Meet the Maker - Hearts and Glitter

Nestled in her studio in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Anita has built up her successful lampshade making business, Hearts and Glitter, after a career break to have her three children. She now specialises in beautiful bespoke lampshades made from British fabrics in soft pastels, traditional florals and conversational prints, styles that marry perfectly with her rural studio, that adjoins her family home. We chat to Anita, to find out more about her lampshades, her customers and what a day at Hearts and Glitter looks like.

Hi there!

How are you today and what’s on your workbench?

Hello! The sun is shining, I’m back from the school run and I’m looking forward to a morning in my studio working on some beautiful bespoke lampshade orders.

How do you start the design process and where do you get your design inspiration?

I just love working with beautiful British fabrics and creating something special with them. The majority of my lampshades are made to order. Customers tend to come to me with an idea of what they’d like, either from seeing previous lampshades I’ve made and posted pictures of on Instagram, or with a colour or fabric in mind to coordinate with their decor.

I tend to discuss size and shape options with the customer first and then together we decide on the fabrics which would work well with that particular style of lampshade.

How would you describe your style?

I think my style could be described as ‘classic with a modern twist’. I love the traditional country style but with a fresh twist. For example, my linen Liberty of London lined floral lampshades which are very popular.

How did your business Hearts and Glitter come about?

After a career break to raise my children, I wanted to return to work doing something I really enjoyed.

I've always loved being creative and making soft furnishings for our home. So, I completed a lampshade making course in York, and began sourcing my favourite fabrics to make lampshades for ourselves, and then for family and friends. I now take great pride in producing professional, bespoke, handmade lampshades for all my lovely customers.

My daughter came up with the name ‘Hearts and Glitter’ and I also love it because it is shares the same initials as my three children!

When did you start making lampshades?

Three years ago.

What’s your favourite part of the lampshade making process?

I just love turning a roll of beautiful fabric into something special and then seeing my lampshades in place in peoples’ homes. I also find making them very therapeutic.

What’s your favourite part of the lampshade making process?

I just love turning a roll of beautiful fabric into something special and then seeing my lampshades in place in peoples’ homes. I also find making them very therapeutic.

What’s the mix of shades you make to sell online versus lampshade commissions, as part of your business?

The majority of my orders are commissions, but I do sell some on Etsy and in a few local shops.

What's your favourite shade that you’ve made for a commission?

Oh it is so hard to choose! There is one particular pair of shades I made for a beautiful country cottage. They chose two ceiling drums in a beautiful grainsack fabric, lovely and simple, but then with a contrasting classic floral linen lining. I particularly enjoy making lampshades with a contrasting internal fabric lining as they always look so special.

Any tips for new lampshade makers in business?

I would say work hard at getting your name out there once you have decided which direction your business is going in. So choose local shops to approach which are in keeping with the style of shade you would like to make and promote yourself on social media. Also, be prepared to be patient as it takes a while to build up a client base.

How do you fit in your shade making business around your family?

I have three young children so am always fitting work in around their needs. More so than ever over the last year with lockdowns and homeschooling! You will often finding me working in the evenings and weekends, whenever I can squeeze in some time! It’s always a juggle, but I love it and thrive on it too.

When are you at your most productive?

I feel most productive in the mornings, when I’m back from the school run, having walked the dog in the inspirational North York Moors where we live.

And your favourite sustenance when you’re working?

Good coffee, always coffee!

Could you let us take a peek at your workspace?

We have recently moved house and I finally have my very own studio which feels like such a luxury having worked for so long at the kitchen table.

Where would you like to be in 10 years time?

I am very proud of the little business I have built and love how it’s going so far. I feel very lucky to have found something I enjoy doing which I can balance with home life and raising three lovely children. As the children become less dependent I hope to have more time to grow the business and learn new skills.

What have you learned that’s been invaluable to your creative process?

Forming friendships and making connections with fellow small business owners. There is a huge community of amazing makers out there and I have found it so helpful and inspiring to learn from each other and share our experiences.

Find Hearts and Glitter at heartandglitter.co.uk and on Etsy and

follow Anita on Instagram, to see her beautiful shades and life in the Yorkshire Dales.

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