Bless This Mess was created in 2017 by Hanna Tuukkanen, a textile artist and craft maker living in London. Hanna was born and brought up in Finland, but she has lived abroad most of her adult life. Her early adult years were spent working for travel agencies, tour operators and airlines. This gave her a chance to travel widely and live in the Southeast Asia and various European countries.
Hanna settled in London more than 20 years ago with her British partner and retrained as an Early Years Teacher after their two children were born. During her studies the idea of Bless This Mess was born. It started as a part time hobby and crew gradually into a full time business. Hanna has taught Arts and Crafts in schools, nurseries, after school clubs and workshops for more than 15 years. She has wealth of experience working with the children of all ages as well as with adults.
Hanna has been a keen craft maker since her childhood and learnt to knit, crochet and sew at a very early age. She has taken various Arts and Crafts courses throughout her adult years and has graduated from The Art Academy with the Certificate of Sculpture. She has returned to the Art Academy in few occasions as a part time tutor.
Hanna’s particular interest is working with wool. Nature, especially the Nordic wild forests, are her main inspiration. Her felted creations often feature wildlife with animated, whimsical characteristics that exhibit warmth and humorous personalities. You can find Hanna’s creations at the Made In Greenwich shop in London and at the local craft events.
Hanna is a member of the International Felt Makers Association and the Finnish Art Group in London. She a keen supporter of various community events in Southeast London where she lives and works.