Who are we
Hello! We’re Al & Hayley, a husband-and-wife printmaking duo based in the North Downs of Kent. Together we create playful linocut prints and designs inspired by the wild, the whimsical, and the everyday nature around us.
Al is happiest with a pencil, carving tool, or shed project in hand. Hayley’s background in wildlife conservation brings a love of plants, birds, and seasonal change into our work. Together, we’re Jackdaw & Bear — a name that nods to the sides of our personalities we each channel at different times.
We each sketch our ideas and carefully carve them into lino blocks, each design slowly taking shape by hand. Al loves the carving and drawing side, while Hayley brings the prints to life — hand-pressing every inked block onto paper or fabric. From there, she wraps them up with care and keeps the day-to-day of the business running smoothly, while Al is usually dreaming up the next design (often from the shed!).
Our Story
Jackdaw & Bear began in November 2020, born out of lockdown creativity and a shared love of illustration and nature. What started at the kitchen table has grown into a buzzing little print studio — with lino shavings everywhere and a shed full of projects we probably shouldn’t mention!
Since then, our work has found homes across the UK, stocked in independent shops, at markets, and in local galleries.
Our Process
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Sketch & Draw
Each design begins with hand-drawn illustrations, inspired by British wildlife, woodlands and seasonal landscapes.
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Carving the block
Using traditional tools, each design is carved into lino with care and precision - no machines here!
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Ink and Press
Each piece is individually hand-printed with sustainable materials- cork, paper or fabric- from our Kent studio.
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Package with care
Once dry, each unique print is signed and titled in small batches. We package using plastic-free materials perfect for sending to your home.
Every design starts hand-drawn, carved into lino, inked, and hand-printed using traditional relief techniques to make each piece truly unique.
Where to find us
You’ll spot our work at Kent based shops such as Made In Ashford, Rock Paper Scissors, Hythe Makers and Westgate Galleria and other wonderful independent shops across the UK.
Get involved
Want to try printmaking yourself? Join us in Kent for hands-on sessions where you’ll learn the process and create your own prints to take home.
Thank you
Every card, coaster, or print carries a little piece of our story. By supporting Jackdaw & Bear, you’re helping keep traditional printmaking alive — and we couldn’t do it without you.
— Al & Hayley 💚