Carolyn Kinnaird, Edinburgh College of Art

ARTS THREAD takes a look at a selection of the jewellery and precious metalwork on display at New Designers this year.

Chromatic Landscape, Ptolemy Mann & Lubna Chowdhary

Collect, the international art fair for contemporary objects, was held at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea from May 6 to 9 2011. Showcasing the work of some of the best international applied artist; a dazzling array of top quality modern jewellery, furniture, ceramics, glass, silver and textiles were all on show. With so much to admire – this is the first of two posts of ARTS THREAD’s highlights.

4.5 mm, Anaick Lejart, student category winner; Copper Bells, Adrien Goubet

The winners of the third Copper and the Home Competition were announced this week by the Italian Copper Institute. ARTS THREAD looks at the winners in the student category.

Hothouse 2011; Smocked Chair, Rose Sharp Jones, Hothouse 2010 participant

February 24 is the launch date for 2011 applications for the of the Craft Council’s Hothouse scheme. Open to emerging makers of any craft specialism, who are just about to, or within two years of, setting up their own business, Hothouse provides a six month programme of business and creative development support. ARTS THREAD looks at how the scheme has helped two makers who took part in Hothouse 2010. PS deadline for applications is April 15 2011.

Large Bowl, Victoria Coleman

Goldsmith’s Fair takes place over two weeks in October at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Hall in the city of London. Established in 1983 by the Goldsmiths’ Company, the event features 160 inspirational makers from around the country, including 10 recent graduates who are given free stands by the Company in order to help them in the early days of their careers.

Soung Chuel Park, Origin 2010

Korean craftsman Soung Chuel Park creates vessels, each one is different – all from the same copper plates of a consistent diameters and thickness. Soung references traditional Korean vessels, handling and pounding metal plates into vases, tea-light holder and decorative items.

Tent London; Giant Knitting Nancy, Superblue; Kingston MA show

Alongside all the exciting stands, Tent London showcased a selection of different installations and events dotted around the Old Truman Brewery.

Bethany Walker, De Montfort University

As the boundaries between different aspects of contemporary applied arts are being increasing blurred, we look at the graduates at New Designers who work across ceramic, wood, metal, glass and a variety of natural and synthetic media.

Nicola Louise Reed, University of Dundee

Jewellery is always a strong element of Week 1 of New Designers and this year’s work proved to be of an extremely high standard, with imaginative use of materials, fine craftsmanship and a practical approach to the future.

BDC Award Winner Lucy Foakes, University College Falmouth

Last night saw the winners announced for New Designers Part 1. Held at Islington Business Centre, the show celebrates 25 years this edition. The Business Design Centre (BDC) Award went to Lucy Foakes from University College Falmouth for her Contemporary Canopics. Inspired by ancient Egyptian jars, Lucy has updated them in slip cast and coiled ceramic with laser-cut acrylic. Hand-painted modern icons decorate the vessels, and appear as colourful figurative protectors to guard its contents.