The Folk behind byFoke - An Interview with Amy Sellick

We’re so excited to launch The Folk behind byFoke—a new series celebrating the incredible makers and artisans behind the gifts we curate. At byFoke, we’ve always believed that gifting isn’t just about the giver and the receiver—it’s about the people who create, craft, and wrap each piece with care. Independent makers are the heart and soul of what we do, and we couldn’t think of a better way to begin than with one of our favourite makers (and very dear friend), Amy Sellick. A hugely talented seamstress and upholsterer, Amy is the talent behind our handmade Christmas stockings, painstakingly making each one with such incredible attention to detail. Join us as we chat with Amy about her craft, her inspiration, and what she loves most about making bespoke items using traditional techniques.

 

Amy, you've created a beautiful (& very successful) upholstery business – how did it all begin?

I have always been an avid maker with a keen interest in fabrics and furnishings, often helping out friends with smaller home projects. Lock down and loss of a close family member made me re-evaluate and gave me the push I needed to leave my office job and take the plunge to start my own business. I haven't looked back and my feet have barely touched the ground!

 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your brand.

I am a small Dorset based upholsterer and maker of home furnishings including curtains, blinds, headboards and cushions.

 

What’s your favourite part of doing what you do?

That's a tricky one as I love all aspects! The design process and consulting with clients at the beginning of a project is always exciting and, being blessed with lovely clients, it's usually a good opportunity to catch up. Then I really love creating and bringing furnishings to life. I have the help of talented fellow seamstress, Megan, who shares my passion for making and helps me on larger projects in my home workshop a few days a week. Finally, installation and delivery is hugely rewarding....and then I get to do it all over again!

 

What do you hope people feel when they discover and experience your pieces?

Our items are all unique and handmade, often using traditional materials and techniques. I hope our clients sense this and discover it in the workmanship. 

 

You live & work in a stunning part of West Dorset. What does a typical day in your workshop look like?

I am lucky to be asked to work on a variety of items, from small pieces like lampshades to larger pieces such as curtains, as well as headboards, footstools and chairs...so my days vary from sitting quietly stitching to physical upholstery and hammering! 

 

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?

I'm a busy mum of 2 teenage girls and a labradoodle. A weekend spent with family and hopefully a muddy run with our dog Olive is ideal.

 

How did you first begin working with byFoke, and what do you enjoy most about collaborating with us?

Collaborating with byFoke last year was a true highlight for me. Dan and Casey are close family friends and we've often talked about doing it. I was thrilled when the opportunity came up to make stockings and we had a great time creating them together. It was a real case of team work makes the dream work!

 

And finally, on the subject of gifting - do you prefer to give gifts or receive them?

Definitely giving. There is nothing nicer than thinking you have found something perfect.

 

 

We absolutely loved working with you to create our Christmas Stockings and can't wait to work on them again with you later in the year, in the mean time I'm looking forward to meeting up soon to discuss some other exciting projects for us to collaborate on.

I am so thrilled the stockings were such a success. I so loved doing them with you. Looking forward to whatever comes next x

 

 - Our Christmas Stockings will be available to pre-order again from November 2025.