Seven diverse craft makers from around Scotland have been awarded prizes in the 2012 craft&design Selected Awards.

First launched in 2009, the craft&design Selected Awards are based on an Online Public Vote for British and Irish designer makers with work represented in Selected, craft&design’s online gallery. 

The Public Vote determines six finalists in each of six categories. Specialist Invited Judges, together with the craft&design panel, subsequently assess the work of the finalists to establish one Gold Award Winner, two Silver Award Winners and three Finalists in each category, with just one person being awarded the craft&design Maker of the Year Award.

Ceramicist Patricia Shone won the Gold Award in the Ceramics category, which was judged by Steve Ogden. Speaking about Patricia’s work, he said: “Each piece has a sense of movement as if the process of making is ongoing, pots are almost still being rotating, it’s this movement combined with the applied surface decoration and form which made the work stand out as a gold award winner.”

Other Scotland based makers in the Ceramics category included Silver Award winner Hannah McAndrew, whose work Ogden noted, “combined the best in traditional thrown form with sensitive slip decoration” and finalist Julian Jardine, who makes creative ceramic sculptures.

In the Wood & Metal category, Geoff King was announced by judge Anthony Dew as a finalist for his unique wooden jewellery.

Jewellery & Precious Metal judge awarded Craig Stuart a Silver Award for his work in mokume gane jewellery made using exclusively precious metals. 

The judge of the Glass category, Alan Poole, awarded Rachel Elliott a Silver Award, noting that “I am always amazed at how Rachel Elliott often changes style and techniques used to come up with what looks simple, but interesting and fun work.” Michael James Hunter, who creates hand-crafted crystal tableware, was announced as a finalist in the Glass category.

Textiles maker Louise Gardiner was the craft&design Selected Maker of the Year 2012.

See the award winners in full and read the Judge’s statements at http://www.craftanddesign.net/awards/ 

Pictured from top down:Patricia Shone Ceramics, Craig Stuart Jewellery, Hannah McAndrew Ceramics, Rachel Elliott Glass