Mrs Crafty B: Ernest Wright and Sons Ltd via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

For our final instalment, we have something a little different. Ernest Wright and Sons Ltd have been producing hand crafted scissors since 1902. As a household name, supplying long lasting beautiful tools for everyday projects, I couldn't pass up an introduction to the company from Managing Director Nick Wright before The Handmade Fair.

Hi Nick. It is great to have you on Mrs Crafty B. Would you like to introduce yourself and your company?
I am managing director of Ernest Wright and Son Limited – “scissor-makers to the trade”. We are a family business that my great-Grandfather started in Sheffield in 1902.

I am very pleased to be hosting Ernest Wright! In keeping with the Meet The Maker feature, you are sharing a handmade item. Can you tell us about it?
These are ‘Antique‘ Stork Scissors, a traditional pattern of embroidery scissors that we have made for well over a hundred years.

They are beautiful (and on my wish list now. I would love to have a pair in my sewing box!). Tell us more about the skills used to make these beautiful tools.
We have been established in our trade now for over one hundred and fourteen years! Our skills have been passed down from our masters to our apprentices, from generation to generation. We still make things “the proper good old-fashioned way” - and I have no plan to change that any time soon.

I am glad to hear it. It is a testament to the company that you have stood the test of time and the fact that you have kept traditional crafting skills alive is amazing. Long may that continue. Can you tell us more about the founder of Ernest Wright and Sons Ltd?
My great-great Grandfather Walter was a ‘little mester’ in Sheffield in the 1800’s. A little mester was someone who performed out-work for larger companies in the cutlery trade. My great-Grandfather Ernest decided that making fully-finished scissors would be a better way to go, so he officially formed the company as ‘scissor-makers’ at the turn of the (20th) century.

What a fabulous heritage and a great way to continue such skill. What inspires and motivates you?
Quality, tradition and our customers - and especially that look on their faces when they pick up a pair of our scissors for the first time and go “WOW!!”

I am sure you get that a lot. It is great that your customers reactions are such a considered motivation. So where else can we find you online?
We are on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Have you been to The Handmade Fair Before?
This will be our third year at the Handmade Fair. Visitors can always expect a wonderful time. I do lots of shows but this one is a bit different, with an incredibly friendly and relaxed feel to the whole event. Also the food (and prosecco!) stalls are amazing.

I literally can't wait. The atmosphere has been talked about again and again in this Meet The Maker interview series! What are you most looking forward to about The HandMade Fair?
Did I just mention the amazing food and prosecco stalls?

Haha. I am sure I will find you there! What will visitors find at your stand?
Our own visitors will find our good old-fashioned Made in Sheffield dressmaking shears and craft and embroidery scissors - for sale, or just to try out on our stand.

I am sure I will find you there too. I'll be sure to pop by. What will you be up to between now and The Handmade Fair?
Right now I’m super busy with our Kickstarter campaign to resurrect our lovely design of all-purpose Kitchen Scissors!

Wow. Good luck with that. Tweet me the link and I will be sure to share. Right Nick, this is our final quick fire round of the series. Go!

Your crafting hero?
Has to be Wendy Ward at MIY Collection

Name three stands you will be visiting at The Handmade Fair?
Coolcrafting, Dandelion Designs, Floss and Mischief, Toft Alpaca (I know that’s four but I can’t choose between!)

(Cheeky! I'll let you have that; LOVE Toft Alpaca!)

Your favourite handmade item?
My kitchen scissors in my kitchen drawer, hand-made by my Grandad fifty years ago and still going strong.

(Thats the best answer of the series. Love that!)

Your favourite place?
Yorkshire! (with Côte d’Azur maybe a close second).

Favourite beverage?
A nice glass of wine.

Favourite chocolate bar?
A nice glass of wine.

Three things that make you happy?
Health, wealth and complete fulfillment (still working on all three!)

Your biggest achievement?
Running my family company.

Describe The Handmade Fair in 5 words or less.
Kirstie’s crew are flippin‘ fab!

That they are! Well Nick, it has been an honour to have you conclude the Meet The Maker's of The Handmade Fair special. I will be sure to stop by and say hello at The Fair!

Well folks. That's it! It has been an amazing two weeks, meeting fabulous makers who will all be attending The Handmade Fair. You can catch up with all of the interviews here and don't forget you have a special Crafty Bs discount code to use when you are booking your tickets and you can win yourself some tickets here.

It doesn't completely end here though! Keep your eyes peeled for a weekly tutorial on Mrs Crafty B from some more creators who will be attending The Handmade Fair this year. Sign up to the Mrs Crafty B newsletter so you don't miss a thing!