Competition!

It is time for a new competition, and as I have been going through my career history, preparing for my workshop at the Country Living Spring Fair, I thought that I could share some of the very early days with you and this competition asks you to answer a question from when i first started out... read on to find out!

 

I was always making things as a child, which eventually took me to art college to carry on creating ....

I travelled alone to India for Christmas during my second year of college, I learnt so much from the people I met and stayed with; their kindness and hospitality and the colours they wore inspired my degree collection at college....

whilst travelling to kenya after my degree show, i started to document images to inspire my textile patterns - the varying palm trees were unique designs in themselves!

and the salt plains were just one of the many inspiring places I visited - the expanse of sky against the rugged salt mined earth had to be witnessed to be understood, this photograph did not do it any justice!

it was on returning from Africa that I realised I had images I could use 'as' my designs, not just 'for' my designs...

 

If you would like the chance to win a Pinky umbrella the first thing you have to do is answer this question:

What did I make and sell to kick start my career as a designer at Top Drawer?

Please write your answer down and post it to us here in our our comment space (below) and we will collect all the names with the correct answer and pick a winner out of a hat and then announce it on the blog on the 15th of April.

PS. make sure to come back and check when the winner has been announced so that we can get in contact and we can send you your prize!

Good Luck!

Country Living Spring Fair Workshop

On Thursday 21 March I am taking part in an exciting workshop at the  Country Living Spring Fair dubbed the 'Kitchen Table Talent Workshops', my slot is at 11.15am and I have been asked to talk about "How to Run a Successful Homes Accessories Company" so I will be sharing some of my experiences on how I have built my company and brand.

The day will be packed with interesting workshops, "Turn Your Talent Into a Business" with Emma Jones,"The Next Stage - Take Your Business to the masses" with Emma Bridgewater and much more and the best thing is that they are all for free once you are in the Spring Fair itself... but they are advising you get there early to claim your seat as they are anticipating it will be busy - maybe I'll see you there!

To find out more and to book your ticket please click here

Bikes, bikes, bikes!

I have been on a mission these last few months walking around my local area, capturing the 'moment' with my camera and my subject has been 'the bike'... 

Their varying colours, styles & frames, or the way they have been locked to a pillar or a post is what has made me stop and shoot. With and without their owners in sight - their personality still shines through!

Before I was even aware of the Duchamp exhibition and live events at the Barbican I had dreamed up these cushions to compliment my bike wheels repeat design and I was originally inspired by Duchamp using specific mass produced objects and presenting them as  'works of art' or as he called his bicycle wheel on a kitchen stool 'readymade' - which linked him to the Dada movement of his time - and widely cemented him as the father of conceptual art. The exhibition at the Barbican is well worth a visit there's something for everyone with dance performances, a singing ghost, beautiful piano performances with no hands, and of course inspiring historical art!

 

 Bike wheel Natural cushion with gusset

Bike cushion 30x50cm

Using all my images I have taken I have created this figurative repeat design which has been partly inspired by my love for Scandinavian textiles - with their lightness and simplicity - mixed in with my passion for all things made of paper! - I wanted a vintage feel with a modern twist, so i created the background texture using imagery of old textured paper stock - and the bikes ride leisurely across the design in their individual glory.... here are a few of the products, the repeat design is still evolving, as I collect more bikes to add to it, so we will be adding new products in the autumn.

'Bikes' Notebook

'Bikes of Hackney' place mats

'Bikes' double sided gift wrap