Discover seven talented artisan makers from across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Poole, Mudeford and the surrounding area. From handcrafted silver jewellery and coastal-inspired accessories to ceramics, textile art, illustrated cards and reclaimed furniture, these independent creatives are producing distinctive pieces with real personality. Whether you are searching for a thoughtful locally made gift or simply want to discover more of Dorset’s creative community, these makers are well worth knowing.
3rd September 2026
From handcrafted silver jewellery and playful paper goods to coastal textiles and characterful ceramics, Dorset has a wonderfully varied community of independent makers. Here are seven local creatives whose work offers something refreshingly different from the mass-produced pieces found on the high street.
Working from her home studio in Bournemouth, Michelle Giles creates handcrafted silver jewellery using traditional silversmithing alongside the more contemporary technique of silver clay.
Michelle first discovered silversmithing through evening classes at Poole College in 2010, before launching her own jewellery business in 2016. Her collection now includes rings, pendants, bracelets and bangles, often incorporating semi-precious stones for extra colour and individuality.
Inspired by nature, texture and the understated beauty of silver, her designs combine organic shapes with clean, wearable lines. These are the sort of pieces that feel special without being saved exclusively for special occasions - beautifully made jewellery designed to be worn and enjoyed.
If you like your greetings cards with plenty of character and a brilliantly silly pun, Citrus Bunn should be firmly on your radar.
Founded by artist and self-confessed pun maker Clem, Citrus Bunn is known for its funny watercolour illustrations featuring a growing cast of comedy creatures. Each design begins as an original watercolour painting before being transformed into cards and paper goods.
The business also takes a thoughtful approach to production, using FSC-approved boards and recycled or planet-friendly materials wherever possible. It is colourful, clever and guaranteed to raise a smile - exactly what a good greetings card should do.
Caroline Pidduck is the maker behind Quaypieces, a Mudeford-based jewellery business filled with colour, seaside inspiration and relaxed coastal style.
Caroline’s handmade collections include bracelets, necklaces, earrings and anklets, bringing together beads, sterling silver, shells, sea glass and playful seaside charms. Turtles, fish, starfish and shells all make an appearance, giving the pieces a distinctly South Coast feel.
The jewellery is fun and easy to wear, with plenty of pieces that will instantly bring back memories of sunny days beside the water. It is also a lovely place to look for a locally made gift that feels unmistakably connected to Mudeford and the Dorset coast.
For homeware with an individual, handmade finish, take a look at Bournemouth ceramicist Made by Powley.
Every piece is made by hand, resulting in ceramics with subtle differences in shape, texture and glaze. The collection includes practical pieces such as jugs, spoon rests and dishes alongside decorative vases and contemporary stoneware for the home.
There is something particularly appealing about pottery that is both useful and beautiful. These are pieces intended to become part of everyday life - holding flowers, serving milk or sitting beside the kettle - while still carrying the unmistakable character of the person who made them.
Poole textile artist Caroline Harris captures some of Dorset’s most recognisable landscapes through fabric, stitch and colour.
Working under the name Sea-Saw Design, Caroline creates original textile artwork inspired by the scenery stretching from the New Forest to the Jurassic Coast. Familiar local landmarks, including Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks, are reimagined as intricately layered textile scenes.
Her original artworks are complemented by limited-edition prints, greetings cards, gifts and home accessories, making the collection accessible whether you are searching for a statement piece or a smaller reminder of the Dorset coast.
The Cat in the Shoe brings a wonderfully imaginative approach to sustainable textile art.
Based in Poole, its curious characters and sculptural creatures are made using repurposed and vintage fabrics. The choice of materials means that every creation has its own combination of colour, pattern and texture, giving each character a personality all of its own.
Whimsical, nostalgic and just a little eccentric, these are pieces that invite a closer look. They also show how discarded or forgotten textiles can be transformed into something original, decorative and full of charm.
Completing our list is J.A.M.S. Ironwork, where salvaged industrial objects and traditional metalworking come together to create highly individual furniture and lighting.
Maker Andrew Parker transforms reclaimed vintage and industrial materials into functional pieces for the home. Rather than disguising the history of the original objects, the designs celebrate their aged finishes, unusual shapes and previous lives.
The result is lighting and furniture with real presence - particularly suited to homes that favour industrial interiors, conversation pieces and objects that cannot simply be picked up anywhere else.
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