Meet The Maker: Nadia Kippax

At Rowen & Wren, we have a deep appreciation for craftsmanship that embraces the beauty of the handmade. So, when the opportunity arose to collaborate with the talented ceramicist Nadia Kippax, founder of Wonky Picnic, we knew something truly special was in the making. Just in time for Easter, Nadia has created a limited-edition collection of hand-painted egg cups, each one brimming with her signature charm. We sat down with her to talk about her journey into ceramics, the inspiration behind this delightful collection, and the joy of creating pieces that are as playful as they are practical.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how Wonky Picnic came to be?

I was really encouraged from a young age to explore creatively, both at home and in school. I was always drawing and painting, and when my nana taught me to knit at 10, I’ve had some kind of project on the go ever since.

After studying Art and Design at college and completing a Foundation degree, I went on to study Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design at Leeds Arts University. This allowed me to experiment with various materials and hand processes, which sparked a love for tactile craftsmanship.

Wonky Picnic only came into being during the first lockdown. I’d recently graduated and lost my job, so to keep busy, I started setting myself creative briefs using ceramics, crochet, and knitting, sharing my work online. Somehow, though I’m still not quite sure how, it evolved into a small business. I never imagined I’d be able to work on such exciting projects and collaborations!

What first drew you to ceramics, and how has your style evolved over time?

I was introduced to ceramics at university, where I explored surface and texture across different mediums. I remember being fascinated by my first class on slips and glazes, and I knew I’d come back to it one day.

The perfect opportunity presented itself during the first lockdown when I had free access to clay and a kiln. That period of creative play allowed me to experiment with shape, colour, and function. I also realised that I’m much better suited to hand-building than wheel-throwing.

My style has remained fairly consistent as my skills have grown - I’m always drawn to soft, organic forms, and scalloped edges have been a signature element from the start. Over time, I’ve become more confident in free handing underglaze details, letting them flow naturally with the shape of each piece.

Your work embraces a charming, imperfect quality - what draws you to this aesthetic?

Thank you! I’ve always loved handmade objects and have collected them from friends, family, and fellow makers for years. There’s something special about a dropped stitch in a knitted piece, an accidental paint splatter on a canvas, or a thumb imprint on a ceramic mug. Essentially I love pieces that have been created by human hands, there will always be a maker's mark of some kind.

In my own work, I prefer hand-building over moulds for that very reason. Each piece has its own quirks, shaped by feel and instinct rather than rigid precision. For instance, the scalloped rims of the egg cups are all done by eye - each one slightly different, yet perfectly suited to its own form.

It’s been such a pleasure collaborating with you on our new limited-edition egg cups. Can you talk us through the process of making them?

Starting from the base, I hand-build the stem and foot using stoneware clay. While they begin to dry, I coil-build the body and shape the scalloped edges. I usually work in batches of four so that the bases firm up just in time for assembly. A special shoutout to my dad, who 3D-printed me some custom supports to help while they dry!

The egg cups dry slowly over seven days before my favourite part - under glazing. While it’s the most time-consuming step, painting each element twice with a size 0 brush ensures the perfect depth of colour. This alone takes about two hours per set.

Once painted, they go through their first firing (a bisque firing), followed by a light wash, then a coat of transparent glaze before their final firing.

What inspired the folk-style florals and hand-painted finish?

When designing the patterns, I first thought about colour - springtime pastels, fresh greens, and little bursts of red that bring warmth and optimism after winter. I also wanted a repeating motif to echo the eight scallops on each cup.

I was inspired by the decorative details of the Bloomsbury Group’s Charleston House - structured lines softened with organic curves. Freehand painting helps achieve a sense of movement, making each cup feel alive with character.

How do you balance functionality with artistry in your ceramics?

When creating everyday objects, I try to strike a balance between playfulness and practicality. The scalloped edges of the egg cups, for example, were a must - they create a perfect little ‘skirt’ around the egg! For me, it’s about designing pieces that bring joy while still serving a purpose.

What do you find most rewarding about handcrafting pieces like these?

The sheer joy of working with my hands - from shaping clay to carefully painting details. Each piece carries the time, care, and energy poured into it, and seeing the finished collection together is incredibly rewarding.

Do you have any other exciting projects or collections in the pipeline?

Right now, I’m exploring the idea of merging my two favourite mediums - knitting and ceramics - to play with texture in new ways. Other upcoming projects include a small summer sorbet cup collection, candle holders and wall sconces, and my own take on Delft tiles for a personal gardening project. I’m also launching a local craft club

And finally, do you have any personal Easter traditions that made this collaboration feel particularly fitting?

Lots of eggs - both boiled and of the Cadbury Mini variety! My mum started a lovely tradition where we do an Easter egg hunt, but instead of written clues, we can only draw the objects hiding the eggs. It’s something I look forward to every year, and in a way, it reminds me of your seasonal postcard illustrations!

 

A Limited Edition For Easter 
Each of Nadia’s exquisite hand-painted egg cups is a true one-of-a-kind, made with time, care, and an irresistible sense of whimsy. Available in limited quantities, these special pieces won’t be around for long. Shop Now.