Working from her home studio, Poppy crafts distinctive picture frames that sit at the intersection of colour, craftsmanship, and emotional connection. With a background in Contemporary Art and a practice born during maternity leave in the stillness of the pandemic, she began by hand-building a single frame, an act that sparked a renewed sense of purpose. Each piece is meticulously made to order, combining traditional joinery, layered lacquer finishes, and carefully sourced materials. Guided by nature’s palette and a deep curiosity about how colour makes us feel, Poppy’s frames are both functional and expressive, designed to hold more than just what they display. Her work invites us to slow down, embrace beauty in the everyday, and surround ourselves with objects made with care.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic journey?
I live and work in Yorkshire, in the north of England, with my husband and two young boys. My art journey began around 15 years ago when I pursued a contemporary art degree – some of my most carefree and creatively enriching days! During that time, I immersed myself into the world of colour, exploring both traditional and experimental painting techniques in a deeply intense way. Looking back, I can see how this experience has shaped the direction of my brand and continues to influence my design process to this day.
2. What inspired you to pursue your craft? Was there a defining moment or influence that sparked your passion?
After teaching for eight years, I felt a strong desire to do something creative again – it had been far too long. During my maternity leave, I decided to handcraft some bobbin frames as Christmas presents. The creative process felt like such a treat after so much time away from it, and the frames were incredibly well received, The positive response gave me a such a huge confidence boost that I decided to make more and sell them – the rest is history!
Your craft
3. How would you describe your work in three words?
Colour-rich, unique, timeless
4. What materials or techniques do you use, and why are they important to your process?
Materiality is at the heart of everything we create. We prioritise high-quality, robust wood, building up layers of lacquer or stain to achieve a rich, durable finish. We also love exploring unconventional pairings, combining materials like linen and wood to craft truly unique and standout pieces.
5. Can you tell us about a favourite piece you’ve created and the story behind it?
I’m incredibly proud of our latest product launch – wooden stamp mounts. I wanted to create something robust and rich and texture, adding a sense of importance and focus to whatever is being framed. The stamp-inspired outline evokes a sense of heritage and grandeur, making it the perfect way to highlight cherished photos and precious artwork.
Creative process
6. What does a typical day in your studio or workshop look like?
I am very lucky to be able to work with an incredible team, so each day feels really collaborative and very busy. The day starts by checking curing products and assessing whether they are ready to enter the finishing process – this is the quietest time of the day where we touch base as a team and set intentions or the day. The studio starts to then get busy as loud machines are switched on and processes are conducted. New pieces are assigned to enter production and existing products continue on their making journey. Although busy, we like to work calmly and maintain a chilled but productive work environment where making feels fun and satisfying.
7. Do you have any unique rituals or habits that help you stay creative?
I need time and space to think! Long car journeys where I can get lost in the scenery and work through ideas I have brewing in my head provide just that for me.
8. How do you handle creative blocks? Do you have any strategies or tips for overcoming them?
Do something else productive, away from the studio, like going for a walk with a camera and taking a photo of anything that catches your eye, or focus on a process-led/mindful activity like making bread. I find the change of focus helps to refresh my thoughts but still channel some element of creativity.
Challenges and successes
9. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a maker, and how did you overcome it?
A daily challenge is hand-making to order. The pressure is heavy most of the time, but I have to remind myself that people are investing in something truly one-of-a-kind and are happy to wait.
10. What’s been your proudest moment or achievement so far?
Building something recognised widely from nothing.
11. What’s your favourite quote you’ve ever heard about your work? Who said it, or what was the name of the publication?
"The frames are works of art themselves"
– I’ve heard this several times but it makes me so happy because I know what goes into making each one.
Inspiration
12. Where do you draw inspiration from for your work? What sparks your imagination and creativity?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly because I find inspiration from anywhere and everywhere – a colour I spotted in my favourite fashion brand, the way a curtain moves in the breeze or the saturating hues of a winter sunset against the grey. Being open-minded and taking it all in is key.
13. Do you have a favourite artist, maker, movement, or tradition that has influenced your craft?
I have always loved Peter Doig’s colourful paintings. The way he uses striking colour combinations to elevate moments is kind of what I hope to achieve with our pieces.
14. How does colour influence your practice; is it an important part of your process? Do you have a particular palette or favourites? Any go-to sources for colour inspiration?
It’s a core element of everything we make. Our palette is often described as feminine but that hasn’t necessarily been intentional – they are just colours I adore and naturally work together. I often add colours to our collection when I feel really inspired by something I have seen and just can’t stop thinking about it.
Perspectives and goals
15. What role does your environment play in shaping your creativity?
It needs to be tidy enough to not feel chaotic but messy enough to feel productive.
16. What do you want people to feel when they experience your work?
That they have had something made especially for them and that the maker’s hand is evident and adds value to their unique piece.
17. What are you currently working on, and what excites you most about it?
I am currently exploring ways in which we can personalise our products, allowing customers to create something truly unique to them, I believe this will enhance the tailored experience we offer and further reinforce the one-of-a-kind quality that is so integral to our brand.
Advice and reflection
18. What advice would you give to someone starting out as a maker?
– You learn by doing.
– If you’re passionate about it then as long as you are consistent, you are bound to succeed.
19. If you could go back to the start of your career, what advice would you give your younger self?
It’s ok to say no.
Closing thoughts
20. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I love Rob Ryan’s poetic screen prints and cut-outs. The idea of narratives within artworks intrigues me and I could totally envision his intricate work etched into our wooden mounts, telling a story.
21. Where can people find your work, and how can they support you?
You can find my work via our website: bertolahomestudio.com or via platforms Maison Flaneur, The Roost, Anthropologie and a handful of boutiques in the UK and around the world. People can support me by shouting loudly about Bertola Home Studio to their family and friends.
Guided by nature’s palette and a love of colour, Poppy creates handmade frames that pair unexpected combinations with thoughtful craft. Each piece is made to order using sustainable methods, from wooden joinery to layered lacquer, resulting in functional works full of care, process, and personality.
Explore Poppy’s latest collection and follow her creative journey:
Support Poppy by exploring her joyful world of handcrafted colour, discovering unique frames made with heart and precision, and following her creative journey as she continues to turn memory into artful design.
