From first setting eyes on a beautiful linen and embroidered project in my Granny’s sewing box as a child, my love affair with all things textile and creative started.
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With the opportunity to study art & design at college in the 80’s, I then set up my own studio as a craft maker before moving into the world of commercial retail design for several decades.
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I now feel that I have come a full 360 degrees back to my original joy for hands-on making, sharing my wealth of knowledge with those eager to explore the joys of craft. Passionate about helping people gain the pleasure and benefits of crafting, I ensure that the standard of my teaching, stencil kits and workshop experiences are high.
In today's digital age, with constant screen interaction and life stresses, returning to mindful, relaxing activities is crucial for mental wellbeing and happiness.
"The early years as a craft maker helped me expand my knowledge of making techniques and materials."
My eye is always is drawn to the simple things of nature, wild grasses bent and shaped by prevailing breezes, soft fluffy flower heads of cow parsley, abundant oxeye daisies, wild meadow flowers and leaf patterns from overhead branches.
Inspiration and the design process...
Countryside walks with my camera are the starting point, gathering visual references from verges and hedgerows. I gain enormous pleasure from observing changes in the seasons, the shift in colours, shapes and form. These photos and foraged treasures fuel my ideas for workshop projects and new stencil designs.
Once home, the design process involves sketching and drawing shapes into stylized forms, capturing the very essence of wild flowers, seed heads, leaves and plants. Building upon their inherent beauty, always with paint and thread in mind.
The hours spent in my garden studio hand-cutting prototype stencils, testing, redrawing and perfecting ensures that my designs coordinate beautifully, giving you the best opportunity to create pleasing and professional looking results.
My wish for you...
Mother Nature is my favourite muse, she never ceases to inspire me. From the early months of new growth and floral exuberance, when the country lanes, verges and gardens are a riot of varied textures and hues. To the season of plenty, captivating seed heads and warm rich colours. Then as the year winds down I appreciate pared back silhouette shapes, delicate tracery lines, and maybe the need to work harder to find colour…but it’s still there to be enjoyed.
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I welcome you on the same journey, to gain the same benefits of observing the world around you and calmly, mindfully making with your hands.
Melanie
