Hello! I’m Hannah Baxendale — but most people know me as Hannah Made It. I’m a designer and glass artist based in the North of England, creating joyful, bold, and funky objects that bring a little extra color into everyday life.
Her creative journey began at the Manchester School of Art, where she specialized in Product Design and Craft, with a particular focus on hot glass and cold glass processes. Students were able to explore a range of materials, but the moment she stepped into the hot shop for an induction shaped the rest of her creative journey.
“I fell completely in love with glassblowing,” she says. “There was something so magnetic about the challenge of it — the heat, the fluidity, the constant learning curve. It’s one of the most complex, beautiful materials to work with. Unpredictable, but full of creative potential.”
Her journey wasn’t linear — but it was driven by creativity from the start.
Her online presence began simply, as a teenager sharing handmade projects on Instagram.
“I started Hannah Made It when I was about 16. It was just a place to post drawings, messy crafts, and uni projects. Almost like a blog, really. Over time, it turned into this evolving portfolio — and then slowly, it started to grow into a business.”
That online diary followed her through a foundation course, university, and her first steps into the world of glassmaking. Thanks to Instagram, Hannah connected with other designers, photographers, and artists, leading to collaborative projects and commissions.
“Creating has always been instinctual for me. I’m a messy maker — I love using my hands and getting stuck into things. With glass, I was drawn to the color, the softness of the forms, and the unpredictability of it.”
The Process: COLOR, Texture & Play
Hannah’s process is deeply rooted in experimentation, color play, and a love for texture. It usually begins with drawing — her sketchbook, full of colored pencil scribbles and rough ideas, goes everywhere with her.
“A lot of the time, I’ll take those sketches into the hot shop and use them as a guide,” she explains. “But honestly, the real ideas come from playing. Sometimes a form twists unexpectedly, or I’ll use a tool differently and get this amazing texture. That’s where discovery happens.”
Her artistic voice is loud in the best way — bold, colorful, and unmistakably handmade.
Hannah’s pieces challenge design principles and transform familiar objects into functional art.
“I want my work to catch your eye straight away. I want it to spark a bit of joy, whether you’re just looking at it or using it. Everyday objects should be fun.”
Challenges & Joys of Glassblowing
For all the joy, glassblowing is an intense craft — physically demanding and technically complex.
“It’s hard. Really hard. It’s hot, sweaty, and heavy. And mentally, it takes so much focus. But that’s what makes it so rewarding. I’m still learning all the time, and every time I work on a new technique or finally nail a form I’ve been struggling with, it feels like a big win.”
Like many glass artists, Hannah works with assistants in the hot shop — collaboration is essential.
“Hot glass is a team sport. You literally can’t do it alone — there’s too much going on. There are so many moving parts, and you always need an extra pair of hands.”
But outside the hot shop, Hannah does plenty of solo making too. Her mosaic projects, for example. “I think you can see that in how playful and slightly ridiculous they are. That’s where my personality, humor and chaos really shine through.”
The “Day Chair”
One of Hannah’s favourite pieces is the Day Chair — an oversized chair covered in mosaic work that she created as a passion project one summer when access to the hot shop was not possible.
“I needed a piece for an exhibition and had no idea how I was going to pull it off — or even afford to make it,” she says. “But I just went for it. A few late nights, a lot of help, chaos, and somehow it came to life. I’m so proud of it.”
The piece was later featured in House & Garden, a moment Hannah describes as “completely surreal.”
Exhibitions & What’s Next
Last year, Hannah exhibited at London Design Week — her first time attending, and a significant milestone in her career.
“I couldn’t believe I was actually there, exhibiting. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many brilliant designers. I felt so lucky to be a part of it.”
As for the future, Hannah is open to collaboration, experimentation, and wherever her practice takes her next.
“I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I’ve got some exciting opportunities on the horizon. I just want to keep making, keep learning, and keep creating things that bring people joy.”
To follow Hannah’s work and creative journey, you can find her on Instagram at @hannah.made.it
