Each week, we feature one of our incredible local producers, that have product in our Gift and Wine shop- sharing their story, their business, and the products they recommend most. This week, we are introducing Tinkermade.
We’re Michelle and Phil, the makers behind Tinkermade – a creative duo based in Abingdon-on-Thames, creating small-batch handcrafted ceramics and gifts inspired by nature.
From our Oxfordshire studio, we design and make everything by hand, embracing simple forms, natural textures, and the beauty of imperfection. Sustainability and thoughtful craftsmanship are at the heart of what we do.
Phil, raised by potter parents, specialises in sculptural clay work and slab building, whilst Michelle is more of a home crafter. Together, we love creating our Botanical Impressions collection.
Our rescue dog, Boo Radley, is a big part of our world, and Tinkermade has become our creative therapy – a happy place we love sharing with others at events and markets.
Recommended products from the Waddesdon Manor Gift & Wine Shop
Botanical Impressions
Made by pressing fresh plants directly into clay, capturing the intricate detail of leaves, stems, and textures. Each piece is unique and holds a permanent imprint of the natural world, combining durability with a soft, organic aesthetic.
Bee Cups
Small, hand-sculpted stoneware vessels designed to support garden pollinators. When filled with water and placed among flowers, they provide a safe landing spot for all pollinators to drink and rest. Thoughtfully made to be both functional and decorative, they offer a simple way to care for wildlife in your outdoor space.
Pressed Flower Frames
These frames capture real seasonal blooms, carefully preserved to celebrate their delicate colour and form. Each arrangement is thoughtfully composed using flowers we’ve gathered and dried from Oxfordshire, creating a unique piece that reflects the changing seasons. Simple and timeless, they offer a gentle way to bring the beauty of nature indoors.
