One of the highlights of my summer is Art In Action, the veteran craft and art festival located at Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire. This year was a special year as it was the 40th anniversary and also, sadly, the final one. I couldn't let it pass without getting involved so I spent four days camping out and volunteering.

If you're a designer, art lover or maker yourself, Art In Action is a feast for the eyes. Over four days 400 artists, makers, actors and musicians entertain over 20,000 visitors. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet artists and craftspeople, all of who were not only showing their work, but actually creating it in front of you. A rare treat that is truly an amazing experience if you get the chance to see it. 

The quality and talent on show were extraordinary! Everything from furniture makers to ceramics, printing, lettering, textiles, sculpture, jewellery and digital art. Such a diverse and talented group of makers. As members of the design community we can do so much in supporting the local industry of makers and with the quality and skill of the highest calibre, there is no reason why not. 

I cannot begin to imagine what a hole in my summer there will be without Art In Action, but with the trend returning for the handmade, I am happy to know that the audience is growing for the talented makers in the UK.