Star in the making - London Metropolitan University

Star in the making

Joide Watts, who studies BA Furniture and Product Design , recently appeared on the Channel 4 programme Monty Don's Real Craft.

Date: 29 April 2014

Joide Watts, who studies BA Furniture and Product Design , recently appeared on the Channel 4 programme Monty Don's Real Craft. She was one of three participants selected from two thousand applications.

Jodie was filmed for 6 weeks designing and making furniture under enormous pressure, in a stunning workshop near the Welsh borders, after being given briefs with tough deadlines she not only completed but also won the eye of judges Sean Sutcliffe and Steven Owens of Benchmark furniture with whom she is now in talks to have her design manufactured and possibly go into production.

Jodie- who is a member of the London College of Furniture studio led by William Warren takes an approach to design that comes from a desire to make classic contemporary pieces, with good quality craftsmanship.

This last year has also seen Jodie carry out work for The Designers Guild Mark and she has also been pitching briefs at companies such as Heal’s, Parker Knoll, City of London, Lloyd Loom and the Geffreye Museum. She is a member of The Worshipful Company of Young Furniture Makers exhibited for the first time at DesignersBlock as part of the Milan Design Festival 2014

Talking about the TV experience Jodie said, "It was really hard work -but a magic experience that has paid off so far, as I won a commission to have my table manufactured by renowned English furniture makers Benchmark"

She also thanked the staff at The Cass, adding "A big thank you for all your help outside of normal hours, it is massively appreciated, without it im not sure I could have done it, so THANK YOU! And especially a massive thank you to William Warren, who gave me some really brilliant advice that allowed me to get my head down and really focus, something I hope came across! He was always at the end of the phone, poised to talk me through a total meltdown!"

Since the show has aired Jodie has enjoyed very positive feedback and is hopeful the exposure will help gain her some work experience.

Monty Don's Real Craft Episode 2 is still available.