Support our local craftsmen and women

Sheffield must have more great furniture makers, potters, artists than almost any other city its size.

A few years back when our Ikea furniture started falling apart, we asked around and got some quotes from some local guys about custom furniture. We have never been let down. The furniture they designed feels special. I'm sure no one else in the world would like exactly what we like, but it's a bit of us. And it will last a lifetime.

It's more expensive than Ikea or John Lewis, but surprisingly not that much more. We couldn't have done it when we were just starting out and counting our pennies.

Wanted to share the names of two great local people for starters, and hope others will join in. It's great to support local people if you can:

• Henk Littlewood for furniture. You can see his stuff at the cafe http://www.teawithpercie.com on Abbeydale. Henk makes stuff that is practical and beautiful, an artist who has works in museums. http://www.woodenhenk.com
  
• Finbarr Lucas, also for furniture. Finbarr is a craftsman with an eye for detail. http://www.finbarrlucas.co.uk
  

There are quite a few crafts people up Infirmary Road. A friend of mine had some furniture made, and it's top quality. He was saying that it wasn't much more expensive than many shops.