WHEN Leigh designer Ed Heritage was creating his state-of-the-art lamp the last person he expected to get praise from was Hollywood star Sarah Jessica Parker. 

Ed has been left on cloud nine after being crowned a winner in a prestigious arts and crafts award scheme by Etsy. 

The American actor, producer and businesswoman, who was best known for playing Carrie Bradshaw in the hit rom-com drama Sex and the City, judged the 2023 Etsy Design Awards and picked out Ed as one of the winners. 

This year’s event saw 18 creatives bag a prize of £1,500 for their “extraordinary feats of skill and imagination” in creating beautiful, hand-made items.

Ed, 31, won the Lighting Award title for his innovative Tilt Lamp.

Echo: Designer - Ed HeritageDesigner - Ed Heritage (Image: Hope and Glory PR)

Echo: Chosen - made a winner by Sarah Jessica ParkerChosen - made a winner by Sarah Jessica Parker (Image: PA)

Reacting to being picked by the famed actor, he said: “It was such a great surprise.

“Sarah is an inspirational figure and to be recognised by her for my Tilt Lamp is an honour.”

His Ikigai-inspired creation, which is a Japanese concept that emphasises finding meaning in everyday moments, reimagines the traditional lamp switch.

When tilted in one direction, the lamp turns on, and when tilted in the opposite direction, it gracefully switches off.

Echo: Winning item - Tilt LampWinning item - Tilt Lamp (Image: Hope and Glory PR)

The work of art, which is lovingly created in the EdHeritageStudio in the town, is priced at £240 and comes in three different colours of black, orange and natural birch.

Right from a young age, Ed has always been passionate about experimenting and getting his hands dirty with making unique pieces.

When he is not teaching the next generation of artists at South Essex College, he takes to the e-commerce site, which has been going since early 2021.

His Etsy journey kick-started with some simple cute little candles of all different scents and because of how popular demand was, his business took off.

One reviewer for Ed’s Bergamot + Cedar - Zen candle said: “[A] beautiful handmade candle and container. The rosemary and sandalwood create a nice, relaxing atmosphere.”

As well as the coverted lamp, he also offers a wooden Table-Toc clock, with an American buyer writing: “Creative design and wonderfully crafted.”

He holds a degree in architecture, and a masters in product and furniture design.

To view his EdHeritageStudio product range, please click here.