Karve Design
Unique, handmade jewellery, art and homeware, made largely from recycled materials. Founder, designer and director Chitra has been making and selling her distinctive creations in London and Bristol since 2009. Her goal is to offer beautiful, handmade designs at affordable prices, and to recycle and reuse materials wherever possible. Pop down and see her steam punk-style jewellery, crafted from old timepiece components, alongside origami photo frames constructed from sheet music and road maps.
Trader interview
What do you sell?
I sell a range of products which include the following: Timepiece jewellery, Deewa candle holders, Origami picture frames, cushions and leather cuffs.
How long have you been trading at the market?
I have been trading at the market since I moved to Bristol from London 2 years ago. I am normally there on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.
Tell us more about your products…
I hand make all the pieces in my collection and try to source all the parts locally. The Timepiece jewellery has been made from vintage watch parts and mechanisms and so most items are one offs. I love upcycling old disused products and giving them a second life.
The Deewa candle holders I designed back in 2001 and are still going strong today with new configurations and designs on the way. Each candle holder is hand cut from thin plywood and then soaked and formed into shape.
The origami picture frames have been made using old maps, sheet music or comic books. Each picture frame can be made bespoke to order, making each piece personalized.
What do you love most about the market?
I love everything about the market, the size, the location, the wide selection of stalls, but most of all I love the loyal customers who turn up every week come rain or shine.
What is top of your bucket list?
I love travelling, so top of my list would be trying to see as much of the world as possible.
What is on your screensaver?
A photo of my husband and I on our wedding day, cheesy I know.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A vet, as I loved animals.
How do you relax?
I like to relax in many different ways, going for a massage, reading a good book with a cuppa, or going for a long walk on the beach.
What would your super power be?
Flying, without a doubt. I love the idea of being able to soar above the clouds without a care in the world.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Ooo, that’s a hard one, I would love to say someone like Aishwarya Rai, but would probably have to be someone a bit quirkier like Audrey Tautou.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
Working as a manager at Homebase.
Favourite place in the world?
At the moment its a tie between the following: Costa Rica, Cape Town, India, and Lanzarote!