I’m Alice Blogg.
I’m a Craftswoman.
I’m based in Nettlecombe, Bridport, Dorset- UK
I’m a designer and maker working with British timbers making objects of beauty with function. Creating wooden free flowing tactile shapes such as lampshades, furniture, kitchens and small architectural structures. Focused on sustainability of material and the function of the object.
I always made and always wanted to make, from a very young age. I never thought to in-depth about why, it just made me happy and I had the ability. I studied a degree in 3D design and later trained as a bespoke joiner. Looking back my path is one direct line to my work now, but at the point in time I always felt I was stepping into the unknown and exploring other people and making and directions.
Have you found it difficult to enter your profession as a woman?
I have never found it difficult as I never realised I was different or unaccepted as a woman, I just did. Something my independent mother taught me from a young age.
I am one of a few female furniture makers. There is defiantly more of an open mind to it these days. I feel it has been an advantage being a woman in the wood world, something that makes me different and remembered.
I grew up with two older brothers. This definitely helped me with my relationships with co male workers in the woody world. The only negative is the strength required sometimes with heavy piece of wood or machines, but something you learn to find simple ways around, never impossible.
Did you have any help during your career?
Complete support from my mother, friends and family. Other creatives and furniture makers have been a very big support network of information and technical help.
One massive help has been the trusting and amazing customers, without them I couldn’t be where I am now. The more I make and create and work hard the more support I gain. Its not easy being creative and earning a living, but rewarding. We all need forums and networks such as CWI to help and support.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
I could achieve and it was possible to achieve anything I wanted.
If you could talk to your younger self now, what would you tell them?
Go for your dream. Be honest and true to yourself.
Who has most inspired you and why?
There are many well-known makers, crafters and designers I could name. The number one inspiration is my mother, a true talent, creative and believer.
What tips would you give someone just starting out?
Just go for it. Jump in at the deep end. It will be hard, but keep going. Think simply and take small steps to reach the bigger picture.
What was the best piece of advice anyone gave you?
Just keep going. If you believe and work hard you will get there.
Do you use any useful apps, systems or websites that you would like to share?
I think social media is an essential part of any creative business, but hard to dedicate time to if you are a maker. I use IFTTT. It allows me to create recipes and post from one to another. I use mainly instagram, but I have recipes set up to post to my personal facebook, business facebook and twitter. Helps me keep focusing on the making side of my practice.