Antonia Swift

Antonia has always enjoyed making, mainly food, fabric and paper.

At five years old, she got her first sewing machine for Christmas and made dolls’ clothes and dolls’ house furnishings. Guided by her mother, Antonia learned how to find peace in making by hand, getting lost in the fine details.

Antonia finds joy in giving what she makes. For 40 years, she’s been making gift cards. She loves manipulating paper, folding/pop-up/fine paper cutting and miniature 3D paper sculptures.

Moving to Scotland Island 10 years ago, after burning out at work, Antonia fulfilled a dream to find balance in work and creativity. Thanks to the encouragement of friends and artists on the island, she started selling a few pieces at community markets. She gradually cooked and sewed her way into the community and found a sense of belonging.