One of the founder organisers of LECA, fashion designer Sarah set up her CoolCrafting business in 2011, selling a wide range of crafting and clothes making materials and offering an extensive programme of workshops, training courses and events covering practical such things as sewing skills, bespoke clothing, home accessories and coursages. A graduate of Loughborough College of Art, Sarah's vision is to bring fashion trends into the world of arts and crafts.

Christine is a fully qualified and highly experienced tailor. Christine is a community and customer orientated businesswoman who has run 'Jennings Haberdashery' with her husband Steven for many years and is well respected within the crafting world. Christine's hands on & pupil friendly approach have lead to a growing popularity of her classes due to her innovative approach. She also creates bespoke clothing for a wide range of clients.

Based in Blackburn, Elizabeth is a Design Graduate and has been decorating ceramics for over 27 years. She uses several techniques to create hand painted one of a kind tiles and ceramics. She also works on community based art projects and has worked with Mind, the Stroke association, Creative support among others. She has recently been working on some fabric designs and has recently has had a artist in residency in Blackburn town centre.

Danielle is a graduate of Manchester metropolitan University gaining a first class Honours degree in textiles and embroidery. She started Yappers Chappers design business in 2012, She specialises in nickel free jewellery, bags purses and accessories. She has received many high profile commissions including a fibre glass cow for the 2004 cow parade in Manchester and has had several well received exhibitions at the Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool.

Colette spent 15 years working as an artist in residence at Blackpool Illuminations. A graduate of Fine Art & Printmaking. She has also painted many large scale artworks including backdrops for Blackpool night club 'Funny girls'. Working now from her Pilling based studio she incorporates encapsulated leaves and flowers into kiln fused glass vessels and jewellery. Colette was nominated as a 'Great' in the great exhibition of 2012 in which she won the 'Best Artist' category.

Justine first developed her passion for the world of arts and crafts whilst taking a GCSE Sewing Course at school. Her determination led to her working for a local fashion designer and pattern cutter before receiving her degree in Fine Art in 2003. After graduating Justine worked as a costume designer for a number of theatre companies and developed a wide portfolio of skills in crafts such as knitting, crochet, tapestry and cross-stitch In 2012 she set up her own business, Chirashe and Cripps.

A Graphic Design graduate, Linda has over 25 years experience as a graphic designer, creating unique works that are a hybrid of digital & fine art photography. After working at a top design company, Linda returned to Lancashire and has developed an extensive portfolio of work. The digital nature of which has lead to it being reproduced as canvases, prints, cards & in a range of jewellery. Linda has featured in 'Fine Art America' and is currently working on a commission for a USA based client

Kane has over 20 years experience as a frontline community worker & activist. His specialist field is offering creative experiences through art for people with mental & emotional health issues. Kane has worked with Education frontline, crisis intervention, the advocacy service and local health authorities promoting community, urban & street art projects. More recently he has established 'umbrella' a not for profit community organisation dedicated to promoting wellbeing through art and creativity

Margaret has been interested in handicrafts since she was a little girl, having been taught many of the techniques by her mother, she developed her skills as time allowed during her working career as a laboratory manager. Margaret has passed the City and Guilds Design and Craft (Stitched Textiles) and the Level 2 BTEC award in Textiles. Margaret began judging in 2012 with the national Federation of Womens Institutes. Margaret is currently studying for NFWI judges training.

Kailey is Managing Director of LECA's main sponsors, Select Energy. She is a regular supporter of community initiatives in Blackpool and her inclusion on our Judging Panel brings a truly grassroots community perspective and balance to the panel. To get a competitive quote for your domestic or commercial energy needs follow the link below