I’m the founder of Fatfinger Atelier, a creative studio based in Newcastle upon Tyne, currently offering stained glass and silver clay jewellery workshops.
My background is actually in finance. While studying, I often found the pressure intense and discovered that working with my hands gave me a much-needed sense of calm. Crafting allowed me to slow down, focus on the present moment and temporarily step away from academic and everyday stress. What began as a personal creative escape gradually became something much more meaningful—and eventually inspired me to build Fatfinger Atelier.
I’m especially drawn to crafts that transform simple materials into something beautiful and personal. In stained glass, individual pieces of colour come together to create an object that changes with the light. With silver clay, a soft and workable material is shaped by hand and then fired to become real fine silver jewellery. I still find both processes magical.
I love teaching because many people arrive believing they are “not creative”, but leave genuinely surprised and proud of what they have made. It is incredibly rewarding to see someone become absorbed in the process, gain confidence and enjoy a few peaceful hours away from everyday pressures. Some guests have returned to take part in another workshop, which means a great deal to me.
My workshops are relaxed, welcoming and beginner-friendly, with small class sizes so I can offer individual guidance. I also put a lot of care into developing the designs and examples available in the studio. I want every guest to create something polished, personal and genuinely beautiful—not simply a practice piece.
I have also completed a Korean professional certification in ceramic crayon painting and plan to introduce ceramic crayon painting workshops soon. This technique combines the familiarity and freedom of drawing with the lasting beauty of ceramics. It is approachable for complete beginners, allows colours and details to be layered gradually, and makes it easy to create expressive illustrations without needing traditional painting experience. Each guest will be able to personalise a ceramic piece with their own colours, patterns or meaningful imagery, turning an everyday object into a lasting keepsake or thoughtful handmade gift.
I am also about to become a mother, which has given me even more motivation to build a stable and sustainable creative business. I hope to continue growing Fatfinger Atelier, create more opportunities to share the positive effects of making, and build a flexible working life that can support both my creativity and my growing family.
Whether you come alone, with a friend or to celebrate a special occasion, I hope you leave Fatfinger Atelier with a new skill, a memorable experience and a handmade piece you truly love.