So this mug shot is me, Calida Hartley-Potts, the creative force behind Beams and Bobbins.  I like tattoos, piercings, bright hair and black clothes; motorbikes and metal music; ghost stories and old architecture.

 You’ll find my studio in Sparrowpit, Derbyshire; in the garden of my country cottage home.  My studio truly is my sanctuary of calm and I feel massively privileged that people support my business enough to take it beyond just a hobby; although whilst it is a sanctuary of calm, you’ll usually find me blasting some heavy rock or metal music.

You’ll find me undertaking every single aspect of my little business  – not only the designing, making, admin and postage; but the cleaning, tidying and tea mashing. Not to mention the website building (I know I really should hire a pro!), social media, admin and other less interesting bits.

BACKGROUND / SKILLSET

Before Beams and Bobbins came into existence,  firstly I studied at BIAD, UCE, Birmingham gaining a First Class degree in Theatre Design in 2005.  Initially I worked in the Theatre and TV industry for a number of years in all areas (set design, costume, props, TV) before training as a  technology teacher in 2007. From 2008 I worked as Subject Leader / Assistant Faculty Leader, leaving this profession in 2017 to further develop my business.  Throughout all these career changes one thing was consistant though – my creative flair and design ability.

The seeds of Beams and Bobbins began in 2015 after purchasing a laser cutter for my home studio; becoming a near full-time business in July 2017. I say ‘near’ full-time, because in addition to this business I also work for The Crafty Hen company, ComputerXplorers and Treak Cliff Cavern – I really do have a random and broad skillset!

INSPIRATION

From 2015 – 2017 I experimented a lot and designed things I thought people would buy; not quite finding the real spirit of the brand until 2017 when I designed my simple Deaths Head Moth necklace; becoming a key part of  Beams and Bobbins history as it became the basis of my logo and all future branding. It was this piece that made me realise I needed to keep to the dark/edgy aesthetic that I myself loved.

The inspiration for my designs usually come from anything dark and unusual – things that are witchy, supernatural or occult; bugs and insects or beastly creatures;  imagery and characters found in old and folklore or mythology; or maybe graphics and imagery around the rock/metal and tattoo culture.  In other words if its a little bit strange, i’ll love it!  

OTHER HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

In my (limited) free time from my multiple jobs or walking my dog and looking after my little brood of chickens;  I like to go to rock/metal gigs and festivals;  ride my motorbike and perform in my band Sphinx.

Need to know more ? Send me a message or follow me on Facebook or Instagram.