Designer Bangs the Drum for Craft at Festive Markets
A former drummer from Edinburgh who transforms unwanted drum kits into beautiful homewares has secured a spot at a series of prestigious Scottish design markets.
Darren Wilkie founded Flam Homewares in 2020. He received his first drum kit at the age of 14 and now creates planters, tables, clocks, and lamps from nearly all parts of pre-loved kits, sourced from spare rooms, sheds, and attics across the country.
This season, he has been selected to showcase and sell his creations at Tea Green Events markets across Scotland, starting with The Burrell Collection (8–9 November), followed by National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, Edinburgh (22–23 November), V&A Dundee (28-30 November), Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow (6–7 December), and concluding at Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife (12–13 December 2025).
Darren said, “When I was 14, I was given my first drum kit. While I played it for many years, I eventually moved on to others and this old kit became just another surface for a messy teen to leave clothes on. When I left home to study music at University, I kept one of the drums from this old kit for sentimental reasons, hoping to make something with it one day. Fast forward eight years, and while working in mental health during the pandemic, I needed a hobby outside of work. I got the old drum out of my gran’s garage, upcycled it into a table, shared it on social media, and that was the start of it. People started asking if I could make them one, and it snowballed. I’ve since expanded to creating planters, trays, tables, clocks, lamps, pet beds and more, all from old unwanted drum kits.”
Earlier this year, Darren went full-time with his business, and his creations can be found in six countries across three continents and in homes and businesses across the UK, including record shops, bars, music venues, barbershops and tattoo studios.
In 2023, Darren also founded Nook & Cranny Studios CIC, providing affordable studio spaces to 16 emerging artists, makers and small businesses in Leith, Edinburgh.
“Finding studio space in Edinburgh that’s affordable, has flexible access and without huge waiting lists is difficult, so I set up my own. This is where I work, and I rent spaces out to other emerging artists, hopefully removing some of the barriers I faced when starting out. There are so many creatives in Edinburgh but it’s easy to feel isolated working from home or working on your own in a studio. At Nook & Cranny Studios, creatives get their own dedicated workspace surrounded by creative peers in a supportive community environment. We can help each other navigate opportunities and trends or explore new markets”
Darren is now busy creating more products for the Tea Green Markets, which he says play a crucial role in the growth and profile of his business.
“For the first three or four years, I sold exclusively online, crafting small-batch items while juggling a full-time job. During this time, my partner, Chiara Celini, was already showcasing her art at Tea Green Markets and I would help with her stall from time to time, soaking up the experience and slowly building the confidence I needed to launch my own market stall. For me, Tea Green Markets were aspirational and I landed my first markets this summer at Kelvingrove and V&A Dundee. These are great events to be a part of, so returning for their festive markets will be wonderful!
“The venues are prestigious and attract customers who appreciate handmade craft and design, which encourages designers to up their game. It feels like many returning customers are part of the Tea Green community as much as the makers are. We get to know our customers and they get to know us. They get to learn about the process and see the passion we have for what we do. You can’t always get that across on social media and markets like these allow customers to buy into the maker as much as their products.”
Joanne MacFadyen of Tea Green Markets added, “Darren epitomises all the values of Tea Green – high-quality design and craftsmanship while also working sustainably and collaboratively. We applaud everything he’s done to build the creative community in Edinburgh and can’t wait to see him, and all the other designers and makers, at this year’s festive markets.”
Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at National Galleries of Scotland, said, “We can’t wait to welcome the Tea Green makers back to the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh following the amazing success of the summer market. Get in the Christmas spirit under the bedazzling stars of the Great Hall, which will be decked out for the festive season! Don’t forget to look up, you may even spot a plane amongst the stars, a subtle nod to our free Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer exhibition upstairs. The Portrait gallery is dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, so where better to also showcase the talents of the incredible creatives and support small Scottish businesses! Pop in and explore the market, and pick up a beautiful hand-crafted gift and don’t forget to enjoy a mince pie in our Cafe!”
For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit https://www.teagreen.co.uk/
ENDS