The homeware designer has created an exclusive range to raise money for Comic Relief

It’s Red Nose Day on Friday March 15th and British pottery maker Emma Bridgewater has created a limited edition homeware range to raise money for Comic Relief, to help change lives across the UK and Africa. 

We chatted to the mum-of-four and creative force about her business, motherhood and her inspiration for the ‘Roll up for Comic Relief’ range. 

How did the business start?

I couldn’t find the right cosy cup and saucer as a present for my Mum – so I decided to make it myself. 

Tell us about the ethos of Emma Bridgewater?

It’s about common sense, good humour and approachability. 

How has the Emma Bridgewater style evolved over the years?

Through a huge lake of coffee.

What piece of advice would you give to your children?

Lie down on the sofa and watch “Some Like It Hot”. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

Cooking meatballs on a Friday night, knowing everyone is heading for home.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My darling Mum.

Where is your favourite place, and why?

The marshes in North Norfolk – you can’t hold onto stress out there!

If you hadn’t been a pottery designer, what would you have been?

Umm… maybe a baker because I love cakes. 

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Keep slogging on. And jokes can save your life – or at least your sanity.

Which other designers do you admire and why?

William Morris – such a firebrand! So complex, so energetic, so right on so many things.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your Red Nose Day
designs?

As ever, my husband and co-designer Matt and I sit down, drink coffee, argue a bit, talk about the children and then BINGO – ideas started to flow: jokes on mugs…

Why did you choose to support Comic Relief this year?

I’ve always admired the cause. Raising cash this Red Nose Day can help to change lives forever. That’s because Comic Relief spends the money raised to help change the lives of poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the UK and Africa.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Red Nose Day, which has raised over £600m!

What will you be doing to support Red Nose Day this year?

All our employees really get behind Comic Relief every year, so I know that with the pride of producing our range to support this Red Nose Day, that they will want to be doing more funny things for money than ever before for this fantastic cause –we’ll certainly be using our range to have a few fundraising cake sales and tea parties!

The Emma Bridgewater ‘Roll up for Comic Relief’ range is available from HomeSense and TK Maxx stores around the UK. 

For more information visit Red Nose Day. 

Its a Comic Relief competition! We’ve got five signed Emma Bridgewater ‘Roll up for Comic Relief’ mugs to give away. For a chance to win this craft collectable head to our Facebook page and simply answer: What are you doing for Red Nose Day 2013? We’ll pick the best answer by 5pm March 13th 2013  - good luck!

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Originally published at Juniormagazine.co.uk, March 2013

It seems as though summer has only just arrived, so we’re planning to extend our balmy nights and garden-party entertaining for as long as we can with this Outdoor Retreat collection. Filled with everything you could possibly need to pull off an event to remember, take a browse through the stylish selection of outdoor furniture, playful tableware, lemongrass candles and more. Perfect for creating a tropical-style ambience, these colourful creations combine fun and functionality that will give alfresco dining a splash of vibrancy. We love the on-trend neon sports bottles and travel-friendly picnic backpacks, while shiny glassware will brighten up your favourite summertime drinks. For timeless appeal regardless of the weather, opt for the design-wise and durable outdoor furniture that will work just as well indoors to create a cosy conservatory look.

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, August 2012

In Japan, cherry blossoms are richly symbolic and evoke images of dreamy clouds due to their blooming forms and enchanting beauty. This flowering tree is just one example of this island’s charm, which is steeped in culture, art and modernity, so it’s little wonder many of us wish to create our own Japanese dream in our interiors. From lotus-shaped lampshades and authentic tea sets to fantastic floral cushions, this carefully curated collection beautifully captures Japanese style. Work a traditional look with an illustrated vase or go for a modern twist with vibrant, graffiti-inspired artworks. We particularly love the quality fine-art cards that visually fuse Japan’s fauna and flora to produce statement-making, sentimental notes suitable for all kinds of occasions.

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Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, July 2012

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Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, July 2012

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Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, July 2012

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Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, July 2012

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Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, July 2012

Treat your loved ones to a luxurious home and lifestyle shopping experience without them even stepping out their front door, with our clever and convenient gift cards. Offering the very best products and brands from Britain and across the globe, with up to 70% off the recommended retail price, Dalani is the savvy shopper’s go-to for stylish and affordable homeware. So whether you’re looking for a unique gift for furniture fanatics, accessories addicts or that friend who has everything, the Dalani card is their passport to style. Available in nine denominations from £10 to £1,000, they’re the perfect present for any occasion.

For more information visit Dalani.co.uk

From catwalk to interiors, colour in poster-paint hues has been a summer success. Work the look with this bright and bold collection by Billy Cotton. Trained in industrial design at Pratt Institute, this award-winning American designer is driven by a passion to create beautiful objects. Cotton’s technical rigor and freewheeling imagination is clearly evident in this highly desirable range of hand-blown glassware and sandstone tableware. From stylish highball glasses and goblets to glossy paintbox-inspired plates, chargers, bowls, cups and saucers – you’ll find everything you need to set a sophisticated alfresco brunch and all the inspiration necessary to invite friends over time and again.

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, July 2012