Polka Dots and Blooms Designer Feature:

About Polka Dots and Blooms:

My name is Heidi, I design and make homewares and accessories from vintage fabrics. I launched polkadots & blooms in September 2009. I am now selling on Etsy, Notonthehighstreet.com and on DaWanda.

I grew up with recycling and re-inventing items, this combined with an urge to live a more sustainable life made the decision to use vintage fabrics in my designs an easy one. Sometimes when I hold an 80 year old piece of linen in my hands, I can't help thinking who may have used it and what its story is. This added bit of mystery makes vintage fabric extra special.

Inspirations:

Definately nature. But my biggest inspiration at the moment are my two girls. I discover and re-discover so many things through them. For example, my eldest is really taken by dandelions, which she also calls fairy flowers. Through her I have re-discovered dandelions and incorporated them into my embroidery designs.

Best Sellers:

Definately my linen baskets. They are very versatile, as they can be used anywhere in the house to store clothing, toys, magazines, fruits etc. The baskets can be reversed so they either show the plain linen or the colourful inner lining. All of my baskets are limited editions of maximum 12 baskets, most just 3 or 4. They can be washed when dirty and stored away easily when not needed. Simply a beautiful and practical storage solution.

We Make Summer Fair:




I will bring a selection of all my designs. I have recently sourced lots of new fabulous fabrics that I will use and show for the first time at the fair. Also many of my items can be personalised, such as the cosies. I will be happy to show examples of personalisation at the fair and take orders.




Websites:

Etsy: http://polkadotsandblooms.etsy.com
Notonthehighstreet.com: http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/polkadotsandblooms
DaWanda: http://en.dawanda.com/shop/polkadotsandblooms

TobyBoo Designer Feature

About TobyBoo:

In a nutshell: Central St Martins graduate then television researcher then handbag designer then mother. After a combination of being disabled and having a tiny baby somehow I needed to keep sane. Starting with presents for baby friends and word of mouth Tobyboo was born. Tobyboo is just me Tina. Named after my two and a half year old boo, I create embroidered decorative items for special occasions. Framed textile art, baby blankets, vintage style dolls, wedding keepsake art along with the exciting, challenging commissions put my way!

Inspirations:

I'm inspired by almost anything I see. Not meaning to sound like Paul Smith but it's true - if you don't find inspiration in everything look again! Can't really put it better than that.

Best Sellers:

My current best sellers are my baby blankets which are cosy soft Minkee backed and on the front - well that's what ever you could dream up! Custom made commissions have included nursery rhymes, wood land, flags with a Tobyboo twist and my favourite a pair of London blankets.

We Make Summer:

For We Make Summer I plan to have some fresh new work including gorgeous new dolls, cushions and some examples of some marvellous work that I could custom make for you.

Website:

Find more Boo at www.tobyboo.com or www.tobyboo.etsy.com