Six makers from Dumfries & Galloway will be showcasing their work and launching new collections at Design Edge in Surrey this weekend.

This will be the first time all of the exhibitors will have presented their work at Design Edge and for some it will be their first attendance at a trade event.

Textile designer Janet O’Donnell will show her collection of handwoven, hand painted and hand knitted scarves, while Kay Ribbens will present her range of unusual and distinctive hats perfect for autumn and winter.

Jeweller Natalie Vardey will show her recently developed range of silver and acrylic pieces which play on the interaction of light transference and reflections. Some pieces have moving parts and in others the movement is just an illusion. This new range, compliments her existing jewellery which incorporates woven, knitted and crocheted precious metal elements and pearls in delicate necklaces, earrings and rings.

Fiona Allardyce-Lewis will be presenting her handcrafted decorative mirrors and boxes featuring watercolour, pen and ink illustration on wood and Hannah McAndrew of The Barm Pottery will show her hand thrown and individually slip decorated functional earthenware. 

Glass artist Amanda Simmons recently established Corsock Glass and is showing her new collection of kilnformed glass incorporating functional and sculptural pieces. She was delighted to see Corsock Glass panels used as a back drop to the interview with Gordon Brown, recently elected Prime Minister, on the BBC's Politics Show in July 2007.  

Amanda was commissioned to design a reception feature at Vestry Hall, Sheffield and she has been working with the local community in art workshops to produce the final designs of a group of large hanging coloured circles (double and triple layered) with screen-printed, sandblasted and engraved designs incorporating old architectural features from the building and old / new map references. The finished work is due for completion and a grand opening in September 2007.

The initiative is supported by the Art & Craft Sector Trade Development Project at Dumfries & Galloway Council.

Design Edge takes place at Sandown Park Exhibition Centre in Surry from 16 to 18 September 2007.  Open daily 10am to 5pm.  The Scottish exhibitors can be found on stands 254, 254a, 255, 256, 256a and 257. Buyers can pre-register www.design-edge.uk.com