There’s a real sense of excitement building here in Orkney as we count down to the Orkney Folk Festival 2026. The islands always feel especially alive at this time of year, with creativity, music, and community all weaving together in the lead-up to such a special event.
Our May newsletter shares a few highlights from life in the studio and beyond; festival news, a wonderful visit from some very special guests, and a gentle reminder of just how much talent there is here among Orkney’s makers.
After the slower winter months, it finally feels like everything is quietly waking up again. It feels especially fitting alongside May’s birthstone, which reflects that same sense of growth, renewal, and natural beauty.
From Beyond The Bench
We know how much you love our one-of-a-kind pieces, and we’re so excited to share a fresh selection of OOAK Moss Agate designs now live on the website. Moss agate is known for its beautiful natural variation, and each stone in this collection shows a different combination of colour, form, and pattern. From soft greens to deeper earthy tones, no two are alike - each piece is entirely unique and full of natural character.
Orkney Folk Festival
It’s the Orkney Folk Festival this weekend, and we’re loving seeing the streets begin to come alive. There’s a real buzz in the air as musicians and visitors fill the town, and we’re so lucky to be right in the heart of it all. Being perfectly placed on the main street means we get to enjoy it as it happens, and we're expecting tunes to be drifting right into the shop throughout the day. We’re also really pleased to be supporting The Late Night Lounge as part of the festival - it's such a great space showcasing even more of the incredible talent on offer this weekend.
We Are Makers
We Are Makers is an independent print magazine created by Kate and Jack Lennie, documenting craftspeople and artists around the world. Their recent visit to Orkney to meet local makers, including the story behind Alison Moore Designs, was a real pleasure. It was wonderful to spend time with them, share our work, and talk about the ideas and processes that shape what we do. We’re really looking forward to reading their next edition, featuring many other incredible makers there are here in Orkney.
Gorgeous Greens
Gorgeous green emeralds are the birthstone for May, symbolising rebirth and new beginnings - perfect for this time of year. Here in Orkney, they always remind us of the islands’ rich green fields in spring and summer light. Emeralds aren't the only green stone you'll find in our jewellery. We also love working with green sapphires, tourmalines and peridot, each bringing its own beautiful shade and character to our designs.
Hilary Grant Knitwear
Also featured by We Are Makers was Hilary Grant, a textile design studio also based here in Orkney. She specialises in original knitted patterns, creating textiles from luxury-grade, cruelty-free 100% lambswool, all made in her factory in Orkney. From gorgeous hats to fingerless gloves, we really do love it all - her knitwear is beautifully made, thoughtfully designed, and full of character. (photo by We Are Makers)
Create Your Own
The summer season is beginning to take shape, and we’re loving welcoming visitors from all over the world into our shops and jewellery-making workshops. If you’re visiting Orkney - or you’re local and fancy trying something creative- why not join us for one of our stacking ring making classes? We’ve just added lots of new dates to our website and would love to see you there.
Aquamarine One Of A Kind
A marquise aquamarine OOAK ring, part of a small release of new aquamarine pieces now online. This striking blue stone is dotted internally with inclusions and is encased in solid sterling silver and set on a Storybook-textured band. No two OOAK rings are the same, so you can be sure you’re receiving a truly one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery.
