Sarah & Tim Ford from TS Makers
Husband and wife team Sarah and Tim Ford’s design journey is one that rings true for many creatives – after feeling frustration sourcing products and not being able to find what they loved, they decided to make their own.
Photography: Nigel Lough & David Rex
H&F: Hi Sarah & Tim, when did the idea first come about to start TS Makers - was there a lightbulb moment?
Sarah: There was! Back in 2019 we came across some library countertops that were solid hardwood, we estimated they were from the 70s. We both thought, you could make something special out of this, it would have been such a shame to even consider scrapping it. At the time we couldn’t find a serving board we liked for our own home so it all just clicked. With Tim’s background in carpentry/joinery and mine in retail/design, we wanted to put our skills together and do something in our own style, and so began TS Makers.
Do you have a disciplined studio routine and any rituals to help keep you focused?
We both have other jobs, so all of our spare time and weekends go into TS Makers. This means we’re super busy, but we always make sure to do things that keep us balanced. For Tim it’s skateboarding and photography, and for me it’s walks with our dog, Ned and cooking for friends.
In terms of staying focused while we’re in the workshop it’s all about good music, which has to be on pretty loud when you’re wearing ear muffs most of the time. Also, snacks!
As a designer/maker, what’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
To believe in your work. It can be extremely daunting putting things you make out into the world, but you have to believe in it. For us, it’s important that our products are beautiful but they also need to be functional. When we’ve put the time in to ensure that they are, we can stand back and be proud when we set a new range live.
What’s been your biggest professional success?
For us the biggest success has been watching our business and range grow, we started out making a small selection of timber products and over the past few years that has expanded and we’ve introduced a selection of tableware products from brands we love.
Also, seeing our products featured alongside some of our favourite home and interiors brands, and in publications we love - like Hunter & Folk! It’s so encouraging and inspiring, and something that means the world to us. Most of the time it’s Tim and I in the workshop scrutinising every piece of timber so when other people love our work it’s a big pat on the back.
How would you describe your personal aesthetic - does it cross over in your work?
Absolutely! Our style is very minimalistic, with a mix of modern and vintage influences. I’m obsessed with design and interiors and that heavily informs each of our ranges. We use our products everyday in our own home, and when friends and family come for dinner the table is always set with TS Makers pieces.
Wavy Trivet Set by TS Makers. Photo: Nigel Lough.Styling: Elizabeth Lough
‘It can be extremely daunting putting things you make out into the world, but you have to believe in it. For us, it’s important that our products are beautiful but they also need to be functional.’ Photo: David Rex
“We feel like everything we’ve done has led to this. All of our different experiences; from the design and making, sourcing products from other brands, to working on growing and promoting our products.”
Cake & Tart Server Aquamarine Bistrot by TS Makers. Photo: Nigel Lough. Styling: Elizabeth Lough
‘Working with reclaimed and sustainable Australian hardwoods is a big driver for us, there are so many incredible species and their different features from colour to grain all lend themselves to different products and shapes.’ Photo: David Rex
Handmade timberware by TS Makers. Photo: Nigel Lough. Styling: Elizabeth Lough
‘For us, it’s super important to let TS Makers grow in its own time, it has never been about doing massive volume or growing quickly and more about quality over quantity.’ Photo: Nigel Lough. Styling: Elizabeth Lough
What influences your work?
Interiors, art and architecture. Form and shape is also a big one, and something that definitely inspires our seasonal ranges. Sometimes Tim thinks I’ve lost it when I start drawing designs for a new range, but I love merging different influences and creating our own take on them.
What’s been your biggest sacrifice?
Time, for sure. This was especially hard when we just started out and were using other people's workshops on weekends. Now that we have our own small space close to home in Marrickville, it means we can balance our making time and downtime better. Sometimes it can be hard to set boundaries when what you do doesn’t feel like work!
How has your community shaped you and your work?
Hugely so. We have some incredibly creative friends from photographers, designers, musicians, skateboarders, artists and more. We’re constantly inspired by them. My day job roles over the past ten years have been with some retailers I really admire. Working alongside people who are truly passionate about beautiful products has helped me develop and strengthen my own style, which very much feeds into the TS Makers aesthetic. Tim gets a ton of inspiration from the incredible community of woodworkers both here and overseas, he’s always learning new methods and testing different approaches to apply to our products.
Is this your dream job?
Yes! We feel like everything we’ve done has led to this. All of our different experiences; from the design and making, sourcing products from other brands, to working on growing and promoting our products.
We’ve recently started hosting pop-up markets at our Marrickville workshop (check our Instagram for upcoming dates!) and years of retail and customer service make it such a natural extension for us.
What was your role prior to TS Makers - was it a natural progression and stepping stone to what you do today?
For us, it’s super important to let TS Makers grow in its own time, it has never been about doing massive volume or growing quickly and more about quality over quantity. We decided early on that we wanted to build a business that made products that will last and leave as small a footprint as possible.
What drives you as a designer to keep exploring new ideas?
An obsession with making beautiful things. There are so many influences for what we do, the possibilities are endless. Working with reclaimed and sustainable Australian hardwoods is a big driver for us as well, there are so many incredible species and their different features from colour to grain all lend themselves to different products and shapes. Designing things that maximise this beauty definitely keeps us going.
What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given or would give?
Just to trust yourself. Life has a funny way of guiding you towards things, even though you might have a path laid out for what you want to do, be open to opportunities that come up. You never know where they might take you.
What’s in store for TS Makers in 2023?
We’re hoping to find a larger workshop, ideally with room for a small retail space. There are also plans to add timber homewares and furniture into the mix as well, we can’t wait to share it all with you!