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.
The first showcase
The first glimpse of Crossing Crafts in action was shared at the Society of Designer Craftsmen’s Celebrating Collaboration event on Saturday 18th April 2026 in London.
The Suffolk Craft Society was delighted to be part of the day, which brought together makers, artists and creative thinkers to explore the meaningful relationships that can develop between craftspeople, communities and commercial partners. The programme offered a thoughtful and engaging exploration of collaboration, how it can challenge established ideas, open new creative pathways and enrich individual practice.
A series of insightful talks from leading makers provided personal perspectives on collaboration in action. Speakers included Alice Kettle Hon FSDC, textile and fibre artist; Simon Jewell FSDC, furniture and box maker; Christine Spencer MSDC, textile artist; and ceramicist Emma Lacey. Each shared their experiences of working across disciplines and the impact collaboration has had on their work.
Alongside the talks, a craft showcase and live demonstrations allowed visitors to engage directly with materials and processes. Importantly, the event also offered the first informal presentation of work in progress from Crossing Crafts. These early explorations gave a tantalising insight into the potential of the project, sparking conversation and enthusiasm among visitors and participants alike.
It was a fantastic day, full of energy, generosity and shared curiosity. The Suffolk Craft Society extends sincere thanks to all the speakers, exhibitors and demonstrators, and especially to the Society of Designer Craftsmen for hosting such a memorable and meaningful event.
How Will It Conclude?
While the benefits of Crossing Crafts will undoubtedly extend far beyond any single outcome, the project will culminate in a series of exhibitions and events, including:
Suffolk Craft Society Summer Exhibition, Ickworth Estate (August–September 2026)
Society of Designer Craftsmen Annual Showcase Exhibition (November 2026)
Further presentations and events as the collaboration continues to evolve
We look forward to sharing more as this exciting project develops, and to seeing how these creative exchanges continue to inspire new work, new thinking and lasting connections.
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.
