Crafting Scotland - meet the hands and hearts behind Scottish Heritage Crafts

Oh, you’re going to love this conversation!I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Michelle Cohen, and honestly, her story is one of those that just makes you smile. You know when you meet someone and you can just feel their passion for what they do? That’s Michelle.So here’s the thing, Michelle paints on glass. Not canvas, not paper: GLASS. And when I tell you her work is stunning, I mean you literally have to look twice to figure out if you’re looking at a painting or a photograph. It’s that good.Michelle’s originally from the prairies in Saskatchewan, Canada, which are about as flat as you can get. So when she moved to Glasgow permanently back in 2011, she completely fell head over heels for our mountains and coastlines. I mean, can you blame her? And you can see that love affair with Scottish landscapes in most of the pieces she creates.But what I really loved hearing about was how she discovered this whole glass-painting technique. Picture this: she’s living in Malaysia 20 years ago, a friend gives her some IKEA clip frames, and she just decides to pour acrylic paint all over them to see what happens. And boom 💥 she discovered this incredible way of creating depth and vibrancy that you just can’t get any other way. Now she’s pushing it further, going hyperrealistic with buildings and animals, seeing just how detailed she can get.To make it extra special though, Michelle frames many of her Scottish landscapes with reclaimed whisky barrel staves. Each piece of wood has its own history, its own story, and when you pair that with a Scottish landscape... it’s just magic.Now, if you’re in Glasgow, you might already know Michelle’s name because she’s been a massive part of our art community.Most recently though, after all that time putting everyone else first, Michelle’s finally taking time for herself. She’s got a pop-up shop at Excite in Braehead until January ‘26, and she’s just... painting. Creating. Getting into that flow state. And wait until you hear about her adventures: last year she sailed from Shetland to Lithuania on a 103-year-old ship during the summer solstice. I mean, come on! And next June, she’s heading to the northern Himalayas in Pakistan to do documentary photography for an eyesight charity. As someone whose entire livelihood depends on being able to see, helping people get glasses in rural villages is incredibly meaningful to her.What I really appreciated in our chat was Michelle’s perspective on protecting local heritage and community spaces. We talked about how important it is to preserve these venues that hold the soul of the city, even if they’re only 40-odd years old.So grab a cuppa, settle in, and come meet Michelle. Whether you’re interested in art techniques, community building, or just hearing from someone who’s found that beautiful balance between giving back and following their own creative path, this conversation has something for you.Find Michelle: Pop-up shop at Excite, Braehead (open until January) Instagram: @cohenart11 Facebook: Cohen - ArtSubscribe & Follow:Don’t miss future episodes celebrating Scotland’s traditional crafts and the incredible people keeping these skills alive. This episode concludes the first season and there are 14 wonderful artists talking about their crafts and their love for Scotland. If you not already have listened to those episodes, make sure you do. There’s something of interest for every crafter. Do subscribe to Crafting Scotland on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.LOOKING FOR THE NEXT BATCH OF INCREDIBLE ARTISTS FOR SEASON 2 !! Share Your Story:Do you have a traditional Scottish craft story to share or know someone who does? I’d love to hear from you! Use this Contact Form to get in touch or through my website or social media.Support the Show:If you enjoyed this or any previous episode please leave us a rating and review - it helps other craft enthusiasts discover our podcast!As always, thank you for listening. It means a lot. 💙 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit devinetoursofscotland.substack.com

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Anne Hill, Alzheimer’s Scotland’s Quilter in Residence, as she shares her remarkable journey from learning to sew in Shetland to creating quilts that heal, comfort, and connect communities worldwide.What You’ll Discover:* The history and evolution of quilting in Scotland from necessity to art form* How memory quilts help dementia patients unlock forgotten memories* The remarkable story of a man who hadn’t spoken in 5 years until Football Memories sessions* Anne’s international “Changing Minds” project spanning 40 countries* Practical quilting tips from a master quilter with decades of experience* The therapeutic benefits of quilting for mental health and wellbeing* How quilts are being used in hospitals, for cancer patients, and premature babies* The difference between men’s and women’s approaches to memory quilts* Why symbols work better than photographs for triggering memoriesI met Ann for the first time when I took up a beginners quilting workshop in the winter of 2023/2024 which was absolutely wonderful. Her teaching style was warm, friendly and with a lot of patience!!It was held at Shambellie House near Dumfries, which is an excellent venue for smaller crafting classes. And since Ann lives not too far from the venue, she’s there quite often. In this episode, Ann takes us through the rich tradition of Scottish quilting and reveals how this ancient craft has evolved into a powerful tool for therapy, memory care, and social connection. From covering Hampden Park’s entire pitch with 5,012 quilts to sending 650 “quilted hugs” during COVID-19, Anne’s work demonstrates the profound impact that needle, thread, and fabric can have on people’s lives.As Alzheimer’s Scotland’s Quilter in Residence, Ann creates memory quilts and teaches quilting to everyone from primary school children to Rotary clubs. She is a past president and a member of the International Rotary Quilters. Her involvement and initiation of so many wonderful projects is a strong testament to her love for people and quilting. Contact & Donations:Ann welcomes fabric donations and speaking invitations. If you have fabric, curtains, sheets, ties, or other materials you’d like to donate, and cannot find your regional Scottish quilting guild contact, then please get in touch with Ann directly. She can then connect you with local quilting groups throughout Scotland to ensure your donations go to good use.You can find Ann on Facebook or via the Shambellie House website. If you wish to have a copy of Ann’s “Change your mind around the world” project booklet then you can download it HERE.Subscribe & Follow:Don’t miss future episodes celebrating Scotland’s traditional crafts and the incredible people keeping these skills alive. Subscribe to Crafting Scotland on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Share Your Story:Do you have a traditional Scottish craft story to share or wish to shout out about your unique craft in Scotland? I’d love to hear from you! Simply fill in this FORM or contact me through my website or social media.Support the Show:If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review - it helps other craft enthusiasts discover our podcast!Thank you for listening! 💙 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit devinetoursofscotland.substack.com

I had the most wonderful conversation with Elisabeth Viguié Culshaw for this episode! She’s a natural dyer and botanical printer based in Glasgow’s West End, and her story is absolutely fascinating.Elisabeth didn’t always work with plants and dyes. For years, she was up and down ladders in a hard hat doing conservation work. But around 2015, she discovered botanical printing and everything changed. The transition took five years and in her own words she says:Scotland is lovely, but perhaps a bit too small for what I was trying to build.Covid changed everything and was the pivotal point for her. There’s her dye garden patch at Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens, where she hosts “Fling Blue” every September for those who are interested. It’s become quite special. A self-confessed “INDIGO GIRL”, Elisabeth gets technical for a bit about pigment creation and chemical processes and then takes us on a global journey. This episode is full of golden story nuggets and I’m sure the more you listen to it the more you discover. Find out about The Cotinus Community, Slowing Down and Reconnecting, Scotland’s Purple History and how anyone can Learn with Elisabeth.Some Quotes That Really Stuck With Me* “I get bored very quickly. I need to keep on learning.”* “It’s not so much the colour that you are getting from it, it’s actually the fact that it really roots you back into normal life.”* “When you work with plants, it suddenly resets your mind about the seasons, and that’s something we have so forgotten.”I could honestly have talked to Elisabeth all day! Her passion for natural dyeing, her global perspective, and the global stories she tells are absolutely captivating. Listen to the full episode to hear about the thin thread of connection that runs around the world through this ancient craft.Here is how you can connect with Elisabeth:Elisabeth's LinkTreeAs always, thank you for listening to the podcast.I would love to know what you’re taking away from this episode.If you are a crafter in Scotland and would like to be a guest on this podcast, then please complete this short form - https://form.typeform.com/to/kUUWIPfRTo stay in touch and find out about upcoming guests then visit me over on Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/devinetoursofscotland/In case this inspires you not only to be more creative but also plan a creative holiday in Scotland and would like to find out more about craft days out or tours, then use the contact form via my website to get in touch: https://www.devinetoursofscotland.co.uk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit devinetoursofscotland.substack.com

In this episode I am talking to Fiona Nadyer, a skilled knitter who is the main knitting demonstrator for Sanquhar Gloves for the Sanquhar Knitting Tours, offered through the A’the Airts Centre. The town of Sanquhar is nestled in the River Nith Valley of Dumfries and Galloway, now home to Fiona, who is originally from the Kingdom of Fife. Fiona takes us right into the centuries-old tradition of Sanquhar knitting, dating back to the 16th & 17th centuries. She explains how this unique two-colour knitting pattern evolved around the 18th century as a distinctive selling point for local craftspeople during the Industrial Revolution in Scotland. The craft features 16 recognised patterns, with the most famous being “The Duke”, named after the Duke of Buccleuch who championed these gloves for their exceptional quality and durability.Several years back, I visited Sanquhar with my son and we also spent time at the Old Toll Both now a museum. Here are a view pictures I took at the time:Toll Booth, SanquharSampler on display at the museum as well as a stitched chronicle of the town, showing all recognised patterns. (All pictures are author’s own). Sanquhar Post Office (World Oldest!!)As you can see, Sanquhar isn’t just about knitting! This tiny town really packs a punch and here is why:* World’s oldest post office (dating from 1712!)* Castle dating back to the Scottish Wars of Independence (1100s!)* Iron Age remains in the area* Robbie Burns used to visit regularly* Stunning southwest Scotland countryside* Just 25 miles from Dumfries and KilmarnockAnd there is so much more…. This episode beautifully captures not just the technical aspects of a traditional craft, but the warmth and community spirit that keeps it alive in modern Scotland. So, sit back and have a listen for yourself. If you would like to find out more about A’the Airts Centre, visit their website here: https://www.atheairts.org.ukThere is also a dedicated website to the Sanquhar Pattern Designs, which you can find here: https://www.sanquharknits.comAs always, thank you for listening to the podcast.I would love to know what you’re taking away from this episode.If you are a crafter in Scotland and would like to be a guest on this podcast, then please complete this short form - https://form.typeform.com/to/kUUWIPfRTo stay in touch and find out about upcoming guests then visit me over on Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/devinetoursofscotland/In case this inspires you not only to be more creative but also plan a creative holiday in Scotland and would like to find out more about craft days out or tours, then use the contact form via my website to get in touch: https://devinetoursofscotland.co.uk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit devinetoursofscotland.substack.com

In this heartfelt episode, we journey into the world of slab-built pottery with Avesha DeWolfe of Spiral Tide Pottery. Originally from Maine, Avesha has been working with clay for 38 years, since her mother surprised her with a kick wheel class at age 10. After moving to Scotland in 2009, she experienced firsthand how essential creating with clay is to her wellbeing when she went without a studio for two years and, in her own words, became “a real grumpy person.”Avesha shares her transition from wheel throwing to slab building, a technique she discovered through necessity and has never looked back from. All of her work is inspired by the sea: from the textures created using special shells she’s collected, to her custom-developed glazes that evoke tide lines, waves, and the deep ocean. Her signature pieces include jingle-lid pots with shells that create a delicate sound, bringing “just a little bit more joy” to everyday life.“Clay is always in charge... Don’t get too comfortable!”As both a social worker and part-time potter, Avesha opens her online shop seasonally four times a year. She beautifully articulates how working with clay connects us to thousands of years of human history: “When you’ve got your hands and you’ve got your clay under your fingernails and everything, you’re connected to something that goes way, way back.”We explore the forgotten pottery heritage of Scotland, particularly Glasgow’s once-thriving ceramic industry, and discuss the differences between clay types, from rough earthenware to finicky porcelain. Avesha offers invaluable advice for beginners: don’t get too attached to your first pieces, follow the basic rules, and remember that “clay is always in charge.”This episode is a meditation on craft as self-care, the importance of staying flexible and playful in creative practice, and the timeless connection between human hands and earth.People & Places MentionedSandy Periantozzi - American slab building potter whose DVD class inspired Avesha to explore slab building techniquesEve Campbell - Textile artist based in Fife, Scotland, who runs textile and printing workshops that have caught Avesha’s interest for future creative explorationKettle’s Pottery Supply, Portobello - Scottish pottery supplier where Avesha sources her toasted stoneware clayThe Ceramics School - Online platform that invited Avesha to create an online workshop on making jingle-lid potsMonlithko Pottery (mentioned as Let’s Go Pottery) - Venue in Scotland where Avesha is planning an in-person workshop for January.Connect with Avesha DeWolfeBusiness Name: Spiral Tide PotteryWebsite: https://spiraltidepottery.comInstagram: @spiraltidepotteryShop Updates: Opens seasonally four times per year (last opening: First week of November, 1st-7th) - get in touch with Avesha to see if any stocks leftOnline Workshop: Link available on website for learning to make jingle-lid potsAs always: THANK YOU for listening to the podcast.I would love to know what you’re taking away from this episode.If you are a crafter in Scotland and would like to be a guest on this podcast, then please complete this short form - https://form.typeform.com/to/kUUWIPfRTo stay in touch and find out about upcoming guests then visit me over on Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/devinetoursofscotland/In case this inspires you not only to be more creative but also plan a creative holiday in Scotland and would like to find out more about craft days out or tours, then use the contact form via my website to get in touch: https://devinetoursofscotland.co.uk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit devinetoursofscotland.substack.com