Tag: Tea Green Events

Edinburgh designer bangs the drum for creativity

A former drummer from Edinburgh who transforms unwanted drum kits into beautiful homewares has secured a spot at a series of prestigious Scottish design markets.

Darren Wilkie founded Flam Homewares in 2020. He received his first drum kit at the age of 14 and now creates planters, tables, clocks, and lamps from nearly all parts of pre-loved kits, sourced from spare rooms, sheds, and attics across the country.

This season, he has been selected to showcase and sell his creations at Tea Green Events markets across Scotland, at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, Edinburgh (22–23 November), V&A Dundee (28-30 November), Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow (6–7 December), and concluding at Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife (12–13 December 2025).

Darren said, “When I was 14, I was given my first drum kit. While I played it for many years, I eventually moved on to others and this old kit became just another surface for a messy teen to leave clothes on.

“When I left home to study music at University, I kept one of the drums from this old kit for sentimental reasons, hoping to make something with it one day. Fast forward eight years, and while working in mental health during the pandemic, I needed a hobby outside of work.

“I got the old drum out of my gran’s garage, upcycled it into a table, shared it on social media, and that was the start of it. People started asking if I could make them one, and it snowballed. I’ve since expanded to creating planters, trays, tables, clocks, lamps, pet beds and more, all from old unwanted drum kits.”

Earlier this year, Darren went full-time with his business, and his creations can be found in six countries across three continents and in homes and businesses across the UK, including record shops, bars, music venues, barbershops and tattoo studios.

In 2023, Darren also founded Nook & Cranny Studios CIC, providing affordable studio spaces to 16 emerging artists, makers and small businesses in Leith.

“Finding studio space in Edinburgh that’s affordable, has flexible access and without huge waiting lists is difficult, so I set up my own. This is where I work, and I rent spaces out to other emerging artists, hopefully removing some of the barriers I faced when starting out.

“There are so many creatives in Edinburgh but it’s easy to feel isolated working from home or working on your own in a studio. At Nook & Cranny Studios, creatives get their own dedicated workspace surrounded by creative peers in a supportive community environment. We can help each other navigate opportunities and trends or explore new markets.”

Darren is now busy creating more products for the Tea Green Markets, which he says play a crucial role in the growth and profile of his business: “For the first three or four years, I sold exclusively online, crafting small-batch items while juggling a full-time job.

“During this time, my partner, Chiara Celini, was already showcasing her art at Tea Green Markets and I would help with her stall from time to time, soaking up the experience and slowly building the confidence I needed to launch my own market stall.

“For me, Tea Green Markets were aspirational and I landed my first markets this summer at Kelvingrove and V&A Dundee. These are great events to be a part of, so returning for their festive markets will be wonderful!

“The venues are prestigious and attract customers who appreciate handmade craft and design, which encourages designers to up their game. It feels like many returning customers are part of the Tea Green community as much as the makers are. We get to know our customers and they get to know us.

“They get to learn about the process and see the passion we have for what we do. You can’t always get that across on social media and markets like these allow customers to buy into the maker as much as their products.”

Joanne MacFadyen of Tea Green Markets added, “Darren epitomises all the values of Tea Green – high-quality design and craftsmanship while also working sustainably and collaboratively.

“We applaud everything he’s done to build the creative community in Edinburgh and can’t wait to see him, and all the other designers and makers, at this year’s festive markets.”

Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at National Galleries of Scotland, said, “We can’t wait to welcome the Tea Green makers back to the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh following the amazing success of the summer market.

“Get in the Christmas spirit under the bedazzling stars of the Great Hall, which will be decked out for the festive season! Don’t forget to look up, you may even spot a plane amongst the stars, a subtle nod to our free Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer exhibition upstairs.

“The Portrait gallery is dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, so where better to also showcase the talents of the incredible creatives and support small Scottish businesses!

“Pop in and explore the market, and pick up a beautiful hand-crafted gift and don’t forget to enjoy a mince pie in our Cafe!”

For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit https://www.teagreen.co.uk/

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, Edinburgh (22–23 November), 

Portrait Gallery showcase for Edinburgh College of Art designers

Over 40 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh for a showcase of creative talent.

Now in its 11th year, Tea Green Events has become a major platform for independent Scottish designers, drawing thousands of visitors to its markets across the country.

Following the success of Tea Green Events’ markets at National Galleries Scotland: National last year, this is the market’s debut event at the Queen Street venue, taking place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August 2025 (10am-5pm).

This year’s markets will also come to V&A Dundee, Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife, Aberdeen Art Gallery and both Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and The Burrell Collection in Glasgow.

Specialising in carefully curated markets within some of Scotland’s most stunning creative spaces, Tea Green Events was launched by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen in 2014.

Joanne said, “The Portrait is a truly spectacular space and the perfect backdrop to show off the cream of Scotland’s creative talent, including many designers and makers who live and work in and around the capital. 

“Due to the large number of tourists visiting Edinburgh at this time, the market will also put Scotland’s design talent on a global stage, where we can showcase the very best of Scottish craftsmanship. 

“With everything from jewellery and prints to knitwear and ceramics, these beautiful hand-crafted pieces of work are made by some truly talented individuals who I know are looking forward to this amazing opportunity”.

Amongst the designers and makers preparing to set out their stalls are a number of Edinburgh College of Art graduates, including illustrator and paper artist, Laura Sayers.

Laura commented, “Turning up at a market can sometimes be quite alienating for folk like me who spend a lot of their work life alone, but the community of makers and the customers that come along are always so warm and welcoming.

“It’s been encouraging for me to see my own work looking and feeling at home alongside some of my favourite small businesses who are all making such high-quality, handmade products.

“As a result, I feel spurred on to make more wholehearted work to mirror the high standards of the other artisans, and the markets give me direction and something to aim for, particularly in the slow summer months. 

“There’s also something special about that human interaction and living online means that you’re often craving a space for these conversations. I always come away feeling refreshed and excited for what’s next.

“Edinburgh was a beautiful city to study in, and my time at the College of Art really shaped and laid foundations for the work I make today. I’m always more than happy to return to soak up some more inspiration, and the Portrait Gallery has been one of my personal favourite spots for a long time.

“Making it a base for my artwork for a couple of days is a real pleasure.” 

National Galleries of Scotland’s Director of Audience, Isabella Miller, said, “We can’t wait to welcome the makers back to the National Galleries of Scotland following the amazing success of the Tea Green market at the National gallery last summer and winter.

“This time around we’re hosting the market in the stunning surroundings of the Portrait gallery in the centre of Edinburgh.  Visitors can explore the market under the bedazzling stars in the world-famous Great Hall.

“The decadent and ornate backdrop of the Portrait is the perfect setting for visitors to feel fully enveloped in the spirit of the market. Beautiful hand-crafted designs, in a beautiful hand-crafted building, what’s not to love!

“The Portrait is dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, so where better to also showcase the talents of the incredible market creatives and support Scottish businesses. We hope this will offer something a little different for our visitors to enjoy and that people can browse the stalls then explore the art, or pop into the café to relax and enjoy some delicious food.

“There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the Portrait.”

Dr Maria Maclennan, Senior Lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art, added, “It’s always wonderful to follow our graduates’ creative journeys as they grow and flourish into confident and established designer-makers.

“Communities and markets like Tea Green are ever-important platforms for our alumni in realising their ambitions, connecting with fellow creatives, and showcasing the breadth, diversity, and quality of work emerging from Scottish art colleges.

“At ECA, we strive to create opportunities for our students locally, nationally, and internationally; however, it is always particularly rewarding when graduates decide to remain in and around Edinburgh, and to further champion and grow Scotland’s vibrant creative landscape and economy.”

For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit:

 https://www.teagreen.co.uk/

Festive Spotlight for Edinburgh Designers

Nearly 80 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh this month for a showcase of creative talent.

Following the success of their August markets, Tea Green Events are returning to the beautiful venue on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November 2024 (10am to 5pm).

The Edinburgh event will be attended by almost 30 Edinburgh-based makers including a number of graduates of Edinburgh College of Art.

Free to enter, the event marks a fitting end to the Scottish company’s record-breaking year of markets to celebrate its 10th anniversary. 

Founder, Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen commented, “There is nowhere more magical than Edinburgh at Christmas and we’re absolutely thrilled to be part of the city’s offering this year, a place to buy so many beautiful, locally made products.

“Whether you’re looking for a hand-knitted jumper, bag, ceramics, jewellery or illustrations, it’s all here and all made in Scotland, much in Edinburgh itself.  It’s extra special to be working within such a stunning and important location which adds so much to the experience we’re creating together.”

One of the designers preparing to showcase her work is award-winning French author and illustrator, Marie-Alice Harel of Maharel.

Based in Edinburgh, Marie-Alice designs and illustrates books for readers of all ages. Her work, mostly traditional (watercolour, pencils and ink) is regularly exhibited in galleries in the UK, the USA and France. She also teaches Book Illustration and makes artist books, ceramics and textile pieces when time allows.

Marie-Alice, who will be selling books, prints, stationery and greetings cards, said: “Art galleries are so needed, allowing people and artists like me to get close and personal with the original artworks under their roofs.

“The art that inspired me as an artist/illustrator is from the past, so museums and galleries are the way I can experience them in person. Each artist is at the end of a long line of creatives and makers, building on a heritage of skills, ideas and techniques that, purposefully or unconsciously, both nourish and push their practice further.

“There is, however, a wide divide in perception between today’s practitioners and the masters of yesterday. It’s good to see efforts to bridge that gap, with the National Galleries hosting Tea Green events and their beautiful selection of makers.

“Each creative person is at the end of one of these invisible lines, each at their own scale and in their own discipline, so it makes a lot of sense to welcome them under the same roof. You will be able to meet them this November, next to their respected predecessors (who are no doubt cheering them on silently from the museum’s walls). Some of today’s artists will grace those same walls someday.

“You might want to buy a print, a greeting card or some other carefully crafted item (a life’s work really) while they’re still alive.”

Marie-Alice’s work will beautifully complement the brand new exhibition on show at the galleries. Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House is a spectacular group of some 50 Flemish, Dutch, Early Netherlandish, and German drawings and watercolours, spanning from about 1500 to 1700 and exhibited in Scotland for the first time.

Marie-Alice will be joined by fellow illustrator Susie Wright, who graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2003.

Susie, also based in Edinburgh, added, “I’ve been inspired by the artworks and spaces in the National Galleries since I was a student and made my very first screen print after a research trip drawing in and around the galleries.

“Edinburgh is also a continued source of inspiration, I love how the changing light throughout the year highlights different details and views as I walk around the city. The Tea Green markets have allowed me to meet like-minded makers and wonderfully supportive customers, which in turn has created a really lovely creative community.”

Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at National Galleries of Scotland said, ‘We are so delighted to welcome Tea Green’s winter market and all of the amazing independent designers to the National.

“We are thrilled that we can offer the beautiful surroundings of the National gallery to showcase the talents of these incredible creatives and support Scottish businesses. With the market on at the same time as our spectacular exhibition, Dürer to Van Dyck : Drawings from Chatsworth House, visitors will have the unique opportunity to discover historical drawings in the Royal Scottish Academy and then pop through to the National to explore the current works of the illustrators on offer at the event. 

“We hope this will offer something a little different for our visitors to enjoy and that people can browse the stalls then explore the art. There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the National.”

Before the year is out, Tea Green Events markets will also be held at V&A Dundee (Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December),   Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December) and Bowhouse in Fife (Friday 13 to Sunday 15 December 2024).

For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit https://www.teagreen.co.uk/

Edinburgh Fringe Showcase for Local Creatives

Nearly 80 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh this weekend for a showcase of creative talent.

In what is their debut capital city event, Tea Green Events are holding their first ever market at the beautiful venue from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August, returning with their festive market in November.

The markets’ arrival in Edinburgh is a fitting end to the Scottish company’s record-breaking run of summer markets to celebrate their 10th anniversary.    Markets have also been held at Aberdeen Art Gallery, The Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, V&A Dundee and Bowhouse in Fife.

Specialising in carefully curated markets within some of Scotland’s most stunning creative spaces, Tea Green Events was launched by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen who is holding a record 20 markets across Scotland this year, driven by increased demand from independent makers and the public.

Joanne said, “Our arrival at the National in Edinburgh represents a huge milestone for Tea Green Events and is a fitting finale to end our biggest ever summer run of markets which have been absolutely amazing.

“It’s extra special to be working within such a prestigious space in a superb location, a prospect I know the artists and designers are just as excited by.

“Because of the huge number of tourists visiting Edinburgh at this time, it’s a real privilege to be showcasing the very best of Scottish craftsmanship, beautiful hand-crafted pieces of work made by some truly talented individuals.

“We’ll have everything from jewellery and prints to knitwear, letterpress stationery and ceramics, truly something for everyone!”

One of the designers preparing to set out her stall is Fiona McIntosh of Edinburgh-based Tessuti Scotland, who makes a range of hand-dyed and silk-screened accessories.

Fiona, who launched her business in 1985, said, “I’ve been involved with Tea Green right from the beginning and, although I used to exhibit in London, the Tea Green markets have replaced the need to do that. In fact, they have become my main platform for face-to-face selling.

“When you work alone, it’s always brilliant to get out there and meet new people. It also reminds you why you do what you do!  As well as positioning me in front of my target audience, they’re a great way to make new business connections and meet other creatives including local stockists who are looking for new lines to sell in their shops.”

Meanwhile, Jo Walker of Jo Walker Ceramics, who originally studied jewellery design at Edinburgh College of Art, added, “Tea Green markets have made a huge difference to the way craft is portrayed in Scotland.

“In the past, art and craft have been viewed as two distinct things, with art on a pedestal and craft seen as something you tinker away with at a kitchen table. The markets have boosted the status of craft and elevated it to a presence it deserves.

“People are starting to see how much goes into making things, how much skill is involved.”

Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at National Galleries of Scotland said, “We are so excited to welcome the Tea Green’s Summer Market and all of the amazing independent designers to the National.

“We are thrilled that we can offer the beautiful surroundings of the National gallery to showcase the talents of these incredible creatives and support Scottish businesses.

“We hope this will offer something a little different for our visitors to enjoy and that people will pop in to browse the stalls then explore the art. There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the National!”

For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit https://www.teagreen.co.uk/