More from the V and A...

I adore these intricate boxes I snapped at the V and A whilst in London in Feb, Unfortunately i don't seem to have the historical details to go with them, but I'll definitely be using them for inspiration. I can imagine them intricately hand embroidered using lovely silks ans threads to recreate their gorgeousness. 

IRONWORK ENVY...

I am really inspired by this gorgeous ironwork i set my eyes on in the V and A whilst in London last month. I can imagine creating some really interesting print based around the scrolls and fluid lines.

All own images taken at V and A museum London 06/02/14

My mind is blown...

WOW! 

I've just returned to my desk after a lecture from textile designer Karen Nicol. I can honestly say I've never been so inspired! 

I love how genuine she seems and her work is utterly amazing. It was really eye opening to hear how she likes to use her inspiration quite literally. 

It was also really fab to hear how she always strives to be different, and enjoys collaborations for the fact that it constantly pushes you- I imagine relating to this. 

The fact that she was always driven to sell her own work meant that she developed her initial training to find her own way and make it commercial, this is really great to hear and really motivating as that's always something that has concerned me about making my career from embroidery. 

So from now on I'll be experimenting with media, freeing up my work and thinking JUST DO IT.

:) www.karennicol.co.uk

Joetta Maue...

How interesting is this embroidery work by artist Joetta Maue? I love her intricate use of hand embroidery to tell narratives within her work- it is definitely thought and emotion provoking. It could be her study of people that makes me feel quite connected to her work, considering I don't know a lot about the artist or her works- I really feel quite drawn to these images...

http://www.joettamaue.com/index.html
http://littleyellowbirds.blogspot.co.uk/

Catherine Howard Designs...

After researching inspiration for my embroidery project, I found the works of textile artist Catherine Howard. Catherine is a Fashion & Textile Designer who also teaches and hosts Workshops in all aspects of Fashion & Textile Design.

She takes her inspiration from a remembering her mum at a young age create things that no one else had. She now runs her own business, sharing knowledge and skills and creating beautiful Textile Art Pieces for the Home & Gift Market. 

I love the delicacy of Catherine's work and the way in which she combines her print and embroidery is simple and understated. 

 

http://catherinehowarddesigns.com/

Joanna Coupland...

 One of the designer/ makers who is stocked within the store I'm focussing my report on, the Imaginarium, is Joanna Coupland. Joanna produces a range of quirky creatures from her home workshop in York. She takes her inspiration from nature, in particular birds and animals, working with wire and paper to create unique, delicate pieces intended to make you smile.

Inspired by taxidermy, Joanna has developed her own range of animal heads including stags, zebras, foxes and hares and has even completed commissions of client's pets, from dogs and horses to fish.

Joanna is well known for her unusual lighting range. Products include standard lamps inspired by flowers (especially bluebells) and a range of fairy light lanterns. These include birdies, fish, fruit and vegetables, spiral pods.
https://www.facebook.com/YscHome/photos/pb.378229328963473.-2207520000.1395146575./502098383243233/?type=3&theater

I particularly love her quirky fairy lights- the forms are unusual and I doubt you'd find any thing similar in a high street store.

http://www.joannacoupland.co.uk/page11.htm

New discoveries...

One of the best things about this course is forever stumbling across new inspiration. Today I'm working on my shop report for professional studies which is a focus on The Imaginarium in York- such a gorgeous store selling unusual unique designer maker products go if you ever get the chance!

One of the makers they stock is Called DOKTOR A, he is a famous steam punk artist and creator of the Mechtorians. His work consists of crazy little characters and toys. To be honest, the pictures say it all...

Sneaky peak...

Here's a sneaky peak into my final for my current module. Here is a selection of "twigs" that's I have been embroidering using ribbon and hand embroidery. I hoping to have the whole thing constructed tomorrow so stay posted for the bigger picture :) 

                               

Clarks and Orla Kiely...

Wow what a combination, who'd have thought successful "Queen of Print" Orla Kiely would work in collaboration with shoe giants Clarks. I have to say for a surprising combo I'm really impressed with this quirky collection, Kielys signature style is perfectly translated onto the styles and designs and they are instantly recognisable as hers. Playful and retro, the collection is true to Kielys modern take on 60's and 70's. CUTE X

http://www.clarks.co.uk/features/orla-kiely

A little advice...

I've been thinking about the future a lot lately (scary stuff!) so I've decided to invest some time into a little bit of business research. As much as I love making, there is a strong business streak running through me and the dream is to one day own my own place so I think this kind of advice is invaluable.

I tend to suck up as much information about "stuff" as I can, anything extra can only help right? So I look into everything and speak/listen to everyone with an open mind- it's kind of my motto in life to soak up as much as I can and learn from those around me.

The info I've been reading on http://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk is really clear and helpful, it gets my juices going :)

Here's some of the articles I found a good read on promoting your work...
http://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/where-to-promote-your-product-handmade-horizons-webinar-s/