Designer Feature- Birch Tree

1. WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Harrow on the outskirts of London.

2. WHEN DID YOU FIRST START BECOMING INTERESTED IN CRAFTS?

I have always been a crafty kind of person so it is difficult to pin down a particular point. I would say that it was probably about four or five years ago that I started making my own clothes and jewellery but I have always been a scissors-paper-glue type person.

3. GREATEST INFLUENCES?

I am influenced by so much. Many of the beautiful, creative people I know will inspire me, as will iconic designers such as Mary Quant and Vivienne Westwood. I love discovering new fabrics, or beads, or techniques and trying them out.

4. GREATEST PROBLEM YOU’VE OVERCOME?

I am not technically a very good crafter! It sounds silly but my sewing and art work (both digitally and on paper) doesn’t have as much technical brilliance as I would like it to. I rely on my creativity to get me through!

5. WHAT PIECE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I always seem to be proudest of my latest piece of work. At the moment my favourite pieces are the ‘Boleyn’ set of dresses I have designed recently. They have a very flattering fit which is perfect for me at the moment as I have just had a baby!

6. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT ON SELLING THEIR GOODS?

Decide on your goals straight away, and be realistic. If you are making to make money then get both business and market advise and identify your target audience. If you are making beautiful things because you enjoy making beautiful things always keep that in mind. So many people forget how much they love to make once they start selling. If the joy of making is your goal, don’t let the lack of sales put you off.

7. WHICH 4 PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE AS WEEKEND GUESTS – AND WHY?

Frida Khalo, George Orwell, and Billy Bragg to talk Art, Politics, Music, and Literature and to rant about the state of the world. Then I’d add someone like Joseph Fiennes or David Tennant to flirt with when I got bored.

8. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU KISSED?

Either my husband or my daughter, if it was anyone else I wouldn’t admit it anyway!

9. WHAT’S ON YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE?

Digital Clock, nightlight, big light, Heat magazine, glass of water, nurofen (just in case)

10. HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU?

I would like to think they thought I was kind, clever, and hard working. But no, my bets would be on amusing, grumpy, and individual.

11. NEW YORK OR BARBADOS?

New York Baby!

12. FERRARI OR MINI?

I don’t drive so basing everything on aesthetics I would go for the mini and it’s sixties charm.

13. EASTENDERS OR HOLLYOAKS?

Eastenders. Always.

14. CHOCOLATE OR CHAMPAGNE?

Chocolate

15. IF YOU COULD ONLY ACCESS 3 WEBSITES, WHICH WOULD THEY BE?

I am on the internet all the time and use it for everything. Being indoors with a baby it is my link to shopping, knowledge, and contact with friends so only three sites ever is cruelty!

I would choose Google, Yahoo, and Facebook.