Two creative and talented Billericay people have been accepted into the prestigious Guild of Essex Craftsmen.

Tracy Everard, of Laindon Road, makes hand-painted moulded ceramics while Douglas Payne, who has a studio at the Barleylands Craft Village, creates art deco and art nouveau-style glassware.

Ms Everard, 40, has been making ceramic objects such as vases and animals for about 14 years. She took up the hobby after doing an evening class, and now has her own studio at home and teaches others.

'It's very therapeutic and you can be as creative as you want with it,' she said. 'It's left to your own imagination. I most enjoy making teddy bears. I collect bears anyway so doing them in all different colours is quite interesting.'

Mr Payne, 41, had already been admitted to the Guild for his oil paintings, but was 'very pleased' to be accepted again for his glassware.

Mr Payne, who lives in Chelmsford, has always had an interest in art but has only been making a full-time living from it for about 18 months. He decided to take the plunge and set up his business after being made redundant from his job as a food technologist.

Published Monday July 19, 2004

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