Meet the makers: Find a Maker BIG Weekend at MAKE Southwest

Guest Blog Post - MAKE Southwest

13–14 November 2026 | MAKE Southwest, Bovey Tracey 

Looking for something inspiring to do in Devon this November? Head to MAKE Southwest in Bovey Tracey for the Find a Maker BIG Weekend, a two-day celebration of making, creativity and the people behind some of the most beautiful handmade work. 

As part of the first Find a Maker Christmas Showcase in the Upstairs Riverside Gallery at MAKE Southwest, talented makers from across the UK will be bringing their skills to life through live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, talks and free family activities. 

From ceramics, willow and wood carving to letterpress, leather, glass, paper and print, this is a chance to see skilled craftspeople at work, discover how things are made and perhaps find something special to take home. 

Watch makers at work. 

Throughout both days, makers will be demonstrating their skills in different spaces around MAKE Southwest. 

Friday 13 November includes letterpress printing from Princetown Press, willow work from Making Space to Make, wood carving with William Barsley, spoon carving with Alex Finberg and ceramics with Sarah Monk. 

On Saturday 14 November, see leatherwork from Janine Partington, printmaking from Molly Lemon, mixed media from Kate Kato and glass from Patricia Dixon. 

The free demonstrations run throughout the day. 

Have a go yourself 

Fancy getting creative? There are a handful of intimate, hands-on workshops where you can learn directly from the makers. 

On Friday, Michaela McMillan leads a mixed-media workshop, followed by Patricia Dixon exploring glass painting. On Saturday, Sarah Monk offers two ceramics workshops, where you can learn to throw a pot.  

Workshop prices include all materials, plus tea and coffee. 

Meet the makers 

There’s more to making than the finished object. Throughout the weekend, Sarah James MBE will be in conversation with makers, exploring their materials, techniques, creative journeys and businesses. 

Friday 11am William Barsley, wood carving

1pm Princetown Press, letterpress 3pm Michaela McMillan, mixed media

Saturday 12 noon Molly Lemon, printmaking 2pm Patricia Dixon, glass 4pm Kate Kato, mixed media

These talks are a great opportunity to hear the stories behind the work and ask questions about the skills and processes involved.

Something for younger visitors

Saturday has something special for young creatives too, with a free Draw Along with best-selling, multi-award winning children's author and illustrator Sarah McIntyre. Learn to draw her Adventure Mice from 10.30–11.30am in the Jubilee Gallery.

Discover the Find a Maker Christmas Showcase

The BIG Weekend coincides with the Find a Maker Christmas Showcase, opening in MAKE Southwest's Upstairs Gallery on 7 November and running until 16 January 2027.

The exhibition brings together more than 20 independent makers from across the UK, with work spanning ceramics, glass, jewellery, leather, paper, print, textiles, willow and mixed media.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover the people behind the Find a Maker directory and buy directly from talented independent businesses, just in time for Christmas.

Plan your visit

Find a Maker BIG Weekend MAKE Southwest, Bovey Tracey Friday 13 & Saturday 14 November 2026 Demonstrations and family activities are free. Workshops and talks are bookable.

Whether you’re a lifelong craft enthusiast, looking for a creative day out, searching for unusual Christmas gifts or simply curious about how things are made, the Find a Maker BIG Weekend offers plenty to discover.

Come for the making. Stay for the inspiration and perhaps leave with something beautifully made. View the full programme and book workshops and talks →