A day in the life...

Mirri Damer, Contemporary Jewellery Designer/maker

In the summer of 2006, having started up her own jewellery business working from her garden shed, Mirri Damer decided to make a change and moved to Krowji to work alongside other likeminded people: "I felt very isolated and wanted to be in a place where there were other artists/makers around. I find the support and sense of community here helps me remain focused in what is an essentially solitary occupation."

Mirri's career in fact began in sculpture but after completing a degree her ideas changed course: "as my work became smaller and more intricate, designing and making jewellery seemed a natural progression." Having made this discovery Mirri went to Sir John Cass College in London and did an intensive one year apprentice course, learning the traditional skills of diamond mounting and setting. This gave her the necessary training to enable her to work in jewellery workshops. She was employed by an award winning, internationally renowned designer for six years, initially as a maker, and then as a designer. "It was here that I feel I truly learned the ins and outs of the trade."

When asked what the highlight of being a jewellery designer/ maker is, Mirri replied: "I love making engagement rings. It is wonderful to make something that is given in love and that will be treasured by it's wearer for their whole life."

Customers can visit Mirri in her studio here at Krowji by making an appointment.

Email: mirridamer@yahoo.co.uk

Workshop no: 07967906713

Alternature, Tristan Harris' Thriving Eco-furniture Business

Never does a boot stand leave his workshop with even the slightest of imperfections. Every last one of Tristan Harris' hand-made products is made to the highest possible standard giving customers a solid, quality and highly finished piece of wooden furniture for their home.

After graduating from University College Falmouth in 2005 with a degree in 3D Design and Sustainability, Tristan Harris decided to have a go at filling the gap in the market for wellington boot stands. In 2006 he took on a studio at Krowji and set up an eco-business called Alternature, making furniture from sustainably sourced Pine and local Cornish Oak. Starting off with just a handful of tools and a basic range of products, Alternature has grown over time. Two years on and the business is flourishing, with sales hitting record numbers last Christmas.

Whilst welly boot racks create Tristan's bread-and-butter income he also takes on commissions, designs alternative quirky furniture and has worked on a run of skateboards for Faltown. Tristan is currently working on a bespoke Oak cabinet for a local customer as well as expanding his product range for the spring.

For more information please contact alternature@hotmail.com or visit http://www.alternature.biz/