Meet Our Makers - Arbor Farrow
Billie-Jo Simpson aka Arbor Farrow is a female wood and metal worker based in Derbyshire, who designs and makes all of her own products using FSC responsibly sourced timber and thick gage bar.
In this edition of the ‘Meet Our Makers’ series I’m thrilled to be talking to Billie-Jo Simpson aka Arbor Farrow; a female metal worker whose stall proved very popular at Tissington Craft Fairs in 2022 and we’re delighted she will be joining us again in 2023.
Hi Billie-Jo, it’s really great to talk to you today. How did you get into the world of wood and metal work?
From being a child I have always had a huge interest in art & crafts making wooden models from foraged timber & firewood.
This led me to up-cycling wooden products that I had purchased from charity shops & boot sales with money I had received for helping with jobs & birthdays. Always reinvesting my money. When I turned thirteen I was able to get a waitress position meaning I could use my tips for more investment.
Exploring Stockport old town with my friend one weekend, we came across a shop that wasn’t your average stock filled store. Being a little nosey we enquired & found it to be an exciting new platform for the community of Stockport & the home of The Teenage Market. To which I was invited to apply online. Attending my first teenage Market at the age of thirteen. I sold everything but 1 piece, receiving good feedback & encouragement. I really had found my drive to continue & improve. This led me to wanting to make my own wooden furniture & I completed my joinery apprenticeship, along with working for a furniture manufacturing company. This has now enabled me to design & make my own products. With years of machine & workshop experience I was able to adapt to making my metal products too, which I am still learning as the metal is completely different, however I am self taught.
Being female is this industry has been interesting, as sometimes your strength & capability can be questioned; however it’s really about technique, skill & eye.
Arbor Farrow at Tissington Craft Fair in 2022.
You’ll clearly need a lot of specialised equipment, so where do your creations come to life?
I’m not currently at a position where I can have my own workshop that I own. Meaning I currently rent a workshop on a farm in Derbyshire which can be cold at times but bending metal and welding soon warms me up.
I design my creations through product use and the simplicity of outlining shapes. I take inspiration from nature, fashion and the practical use of the product.
I understand you have another job as well as your own business but how do you manage the two?
A typical day for me currently is a workshop life. I am a full time cabinetmaker for a furniture manufacturing company & then I work for myself every evening & weekend.
I also have my retail unit inside Derwentside Shopping Mill at Belper open seven days a week, therefore I really am working hard to grow the business.
“My metal work is left raw to oxidise naturally”. Billie-Jo Simpson, Arbor Farrow.
Do you remember your very first sale? And how does it feel when someone chooses to buy your work?
My first sale was a little while ago; but each sale gives me a boost of drive & determination. It is honestly the buzz of a successful sale that drives my creativity.
I work so hard to be able to price everything I make as fair & honest as possible. As I do want to make the sale but there are a lot of business costs to cover. It is especially hard when your prices are compared to similar inferior imported products.
Which parts of your business are you most proud of?
I feel so proud when I have figured out new shapes, as this might include making more jigs. There is so much mathematical working out that I have to do, and a lot of experimenting.
Currently the piece I am the most proud of at the moment is my Bullrush sculpture as I personally designed every part of it. The design enables the Bullrush to sway in the the breeze. I know you can’t find anything similar to purchase.
What do you love to do in your spare time and how does this influence your work?
If I get the opportunity, I take my paddle board, whether this be in the sea or along a river. This means being in a completely natural environment with the sounds of nature that I love.
I choose to finish all of my wooden products with natural finishes & my metal work is left raw to oxidise naturally. I often see natural corrosion upon chains in the boat yards & the rusty colours are so vibrant. I want my pieces to look natural in their environment & develop their natural patina.
“I design my creations through product use and the simplicity of outlining shapes”. Billie-Jo Simpson, Arbor Farrow.
What can our customers look forward to seeing in 2023? Do you have any new products in the pipeline?
I would like to introduce more size options for each piece, along with more small decorative accessories. This means I can make more pieces that you don’t need a garden for.
And finally what’s your advice for anyone thinking of trying wood or metal work for the first time?
Maybe try a workshop course first as the materials & tooling can take a lot of investment. Make sure you are aware of all of the health risks, as the welding fumes can be dangerous if you aren’t properly protected.
Believe in your own strength as there are techniques to everything.
Discover Arbor Farrow at Tissington Craft Fair on:
8th, 9th & 10th April 2023
18th & 19th May 2023 (Well Dressing)
22nd, 23rd & 24th May 2023 (Well Dressing)
Hand painted sleeping fox by Arbor Farrow.