Embroidery Artist Sarah Whittle contemporary and local!

http://sarahwhittle.blogspot.co.uk/

A lovely site 

nice article on background stitching

it looks like the image below has some bleaching on it.

Love the way the bleached are has been separated by the edge stitching and has no work in it.   This is definitely a case of less is more.

I am fascinated by the different types of stitches and how they work along side the dye colour of the fabric.

This is a blog well worth following.

designer pay

Just found this site , its interesting and informative. All about designer roles and pay.


worth a look if you are interested.

http://www.coroflot.com/

According to prospects post grad jobs on offer at the moment range from £17,000 to £ 27.000 approx.  but they also have internship opportunities.

 http://www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate_job_search_results.htm

Here is another site offering employment opportunities , based in Leeds.

http://www.indeed.co.uk/Art-jobs-in-Leeds.  they seem to have a few vacancies for Art teaching.

Enough of the heavy!

Just doing a bit of surfing as you do and came across this site

http://www.designer-makers.co.uk/

Brooches made to look like biscuits! fantastic.  Yes I here you say not fabric but as we all made biscuits out of card and paper I am just intrigued at the lovely work of this lady 

https://beta.folksy.com/shops/LauraLaneDesignerMaker

Ethics and designer inspiration

Oh my what a thought provoking can of worms.  I missed this lecture due to illness and kicking myself.

This lesson looks so important to me in the way I think,design and work in my future.  The more I read about people getting ripped off , the more I am determined to safeguard my own work and look into the whole 9 yards(not materiel haha) of this issue.

My first thought was, well I make my own clothes so that's not a problem, till you realize that the very fabric your using is most probably mass produced in appalling overseas conditions, and the fabric fiber has been produced in exactly the same way.  Workers are paid PENNIES an hour and and often work 19 hour shifts locked into there factory.

This video brings home the problem.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKsJcRI_Bu0

As consumers it is possible to trace back the food that we eat, where it comes from, if it is meat how it was reared.  there is a closely examined chain from farm to plate.  Especially if the food is produced in the uk.  (Coughs here and whispers beef).

It seems to be a bigger problem when we look to overseas imported goods when the problems and low business ethics seem to come into play.


What we need is a more transparent and accountable legislative process that enables clarity, and heavy penalties for abusive businesses.

May be we just need to get British manufacturing back to a standard that enables us to be able source goods from home.

May be advertising should be fair and just as we have the British lamb campaign, we could also have the British wool campaign.

 It is probably going to take fundamental changes in both  consumer education and industry/business working practice to achieve anything.

But one thing is for sure, as humanity places further pressure on all our existing resources and with the ever advancing need for everyone to go green, advancements in textile manufacturing and technology will be needed.

Trends the BIG ISSUE.

As a designer maker I have many things to decide upon with regard to my career.  Do I follow the crowd and produce work built and made using the latest trends information?

This could be the answer to getting it right.  following and being creative within a set of boundaries.. It just might give you the edge to sell your work easier.  After all  Lets Take the humble owl.  Not so long ago it was everywhere, on books, fabric, wallpaper,bags,you name it, owls where on it in it or around it!

So producing an owl inspired range was probably going to bring in some cash.

But then following trends does have its problems.  It is a lot to invest if something goes wrong, and how many owls can one person design before you go stir crazy.  After all it could be your job to produce nothing but owl stuff for months.

Is your work good enough to go trend free? Will the world and universe, like your new yellow plastic spoon rest?  you keep your creative integrity but then you have to sell what you produce. people need foooood.

Is it possible to do a bit of both and have more than one collection of work that caters to different client groups?   I am betting this may be the way to go for small individual designer makers.

A bit of safety but also a bit of individuality.  I am thinking this will be for me . There is only one hiccup,

Can I afford the trend books. ?




http://www.trendbible.com/


Trend Bible is a home and interiors dedicated trend agency, working with inquisitive, recognised brands to predict change. Whether it's social, cultural or taste-driven, our job is to find out which future trends will impact your business and help you capitalise on them.

Our clients demand guaranteed competitive advantage from the trend analysis and interpretation we provide, so naturally we are very much results driven. Our clients tell us the impact of working with us can be evidenced in increased profits, market share, press coverage and footfall.

working for myself?

We are looking into possible careers on my course at the moment. Whilst preparing a C.V. is important , I feel that my time would be better spent looking into working for my self and other marketing options.
so here is a list of things i need to look into.  I will be adding to this list as time goes by and also blogging about anything I do on the list and its outcome.

 looking into other designer makers and how they work.

possible markets for my work.

looking into agents.

how to organised events.

running my own craft classes.

grants

accountants

tax information vat

tax information my self

insurance if i am sick

insurance for my product

looking into trends

start up costs

business networking , where to start.

compile a list of outlets that sell materials and price compare

business etiquette

possible shows and events I might attend.

branding pros and cons

time management

looking into internet marketing and web site design

I am sure i have missed lots out but it is a start.  The next thing i will do is priorities the list, and prepare some kind of file to begin to collate the information.

I am actually looking forwards to this I think it will be an invaluable resource as i continue the course.

Trade shows continued-------

And for us folk up north there is the wonderful GREAT NORTHERN CONTEMPORARY CRAFT FAIR.

http://www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk/

Held at Springfield.  I am afraid we have missed it for this year but I has the Whole gambit of the crafting world.  as an example wonderful MARGO SELBY  EXHIBITS HER STRIKING GEOMETRIC DESIGNED.  Just take a quick peek

http://www.margoselby.com/

There are oodles of things to look at included at the show are

• Ceramics
• Paper and Books
• Furniture
• Metal
• Printmaking
• Textiles
• Wood
• Millinery
• Lighting 
• Glass
• Leather and lots more.

Definitely a great place to exhibit and visit.

Trade Shows, do I really need them?

Things are beginning to drop into place for me.  As A future designer understanding the importance of trade shows is imperative to my future.

Getting a foot in the door will enable me to grow my own small business into a world beating mega giant company, or so I hope !

Each show brings together a collection of designers and trades people who supply  all kinds of wonderful bits and bobs.  Some  shows  enable designers to display there wears and haggle with company's who buy the rights to a design; whilst other shows enable designer makers to take a whole load of product to sell to the general public.

It would be cool to think that an overseas company will love my  new tea cozy  design and will purchase it for sale in there high end shop.

I have looked into a couple of Shows and here is the information I have found.

TENT LONDON.  ALSO SUPER BRAND LONDON.

Situated in Old Truman Brewery  will take place on 18th- 21st of September 2014.

Lots of lovely Furniture, Lighting and Interior products to brows and special Gallery spaces.  As an exhibitor the cost is £92.00 per meter, PLUS VAT.

At the end of my course it would be great to get together a few other designer makers and have an exhibit and split the costs.

http://www.tentlondon.co.uk/news-category/show-news

CARLA JENNINGS JEWELLERY LOVELY BUT.....

This necklace by Carla has garnets in it. and is described as 

4 chunky pieces of silver, I like the design.  I presume that you can take off some of the dangles if you wish.  Just one comment I would like to make here.  The necklace is described as silver.  I would like more detail.  Is it fine silver, sterling silver. silver plate? what is the weight?.  I am sure that like me a prospective customer would like to know about the metal used.

I found this necklace at 

http://www.hiddenartshop.co.uk/collections/women/products/garnet-dangle-necklace

but a visit to her web site is recommended.

 http://www.hiddenartshop.co.uk/collections/women/products/garnet-dangle-necklace

Just a thought, perhaps her pieces fall short of the required weight for hallmarking of 7.78 grams.  This is a shame as I think that having her own makers mark and hallmarking adds not only to the value but also increases prestige. 

Just found this

Just not sure about the boots. 

It's my favorite mens  suit by Vivian Westwood

I posted this earlier and was lucky to find it being warn by this happy chap.

 I found it here whilst having a quick look at WGSN.

http://wgsn.tumblr.com/image/61939967015

Craig Fellows luscious designer maker

http://www.craigfellows.co.uk/

It is so lovely to find a designer who is different.  The random placement of each image adds up to a veritable feast for your eyes.  so much to look at. and this is just wrapping paper.

 and again there is something in every price range from badges to silk scarves. 

All the images are from nature and patterns found in nature.

I love the strong imagery, but I also like floral design and softness.  

ALICE HANNAH super knits with attitude.

http://www.alicehannah.co.uk/

Simple but sexy,  Alice has different ranges which take there inspiration from different areas.
This design is from the High Society range. the range includes knitted collars and gloves that go up your arm.

Rococo Range is dark and sparkling

I particularly like the idea of having separate ranges of products under the one house umbrella. Alice Hannah does this well.It would keep work fresh and interesting and moving forwards all the time.  I can see how easy it would be to stagnate in your favorite specialty.

Lovely Gifts from Claire A Baker.

http://www.claireabaker.co.uk/  her site



http://www.designedandmade.co.uk/shop/torchon-coin-purse   also sells here

I found a selection of creative  gifts from Clair Baker.
The purse reminds me of my younger years when this type of purse held my sweet money.  It gives off warm nostalgic feelings. A very special purse.

The cushion has a real minimalist feel, the design has given it that touch of individuality and the luxury fabric makes this an important gift.

The card says it all, your a star, an angel, and you have my heart.
just wonderful.  The 3D image of the heart and gold edging is just the finishing touch.  I know what my hubby is getting for Christmas.
I am also impressed at how there seems to be something in every price range.

 

Gifted, Karen Nicol Textile Artist.

http://www.karennicol.com/

Karen's work is very different, , very unusual and to be totally honest I am not sure how i feel about it.

I love the mix of words/statements and art,

 

but i am not sure about some of the mixes.

But then does all ART have to have a meaning?

sometimes you either like it or you don't.

I love this dress Box pleats and strong design around the neck . I would love to see the back.

but then I am not so keen on this, an old pattern of knit cardigan with random placing of lace and the odd button.  It seems to random.  How would I wear it? 

Any ideas people?  how would you wear this cardigan?

Please leave a comment.

Anna Sui

http://www.annasui.co.jp/collection/

love the multicolored jacket fabric that has attitude, dressed with bold print trousers and top. 

Yeah  baby, psychedelic,  see through sleeves matching open weave tights 

just fabulous retro look. the pattern seems to move as she walks. 

A little bit of VIV

http://www.viviennewestwood.co.uk/

No one beats this lady for quirky English sophisticated dressing.  I thought this time I would look at ViV'S mens' wear collection.

The form is very fitted on the shoulder, contrasting with high waist trousers.

the chain across the middle gives an almost Victorian feel but the fabric and colour blocking brings the whole look bang up to date. the sades of colour work well together and compliment each other.

John Galliano yummi

http://www.johngalliano.com/main.asp

I just want to say , you HAVE to look here, the catwalk show is just wonderful

not to way out and I just love the new skirt /hem shape and line.  even a more ample girly could wear this hem style with leggings and look good.

Vogue has the full collection.

http://www.vogue.com.au//fashion+shows/galleries/john+galliano+ready+to+wear+spring+summer+14,26652?pos=1

and there is more

 love the slit detail in front and the 3D flower design.

Quick designery bits

http://www.roddyandginger.co.uk/

I had a quick visit to there etsy shop , this lovely cushion is only £28.00 and change. It is a bit different from your normal home wear collection, it is individual and eye catching.  visit there etsy shop for a lovely range of affordable individual products.


http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/100463594/rocking-horse-cushion-in-teal-on-white?ref=shop_home_feat

A little bit of tea, how English can I be?

I had to make a teacup and saucer 2 biscuits and a teabag.  and then decorate them.  I wish I had made the cup using paper mash like everyone else seemed to but that method takes a long time to dry.  I am beginning to see my problems , I can be impatient.  However what ever way you choose to work with paper,the finished item is often wrinkled . I do think my painting is improving though.

you can just see the cup and tea plate behind my made example.

Here is our display with everyone's  plants and teacups and saucers.

My drawing for design task continued.

I had to draw and experiment with making techniques.  This session was built around a pot plant.  I used card and paper together with pencil and gouache paint to make this example of an orchid.

It was so hard to do.  I make the flowers out of one piece of card, other people chose to make the flower heads out of paper and I must say the paper did seem to make a more realistic flower.  We live and learn.

Missprint

http://missprint.co.uk/

A wonderful collection of hand drawn and designed wall papers. Designed in the U.K. The first time I looked on this website I like what I  see. Lovely bold geometric designs, some a little bit retro, inspiration from nature but all seem to have a twist.  Here are just a few examples of Missprint design's.

Pebbles . 

Missprint designs look simple but the effect is very sophisticated in look.  Bold line and effective use of gradients in black, white and colour make the images pop off the wall.

Mountains

Dewdrops

Cottontrees

Now a dip into Sanderson.

http://www.sanderson-uk.com/fabric.aspx

http://www.sanderson-uk.com/pompom-wallpaper.aspx

I really expected to like the Sanderson range of fabric designs, after all it evokes images of my childhood home, but somehow it just didn't throw me into highs of creative longing. 

This made me stop and think about my own particular taste and style.  I have always thought that I do not have a style.

 Is it possible that as you grow up, you’re surrounding creative home environment impacts on your own creative values?

 Is it possible that knowing what you don’t like is a good starting point in creating your own signature style?

 I never questioned what or why I like something.  Trusting that whatever my parents did was the correct and tasteful way forwards, and (in case any of my family read this) it was.  But now I can explore what I like and why I like it.  

This probably explains why, when looking at some of the Sanderson patterns and prints I feel mild horror.

Eeek my bedroom wall paper!  It makes me feel dark and somber, not even the lovely big pompom dalliers’ can raise my level of comfort.  Whilst some may see the design as sophisticated and trendy, this is not me.

image taken from    http://www.linesofpinner.co.uk/fw-sanderson.php?productname=PomPom&productID=FW-DPOMPO103

I looked at most of the flower prints, but still find it hard to find one I like, but I do like this one. It reminds me of Alexander Calder's work.

http://designerwallpaperandpaint.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/sanderson-wallpapers.html

I like this  because its fun , vibrant, and gives a feeling of movement. It is also reminiscent of my absolute favorite Artist Alexander Calder. It is unusual, perhaps a whole room may be overpowering but as a feature wall or just used as single stripe, it would look fun and quirky.

I would have fun sorting and arranging furniture and fittings that would enhance a room with this design as it's main feature. 

Ohoooo Liberty

http://www.liberty.co.uk/

I just love this site everywhere I go it’s a feast for my eyeballs. 

I recommend watching the video feed behind the scenes printing Tana Lawn.  Cloth goes through so many processes before the pattern is applied.  Also look at the best of British how new designers are chosen by liberty to add to their collection of designs for their shops. I love the quality of the drawing and how the colour lays over each flower head. It evokes a feeling of sketchy, handmade and individuality.  The colours work together well and are balanced within the work.  

http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/CLASSIC/Small-Susanna-B-Tana-Lawn-Liberty-Art-Fabrics/34647

This retails at £22.00 per meter it is so beautiful bold and colourful, I would put a big lump of fabric around a canvas and use it as wall art.  It would make a wonderful focal point for a modern floral room, may be adding a few large scatter cushions and incorporate it in other subtle ways.  Choosing the frame would be fun!  I just might have sorted a few Christmas gift ideas.

Bags Bags Bags

Just when you think every possible Bag shape has been done to death, here is a new one.  I love the strong powerful vibrant red.  The shape looks edgy and slightly masculine. Its a wonderful statement piece. It would make any outfit instantly viable. Who cares that it dose not have a handle or strap, not me and the best bit its designed by Alexander McQueen.

http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/Alexander-McQueen/Red-De-Manta-Leather-Clutch-Bag/89302

Here fishy fishy!

Here is my little red gurnard  , such a complicated little fish to draw.  He was covered in spines and whirls and swirl skin patterns.  As he aged his colour changed from a very vivid orange/yellow to brown and black streaks.

I had to produce a drawing in Biro, then construct a 3D version of him in card and paper.  Not an easy task ! may I tell you.
below is a picture of my attempt.  I added a slight twist in his tail and put him on his side so that I could include the spines he had under his tum.  I have to improve my pic quality.  I am still working on this particular skill.

A smorgasbord of drawing and sketching.

Drawing flowers with graded pencil, this is a quick sketch of Buddleia.

This is Redshank 

Graphite pencil .  I wish I had added more fine detail and shading . I tried to add some 3D qualities with thicker and thinner pencil line.

This is the back of the leaf  it was quite Matt and had more fine veins to draw.  I wish I had used shading to get to grips with the  contour  and highlights of the leaf surface area.  I enlarged the drawing.

My leaf is now part of a small exhibition outside our room with other samples of our  course work.

Drawing for art and design.

First project honing skills and experiencing different mediums.  

Drawing leaves , feathers, flowers, plants, fish and jewellery.  One of a sample of leaves I took into draw.

Front and back of the leaf.

Ah I hear you saying "what has compost got to do with Art and Design"?

A good artist and designer is a hodgepodge of everything artistic and creative.  

Layer upon layer of learning experience

some good , some horrid and some downright ludicrous
think of me as a new but flourishing and developing compost heap my aim is to become a BIG pile of talented artist, designer maker.

Being one of the more mature students on the Contemporary textile production Course at CCAD  Hartlepool, I feel some what conspicuous as I shuffle around the college pretending like I really do belong here.

Bless the wonderful forgiving students who open doors, help me with the photocopier and generally aid me in so many ways. 

Speaking on a more personal note, it is wonderful to have such immaculately clean loos and helpful staff everywhere I go.

 I am exploring a new and exciting realm of fun and creative learning.

Following a course of study that will enable me to start really thinking like a designer, putting a professional edge on what has been a very dull knife for so many years.

So now on with the show , why don't you come on this learning experience with me and we will laugh and cry together.