I'm into handstitching, even on paper, and recycling silk, and beads, and sequins, and ribbons, and just having fun experimenting.
I've been doing digital art for many years, but on a whim in September last year (2022), I picked up my old needlecraft skills again. It all started with some long overdue mending! I had done some kind of needlecraft since I was young: crochet, freehand embroidery, and cross-stitch. I had to give up crochet, because of encroaching arthritis, but I carried on with embroidery and cross-stitch until about 11 years ago, when I stopped. And I wish I hadn't.
Since September 2022, I've been creating handstitched greeting cards, using bits of silk, craft fabrics, craft paper, such as Mulberry paper and Japanese tissue, and embellishing them with beads and sequins. The silk is from lovely old scarves and cushion covers that had begun to deteriorate, but which were still too good to be thrown into the rubbish.
What inspires me is often the materials themselves, the look and feel of them. I love colour and I love experimenting with contrasting shapes and textures. I don't usually have a plan, when I start a particular design. I tend to make it up as I go along!
I am also inspired by the place where I live, work and grew up: the Isle of Thanet, that little pimple sticking out from the north east corner of Kent. My home is just a very short walk from the sea.
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