 > 0:27:16that's going on in your life.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19And a way of making something beautiful. What type of wire is it?
0:27:19 > 0:27:21It looks like some sort of copper wire to me.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25If I could afford to work in silver and gold, oh, my goodness.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28That would make this a hugely expensive piece.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- At £10 per metre of silver. - £10 a metre for silver?- Yes.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35And I used 60 metres of wire in this. So, I work in copper.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38One day, if someone commissions me to make a silver piece,
0:27:38 > 0:27:40I'll make a silver piece.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Or a gold piece. Imagine, it would be fantastic.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45It's a difficult thing to place in a way, because I imagine smaller
0:27:45 > 0:27:48pieces at craft shows could sell for, I don't know.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51What would you normally sell smaller pieces for?
0:27:51 > 0:27:55I would like about sort of £70 or something.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- £70 for just a smaller piece. - But again...
0:28:02 > 0:28:05You tend to probably end up being at 30 or 40 pounds.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07You'd like something a little bit more for it.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10That's why I'm sort of thinking perhaps you should be
0:28:10 > 0:28:16aiming at galleries or perhaps higher-end outlets in order to
0:28:16 > 0:28:18maximise what you could.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Because it's such a huge amount of work.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23It's also an investment of part of yourself goes into a piece.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26And to let it go would be absolutely heart-breaking,
0:28:26 > 0:28:27unless it was worth letting it go.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32- Do you do cats?- I haven't done a cat yet, but I'd love to do a cat.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Could I have a cat? That's my favourite creature.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- Yes, well, I'll do one. - It's been lovely to meet you.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Thanks for coming in.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Rachel's pieces are so striking
0:28:45 > 0:28:47and her attention to detail is phenomenal.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54If she wants to sell her work for what it's worth, she should aim to persuade a high-end retail or
0:28:54 > 0:28:56gallery to stock them.
0:28:57 > 0:29:02It's a very positive feeling actually having somebody talk about the pieces that you're
0:29:02 > 0:29:03making in such a lovely way.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10It's important that the handmade revolution spurs you
0:29:10 > 0:29:11all on to have a go.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14And I want to show you how easy it is to get involved.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18There are many talented teachers up and down the country, all
0:29:18 > 0:29:21eager to pass their craft knowledge on to complete novices, like me.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28We often associate a handmade tradition with a rural way of life.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32But, it's central to our urban industrial heritage, too.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34As I found out when visiting
0:29:34 > 0:29:38a place at the very heart of British industry.
0:29:38 > 0:29:39Today I'm in Sheffield.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42For centuries it's been home of the British steel industry.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45I'm meeting up with the last few remaining master cutlers
0:29:45 > 0:29:47and I'm going to have a go at making a pair of scissors.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55This is the only remaining scissor factory in Sheffield city
0:29:55 > 0:29:58centre. It was founded in 1902
0:29:58 > 0:30:02when Sheffield was world renowned as a cutlery town.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05And there were 150 thriving scissor companies.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10Nick Wright, the fifth generation of his family to be in the cutlery
0:30:10 > 0:30:13trade, is determined this factory will survive.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19In the '60s we probably had about 80 employees.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- Yeah, and how many do you have today?- Three, skilled.- Wow.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26Why is that? Why is that? Cos the demand is still there, surely.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28If you look back to the 1950s
0:30:28 > 0:30:32and '60s the world came to Sheffield for scissors, but since the
0:30:32 > 0:30:37event of globalisation, you've got the whole world making scissors now.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42It's got a lot harder trying to compete with the foreign imports.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Where are they producing now? China, I would imagine?
0:30:44 > 0:30:47China, India, Pakistan,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49they're all big centres of industry for scissors now.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52We are in the UK very small,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55but we like to think that ours are as good as anyone's.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57It's all about quality. I see the smile on your face.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00At the end of the day quality counts and it will always last.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05I'm keen to see these master craftsmen at work.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Ian started in the scissor factory in the days
0:31:08 > 0:31:11when, if you took a job, it was a job for life.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13He's now past retirement,
0:31:13 > 0:31:16but he's stayed on because of the shortage of apprentices.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19And for the love of scissors. How long have you been doing this?
0:31:19 > 0:31:2646 years. With this company. I came here in 1968.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31When Nicky's grandfather had the company and now we've got Nicky.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34How many different types of scissors are there that you work on?
0:31:34 > 0:31:35That I work on?
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- More than 100, easily.- Really?
0:31:38 > 0:31:40And what's the most common pair of scissors?
0:31:40 > 0:31:42- Is it that one you're holding now? - This is the most common one.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- What do you call that? - An eight-inch dressmaker's.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47An eight-inch dressmaker's pair of scissors.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- Purely for dressmaking, for cutting fabric?- Yes.- Well, let's have a go.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54Ribbon cutting ceremonies, dressmaking,
0:31:54 > 0:31:56haircutting and even the odd pair for left-handers,
0:31:56 > 0:32:00all the scissors made here are made for a specific purpose.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Wunderbar.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Now that we've put an edge on the scissors to make them
0:32:07 > 0:32:11fit for use, it's on to the next stage.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- Eric.- Paul.- Pleased to meet you.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18You are one of the last master cutlers here as well.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23- Part of the trio, carrying on the long tradition.- 56 years.- 56 years.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26How many pairs of scissors do you think you've made in your life?
0:32:26 > 0:32:30- Millions, I must have touched.- And you never get bored of it?- A little bit.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Sometimes.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36What have you been working on today? I've been bow dressing.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- What does that mean?- Bow dressing is just polishing the bows up.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- So these have to be done and these have been done.- That's right.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47It used to be a female's job, a woman's job. It used to be.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51- Of course, they've all gone now. - It's a dirty old job, isn't it?
0:32:51 > 0:32:53It is a dirty job, yeah.
0:32:53 > 0:32:54In its heyday in the 1960s,
0:32:54 > 0:32:58Hundreds of thousands were employed
0:32:58 > 0:32:59in the cutlery industry here in Sheffield.
0:32:59 > 0:33:04The techniques used to make scissors here haven't changed since then.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06Takes your fingerprints off.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Here the blades are being polished,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13which give the scissors their smooth and shiny surface.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19I wouldn't want to have a go at that.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22You have to have the right amount of tension holding those scissors,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25because they'll just go flying off everywhere.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28And as it looks now, it is a fantasia,
0:33:28 > 0:33:30a symphony of scissor sparks.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33You won't do that all day long, will you?
0:33:33 > 0:33:38- No, I don't do this all day long. - Are they hot?- They are hot, yes.- Oh!
0:33:41 > 0:33:44The final stage is for the scissors to be smithed -
0:33:44 > 0:33:47or straightened - and assembled, ready to go in the furnace.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Cliff works as a master scissors-putter-togetherer -
0:33:50 > 0:33:52yes, that's his official title.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55You did a five-year apprenticeship, didn't you?
0:33:55 > 0:33:58You've obviously served your time throughout your life.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- You can safely say you are a master cutler.- Yeah.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03But I wouldn't say it was a five-year apprenticeship,
0:34:03 > 0:34:05more like ten or fifteen-year apprenticeship.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09- Do you feel that you never stop learning?- You don't.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11You never stop learning and I'm still learning now.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15- What's the first thing you do?- We go round it like that. See, like that.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- Now, it don't look very neat. - No, it doesn't, does it?
0:34:21 > 0:34:25But when I put two more processes after this, you wouldn't know. Right.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Let's see. Now then. See how that's come flat?
0:34:29 > 0:34:32You can run your fingers down and it is flat.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- That's pretty good, isn't it? - I'm happy with that.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- These will last 100 years, won't they?- They would do, yeah.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42It really annoys me when you go to the cheap shops and you see three pairs of scissors
0:34:42 > 0:34:44for £2.50 and you use them once
0:34:44 > 0:34:46and they don't even cut a piece of paper and you chuck them.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50- Everything's solid on that.- Make it once and make it last a lifetime.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54Granddaughter works at college doing dressmaking, etc.
0:34:54 > 0:34:55And I make her scissors.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59And she says they're brilliant and I said they're not brilliant, them scissors,
0:34:59 > 0:35:00they're poetry in motion.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07There's hope that this craft will be passed on into the next century.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Because the factory has recently taken on a new
0:35:10 > 0:35:12generation of scissor maker.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Jamie, you are the new apprentice.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16You are the fresh blood that's come here.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Did you think that you want to work with your hands,
0:35:19 > 0:35:21"I want to be a master cutler" or what?
0:35:21 > 0:35:25- Something practical, mainly.- And how did you find out about the job here?
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Through the council. They've got an apprenticeship scheme just started this year.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32What was going through your mind as you were walking through the door for the first time?
0:35:32 > 0:35:35I didn't think it was going to be as complicated as it is.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37There's a lot more to it than what meets the eye.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42- And because there's a challenge, has that made you keener?- Yeah.
0:35:42 > 0:35:43How is he doing, by the way?
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Come on, first impressions.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50He's coming along slowly, but he's coming along.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52- Does he make a good cup of tea? - Very good.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- That's his first and foremost job. - You know, I knew he'd say that.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Scissor making is a huge part of Sheffield's social history
0:36:00 > 0:36:01and heritage.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05And it's great that companies like this are fighting to keep
0:36:05 > 0:36:08local production alive.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11They're passing on the skills of these masters to the next
0:36:11 > 0:36:14generation of handmade revolutionaries.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19Is there a lot of pressure on you to carry on the family tradition?
0:36:19 > 0:36:21Is there light at the end of the tunnel?
0:36:21 > 0:36:24There's certainly light at the end of the tunnel.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27It's been hard, but I'm absolutely passionate about it.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- I really want to do it. - But it starts right here, right now.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Yeah, exactly.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- You've got a cracking team.- We have, that's what's most important.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39Three of the last surviving master cutlers, eh?
0:36:39 > 0:36:43I've been told to bring a penny in, I don't know why?
0:36:43 > 0:36:45But there's your penny.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47I am going to give you the gift of a pair of scissors.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Thank you very much. These are the ones I worked on.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53The old myth is you give the gift of a blade and it can sever a friendship.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57So, if I take the penny off you, we should stay friends for ever.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Thank you.
0:36:59 > 0:37:04Look at that. They just feel fabulous. Great British skills.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06That's what it's all about.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11I appreciate that not everyone can have a go at scissor making,
0:37:11 > 0:37:14unless of course you fancy an apprenticeship in Sheffield
0:37:14 > 0:37:18but it's so important that quality industrial craftsmanship is
0:37:18 > 0:37:19still being championed.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27But now it's crunch time for our five finalists.
0:37:27 > 0:37:32This is where one of them will earn a privilege that could change their life.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36It's time to find out who will be judges' favourite.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43A wide range of stuff to choose from, but only one of them can be
0:37:43 > 0:37:44our favourite today.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47So, Piyush, maybe you could start by telling us about the people you met.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49This is a stained glass panel by Karen.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52But it's a mosaic pattern because small little colour
0:37:52 > 0:37:54pieces of glass are actually glued on the other glass.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57So, it's a lot of work involved in that.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00So, it's actually two sheets of glass and not one, which is what is looks like.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- Yes.- So a bit more unusual.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04It would give me satisfaction,
0:38:04 > 0:38:10I think, and contentment to have my craft recognised and appreciated.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12I'd be overjoyed.
0:38:12 > 0:38:13It's a lot of texture there.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15She's got some three-dimensional bits down at the bottom.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Which I'm not sure about, but, yes, it looks pretty.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20I'd like it in my conservatory,
0:38:20 > 0:38:24but would I think of anything more to it than that?
0:38:24 > 0:38:27I'm not quite sure. It's pretty, as you say, but is that enough?
0:38:27 > 0:38:30Maybe just pretty, OK. What about the next?
0:38:31 > 0:38:34This is Barbara, which pleasantly surprised me
0:38:34 > 0:38:36because I was having nightmares about crochet.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38You were worried about crochet?
0:38:38 > 0:38:42I personally don't like crochet, but she's a very clever lady.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46What she's done is developed patterns of crochet.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- And then you can colour it yourself. - It's a passion.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53It's something that I'm just driven to do.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58It think there's a lot of innovative ideas she's throwing in this bag.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- What's it made out of?- It's acrylic yarn, which I am not sure about.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03OK, Mary Jane, what about you?
0:39:03 > 0:39:07Well, Jennifer has been studying millinery for a short time.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Great to see another hat maker. It's not my favourite material.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13It's made out of sinamay, which is terribly high street,
0:39:13 > 0:39:15to be honest, but she's done it all by hand.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17She's made the mini top hat by hand
0:39:17 > 0:39:18and I appreciate that she's done that.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21And it's more than just a fascinator.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- It's got more to it than that.- This is my love, millinery.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26And, yeah, I would love to be a full-time milliner.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30There's no doubt about it. If I could make this my life, I would do it at the drop of a hat.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- She is clearly a quick study.- I think she's got a lot of potential.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- I think it's very well executed. - Yes, definitely.
0:39:37 > 0:39:42- OK, how about the bowl?- Then there's Tony's bowl. So tactile.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Turned on a lathe and I think he's got a very lovely finish on it.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48It's a beautiful thin quality.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51And to be honest, I couldn't take my hands off it.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53I think for an amateur, he's done a really good job.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57And he's really exploited that thing you can do in turning where
0:39:57 > 0:40:00you expose the profile of the tree by leaving its edge there.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02And I think that works nicely.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04This is something that I can actually succeed at.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06If I was chosen as the judges' favourite,
0:40:06 > 0:40:08I would be absolutely thrilled to bits.
0:40:08 > 0:40:09It's very simple.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11I think it's something that I would buy
0:40:11 > 0:40:13but not necessarily very inventive.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17- You do see a lot of things like this.- You do.- OK, the necklace.
0:40:17 > 0:40:18And then Rachel's necklace.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22Interestingly, Rachel is a vascular ultrasound specialist,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25so she spends her time looking inside people.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28And I think her wirework necklace is also doing that.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30It's looking inside the creatures.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34She's used over 60 metres of wire in this. It's a lot of work.
0:40:34 > 0:40:39And she loves using these images from nature, so creatures.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42She said that this gecko is endlessly chasing this dragonfly.
0:40:42 > 0:40:47- It's lovely.- It is really nice.- Very quirky. Yeah.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49Quirky, catwalk, red carpet.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53My goodness, it would be an ultimate accolade to be successful.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55I don't for one minute think I will, because I've seen
0:40:55 > 0:41:00the standard of everyone here, but it would be a tremendous privilege.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- So, are you left with a clear choice?- There were a few possibilities.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Swinging between one or the other, but I think I know what I'm going to choose.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08It's very difficult for me in this one.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13I think for technical skills and the amount of work involved,
0:41:13 > 0:41:15I think I know what I'll go for.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17It's a tough choice this time around.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19They seem very evenly balanced to me, but I think I'm going to
0:41:19 > 0:41:22go for one that's very well-executed, very well-made, but also has
0:41:22 > 0:41:25a little bit of spirit to it, a little bit of the unexpected.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30So who will be judges' favourite?
0:41:35 > 0:41:37So judges, have you reached a decision yet?
0:41:37 > 0:41:42- What do you think, guys?- I think we have.- I think so.- You sure?- Yes.
0:41:42 > 0:41:43We have a decision for you, Paul.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Right, I can see that was a tough one.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48It's now time to bring in the finalists.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Come on in.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Firstly, a big thank you to all of you for sharing your wonderful
0:41:58 > 0:41:59work with us today.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Your talent and your zest for making is clear.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Now, before I reveal the results of the judges' deliberations, let me
0:42:05 > 0:42:08tell you about the opportunity we have in place for one of you.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Today's judges' favourite will have their work
0:42:12 > 0:42:15put on display in the V & A shop.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20In the heart of the world-renowned Victoria & Albert Museum.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25Now, let me tell you for an unknown maker, it doesn't get any better than that.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27So, fingers crossed.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30The judges have made their decision.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36I'm pleased to announce today's judges' favourite is...
0:42:41 > 0:42:43..Rachel and her necklace.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49Well done. Well done. That's a great result, isn't it?
0:42:49 > 0:42:53I'm absolutely totally thrilled and extremely honoured. Thank you so much.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56To be judged by people who have made it in the field
0:42:56 > 0:42:59and who are the best in the field, it is an extreme honour.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Your work's now going to be rubbing shoulders with the best.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Well, I never cease to be amazed how much flair
0:43:08 > 0:43:10and talent there is out there.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12All waiting to be discovered.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16Who knows, maybe there's a master maker in you, wanting to burst out.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20So come on, come and join us in our handmade revolution.