Designer Spotlight- Blackrose

Blackrose has a day job as a Training Consultant with a major Awarding Body/Examination Board, but still manages to find time to squeeze in crafting between this and a busy life. As a child she was always doodling, colouring in or cutting out shapes and people.

Val remembers fondly:
“My mother was always knitting, crocheting and sewing clothes for myself and 5 siblings. At the time she had a lovely old singer sewing machine with foot operator controller, but later got an electric modern one. I used to make clothes for myself ocassionally using simplicty, vogue and burda patterns up to probably the early 1990's. I also used to knit things which I never finished :)”

After various creative crafting endeavors over the years, Val then discovered Etsy last year and started making things to sell there. Recently she found out about Folksy.com and is also now on there selling her handmade delights.

At the moment all Val’s fabric creations are hand sewn and mainly aimed at women - to make them feel good inside, to comfort and encourage/motivate. Her best selling herbal pillows certainly do this!) Val says:

“I now know that being creative feeds my soul. I am so contented when surrounded by fabric, yarn and lots of buttons and embellishments. My boyfriend bought me a sewing machine last Christmas. (a lot more sophisticated than my mums old singer)....I need to get my head around the instructions and start using it!.”

Waiting for We Make Christmas?
Watch out for lots of fragranced wardrobe sachets and fabulous fabric brooches- great to wear with casual clothes or more formal outfits. There could also be some knitted scarflettes and maybe wrist cuffs too!

Can’t wait for We Make Christmas?
There are plenty of pleasing creation to check out at Blackrose etsy shop and have a browse at Folksy for some fabric brooches and spirit art dolls.

Designer Spotlight- Yumptatious

Emma loves to sew. Her items include bags, purses, brooches, sock monkeys and much more.

Emma wants her work to make people smile as well as fulfilling a purpose.

‘I make all my products in a flurry of excitement and enthusiasm! Working within the confines of my kitchen, I start with an idea but let the ideas flow: I quite often end up with a piece quite different to the one I intended to do: it's one the perks of working for yourself! I tend to make 4 items at the same time, which allows me to try out different ideas whilst stopping 'yumptatious' from being too sporadic! I prefer to use natural fabrics such as cotton and linen, sturdy fabrics that are wonderful to use but are tough enough to withstand day-to-day use’

Waiting For We Make Christmas:
Emma is currently working on some new brooches, perfect for brighten up your winter coats. Emma is also working on a great new range of aprons to protect those Christmas outfits while cooking your wonderful Christmas dinner.

Can’t Wait for We Make Christmas:
Check out Yumptatious online shop http://www.yumptatious.etsy.com/. Its full of pretty items that are just perfect for those extra special gifts.

Designer Spotlight- My Mum's A Hippie

Monique’s world is a happy world when she is crafting. Inspired by the vibrant and vivid culture of Latin America Monique’s work is both intricate and fun.

Monique works with adults with learning disabilities, helping them learn and express themselves through art and crafts.

‘All the students are here because they want to be here and it is lovely to see people get excited about being creative and making.’

Monique’s work appeals to both Fine Art lovers and Craft lovers. Combining both drawing and sewing adds to the uniqueness of Monique’s pieces.

Waiting for We Make Christmas:
Monique will be bringing some of her best selling work like her gramophone images and her intricate hair pieces and brooches.

Can’t Wait For We Make Christmas:
If you can’t wait to have a look at Monique’s wonderful work have a look at her Folksy Shop www.folksy.com/shops/mymumsahippie

Designer Spotlight- Creamrose

Nicki loves making accessories, buttons, hairclips, ponytail holders, rings, earrings and brooches. Mixed with her passion for unique Japanese fabrics Nicki’s creations are a perfect way to finish off any outfit.

‘I love accessories, I think they make an outfit and you can create your own unique style, which I find very exciting, I like making little objects that people can take and add to their own individual style. I love colours, flowers, butterflies, fairytales, Japan, I can incorporate all of these loves into my designs and I love it!’

Nicki’s creations can be found in shops and Boutique’s all around the country.

Nicki’s spends alot of time sourcing beautiful and unusual Japanese fabrics. She especially loves the ones influenced by fairytales and folktales. So each of her items represents her passion, hard work and depicts a story.

Waiting For We Make Christmas:
For We Make Christmas Nicki is working on a new clutch bags. Each one will be made from Japanese fabics depicting lots of fairytales. Nicki’s little red riding hood ranges are always great sellers with hair accessories for little girls and buttons and clutches for the adults. A perfect gift for all.

Nicki will also be bringing her buttons, clips, rings and much, much more.

Can’t Wait For We Make Christmas:
If you can’t wait to own some of Nicki’s treasures check out her Etsy shop www.creamrose.etsy.com its is full of fun, cute wearable designs.

Designer Spotlight- Laurafallulah

Laura has always had a passion for fashion and textiles. Growing up, Laura dreamed of being a fashion designer and could often be found sketching dreamy fairytale dresses. Laura then went on to study textiles at college and university.

‘I am inspired by colour, pattern and nature. Personally I like things which are individual and a bit quirky so I try to bring this to my designs.’

Laura is constantly looking online, in magazines and shops for inspiration, therefore keeping up with current fashion trends. Laura also keeps a scrapbook of colour samples, fabric swatches and images. Using the materials themselves as inspiration.

Waiting For We Make Christmas?
Laura’s most distinctive design is her simple rose. Available in brooches, purses, shoes and various styles of bags. It is inspired by her favourite flower.

‘I then stylised into a simplified version and stitched onto felt. I was also really influence by my love of traditional American style tattooing, I love the bright coloured simple 50s roses. It is bought by all sorts of people, people who love flowers, people who love vintage design or simply people who love colour and pattern.’

For We Make Christmas Laura is working on felt Christmas decorations inspired by 60’s and 70’s decorations. Laura is also working on some new styles of bags.

Can’t Wait For We Make Christmas?
If you can’t wait to pick up one of Laura’s fantasic designs then check out her online shop laurafallulah.etsy.com. Laura’s designs can also be found in various boutiques and shops.