Meet The Maker-Ian Jackson

1. Ok, welcome to Jolee Tablecloths meet the maker. Please tell us a bit about yourself, who you are and where you are

Hi I’m Ian I’m 57 and a Graphic Designer, I live in Washington Tune & Wear with my Partner Gill, we have 2 children, Jake 16 and Rebecca 11 - I also have 2 older children Martyn 29 and Philip 24

2. Can you tell us what it is you make and what was your inspiration behind making this?

I use Jolee Tablecloths’ Leatherette for re-covering guitar amps, cabinets and cases. I was on Furlough from work and decided to recover a boring black Marshall amp - I decided to make it white instead of black - I used real tolex, the material used on most amplifiers but it doesn’t come in many colours and is very expensive - I searched and found Jolee and tried Leatherette and found it to be perfect for covering the amps - Lots of colours to choose from and easy to work with.

3. What do you do with your makes do you sell them, gift them or just make for yourself as a hobby?

I started off doing them for myself but I soon found after putting them on Faceook that lots of people wanted their amps recovering - then I took it to the next stage and started adding band logos and graphics as well as motorcycle and scooter designs. I’ve done quite a few since the start of the year.

4. How long have you been crafting/sewing?

I’ve always been creative hence my job as a Graphic Designer - I was always making things and drawing as a child - strangely my family on my mothers side were all upholsterers so it runs in the blood I guess.

5. What or who was it that inspired you to start crafting/sewing?

I really wasn’t inspired by anyone - I just kind of thought of the idea myself - I’ve always liked to be different and think for myself. I suppose you could say I am inspired by the things I like, youth cultures and the music I listen to - The amps are usually based on these influences.

6. What are your tools of choice? Sewing Machine other magical tools!

I use a heat gun, spray glue, scissors, solder and the usual screwdrivers etc etc - No magic just self belief

7. Who would you recommend following on social media for inspiration?

I don’t really follow anyone except myself, I’m not a sheep ha ha, but I did watch some youtube videos to help me understand the methods involved.

8. One tip you would give to budding crafters?

I would say to anyone who wants to do something just go for it you’ll be surprised what you can achieve if you have the passion for creating. Just believe in yourself.

9. Where can we find you on social media?

Just my own page Ian Jackson you’ll see my profile pic with me playing a white guitar and my background pic says Re-Vamp my Amp which is a title I've given to my little business.

10. One interesting fact about you that has nothing to do with crafting?!

I play in 2 bands one is a Punk Tribute band called 1977 covering all the classic 70s stuff like Sex Pistols, The Clash and many more and we just celebrated our 25th anniversary - I’m also in a duo with my son Phil called Nutopians covering 80s alternative music like the Cure, the Smiths, Big Country as well as the odd 70’s and 90’s bands too - We also record our own music and have released 3 albums.

Thanks for sharing Ian!