“I am an artist who uses Glass and clay as my canvas.”

I started painting and crafting from a very early age. I trained as a visual Artist at the University of the West of England getting my BA in Fine Art as a mature student. I used many materials in achieving this and my love of pottery and decoration came from those years. I have in recent years been able to set up my own studio to accommodate a new kiln and wheel for pottery and so you will find me moving between the two mediums of glass and clay. Both mediums usual have a theme of the natural world or the sea and seaside.

I have had my own art business for 20 plus years. Starting in a little workshop in a craft centre in Somerset. Then at the Heartlands visitor centre in Pool. Mine and my husbands first shop was on Hayle harbourside. And until recently you could find us in Wellydog in Polperro. I learnt a lot from and enjoyed running, our handmade business. But I wanted to free up some time to not only spend more time with family and friends, but to also concentrate of my own art practice, and produce work that is more aligned to my own ambitions and love.

Why Wellydog?

We are old enough to have seen the introduction of home computers and the first personal emails. For those of you who remember, then picking an email address was difficult, as most names had already been taken. The suggestion at the time was to put your name with a number after it but that didn’t appeal. I tried loads of different versions of my name and was getting quite frustrated, so Mr Wellydog suggested using our dogs name. Our dog at the time was called Wellington Boots, Welly for short , so Wellydog was born. Years later when I established the business and moved into a local craft centre, the idea of thinking of a name and getting a new email address seemed too stressful, so I just continued as Wellydog, and the rest as they say is history.

Mr and Mrs Wellydog

We are Janice and Steve, we have been married for over 40 years and in that time we have become a good team. We divide jobs equally …..I am the creative person and Mr WD does everything else. Steve has recently retired from the business, but is still great supporting of my work and helps me wherever he can

Wellydog Apprentices

This is our daughter Gemma. I don’t know why shes still an apprentice, as she is very good with customers, and helps at some of the craft shows and fairs. We would promote her, but then we might have to pay her!

Our grandchildren have recently been promoted to junior apprentices. In the holidays they used to come and help us in our shop. Now a days they visit and help create things that always inspire me.

Silent Partner

Fin is our collie. He recently been unwell after having a spinal stroke, but he loves getting out on his new wheels and he motivates us to get out, and generally keeps an eye on us. He likes to help us around the studio x

Update

Unfortunately Fins front legs deteriorated and we lost him in March 2023 . I can’t bring myself to delete him off our page as he was very much part of the wellydog story .