Creative Review / / Julie Arkell

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, I'm featuring the contemporary folk art of Julie Arkell.

Julie works predominantly with papier-mâché, often including textiles, embroidery and a variety of mixed media to create quirky 3D characters and accessories. She up-cycles fabrics and found objects and is inspired by old toys, books, colour and movement.

She exhibits, has a book published and teaches regular workshops at West Dean College and Loop London where you can find out more information about her work. Have a great week, Justine x

Creative Review / / Poppy Treffry

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. After my holiday last week in my old home town of St. Ives in Cornwall, this week, I'm featuring the quirky textiles of local designer, Poppy Treffry (pronounced 'trif-FRY' btw!)

Poppy runs a small company producing a range of handmade accessories for fashion and the home. She started making bags, cushions and tea cosies in 2003 using an old Singer sewing machine that her grandfather had found in a dump! The business has now grown and she employs a team of seamstresses all using vintage Singers at their workshop just outside Penzance.

Poppy's products grace the shelves of some prestigious stores including Fortnum and Mason, Bettys tea rooms and Anthropologie. She has also found the time to write two books on freehand machine embroidery and opened her first shop in St Ives in 2010. At a time when many national chain stores are taking over this famous town, it's brilliant to see a her blazing the trail for independent designers.

You can see her full product range and find out about her freehand embroidery workshops on the Poppy Treffry website. More inspiration next Tuesday, Justine x

Creative Review / / Viv Sliwka

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the hand made art and accessories of Viv Sliwka.

Viv is a Shropshire (U.K.) based designer/maker inspired by American primitive art who loves collecting and repurposing vintage textiles, ephemera and haberdashery. She collages, appliqués and embroiders her work by hand to create one-off pieces of art and usable accessories including brooches, purses and bags which she sells online under the business name, Hen's Teeth.

Viv also teaches others how to create their own upcycled artefacts including wrist cuffs and keepsake boxes at workshops she runs at Weston Park. With my birthday coming up, I'll be adding one of these lovelies to my wish list and hope to get along to one of Viv's events soon. More gorgeousness next week! Justine x

House Beautiful Magazine Feature!

Recently we have been very lucky to have been featured in 'A House Beautiful Home Business' book where we were featured as a 'Beautiful Business', & now we are in the House Beautiful Magazine! Our  signature '50's Inspired' print was chosen for the 'Design News' section of the magazine.

"Have fun with Rachael Taylor's quirky and colourful pieces"

Our 50's inspired print has been used a cross a range of diverse products including tea towels, aprons & canvas bags from our own product range as well as bedding, shower curtains, cushions & clocks with DENY Designs. You can find all of our on our shop!
We are so grateful to have been featured!

50's Inspired Canvas Bag

'Signature' Canvas Bag Collection

50's Inspired Tea Towel

'Signature' Tea Towel Collection

DENY Designs 50's Inspired Duvet Set

DENY Designs 50's Inspired Throw Pillow

DENY Designs 50's Inspired Clock

DENY Designs 50's Inspired Shower Curtain

Artist Review: Kaffe Fassett

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's new 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're paying tribute to the creative genius that is Kaffe Fassett.

Kaffe was a native of San Francisco until he moved to London in 1964 to paint. He has since become one of the world's most prolific textile designers and has been honoured as Britain's greatest colourist by the Colour Group (Great Britain) who awarded him the prestigious Turner Medal earlier this year. 

Whichever medium Kaffe works with, be it textiles, ceramics, needlepoint, patchwork, painting or knitting, his signature style is evident through his vibrant use of colour. His professional achievements during his 50 year career are too many to mention and his influence continues to inspire through his many published books, exhibitions and workshops.

Over 100 pieces of Kaffe's work will be exhibited at the Fashion and Textile Museum from 22nd March (this Friday) - 29th June 2013. ‘Kaffe Fassett – A Life in Colour’ is a celebration of the work of one of the great practitioners of contemporary craft.' 

Kaffe Fassett was the first textile designer I was introduced to at school by my teacher who was a massive fan of his work. I wasn't aware he produced such amazing paintings though so to find these on his website was great, just goes to show that his talent knows no limits which is a lesson to us all. More arty inspiration next Tuesday - have a great week! Justine x

Blue and White on Bark Cloth

Cups and Saucers on Beige

Black Temple Jar

Dahlias in Pink Teapot

Ginger Jar Series Green Still Life

Ginger Jar Series Yellow Still Life

Pot Tapestry Sketch

Red Blue and White

Roses Galore

Swirling Stripes