Pears and new prints

 The run up to xmas has been pretty frantic and so I've missed out posting these new designs. The first is a larger version of my Pear Print design with a gorgeous mustard background.

 This handprinted ModFlowers is normally on a bolster cushion but putting it on a square creates a greta banded effect.

and finally this is a neutral version of a ready made Swedish fabric that I use which is going down a storm over on Dawanda.

As we head towards xmas I'm counting the days till eldest is home from Uni (8 as of today) and praying that the snow we've had doesn't grind everything to a halt and block our journey.

I hope those of you that still read my blog are safe and well and looking forward to your own celebrations wherever you are xx

Autumn Show - Upstairs Gallery

Open this week at the Upstairs Gallery in Berkhamsted, you can see and buy my new digitally printed work, including the purses from my previous post.

Also in the show are some fantastic local artists including Pam McMennamen, whose painting 'Pomegranate' has also been used on the show poster.

I'm also lusting after jewellery by Emily Collins and my friend Sue Edwards who has added some beautiful new designs to her range of silver jewellery which is sure to be popular again this xmas.

Yes I said it, Xmas!! it's on its way as my order book tells me and my stockists are now receiving their first orders of xmas stock.

If you are local don't hang about, these artists are on show till 27th October after which the gallery will be palying host to a one man show before a new selection of artists arrive for the xmas show in November.

V and A Pattern : Heals

This is due to be published in April this year and I've already got it on pre order

I have a large number of Heals vintage fabrics in my collection and am looking forward to finding yet more. Sadly the prices of such fabrics are going through the roof but it's not so surprising as the designs they commisioned throughout the 20th century have become design classics.
Available for pre order on Amazon

Upstairs Gallery - Textiles Exhibition

The beginning of this year has been busy preparing for the first exhibition of 2012 at Upstairs Gallery. The exhibition runs from next Tuesday 17th January - 18th February. There is a range of fabulous textile artists taking part using a variety of mediums. I will be showing some wall pieces which have been a departure for me and not an easy one! it's one thing putting your designs onto a cushion but another experience entirely presenting it as a piece of art to stand entirely on it's own merits.
I will post photos of a couple of the pieces I have printed once I have had a chance to photograph them properly.

My available blogging time is being sorely tested as I travel with Laura to interviews for her degree course applications, combined with keeping up with orders from my shops and my increasing involvement with the gallery.

Just a peek

Putting the finishing touches to some work for a new gallery opening at the weekend. The eagle eyed will spot that the purses need their second side fixing and I also have some other works to add to my display. Overall I'm liking how this is all looking, it's coming together.

In Print

I mentioned at the end of the year that I was moving my work in a different direction and here is a peek at where it is going. When I trained at college to do jewellery I also spent a short amount of time in the textiles dept and played with print and weave. With my current passion for textiles I have found many customers asking for colours and designs which I just cannot source and so I have been working on printing in the hope that I can produce the kind of fabrics which I now know appeal.
These are two experiments the top one is a simple frond design taken from my sketchbook and printed on some slubby linen and the bottom is a design taken from a vintage mug and printed onto some chunky felt. Neither of these designs are final and I am still tweaking and testing inks and fabrics to get the technique right. Hopefully this year will provide me with some more organised time so I can keep my one and only resolution which is to print something every week.

I have picked up some great books to help and inspire me, and I will take a look at those in the coming weeks too. I hope you will drop by and let me know what you think.

Louise x

I just wanted to say how wonderful all your comments have been, I am feeling really positive today about my work, Thankyou x

More Miffy!

Just some pictures today.

I have restocked my Folksy shop with more Miffy purses today!