Winners were chosen from the Under 12s, Under 24s and 25&over categories:

Eliza, age 6 from West Bridgford

Bei, age 21 from Beeston

Paul, age 48 from Sherwood

All three winning pictures will soon be framed and on display in the window of Get Made, our shop next to the Malt Cross.

A big thank you to all who made it down to Broadway and a special mention must go to both Lucie and Tim who really made my day with their wonderful entries and enthusiasm! Also huge thanks to the lovely Jo Want of Hello Sunshine for her fantastic design work.

Stay tuned for further events in the pipeline…  :)

Hannah and all at NCM x

What do you make/design?

I’m primarily an illustrator. I illustrate greeting cards, art stamps, decorative paper and children’s books.

Describe your work in 2 words

fun and whimsical

Where can we find your products?

My stamp designs and decorative papers can be found at a wonderful craft supply company called A Muse. www.amuseartstamps.com

I also have my own greeting card line called n7designs www.n7designs.com All the images there are coffee related. I live in Seattle, WA (USA) and we are known for our coffee culture! Starbucks Coffee Company is based here and the partners that work there are my main customers.

My 1^st illustrated children’s book, Theodore the Tree is available on Amazon.com. You can find it by clicking here

 How did you come up with the name for your company?

My illustration business is just nina seven illustrations. I think most illustrators just use their name for search purposes. It makes it easy for people to find you.

Why did you decide to start

I started my business when I left a full time job after my 2^nd child was born. I previously worked in retail as a display designer for about 15 years 

 Tell us a little about your blog, and what you get out of the blogging process?

I started my blog about 5 years ago, so I could participate in a weekly illustration challenge, called Illustration Friday. Every Friday, a new word of the week is posted on the site and illustrators create a piece based on that word and post it along with a link to their blog. It’s so much fun and great practice. I still participate almost every week. I love the community of creative people I’ve met through blogging. I often email my online friends for advice and tips, from marketing ideas to techy questions. From doing the weekly challenges and seeing what everyone else is doing, my work has improved, I’ve learned new skills and gotten more confidence. As a creative person, you have to put yourself out there, you can’t work in a bubble

Advice you would give to someone thinking of starting up a creative business

First of all, do what you love. Then, keep growing and learning and honing your craft to be the best it can be.

Where do you get your inspiration from?  

I get a lot of inspiration from other illustrators by visiting blogs and websites, but I’m careful to not look too much. It can make you feel inadequate, if you try to compare yourself to others. I also am inspired by things I see in everyday life-packaging designs, children’s books, stationery, magazines, etc.

What would your ideal collaboration project be?

I would love to design a greeting card line for a company like Hello Lucky or Madison Park Greetings. I’d also like to do some children’s illustration for Mudpuppy, I love all their products. And, I’d really love to illustrate another children’s book, the 1^st one was so much fun.

What are you goals for the coming year?

Over the next year, I’d like to get another children’s book contract and I’d like to start working with an awesome company on a greeting card line. That would be a good year

April Hearn

Web: www.aprilmarietextiles.com

E-Mail: april@aprilmarietextiles.com

What do you make/design?

My products include crocheted and knitted:

Scarves, Bags,Corsages, Cushions, Blankets, Kitchenwares, Toys …and so much more!

So whether you’re after a special gift idea or are simply treating yourself, my products will complement and enhance any space or occasion, offering an energetic fusion of comfort and style.

Where can I find your products?

For my full range visit my brand new website: www.aprilmarietextiles.com. Here you will be able to find out more about me, access my online shop as well as browse through my gallery section where you will find past projects and commission pieces.

Other online shops include:

www.aprilmarietextiles.etsy.com

www.folksy.com/shops/aprilmarietextiles

 If you enjoy a more touchy feely shopping experience rather than browsing the net, why not visit the Nottingham Craft Mafia’s very own shop ‘Get Made’ where you will find a wide selection of my work, including scarves for her, him and the kids, cushions and greetings cards.

How did you come up with your name for your company?

It was simple really – It’s my name, well part of my name! I was tempted to go with April Hearn and just use my name as many other designer makers do but I also liked the idea of having a company name which could become a brand and was easily recognized for its products – textiles! So with this in mind I opted for April Marie Textiles. I aim to capture a sense of comfort and tradition within my work and hope that my name along with my products will last a lifetime.

Why did you decide to start?

I don’t actually think I ever decided to start, I think it’s just something I’m drawn to and couldn’t imagine not being in my life. If I’m not making products to sell then I’m working on presents for friends and family…so many birthdays and well Christmas is just around the corner!

From a very early age I have had a love of art and design and it has always been clear I’d pursue a creative career. Once leaving school I took all the obvious roots; A Levels, Art Foundation, Uni but it wasn’t until graduating and taking some time out that I began to find my feet.

I work full time as a graphic designer but my passion is textiles. I love the contrast of my work/ home life. During the day I sit at a computer creating and in my spare time ‘I love to get hands on and make.’

I started out by making a mish mash of products in all types of yarns and colours but it is only recently that I have now been able to identify my brand and construct a range of products which are distinctively my own.

 My next step to be in a situation to make April Marie Textiles my full time job… One Day!

If you blog, a bit about why you decided to start it, what you get out of the blogging process, what are the positive aspects, how it has affected your work…

I don’t actually blog and hadn’t really stumbled across any until I became a member of the Nottingham Craft Mafia. Speaking to like minded people and being a part of a wider group has opened my eyes up to so much. Reading others blogs is definitely something I’ll be adding to my to do list!

Advice you would give to someone thinking of starting up a creative business:

Never give up on the things you love, the dreams you have and the future you’d like to live. Even if your creative business has to sit way down the list of priorities due to work/home life situations, make sure it stays on your list, it’ll be tough but soooo worth it.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Born and raised within a close knit family I am inspired by tradition, history and good old family values and am keen to sustain traditional techniques and ideas. My work aims to capture warmth and delight and bring people together in giving and sharing. My inspiration is drawn from everything around me, the people I meet, the places I visit, the sounds I hear.

What would your ideal collaboration project be?

I really like the idea of teaming up with a jewellery designer and creating a range of necklaces combining crochet, beads and buttons, perhaps even pieces for bridal ware which could be pasted down through generations maintaining a sense of heritage.

Describe your work in x number of words:

Homely, comfy, warm, honest, chunky, established, thoughtful, generous, classic, and most of all traditional, I’m an old fashioned girl at heart and I hope this is reflected within my work.

Positives about being involved in the NCM:

I have changed so much since being a part of the Nottingham Craft Mafia and change is good! I have been able to develop my brand and have now found a comfortable ground that I am proud of. Previously I have played around with tons of ideas but have never really felt they were me. Networking with other like minded folk has given me heaps of inspiration and a drive to learn more. Learn more about the business side, branding and marketing as these are just as important, if not more important than the products themselves. I’ve learnt that, you won’t sell anything if no one knows about it!

Goals for the coming year:

Well I’ve just finished my new website and re-branded my appearance so I’ll be working on generating new business and hopefully get my products in some other retail outlets within Nottingham and who knows, maybe further a field? New additions to my product range, this is always something I enjoy developing, so watch out for all things new. 

Thanks April!!

Where you can find your products
I have my online shop www.hapiness.etsy.com and of course I’m also at the get made shop on St James Street, Nottingham

How did you come up with your name for your company
Well as my name is Vanessa, but everybody calls me Ness, and I love to produce fun and happy things, I decided on Hapi-Ness.

Why did you decide to start
I have always been into crafting, and every time a see a new type of craft I just have to try it! My main hobby is amigurumi which I stumbled across some years ago now. I just found a website with some interesting looking crochet toys and decided to give it a go. Unfortunately I can’t read crochet patterns at all! Which means that most of my toys are never perfect, but I think this makes them a little more interesting!

If you blog, a bit about why you decided to start it, what you get out of the blogging process, what are the positive aspects, how it has affected your work…

I have had a blog for a few years now, and mostly decided to start one up after looking through a bunch of other blogs on the net. Mine is mostly based on showing things that I like, or new things that I have produced, which I find quite interesting to look back on my old work to see how far I’ve come along!

Advice you would give to someone thinking of starting up a creative business
As I haven’t really been set up very long, all I can advise people on is not to be afraid to try and push your work. Never undersell yourself, which is a lesson I have just about learned! And never worry if your stuff doesn’t take off straight away, just keep trying. The worst thing anyone can say to you is no!

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Generally with my crochet toys, I never know what I’m actually making. Sometimes I will have an idea, make a sketch and then produce it in crochet, but other times I will just make a random shape and ask whoever is around what they think it looks like!  But with most of my illustrations I tend to just sit and doodle things until I find something I like, and will then either produce it in a painting, computer illustration or lino cut depending which I think will look the best!

How would you describe your work?
I would say that most of my work is designed for the big kid in everyone. My creations always seem to make people smile or laugh, which makes me feel amazing. I love to put a little humour into my creations, so that everytime someone looks at them, they will just want to smile!

Positives about being involved in the NCM
The NCM has really helped to build my confidence. I have always wanted to put my things in a shop before, but have always chickened out at the last minute! Being a part of the NCM I have met many wonderful people, all of whomb have the same interests as me, which gives me a real sense of contentment, knowing that I am not the only nutter in Nottingham!

Goals for the coming year
I still have one more year left at University, but as soon as I have finished I hope to put more time into my illustration work and hopefully go freelance. And I do fully intend to actually approach more shops this year to put more of my work around.

Another ambition of mine is to one day own my own boutique, selling the things I make and the things I love, and also to offer artists who are trying to establish themselves, a chance to have their work displayed and sold!

Thankyou Vanessa!!

What do you make?
I make limited edition jewellery, mainly from semi-precious stones, sometimes I use glass beads, along with any other intersting bits and pieces I can get my hands on.

Where can I find your products?
My online Etsy shop www.pebble.etsy.com

Bambi Vintage in Sherwood, Nottingham (it’s a treasure trove full of gorgeous things, well worth a visit!)

And of course, Get Made, St James St , Nottingham

How did you come up with the name for your company?
I wanted something short and a name I wouldn’t get bored of. But the main aim was to come up with a name that described the materials I worked with, so after a LOT of brain storming I settled on Pebble.

Why did you decide to start your own business?
Well, the truth is, I kept seeing jewellery I really liked but couldn’t afford! So I thought to myself, I’m going to have a go at that!

It took me a while to fathom out what materials to use, and where to get them, but I eventually developed my own style and couldn’t stop making necklaces. I realised that it was the quality f the beads that was important, I like the weight and imperfections of the semi-precious stones I use.

It spiralled from there really. I had made far too many for me to wear, and people often asked me where I got my necklaces from, so I thought maybe I could start selling them on a small scale.

Do you blog?
I love reading blogs, I just haven’t got round to bloggin myself yet. It’s somthing I’m thinking about though.

What kind of advice would you give to someone thinking of starting up their own creative business?
Hmm, that’s a tricky one, I’;m not sure I’m qualified to give advice yet as my business is still only small scale and still a hobby/business – a hobbusiness?? What I would say is that if you love what you do and find that other people love it too, then why not go for it! It can be very time-consuming and things don’t always go to plan, but you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth! All in all, it’s very rewarding when other peole like what you have created and if you can make a bob or two, then even better!

Where do you get your inspiration from?
My main job is as a Textiles Designer for home furnishings, so I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting combinations of colour. I also get to look at lots of fashion magazines. I usually end up designing something I would be happy wearing myself.

How would you describe your work?
Sometimes sophisticated and glamourous, sometimes quirky and cute. I’d say that some of my pieces are more of a statement but some you could wear every day. I think I’ve got quite a wide range of styles, so there is something to suit everyone.

How are you finding being involved with the Nottingham Craft Mafia?
Oh, it’s great! It’s so nice to be meet people with similar interests that like to chat about them (there’s only so much my friends can take of ‘jewellery’ talk!!) Having my products in our lovely ‘Get Made’ shop is also a fantastic opportunity that I’m really grateful for.

What are your goals for the coming year?
I plan to keep on doing what I do, developing new styles and designs of a high quality. One of my aims to to get a proper ‘Pebble’ website, can’t wait for that. I’d also like to be involved in more craft fairs and events, and just get myself out there!

Thank you Jayne, hope you have a good month.

This month we are featuring Jo Want, artist behind MunkyBum and Hello Sunshine. Here is our little interview…

What do you make?
I make a range of fun and quirky cards, illustrations and jewellery based on the fascinating and charming qulaities of random objects and everyday life of us human oddballs.

Where can I find your products?
I have online shops at both Etsy and Folksy..

www.helloosunshine.etsy.com
www.folksy.com/hellosunshine

I also have a wide selction of goodies for sale at the FANTASTIC ‘Get Made’ shop on St James St, off Market Square in Nottingham. I try to participate in craft fairs and such when the opportunities arise, so you could find my work popping up all over the place…. you have been warned!

How did you come up with the name for your company?
Being described as a ‘bright, fun, positive and friendly’ person with a sunny disposition my work often seems to reflect these characteristics. This, combined with my habit of addressing my friends ‘Hello Sunshine’ seemed to schmack me in the face and say ‘use me as your brand’!! So I did!

Why did you decide to start?
Ever since my sticky little mitts could hold a crayon I have doodled… on paper, chalkboards, clothes and the odd wall (ahem!). For a long time after graduating from my Decorative Arts Course at Nottingham Tret Uni I struggled to find myself creatively…urgh that sounds so cheesy… but its true. Anyhow, after a year of working and a year of travelling once I graduated, I finally came home ready to doodle some more. The break from school/college/Uni seemed to refresh me and allow me to figure out what I wanted to do with my sticky little mitts. So I picked up my pencils and armed with the thirst for creating goodies for other people to enjoy, a cup of tea and fresh new ideas, I decided to do what I love and try to make some pennies along the way.

Do you blog?
I don’t actually have a blog yet! I’m working on my website and trying fully to establish my brand ‘Hello Sunshine’ at the moment. Creating and keeping a blog is one of the next items on my to-do list. SO hopefully I will be able to keep track of myself as well as update people on my creative adventures along the way.

What kind of advice would you give someone thinking if starting up a creative business?
I won’t lie to you… it’s tough! Being in the early stages myself I have found it hard at times, especially having a ‘real’ job and having to spend full time hours sat in an office when all I want to do is draw and make for a living. However, I have also found it incredibly rewarding being able to do what I’m passionate about and share it with others. Having creative people around you and joining creative networks like the Craft Mafia is invaluable. When you hit that rut nothing seems to work better for me than a cup of tea and a chinwag to bounce ideas around and get thoe pencils scribbling again.

A few pieces of fried gold for you, stay focussed on your goals, don’t let the slips keep you down, always ask for help and above all, keep smiling and enjoy what you do. Pop that kettle on and get scribbling… or knitting… or welding… you get the point… just get on with it and have fun!

Where do you get your inspiration?
Hmmmm… my inspiration seems to spring out at me through a variety of things, from people and everyday objects, animals and the outdoors, to vintage objects and places… anything with character. Things that I can create a personality for inspire me, mixed with silly conversations or situations with friendsm which often add that sprinkling of humour,

What would your ideal collaboration project be?
I would love to get my designs onto clothing an bags. It’s something that has always been on my to-do list but I have to keep saying to myself, ‘Baby steps Jo, one thing at a time for now, or at least until you win the lottery anyway!’ Who knows what the future may hold though, I love working with people and welcome anyone who would like to put up with me..err I mean WORK with me on a project.

How would you describe your work?
I’ll throw  few words out there, fun, quirky, humourous, simple, light hearted

How are you finding being involved with the Nottingham Craft Mafia?
On a more sensible (which is rare) note though I am mahoosively grateful for the chance I have had to be involved with lots of other like-minded arty folk. Like I mentioned before it’s riceless having a network of people to call on to chat to, to be inspired by and to look to for support.

What are your goals for the coming year?
At the moment I’m trying not to rush ahead of myself too much. I am incredibly happy and proud of what I have accomplished over the past year since being home.

However… being the ambitious little monkey I am, I plan to take over the world and fill it with sunshine! In more relaistic terms, in the near future I would like to get my work into more local outlets and promote myself more, whilst adding more products, characters and scribbles to the Helo Sunshine Collection. But for now.. Baby steps!

Thank you Jo!

Where can I find your products?
The list is ever increasing! As well as selling my work at the ‘Get Made’ shop in Nottingham – there are other venues. I sell at various craft and art fairs and events in and around Nottingham and here is the list of other places.

On-line – gilfling.etsy.com
gilflingsdesigns.etsy.com
www.folksy.com/shops/gilfling

Galleries
Focus Gallery, Derby Road, Nottingham
Studio 61, Lea, near Matlock, Derbyshire
Lakeside Arts Centre, University Park, Nottingham
Cakewalk – a shop/boutique in Ilkley, West Yorkshire
The Art and Soul Gallery – Bothell, Washington State, US

I am also currently working on a new collection for a new shop/studio which will opening soon. Debbie Bryan‘s shop is situated in the Lace Market in Nottingham and will be opening at the beginning of June 2009. As well as this I will also be attaching a shopping cart to my website so you will be able to buy from there too!

How did you come up with your name for your company?
Until recently my business name was ‘Gilfling’s Designs’. This name was chosen very soon after graduating when I thought my business would be much more directed towards designing and making costumes so seemed to fit and reflect my celtic roots. However since my artwork has become my main focus this did not seem such a reflection of my current work so I have now decided to keep things nice and simple and just use my own name – hence the new website gillianleesmith.com

Why did you decide to start your own business?
Upon graduating with a Ba Hons in Performance Costume from Edinburgh College of Art in 2005, it took me a wee while to find my feet. After working on a few small films and attending some business courses, my main aim was to work as a freelance costume designer. However, due health problems this was proving quite difficult. During a particularly difficult and long period of suffering back pain, I was unable to apply for costume jobs. Film work is very physically taxing with lots of lifting, standing and carrying and so I began painting again.

I had originally applied to Art College to study fine art but changed to performance costume so it had been a while. Long days spent painting and creating from home and the discovery of a website etsy.com (little known in the UK at the time) I found myself tentatively listing my work online. Surprised when it began selling I began to wonder if it was actually possible to make a living from this. Three years later and I am gradually making my way towards my goal of making this my living.

Why did you decided to start blogging and what do you get out of the blogging process?
My blog began just over 2 years ago (gilflingsdesigns.typepad.com) Looking back I had been reading ‘art and craft’ blogs for a little while and loved the idea of having a documentation of my work and a way of recording its development. Thinking about it now though it has become so much more than that. I have ‘met’ wonderful people online through my blog. Working alone can be incredibly isolating and it has been my way of connecting with people. It has been a way of getting feedback on my work, discovering like-minded individuals and making over-seas friends. I am not a regular blogger though and often have periods when I get sick of talking about myself. I do try to mix it up though by featuring other artists I admire but I generally always come back to waffling about myself and my work!

Strangely though I get very embarrassed when ‘real-life’ friends have told me they read my blog and one even told me that she didn’t have to call me anymore as she could read my whole life’s goings on, on my blog! As satisfying as it is, there is no substitute for meeting a friend for coffee and nattering about life – something I wish I could do with many of the overseas friends I have come to know online.

What kind of advice you would give to someone thinking of starting up a creative business?
In the beginning, it is very easy to think you have a very clear idea of the way in which your creative business will work. This may be so, but my advice is to retain an element of flexibility, as it may not always work out as you originally intended! I could never have dreamt that I would be doing the job I am doing now and I am learning new things every day. I have found that sometimes I have had to take an unexpected path or two but always with the ‘bigger picture’ remaining in my head.

The other thing that I have found invaluable is the people I have met. It is so important to surround yourself with positive encouraging people (it may sound corny but it is so true! It helps so much to have a person who really believes in what you are doing). If you can find someone who can almost mentor you, whether it is friend or fellow artist, having someone to bounce new ideas off is exciting. Sometimes you can’t see the wood for the tree’s and it is useful to have a adviser who whilst sharing your enthusiasm can also take an outside view and remain encouraging. I am a member of Design Factory which is an organization promoting and supporting designer/makers in the Midlands. This has been a huge help to me in discovering where I want my work to take me and the mentorship scheme really supports you in meeting these aims and goals.

Finally – be under no illusions – running a creative business is extremely hard work!! I would challenge anyone to start a creative business from scratch and work only 9 till 5. It is incredibly hard to switch off and I have often worked long into the night preparing for a craft fair, or designing marketing products, or catching up on my emails or finishing ‘that’ bit of hand stitching. As a sole trader, you are everything in your business. Artist or artisan, designer, maker, secretary, tea-maker, accountant, researcher, events booker, general dogs-body, advertiser, graphics designer and the to-do list is never ending. This is by no means a way of trying to put anyone off running his or her own business. It is extremely rewarding being your own boss and your successes are even more satisfying when you do well and succeed in meeting your goals.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Much of my inspiration comes from my childhood loves of storytelling, history and fairytales. dolls and puppets. My degree in Performance Costume has left an indelible print on the work I am creating today in that it is very character based, rich in texture and sentiment and features detailed costumes and stories within the themes. All my work has a hint of sadness or melancholy and deals with emotions, memories and dreams and the complexities of life. I am endlessly inspired by tales of sea-faring men, puppets that come to life and mysterious souls – quite a romantic really! I also take great care in working with the colours I use. This really is an important part of my work and really sets the tone and atmosphere of my pieces, also influencing the way in which people respond to it.

What would your ideal collaboration project be?
I actually have an exciting collaboration coming up with the designer/maker Debbie Bryan. Debbie creates the most extra-ordinary resin buttons and brooches, which are more like artifacts from another era. She has designed a series of pieces, which are specifically hand made to work with my textile character sculptures and will be launched at her shop opening.

I am also incredibly interested in automata and have long since had notions to attempt to incorporate this into my work some-how, however I am not sure I have the spatial awareness and knowledge of mechanics to actually make it a reality. I would love to work with some one who could design and make the machinery whilst I made the ‘outer’ figures and textiles and then bring them to life by movement.

How would you describe your work?
Thought provoking, soulful, melancholic, nostalgic, contrasting between decadence and decay, captivating, reflective, imaginative, personal, atmospheric, surreal, expressive, poignant, – not that I have thought about it much ha ha!

How are you finding being involved in the Nottingham Craft Mafia?
It has been wonderful to be a part of a community of fellow artists and crafters and be able to share experience and knowledge at our fortnightly meetings. It is hard sometimes to be the ‘everyman’ in your own business and inevitably, there are skills that do not come so naturally. For me, I am not particularly great at the marketing side of my business and the display of my work, so it has been wonderful to get advice, feedback and opinions and share experiences.

What are your goals for the coming year?
My main goal is to actually get a balance in my work. Sometimes it is easy to let the many aspects of business take over and find it difficult to actually get time to design and create. I really want to get better at scheduling in ‘studio’ time in amongst all the marketing, attending events and business side. After all, if I am not actually ‘creating’ then I am not going to have much work to ‘market’!

I have recently been accepted to my first trade fair, which is happening next spring. This has been a huge goal for me and I am looking forward to showing my work directly to gallery owners and gauging the interest. I also want to attend higher profile events such as Lustre and Origins in London and will be making a huge effort in the next year, concentrating on developing my designs and improving the standard of my work in order to have a chance of participating at these events.

Thank you Gillian!

You can see more of Gillian’s work featured at the NCM shop/HQ – ‘Get Made’ throughout June. Pop in and see us Thursday – Saturday 11am – 6pm at 17 St James’s Street, Nottingham (next to The Malt Cross).

This month we are featuring Kate Broughton, who will have her own designated area in the shop, where you can find a selection of her beautiful crafted brooches, purses, and tote bags, and has also been interviewed for the NCM blog. See below what she had to say for herself…..

What do you make or design?
I make hand and machine stitched felt brooches and cotton and felt purses. I also make cards and badges with my drawings as well as putting my drawings onto cotton shopping bags.

Where can I find your products?
I sell my work at ‘Get Made’ (the Nottingham Craft Mafia shop on St James’ St.) and Le Chien Et Moi (Derby Road) in Nottingham, I have different items in each shop. Outside of Nottingham the only shop I sell my work in is, quite randomly, in ‘White Elephant’ in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada! I’m currently working on small collections for a shop in Sheffield and another in Portland, Oregon in the US of A!

How did you come up with your name for your company?
That’s an easy one, it is just my name.

Why did you decide to start?
Like a lot of craftspeople I started making brooches by doing a few for friends and then I just carried on making them. The rest of the products just came along quite naturally, as I have always loved drawing, it made sense to introduce illustrations to the range.

Why did you decided to start blogging and what do you get out of the blogging process?
I do have a blog which is part of my website but I mainly use it as a sort of news section as I am not disciplined enough to keep a proper blog! When I started it I had craft and design book reviews and things but I just didn’t have the time to keep that up.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I grew up in a town called Otley in West Yorkshire where I did a lot of walking in woods, paddling in rivers, and birdwatching. This is where my love for wildlife began and since then it seems to have been a prevailing influence on my work. I start all of my designs by drawing, either from life or from photographs, and then it could develop into either a brooch or a card or the drawing might end up on a cotton bag or apron.

What would your ideal collaboration project be?
I would like to work with someone on a range of clothes. I love making clothes for myself but as of yet I can only make things in my own size. Also, I can’t follow patterns too well, I sort of make things up as I go along, which sometimes ends in disaster but sometimes works out great.

How are you finding being involved in the Nottingham Craft Mafia?
The Craft Mafia has been really useful if I need advice on any aspect of my business or just another opinion, it’s a sort of support network. Working by yourself can sometimes be quite insular and it’s great to be able to meet up and hear other peoples perspectives, see other peoples work, and talk to them about your latest creations!

What are your goals for the coming year?
For the moment I’m giving the brooches a little break and not adding any more animals for a little while. Instead I will keep working on my range of cards and cotton bags. The purses are the latest addition and I want to work on making more of those and then I plan to make my own shoulder bags. I would like to start making my own books and stationary too…so much to do, so little time…

Thank you Kate!!