Welcome to the Indie Quarter!

Thank you to Dionne Swift of Host Studios for this guest blog post.

Huddersfield and its surrounding area is exceptionally fortunate to be home to a plethora of nationally respected creative talents, in a vast array of disciplines: jewellery, textiles, painting, sculpture, ceramics and furniture.

HOST is now in its fifth year and provides a unique opportunity to visit the artists in their own studios and workshops. You can watch them at work, see what inspires them, perhaps have a go yourself and get inspired!

It’s also an opportunity to buy work direct from the artist, and to chat to them about their thoughts and inspiration for your chosen piece of work. You could also commission a special piece to be made exclusively for you.

Fifty artists in 22 studios will be opening their doors for two weekends at the end of September. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore their private and personal spaces of spontaneity, innovation and deliberation.

If you would like to support HOST and benefit from invitations to VIP launch events and discounts from artists, log on to the website and register as a Friend of HOST for only £20 a year.

Saturday & Sunday 20 & 21 September 11am to 6pm
Saturday & Sunday 27 & 28 September 11 am to 6pm
Launch Parties at all venues Friday 19 September 6pm to 9pm

I couldn’t resist these. I don’t know whether it’s the lovely bright colours, the mixture of prints or the gorgeous creatures themselves. They’re made by Lulu Carter and you can find her Etsy store at www.lulucarter.etsy.com.

And to find out more about Lulu visit her blog at www.lulucarter.typepad.com.

Beklina has two big passions - design and nature. Their beautiful collection of women’s clothing, accessories and homewares is a combination of the two. Modern, classic styling meets sustainable living.

Shop online before the end of July and receive 35% off all full priced clothing. Type July35 in the notes box during checkout and you will receive email confirmation of the refunded discount.

Find Beklina at www.beklina.com.

With a combined 20 years in the pottery business Jessica and Tyson of Lollipop Pottery have seen a lot of mugs and bowls. Therefore, they know just the right handle, volume, weight, texture and colours to brighten your morning coffee and afternoon tea.

Each piece is thrown on a potter’s wheel by Tyson, using a porcelain clay body. It is then painted with homemade underglazes by Jessica. Everything is lead free, food, dishwasher and microwave safe and a real delight to use.

Visit Lollipop Pottery at their online store at www.lollipoppottery.com.

Flirtatious, seductive, bold and empowering. Just a few words to describe the stunning range of lingerie from La Magia. Working with exciting young designers and established brands, La Magia has put together a unique and eclectic collection. The vibe is very much vintage style meets burlesque glamour.

Each of the above garments is handmade. Clockwise from left: Ayten Gasson, Angelic Weapons, Maya Hansen and Peachie Keen.

To shop online go to www.lamagia.co.uk.