Crossing Crafts
A New Collaborative Journey
We are delighted to announce Crossing Crafts, an exciting joint project between the Society of Designer Craftsmen (SDC) and the Suffolk Craft Society (SCS). Inspired by the influential Pairings projects led by Alice Kettle Hon FSDC, the initiative was launched at the SDC show in November, and we are thrilled to see where these creative conversations lead.
What is Crossing Crafts?
Crossing Crafts is a celebration of the uniqueness and shared spirit of makers in both societies. The project brings together SDC and SCS members from different disciplines and encourages them to learn from one another’s materials, processes and creative approaches. By stepping briefly into another maker’s world, participants may find new insights, fresh ideas, and unexpected inspiration.
How does it work?
Selected makers will be paired across different disciplines. Each participant chooses a clearly defined aspect of their own practice to share with their partner, giving both the chance to experience a new material, a different technique, or an unfamiliar way of thinking.
How the pairs collaborate is entirely up to them: meeting in person or online, exchanging ideas once or repeatedly, working hands-on or reflectively. They may also choose to draw inspiration from the SDC’s rich heritage by exploring objects from the V&A’s extensive collection.
This cross-fertilisation may spark experiments, temporary diversions, or even long-lasting shifts in creative direction. Some makers may produce individual work subtly influenced by the exchange; others may choose to create a collaborative piece together. Each pair will keep a brief log of their process and share occasional updates with the project team.
The response to Crossing Crafts has been enthusiastic across both societies, and the project is already developing an exciting momentum.
Suffolk Craft Society members taking part in this collaborative journey:
Mary Anstee Parry, Liz Chester, Marie Coomber, Tim Germain, Cindy Gidney, Raeleen Gladwell, Susi Hines, Ruth Holt, Hassina Khan, Diane Levitt, Heidi McEvoy Swift, Anne Schwegmann Fielding, Neville Tatham, Sarah Woodcock.
With every pairing bringing together a unique combination of disciplines, it will be fascinating to see the outcomes.
How Will It Conclude?
We hope the benefits for participating makers will extend far beyond the project itself. However, we will also be celebrating and showcasing outcomes in several key exhibitions and events:
SCS Summer Exhibition, Ickworth Estate (August - September 2026)
SDC Annual Showcase Exhibition, venue tbc (November 2026)
SDC Celebrates Collaboration, London (April 2026) – including a keynote from Alice Kettle and presentations from participating makers, with works-in-progress on display (see below)
SDC Celebrates Collaboration - Saturday 18th April, 10:30am - 5:00pm
SDC Celebrates Collaboration is an inspiring day that also provides a great opportunity to connect with the Crossing Crafts collaboration between our two organisations.
We hope that members taking part in the Crossing Crafts project will be able to attend and, if possible, bring along examples of their work to share informally during the day. These small displays are a great way to introduce the makers involved and often spark enjoyable conversations, as people always appreciate the chance to see work up close.
The day will include inspiring talks from makers working across ceramics, wood and textiles, exploring how collaboration can lead to new ideas and unexpected outcomes. SDC Celebrates is always a warm and welcoming event where makers and craft enthusiasts can meet, share experiences and enjoy a day of creative inspiration.
Speakers: Emma Lacey, Christine Spencer MSDC, Simon Jewell FSDC, Alice Kettle (Hon) FSDC
Date: Saturday 18 April 2026, 10:30am–5pm
Venue: Marlin Waterloo, 111 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HR
We hope you are as excited as we are to see where this new collaboration leads, and we look forward to sharing updates as the project unfolds.
