Cockpit Arts Winter Open Studios - Our Top 5 Picks
![The Garnered - The Garnered Cockpit Winter Studios Lisa Atkin Baskets Group Journal](https://cloud.thegarnered.com/Journal/Long-Pieces/Cockpit-Winter-Open-Studios/the-garnered-cockpit-winter-studios-lisa-atkin-baskets-group-journal.jpg?mtime=20221122150852)
Cockpit studios – in London’s Bloomsbury and Deptford – are once again opening their doors for this unique shopping experience that is just as much about a celebration of expertise as it is about finding Christmas gifts.
Of course, you can buy beautiful handmade objects, but you can also meet fascinating world-leading designers and makers inside their studios and be part of a movement towards a more sustainable model of shopping. Cockpit is home to over 160 makers at work but we have chosen just 5 of our stand-out favourites to look out for this year:
![The Garnered - The Garnered Cockpit Winter Open Studios Journal Lisa Atkin Basket](https://cloud.thegarnered.com/Journal/Long-Pieces/Cockpit-Winter-Open-Studios/_750xAUTO_fit_center-center/the-garnered-cockpit-winter-open-studios-journal-lisa-atkin-basket.jpg?mtime=20221122145803)
Basket maker Lisa Atkin is a contemporary and sculptural basket maker. She worked with stained glass for almost 20 years before being introduced to - and falling in love with - basketry. Her quirky, sculptural pieces combine materials found in both the natural and urban environments.
![The Garnered - The Garnered Cockpit Winter Open Studios Castro Smith Ring Journal](https://cloud.thegarnered.com/Journal/Long-Pieces/Cockpit-Winter-Open-Studios/_750xAUTO_fit_center-center/the-garnered-cockpit-winter-open-studios-castro-smith-ring-journal.jpg?mtime=20221122145804)
Castro Smith started training as a painter and printmaker. His illustrative and painterly style comes through in the design of his rings. His artwork is inspired by history, myths and biology - having always been obsessed with creatures and their creations. His intricately engraved signet seal rings now sell to an international clientele.
![The Garnered - The Garnered Cockpit Winter Open Studios Ellen Mae Williams Journal](https://cloud.thegarnered.com/Journal/Long-Pieces/Cockpit-Winter-Open-Studios/_750xAUTO_fit_center-center/the-garnered-cockpit-winter-open-studios-ellen-mae-williams-journal.jpg?mtime=20221122145805)
Natural textile artist Ellen Mae Williams, whose hand-painted linens you can find on The Garnered, is is showing work created during her recent residency on the Greek island of Skopelos. Ellen's practice combines textiles with mark-making, each piece is a unique, abstract interpretation of the natural world, reflecting the changing seasons and weather.
![The Garnered - The Garnered Cockpit Winter Studios Jason Lock Journal](https://cloud.thegarnered.com/Journal/Long-Pieces/Cockpit-Winter-Open-Studios/_750xAUTO_fit_center-center/the-garnered-cockpit-winter-studios-jason-lock-journal.jpg?mtime=20221122145804)
Jason Lock learnt the craft of woodturning whilst on a carpenter and joinery apprenticeship. After years as a carpenter, a terrible accident, where he fell through a roof and fractured his spine, sent him back to this craft as he could turn wood sitting down. His experiments with wood and resin have led to a collection of stunning pieces on which a swirling resin surface reveals planets, oceans and stars.
![The Garnered - The Garnered Cockpit Winter Open Studios Holly Loftus Damascus Chef Knife With English Yew Handle Journal](https://cloud.thegarnered.com/Journal/Long-Pieces/Cockpit-Winter-Open-Studios/_750xAUTO_fit_center-center/the-garnered-cockpit-winter-open-studios-Holly-Loftus-damascus-chef-knife-with-english-yew-handle-journal.jpg?mtime=20221122145806)
Holly Loftus's hand-forged knives are both useful and beautiful. The carbon steel blades are sharp and durable, while the handles are made from native timbers sourced from family-run sawmills in England. The result is elegant tools which enhance and elevate the everyday process of preparing food.