About the artist
The artist behind SHB Ketubahs
I'm Sophie, a ketubah artist based in Manchester. I paint floral ketubahs in watercolour and gouache, creating meaningful pieces that connect a couple's story with Jewish tradition.
A creative path to ketubah art
Art and creativity have always been a big part of my life. I studied art at school before taking a different route through a drama degree and then a degree in midwifery. I now work part time as a midwife alongside raising my two children, but I still needed a place for the creative part of me to flourish.
In 2023, I began painting ketubahs. It brought together my love of art, my Jewish identity and the privilege of helping people mark one of the most important moments in their lives.
This is my passion, and I want SHB Ketubahs to grow as a family business. Just as my grandma passed her skills and love of art down to me, I hope one day to pass what I have learnt on to the next generation.
A tradition passed down from my grandma
My grandma, Naomi, was also a ketubah artist. Although it was not her full-time profession, she painted ketubahs for many couples, and one of her designs became the official United Synagogue ketubah.
I learnt painting techniques from her and inherited her love of creating floral ketubahs in watercolour. Every piece I make is part of that family story: a tradition carried forward while becoming something personal to each new couple.
My artistic practice
My process begins on paper. I draw each design in pencil, go over the linework with archival pen, and then add colour using gouache. The finished work has an impressionistic quality: delicate in its detail, but alive with vibrant colour. My own style has developed over time, grounded in everything my grandma taught me.
Finished printed ketubahs are produced on high-quality 310gsm archival paper, chosen to give the artwork a substantial, lasting finish worthy of the occasion.
Like many ketubah artists, I offer both prints and completely custom commissions. What makes SHB Ketubahs different is that I have also combined my art with my husband's skills as a software developer. Together, we created Ketubah Studio.
Ketubah Studio lets couples arrange digital versions of my original hand-painted elements into a bespoke border of their own. Each arrangement can be unique, bridging the gap between an affordable print and a fully commissioned custom ketubah while still giving the couple genuine creative control.
Explore Ketubah StudioRooted in Jewish life
I grew up in a Modern Orthodox community, surrounded by Jewish life and tradition. Creating ketubahs gives me a deeply personal way to stay connected to my religion while helping couples make their own ceremony feel meaningful and true to them.
I work with couples from any community, anywhere in the world. Most of the process happens online, so distance and time zones are never a barrier. For couples close to Manchester, I'm also happy to meet in person when practical.
Let's create something meaningful
Tell me about the ketubah you're imagining
Whether you already have a clear idea or are not sure where to begin, I'd love to hear your story and explore what we can create together.
