Meet Cath, co-founder of Feldspar – a thoughtful design studio nestled in the rolling hills of Devon. Together with her husband Jeremy, she creates beautiful, handmade “objects for life” – pieces that bring joy and a sense of quiet pleasure to everyday living.
Cath wears the Cleo burgundy jersey jumper.
On a quiet morning in Devon, Beyond Nine founder, Naomi Raybould joined Cath Brown of Feldspar for cups of hot coffee, sticky cinnamon buns and soft conversation in Feldspar’s studio. What unfolded was a meeting of minds – two women connected not just by place but by shared values: craftsmanship, motherhood, and the desire to create things that make everyday life feel good. As they talked about making, mothering, and the rhythm of modern womanhood, a simple truth emerged – that the things we make and use each day can bring quiet joy when made with care.
Feldspar was born from a yearning for something slower, more intentional. Disenchanted with the pace of city life, Cath and Jeremy took the leap and moved to the countryside, swapping London’s hum for Devon’s stillness. What began as a desire for a simpler life quickly evolved into a thriving creative studio – one grounded in craftsmanship, family, and the beauty of making things by hand.
From a Christmas Table to a Lifelong Craft
Their story began one Christmas, soon after the move. With a dozen family members due to descend on them for the holidays, Cath and Jeremy realised they were in need of everything – more plates, more bowls, and even a dining table to gather around. With little experience but plenty of determination, Jeremy built a table, and the pair started crafting their soon-to-be Christmas collection. That festive season sparked what would become a complete change in their lives.
With no internet and only curiosity to guide them, they spent their days experimenting – shaping, firing, and painting their early creations. They’d drive their unfired pieces to a local potter on the moor, Chris, who would fire them, before Cath decorated them by hand and brought them back for a second firing. By the time they’d made a full dinner set – perfect for their big family Christmas – they knew this wasn’t just a hobby. It was the beginning of Feldspar.
Naomi wears the Ruth black knitted jumper and Amala black quilted trousers. Cath wears the Blair dark blue denim jeans, knitted ruby neckerchief and the Rue denim jacket.
The Evolution of Feldspar
Their first collection, still intact and in use at home today, was made from stoneware. But as Feldspar evolved, Cath and Jeremy made a conscious shift to fine bone china – beloved for its delicacy and strength. The material allowed them to craft pieces that were thin and elegant yet durable enough to last a lifetime.
Feldspar has always been a family project and that sense of closeness continues to shape the brand. Jeremy designs and makes the pieces, while Cath brings them to life through decoration and storytelling – sharing their creations with the world. Their partnership is woven through every detail, from the curve of a handle to the brushstroke of a blue line.
Balancing Parenthood and the Art of Slowing Down
When asked about balancing parenthood and running a small business, Cath spoke about the rhythm they’ve found as partners, parents, and makers.
“In some ways, it’s easier,” she told us. “We know where the other one will be on any given day, and because we’re our own bosses, we can do a weirdly-timed school pick-up if we need to. That makes it easier.”
Parenthood, has shaped their creativity too. Cath shared how children’s books, especially those by illustrators like Oliver Jeffers and Brambly Hedge, inspire their work, influencing the gentle nostalgia that runs through their designs. Their pieces capture that sense of simplicity and wonder. They’re a reminder to slow down, savour small moments, and use beautiful things every day, not just on special occasions.
Motherhood has always been part of Feldspar’s story. Cath reflects that she’s never run the business without little children around – their eldest son was a baby when the studio first began. Life and work have always coexisted, sometimes in wonderfully chaotic ways: photoshoots with toddlers running amok, or balancing childcare while both parents work in the workshop.
The Importance of Craft
Craft is at the very heart of Feldspar, in a world where you could technically 3D print anything without ever interacting with another human, they see handmade work as more important than ever. Each piece they create carries the mark of careful consideration and human touch, making it truly unique.
“We take care over what we bring into the world,” Cath explains. “These aren’t multiples of machine-made objects – they’re special. We try to tread lightly on the earth, only making things that are really considered and that will last a lifetime.”
Cath wears the Blair dark blue denim jeans, knitted ruby neckerchief and the Rue denim jacket.
Objects for Life
Feldspar’s work reminds us that true craft is about more than the way something looks – it’s about care, intention, and the rhythms of everyday life.
Their approach to design, family, and slow living aligns beautifully with Beyond Nine’s philosophy: that thoughtful, considered pieces make life more joyful, today and for generations to come.
We loved coming together with Feldspar to learn more about their craft and mission – especially as their heritage approach to making is becoming increasingly rare. You can explore their full collection here. We hope their pieces bring countless moments of joy to your everyday – whether it’s five quiet minutes with your morning coffee or plates of food shared with family and friends.
