J9 Designs

I’m the person behind J9 Designs, and I absolutely love the point where someone goes from saying “I’m not creative” to standing there looking ridiculously pleased with something they’ve just made.J9 Designs grew out of my love of making, experimenting and trying new techniques. I work mainly with resin and eco-resin, creating everything from coasters, trays and jewellery to homeware and keepsakes, but a big part of my work now is wedding flower preservation – taking flowers from one really important day and turning them into something that can actually be kept and enjoyed for years afterwards.I’m also a bit incapable of sticking to just one craft, so there’s usually something new being poured, pressed, painted, moulded or experimented with somewhere in my house!Teaching is a huge part of what I do anyway. I’ve spent years working with people of very different ages, abilities and confidence levels, and I genuinely enjoy breaking things down, showing people that it isn’t nearly as intimidating as it looks, and helping them create something they’re proud of.That carries straight across into my craft workshops. You absolutely do not need to be “artistic” to come along. I’ll show you the techniques, give you plenty of ideas and help when you want it, but I also want what you make to look like your work rather than everybody leaving with twelve identical versions of mine.I make and sell the things I teach, so the techniques I use in workshops are the same ones I use in my own work. I’m constantly testing new materials, colours, moulds and methods – sometimes successfully, sometimes creating something that should probably never see daylight again – and that experimentation is part of what I love about crafting.Mostly, though, I want my workshops to be relaxed, friendly and fun. Come on your own, come with a friend, bring a group, ask as many questions as you like and have a go. The aim isn’t perfection. It’s to spend a couple of hours making something lovely and go home thinking, “Actually… I could do that again.”