Laura Footman, Textiles and Surface Designer

Recent News

2012-01-12T02:25:00.000-08:00

I've been neglecting my design blog for some time now as I have been concentrating on developing my on the side business 'Elsie May Boutique' in which I have been making and selling fashion and home ware accessories using recycled and vintage fabrics along with my own original screen prints, embroideries and artworks.

You may have already read in previous posts about being given the opportunity to set up a pop up market stall in Hartlepool. Here, I have been promoting my business along with trying to support other creative people by providing the stall as a stall platform for other practitioners to sell their work.

This has now come to an end. It was a fantastic opportunity to be able to manage and set up the stall as an exhibition and sale space and has given me plenty of new skills to help with my future.

Below is a picture from my stall...

In terms of Elsie May Boutique, I have been selling my products recently through Hartlepool Art Gallery and CCAD's new 'Folio' shop, both on Church Square, Hartlepool and also Lots of Loveliness in Middlesbrough. I also sell on Etsy and often through my website http://www.elsiemayboutique.co.uk/. You can also find 'Elsie May Boutique' on Facebook. I plan to continue with finding opportunity to extend my business as and when available.

*

In other news, a freelancing opportunity which I had taken on about a year ago has shown to be a useful experience for my portfolio. I designed a series of silk scarves in a traditional Indian style for Traidcraft, some of which were sent to the manufacturer in India to be sampled. The latest development on this has been that one of my designs has been put into production and has been for sale in the latest Autumn/Winter 2011 Traidcraft catalogue.

I am extremely pleased with this achievement and I feel it really proves that I would deserve a chance at a studio role within a design department if such opportunities were not so few and far between! Here's a picture of the scarf from the catalogue below...

Image from: http://www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/p-11781-buy-zig-zag-silk-scarf-traidcraft-online-shop.aspx

In the meantime, I have just begun studying for my P.G.C.E in Post Compulsory Education. I see this as another string to my bow and another career option. I really enjoyed being a voluntary cross-stitch and embroidery tutor for Epilepsy Outlook, Hartlepool last year and want to extend my skills and knowledge in the field of teaching. I am currently working at Hartlepool's Sixth Form College to support my teaching qualification.

However, that dream design job still calls me, so I won't be giving up on that! I'm currently in discussions with a new company regarding Freelance work. Fingers Crossed.

Bank Street Arts

2011-05-05T01:12:00.000-07:00

After seeing an advert for an open call for permanent additions to be added to the exhibition at Bank Street Arts, I submitted some work from my degree. I chose to send imagery from my industrial urban furnishing project, in particular, my 'plug socket' design. (see imagery)

The project was based on the northern industrial landscape, and I thought where better to display my work then in Sheffield? (home of Bank Street Arts)

Original Drawing

A1 Half Drop Repeat Furnishing Design

Screen Printed Colourways

It was the pink design that Bank Street Arts took a fancy to, so I repeated this design to create a 4 metre length in Photo shop, ready to be digitally printed onto fabric.

Today I have received the results!

My design upholstered onto a chair as a permanent addition to Bank Street Arts.

It is fantastic to see my design used for it's original purpose and am so pleased with the results!

http://bankstreetarts.com/

Opening June 27th 2011

2011-04-27T03:43:00.000-07:00

I can now confirm that my new business will be opening at Hartlepool In Door Market on Monday 27th June 2011.

Please follow my new blog about my business... http://elsiemayboutique.blogspot.com/

I will be updating the Elsie may boutique blog more as my business develops and as the 6 month test trading continues. This blog will predominantly be kept for other news about my surface design work.

TEST TRADING COMPETITION @ HARTLEPOOL INDOOR MARKET

2011-04-18T01:46:00.000-07:00

I have won a competition to test trade my business idea for up to 6 months rent free at Hartlepool Indoor Market! My business is Elsie May Boutique, named after my Grandmother who had taught me to sew and knit as a child and who influenced my passion for textiles! The boutique will offer hand made fashion, accessories, home ware and gifts all made by myself. I will also be taking custom orders for special gifts and requirements. As well as being a retail space, I will be setting up a sewing area so that I can keep creating new products whilst at work. I'm very excited to be setting up shop, however retail is struggling due to the recession so am also quite concerned and know it will be a lot of hard work! I'm so pleased to be combining my passion and skill in textiles with the experience I have in retail, having worked for a number of years in fashion retail. The competition includes receiving one to one business advice and I have already attended my first meeting to discuss cash flow and have a meeting later on today to discuss PR and Marketing. The advice I gain from the experience will be invaluable as I will be taught the business side of things including figures, forecasting and keeping the accounts up to date. Here's hoping it goes well! More details soon... http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Elsie-May-Boutique/100603483344380

Spring/Summer 2011

2011-03-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

Well, it may still be freezing outside, but I've been focusing on what will hopefully be a gorgeously warm Spring and Summer! This is the first time I have had a go at making garments, starting here with skirts, I hope to widen my skills in the future and try something a bit more challenging! Here's the bits and pieces I've been working on for the SOUK Fashion and Lifestyle Bazaar which is this Saturday (5th Match).

Original Artwork, Hand Screen Printed and Embroidered T-shirts, Screen Printed Shopping Bags, Hand Dyed Silk Skirts, Silk Scarves, Hand Sewn Corsages, Hand Made Make-up Bags/Purses and Clutch Bags, (using Second Hand Fabrics) Hand Made Skirts using Second Hand Fabrics, Hair Accessories and Jewellery.

I'm really pleased with what I have achieved, especially seeing the collection together in these photos for the first time, I think it works together nicely :). I hope it goes down well at the event this Saturday, I'll keep you posted.

More info on my fashion brand can be found at my second blog...

http://elsiemayclothing.blogspot.com/

Kat Got The Cream

2011-02-28T02:58:00.000-08:00

Kathryn Sharman, a freelance journalist and copywriter specialising in fashion, design and retail, has written a post about the recent Choose2Reuse Fashion show, including a mention to my fashion brand ElsieMay Clothing... this can be read here...

http://katgotthecream.blogspot.com/2011/02/choose2reuse.html

The Tiny Gallery

2011-02-02T02:03:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to let you all know about an exciting new project called The Tiny Gallery (if you haven't heard already).

The project has been set up by fellow CCAD graduates Poppy Lee and Karen Syms, both of which are designer-makers/artists working within the North East.

The idea is to bring local designer's and artist's work to a wider audience by effectively 'touring' around this fine region with a 'tiny gallery'. The gallery will feature approximately 3 designers or artists per tour date.

The first installment of The Tiny Gallery is at Newton Aycliffe library, County Durham, open now until the 28th February.

For updates and tour dates visit the official blog... http://the-tiny-gallery.blogspot.com/

SOUK Fashion and Lifestyle Bazaar

2011-01-31T11:17:00.000-08:00

The next event that I will be attending with my fashion brand ElsieMay Clothing is the SOUK Fashion and Lifestyle Bazaar, 5th March, York, which will feature sustainable fashion, design makers and independent fashion brands. The event will be held in the Park Inn Hotel, North Street, York.

For further information visit... http://www.souk-fashion-bazaar.blogspot.com/

The SOUK is working in partnership with 'York Does Vintage' 5 March @ St William's College, which will make for an amazing fair-filled day out in the beautiful city.

To see my progress with my Spring/Summer 2011 Collection with my fashion brand ElsieMay Clothing visit my second blog... http://elsiemayclothing.blogspot.com/

or add ElsieMay Clothing on FaceBook....

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ElsieMay-Clothing/100603483344380#!/pages/ElsieMay-Clothing/100603483344380

Fashion Shows and Volunteering

2011-01-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

My first post of 2011! Happy New Year! I have been neglecting my blog somewhat as I've been busy getting products ready for my stall at the Choose 2 Reuse Fashion Show, Harrogate which was on Saturday. The night was fantastic. The show was put together excellently and there were some amazing charity shop finds on display. I really enjoyed the show and would have gone anyway despite having a stall there as I had enjoyed the York show last year.

Now on to the stall... I was showcasing my new fashion brand ElsieMay Clothing which included the FindMe:LoveMe Collection up-cycled charity shop items and fashion accessories made from reused fabrics and broken jewellery. The jewellery and hair accessories were the most popular items and all the lovely comments from customers has inspired me to create some more unique pieces.

I am now currently looking for future events to book and then work towards and have plans to launch a Spring/Summer 2011 collection of printed T-shirts, silk garments and accessories.

Other than this, (in my very little spare time!) I have started a spot of volunteering with a local charity as an embroidery and cross-stitch tutor. I have really enjoyed this so far and plan to continue to share my skills where ever possible in the future.

I will keep everyone updated with future event plans, the new collection and little extra bits and pieces on the side.

ElsieMay Clothing @ the Choose2Reuse Fashion Show

2010-12-29T05:14:00.000-08:00

If you love recycling and customising your own clothing, this event is for you! Its all about choosing to reuse rather than throwing items away to be added to landfills. There will be a showcase of new design talent as well as stalls where you can purchase clothing and accessories with these ideas in mind. Choose2Reuse Fashion Show, January 22nd, Harrogate.

I'm getting excited and working hard towards the event where I will be showing my work under my fashion label "ElsieMay Clothing". I will be unveiling my "FindMe:LoveMe" collection of up-cycled charity shop finds that have been beautifully embroidered, hand printed and lovingly transformed into unique pieces.

Will be an amazing night. Here's a link to my fashion label blog and fb:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/ElsieMay-Clothing/100603483344380

http://elsiemayclothing.blogspot.com/

ElsieMay Clothing

2010-11-11T04:14:00.001-08:00

The last few weeks I've been busy developing a fashion brand. Its in it's early stages, a bit rough around the edges but I've made a start which I think can be the hardest thing to do!
I've been working towards a fashion event making pieces as part of a collection called FindMe:LoveMe which features clothing rescued from forgotten corners of charity shops and lovingly transformed with bespoke embroidery. I will share some photos with you in due course :).

But also I've been booking events and fairs and having finalised designs and the look of my brand, I have started making.

I've named it ElsieMay after my Grandmother as she taught me to sew and knit when I was little and feel she was the initial inspiration for my passion for textiles. The hand made nature of the items are at the heart of the brand. Everything is made with care and are often one of a kind in the colour, stitch or beading.

I've started a new blog to show the products, events and general news! Have a look...

http://elsiemayclothing.blogspot.com/

Printing in confined spaces!

2010-11-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

I've been screen printing in confined spaces this week! which is quite difficult when you are used to big print rooms (which actually did get quite busy during my degree when it came to handing in time!!)

I've been working on a few new designs, some one off bespoke embroidery pieces, developing product ranges and printing!

It was all a bit strange at first having only used hand painting screen techniques since my degree, but i thought why not bite the bullet and try and coat and expose some screens! So up to the loft I went, in near complete darkness of course!
The coating went according to plan thanks to 3 years experience! however exposing them was slightly trickier; one screen has worked perfectly, but the other is a bit blurred rather than having a crisp image. Its all trial and error!

As always, I'm keeping my cards close to my chest for now with what I've been doing, but all will be revealed soon enough :).

Otherwise I've been carrying on with my freelance role and have been working on some new CAD designs for up coming seasons and the odd garment shape for good measure...

Update- Embroiderers' Guild

2010-10-08T04:03:00.000-07:00

So I met up with the ladies of the Embroiderers' Guild York last week. I set up a my work on a few tables in their meeting hall and talked through my work, answering questions and generally chatting to the members about all things embroidery. I really enjoyed myself, It was lovely to get reacquainted with my major project as it seems so long ago that i finished it! I felt encouraged by the kind words and advice I received and would like to thank the York Guild for having me :).

There was also a guest speaker, Maggie Smith; Artist, Tutor and Doll-maker, which was very interesting. I had the chance to see some of her work including printed textile art pieces which incorporated plaster and stitch! This sounds a bit unusual but the method brings out some gorgeous textures. Maggie's website is here... if you fancy a look.

Blog linked to Texprint website

2010-10-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Strangely enough my blog post about the interview process of the Texprint Competition has been featured on their official website in the Press Coverage section.

This can be seen here...

http://www.texprint.org.uk/index.php/media-centre/press-coverage/

I suppose it is an insight into the interview stage from the angle of the student, which may be useful for future students who get entered into the competition, I also wrote a post about the actual interview itself which I do hope a student finds helpful and then feels more calm about it. :)

What Katy Did Next... Competition

2010-10-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

For those who haven't heard of the brand 'What Katy Did Next...' you are in for a treat!

If you like stunningly gorgeously vintage inspired accessories then look no further... Katy Howieson, (founder of What Katy Did Next..) is a designer maker from the North East. You can find her products for sale through her blog here where there are links to her etsy site and details of stockists...http://katyhowieson.blogspot.com/

AND NOW......drum roll please..... FOR THE COMPETITION!

Katy is giving away one of her beautifully hand made bangles in celebration of her blog's first birthday! All the details on how to enter and images of the prize can be seen by following this link...

http://katyhowieson.blogspot.com/2010/09/birthday-give-away.html

Good Luck!!

Image Copyright of Katy Howieson and What Katy Did Next 2010 (C)

York Embroiderer's Guild October Meeting

2010-10-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

We are taking a little trip back in blog post time here as it was on the 22/12/09 that I wrote about how the very kind ladies of the Embroiderer's Guild had decided to support me in the way of the York Student Bursary in completion of my major project for my degree.

Well tomorrow I will be presenting all the work I have done to the York guild members in their October meeting. I'm very excited to see their reactions and can't wait for perhaps some expert tips to improve my embroidery!

I hope they like!

I'll let you know how it goes :)

Original Drawings on the wall at Art Estee, York

2010-10-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

Hi there! As mentioned in an earlier post, I have a few framed drawings up for sale at Art Estee, Goodramgate, York. This really is a beautiful little shop, definitely worth popping in for some organic tea and a slice of scrumptious cake... and to have a little gander at the artworks.

Other artists' works for sale can be viewed on the official website.... http://www.artestee.co.uk/

Enjoy! x

TRAIDCRAFT: DESIGN WORK PLACEMENT

2010-09-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

I want to bring to your attention the company TraidCraft, head offices based in Gateshead in the North East of England. Their aim is to form relationships with poor people all over the world, in developing countries and encourage and support the producers and craftspeople to trade out of poverty.

Interested in finding out more? visit the website: http://www.traidcraft.co.uk/

There is also an online shop here...http://www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/, it is definitely worth checking out, especially the beautifully intricate hand-block-printed bedding in the Home wares section which, as a screen printer myself, I find truly amazing!

My other top pick is in the accessories section which hosts gorgeously hand embellished purses and bags which would give the leading accessories retailers on the high street a run for their money and are also hand made with care and on a fair trade basis! You can't really ask for more!

Here's a pretty one to feast your eyes on... Green Peacock Beaded Purse

The website also features clothing, groceries, Gifts and Cards.

WORK PLACEMENT WITH TRAIDCARFT

Recently I have been working on a collection of scarf designs for the company, liaising with the design team I have worked on a brief towards Autumn 2011 colour trends and ideas. The company who would produce the designs would be SKVIS which is a women's society based in West Bengal, India. The women in the organisation use traditional hand batik and screen printing methods to create gorgeous silk scarves.

Currently the designs have been sent off to the producers where they can make samples in either batik or screen print to be considered for future production.

Logo copyright of TraidCraft, obtained from their official website: http://www.traidcraft.co.uk/

INDIGO, 14th-16th SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-09-15T05:21:00.000-07:00

While I'm twiddling my thumbs waiting for my fabric samples to steam I thought I'd write a quick post about Indigo, part of the Première Vision Pluriel event in Paris which is happening......now! The trade show attracts professionals from all over the fashion industry seeking out new trims, fabrics and designs for up coming seasons collections. Indigo is the specific section for print, embroidery, knit and vintage fabrics.

I have had my work exhibited here twice by my college (Cleveland College of Art and Design) and have visited Indigo myself last year at the February show. This Septembers show features mainly pattern, colour and trend driven ideas towards Autumn/Winter 2011 but buyers are often looking for key pieces which fit into other seasons or collections even further ahead!

However, things are a little different this year for me as I have now entered the professional world of textile design and have my freelance designs over at the show this year. It's quite exciting but also will be a test as it can often take a while to get a good sense of what buyers are looking for.

Original Artworks for Sale...

2010-09-06T08:46:00.001-07:00

at...

Art Estee
8 Goodramgate
York
YO1 7LQ

such as...

Framed Drawings

have a look here...

http://www.artestee.co.uk/artists/36_laura-footman

Busy Busy Freelancing

2010-08-28T04:30:00.000-07:00

It's nearly been a month since my last post, since this I have set up my studio and have been working happily away in it.

I'm currently freelancing in CAD for women's wear and also fabric samples including print and embroidery also for women's wear.

I have also taken on a work placement on a freelance basis designing a collection of silk scarves. I'm really enjoying this placement, particularly bouncing ideas around with the designers and working in a different style of which I'm not used to. More details to follow :).

x

Setting things up...

2010-07-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

After a lovely weeks holiday in Spain I feel refreshed and raring to go. It's all been a bit strange since I have finished my degree, there's definitely a void at the moment that can only be filled with print room activity.

Therefore I am in the process of setting up a mini one of my own. I've been trying to figure out what my next step is with my career and having acquired a few freelance positions, a few upcoming prospects of work placements and the odd trial project, I'm feeling that the freelance route is definitely the road I want to go down. I love London, but my heart is in the North and feel really passionate about bringing some of the industry back up here.

So... I've acquired a baby berko boiler, made a silk screen and have taken the plunge and ordered some dyes and chemicals.

I'm really excited about getting my little studio set up and look forward to making some of my own bits and pieces on the side. Oh yeah and I'm currently framing a few art works for sale in an art shop. But more details to follow....

x

STREET Magazine, Issue 23 Spring/Summer 2010

2010-07-26T12:27:00.001-07:00

...featured some images of my work...

TEXPRINT 2010, The Interview and Results...

2010-07-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 1st July I attended my Texprint interview (see Texprint post for information). The interview went well, I found it very useful in terms of helpful feedback which the panel of judges provided. It was fantastic to show my portfolio to such esteemed professionals of the industry and receive honest opinions on my work.

The interview panel included:

Eleanor Pritchard of Eleanor Pritchard Textile Design
Ruth Greany, Design Consultant and WGSN
Catherine Barber, Design Consultant
Peter Lefevre, Design Director of Texprint
Gilian Little, Designer, Co-ordinator of Texprint

Unfortunately, as the competition was really tough and the selection process a difficult one (only 24 people of 200 interviewed have been selected) I received my letter this morning confirming that I was not selected, however have been selected for the reserve list (in case an exhibitor must withdraw).

I'm very pleased with this! It was a great honour to be recommended by my college, then fantastic to be offered an interview, so I'm extremely pleased that I have been shortlisted for the reserve list. I feel I have learnt so much from the experience, even if it does not go any further. I have learnt about presentation of work, pricing, professional conduct, interview technique and as mentioned have received some lovely feedback about my work.

Well done to the finalists (who ever you are!) and good luck for the future!

x

NEW DESIGNERS 2010

2010-07-09T06:29:00.002-07:00

A few pictures from New Designers last week, It was nice to get chatting to people about your work and to other students from other courses. I really enjoyed it, especially being in London for the whole week and getting to know people from all over the world in the Clink Hostel (which I fully recommend) and I have a few contacts to follow up from the actual event as well which is great.

I'll keep you posted.

And the results are in...

2010-07-09T06:29:00.001-07:00

I am now the proud owner of a First Class Degree in BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design...

:)

x

CURRENT C.V. LAURA FOOTMAN

2010-06-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

EXHIBITIONS/ACHIEVEMENTS/ COMPETITIONS

· Entry into Texprint 2010
· To Exhibit at New Designers Exhibition, London, June 2010
· BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design Degree Show 2010, Cleveland College of Art and Design
· Tigerprint Catwalk Inspired Florals Competition 2010,
· Northern Design Competition, 2010
· Hand and Lock Competition for Embroidery, 2010
· Jam Tart New Designer Scheme, 2010
· New Look and Clothes Show London, Dress Design Competition, April 2010
· 6 week course in Adobe Illustrator for Fashion Textiles
· Awarded a bursary and supported by the York Division of the Embroiderer’s Guild, September, 2009
· Designs and products displayed and sold at The Pins and Needles Exhibition, Newcastle, April 2009
· Participated in Live project for card and gift company Tigerprint for Hallmark, February 2009, producing 3 card and gift product boards
· Design collections exhibited and sold at Indigo, International Exhibition, Paris, February 2008, 2009 and 2010
· Design Assistant placement role achieved with Pattern Textiles Ltd. London, January 2009
· Participated in Live project for fashion company Red Hill Productions, 2008
· Furnishing Fabric samples exhibited in the Bradford Textile Society Competition 2008
· Couture Garment used in Photo shoot by photographer Sally Robinson
· “Foundation End of Year Exhibition”, York College, 2007

EDUCATION

·Cleveland College of Art and Design 2007– 2010
BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design
·Foundation Studies in Art and Design
Distinction
York College 2006/07
·A-level Fine Art, Textiles, Information and Communication Technology
A, A, A
York College 2004-06
·11 GCSE’s Grade A-C
Archbishop Holgate’s School, York

EMPLOYMENT

Pattern Textiles Ltd.
Unit 7a
1-17 Pundersons Gardens
London E2 9RU
Work Placement January 2009

Coast, Aurora Fashions,
York Designer Outlet
Sales Assistant 2006– 2009

For other images of work, references or a more detailed skills C.V please email laurafootman@hotmail.co.uk

ARTSTHREAD PROFILE

2010-06-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

ArtsThread is the world's only graduate website, allowing new graduates a profile in which they can show multiple projects from their portfolio. It is designed so that members of the textile industry can search for graduates under the category of design they require, e.g. if they were looking for an embroidery based designer they can search for profiles of graduates who specialise in embroidery.

Here's my profile...http://www.artsthread.com/viewer/graduate_portfolio.aspx?p=1082

Fingers Crossed. x

TEXPRINT, 2010

2010-06-23T01:44:00.000-07:00

I have been a very lucky girl indeed to be entered into the Texprint 2010 Competition by my tutor. Texprint is an organisation which aims to connect the best and most innovative new graduates in textiles with the industry, trying to launch their careers.

I have been asked for an interview, luckily whilst I'm down in London for New Designers. However I'll have to take down my section of the stand at New Designers, leaving it empty for the morning. It's all worth it though.

The competition is tough, hundreds of graduates from all over the country will be interviewed, Texprint select around 24 of the graduates from the interview process. If selected you get to exhibit your work at the First View, London show on 15th - 16th July 2010, and later in September, Texprint take the selected students to the textiles trade show Indigo in Paris, where they share a stand there, can sell work and make contacts!

Also, out of this selection there will be 6 prize winners which then exhibit elsewhere in the Far East!! (I believe it's Hong Kong this year)

Again, all very exciting stuff! I'm just focusing on my interview at the moment, I know the standard of other student's work will also be very high but I won't let this put me off. As far as I know, the interview can be in front of as many as 6 people in the panel, very scary! I will be taking drawing, development and final pieces from a number of projects, it will be really useful to see their reactions to my work.

If nothing else, the interview itself will be a valuable experience.

Wish me luck :).

NEW DESIGNERS, LONDON

2010-06-23T01:30:00.000-07:00

I will be exhibiting my work from my final major project along with an extensive portfolio at New Designers, The Design Business Centre, Islington, London, from the 1st-4th July.

Its a fantastic opportunity to meet professionals from the industry, make contacts and perhaps even find some work from it.

A week in London :) I'm getting really excited now, got my train and accommodation booked, leaving on Monday 28th June to start preparations behind the scenes before the show opens.

The Wednesday 30th June will be the VIP and press day followed by an awards evening and an after show party!

x

My Degree Show

2010-06-04T03:54:00.000-07:00

My degree show opening night was last night, everyone has done so well and the show looked fabulous. A big thank you to all my friends and family that came up for it and made it such a lovely night. My work will be in Hartlepool Art Gallery until the 13th June in case you haven't had chance to come and have a look.

Choose to Re-use Catwalk Show, York Racecourse

2010-06-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd blog about the fashion show I attended on Friday at York Racecourse as it was fantastic. It aimed to raise awareness about donating unwanted clothes to charity and about how you can actually find really good items for a fraction of the price in your local charity shops; not only saving you money, often saving peoples lives and saving the planet too.

There was some fantastic creations from the students of York College and some independent designers as well, who have all use recycled materials or second hand clothing to produce something really interesting and inspiring.

There's more information if you follow this link to the official website of York and North Yorkshire Waste Partnership.

Here are a few pictures from the night, featuring Victoria Footman's original designs screen printed onto second hand T-shirts and tote bags...enjoy...

Like what you see?

Join Victoria's FaceBook group: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=214593745386&ref=ts

Visit her official website: http://www.victoriafootman.co.uk/

New Designers

2010-05-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems Friday was the day of good news. My work will be exhibited at the Textiles, Fashion and Accessories section of New Designers in London on the 1st-4th July.

Here's a link to the New Designers website: http://www.newdesigners.com/

For those who haven't heard about New Designers before its basically a showcase of design talent from across the country based in the Business Design Centre, Islington, London. The idea is to help new graduates launch their careers and make contacts within the Industry. There is also a 'One year on' event which features new designers from a year ago to show their achievements and progress within their specialism.

It is also open to the public on specific days...so if you feel like getting inspired and getting a taster of design to come, it's well worth a day out.

The Final Countdown...

2010-05-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

(yep- cheesy title I know!)

So I've handed in my Final Major Project...that's it...my degree is over?!? Time flies.

Now I'm focusing on the run up to the degree show, my hand and lock entry and looking into jobs and freelance opportunities.

Here's a few of my achievements in the last few years...

EXHIBITIONS/ACHIEVEMENTS

Completed a 6 week course in Adobe Illustrator for Fashion Textiles

Awarded a bursary and supported by the York Division of the Embroiderer’s Guild, September, 2009

Have produced designs and products displayed at The Pins and Needles Exhibition, Newcastle, April 2009

Participated in Live project for card and gift company Tigerprint for Hallmark, February 2009, producing 3 card and gift product boards

Design collections exhibited and sold at Indigo
International Exhibition, Paris, February 2008, 2009 and 2010

Participated in Live project for fashion company Red Hill Productions, 2008

Furnishing Fabric samples exhibited in the Bradford Textile Society Competition 2008

Couture Garment used in Photo shoot by photographer Sally Robinson

“Foundation End of Year Exhibition”, 2007

Hopefully many more to come!

My Photoshop Efforts...(Product Boards)

2010-05-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

As I am extrememly pleased with my self taught photoshoping abilities I thought i'd show off my recent product boards for my Final Major Project which showcase my designs and also indicate an intended market level.

Original imagery obtained from a DKNY advert featured in Elle magazine and Collezioni Trends magazine

My 2nd Year Entry to The Bradford Textiles Society Competition

2010-05-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

My theme was inspired by the industrial landscape of the North East and took many of my initial photographs at a run down chemical works outside of Hartlepool. I was also inspired by everyday objects around me, mainly of the electrical type! such as plug sockets and cables! (as you do). I went a bit Mono-printing mad when I was drawing and decided to give them a graffiti and graphic sort of look. Here's a few of the drawings with my final 'plug socket' printed fabric design in repeat and in different colourways...

Getting a Little Nostalgic! A Bit of 1st Year Work.

2010-05-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was at college, sat making headers for my final designs and earlier that week had been given back some work from the college portfolio from my first year, which was just beside me. As my degree is coming to an end, It got me thinking about all the work I've produced over these three years and decided to delve into all that work again. Its been quite interesting! Its nice to see how far you have come and the skills you have improved by looking back into your portfolio. So...I thought I'd share a few of these pieces with you, mainly drawing and a few prints.

The project was for my first modules of Printed and Embellished Surfaces, my theme was based on forals and Neo-Classical Architectural influences. I aimed for my drawings to have an 'archive document' feel to them; for them to have a vintage nostalgic feel. Drawings are followed by my first ever attempts at screen printing! and an embroidery piece. enjoy :).

Endless stitching, a sneaky peek of my prints, and Hand and Lock

2010-04-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Right so I've done most of my screen printing, although I keep having new ideas for prints that I really want to try out but I probably wont have time! But that's what it's like, a project or concept could go on for ever! you'll keep finding odd little things in magazines or do a new drawing and suddenly its like a new branch of a project appears, a new direction.

But for now I've got a ridiculous amount of embroidery to do! I really want to create pieces that are rich and chunky with raised applique, sequining and traditional stitch, I like the idea of creating pieces that are heavily embroidered like armour on delicate silks for contrast.

I've also decided to enter the prestigious Hand and Lock prize for embroidery 2010. Which you can check out by following this link (here) Unfortunately the deadline has been and gone for registering. I will need to send my first round of my entry by the 30th June. Exciting stuff!

But for now I'm looking forward to my degree show. Here's a few pictures of my prints....rolled up! I don't want to spoil the surprise now do I?!

Print, Print, PRINT!

2010-03-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks I've been busying myself in the print rooms producing hand screen printed designs whether multi directional repeats, placement prints, 4 colour separation prints and different colourways.

I'm exhausted!! but it has been fun :).

I've experimented with foils, flocking, pigment discharges and working with stencils amongst other processes. Working with stencils was surprisingly something I had not had a go at before considering it is such an easy way to transfer pattern to fabric without having to coat and expose silk screens.

The image above shows a fabric I have been working on which uses entirely stencils and masking off areas. I'm really pleased with how it has come out and will be amongst my final collection at my degree show on 3rd June. Exciting :).

Paper Dress, Photoshoot by Sally Robinson, The Evil Eye Lounge, York

2010-02-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

Just got a few more pics from the photo shoot mentioned in an earlier post on my blog, I couldn't help but pop them on here as they look gorgeous! Modelled beautifully by Kayleigh Louise and photographs skillfully taken by the talented Sally Robinson...and the dress made by myself.

and a few close up photographs I have taken myself...

Design Development

2010-02-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

A few images from my work bay at the moment...I'm currently developing my drawings into design layouts and repeats. I'm designing for Women's fashion and intend to screen print large fabric samples and embroider into them.

Fabrics fresh from the dye lab...

Design development journal...

The organised chaos that is my work bay...

I like Tea :)

TEXTILES AND SURFACE DESIGN NEEDS YOU!

2010-02-12T09:33:00.001-08:00

Join our FaceBook Group and Events page to show your support for our BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design Degree Show 2010 for Cleveland College of Art and Design. The show is open to the public from the 4th of June until the 13th at Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Square (across from the CCAD main entrance). It will showcase the final major project work from all the graduating students of textiles and surface design (including moi) and all other CCAD courses over in the main building. Hope to see you there :)....

Bird in the Hand, York City Art Gallery

2010-01-31T06:16:00.000-08:00

As another research trip I journeyed back to my home city to check out what the York City Art Gallery had to offer... I was really inspired by one of the feature exhibitions there called Bird in the Hand. I really liked the work of ceramicist Eve Bennett which was on display. Her work is based around memories and telling a story, the link above explains this much better than I can.

I particularly found her sketches of various birds inspiring so much so that i whipped the felt tip pens out and did some quick studies of a display case of Victorian taxidermied birds. What I love about her drawings are that they express detail by using little detail if that makes sense! By denoting colour with a splash of watercolour or a sweep of a brush to suggest the bird's wing, Bennett has proven that sometimes less is definately more.

Below is my attempt at this less is more theory...

I decided to use ridiculously bright and unrealistic colours to relate to my Mad Paradise theme for my Major Project, I really love how the birds have turned out as they are simple but effective. Some of my drawing sheets so far in the studio are a bit over the top and I obviously haven't got knowing when to stop down to a fine art yet! Nevertheless drawing is about being expressive and not just sticking to one style, its about mark making and producing something interesting. I also like how the birds have those little tags on their feet to categorise and archive them as specimens, I decided to draw the tags as well because they add something more unusual to the drawing.

The Hancock Museum

2010-01-31T05:36:00.000-08:00

As it has been Interim this week I have made a few research visits to add to my primary resources... The Hancock Museum, Newcastle, has a really good variety of taxidermy and model animals...(if that's your sort of thing too)...it also has fossils, gems and stones, all sorts of science and nature so of course it was a perfect geeky day out for me, I did a few sketches while I was there, nothing I would deem very blog worthy but I'm in a sharing mood! Here's a few pictures from the day and a few quick sketches I did...

Finals for Minor Project....

2010-01-31T04:28:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share some more pictures of my Minor project final designs. The project features skulls and bones mixed with scrolling Rococo and Baroque detailing from architecture and mirrors along with jewellery and cameo brooches, as it was based around Cabinets of Curiosity and linked to my Dissertation about Collecting, I visited The Bowes Museum as research for my studio work and also to learn about John and Josephine Bowes and their collecting as a case study for my Dissertation.

I wanted the embroidery to show the richness of the detailing so I used gold threads, metals and sequins along with traditional hand embroidery and screen printing. I also produced 2 digital designs and embellished these in a similar way. Hope you like :)...

A Bit of Card and Gift...

2010-01-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

I've been sorting out my portfolio and seeing what I have to be taken to Indigo Trade Show in Paris. In the 2nd year of my degree my class had the fantastic opportunity to work on a live brief with Tigerprint who create cards, gifts and wrapping paper designs exclusively for Marks and Spencer's and are also part of Hallmark. Here are the 3 gift boards I made for the project based on fashion illustration...

You may recognise this first one, as I took inspiration from the paper dress that I made and the photographs taken of it. This board features a mirror gift, drawstring printed bag, embellished card, wrap and tag.

For the collection I used hand cut papers to embellish with, making my own paper sequins to adorn the figures on the cards. The above board has a detachable mobile which can act as a gift also. For the final board I introduced photography in the way of architectural imagery from a trip to Paris last year...

I would love more spare time to create cards and will be something I will carry on doing after my degree.

This is it...

2010-01-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

Out with the old...in with the new...

After a short moment to catch my breath over Christmas, its straight into the Major Project! It's daunting to think this is the last ever project of my degree but I'm going to make sure I really enjoy it! Here's a few pictures of my research in my newly decorated bay...

I've called my project 'Mad Paradise'. Its acidic florals, carniverous plants that can kill or poison, an eerie Garden of Eden, birds of prey, microscopic detailing, science and nature combined and gone....well...a bit mad.

We've had nearly two weeks to get started and I have really got stuck into drawing, being more experimental with techniques and media, I've even carried on the 'timed drawings' which has helped get me started. I've got so many ideas with this project and can't wait to see how it develops.

A Big Thank you to York Embroiderers Guild!

2009-12-22T03:55:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to say thank you to the York Division of the Embroiderer's Guild for their support in the form of a bursary to support my final major project.

Here's a link to the web page showing examples of work from the other recipient of the bursary,
Jenny Marsden from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as past recipients.

Above are the images that I submitted within my application.

Minor Project

2009-12-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

Here's a few pictures of my Minor project displayed in my bay for the hand-in, including some of my finished drawings and my collection of 8 final designs...

Now for the Final Major project! but I'm keeping that under my hat for now...

Designer's Marketplace

2009-12-07T02:51:00.000-08:00

Everything has been so manic at the moment with the deadline of my Minor project which I handed in on Friday :). Other than completing my collection of 8 finals for the project, I've been a busy girly by also taking part in The Designers Market Place on the 29th November at Middlesbrough Town Hall, manning a stall with surface designer Victoria Footman and designer maker Katy Howieson.

The day was a success! The hall was nicely busy and the atmosphere was very festive!

I was selling hand made cards with detachable brooches and mounted drawing sheets, here are some pictures from the day...

Drawing Workshop

2009-10-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Last week I did two drawing sessions in the print room, the sort where you have a minute to do a drawing and then have to change media and have another minute etc... It really helped me to look at the way I draw, to let go abit and stop being so precious with drawings!...For 2 years its been sort of drummed into me a specific way to draw but now I'm in third year its alot more free and expressive, which was my drawing style before! so I've gone full circle really!

Its not a bad thing though! Its important to have different types of drawing in your portfolio- some really detailed and observed, and some a bit on the crazy side :). It was inspiring to start thinking about stitching into drawings and re-working them with different techniques. I'm really enjoying drawing....but must realistically move on to development soon...

Here's some of my sheets so far....

Minor Project Inspiration

2009-10-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

Basso and Brooke Autumn/Winter 2009/2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection- This collection has been my main inspiration for my current Minor Project theme...I am in love with all the clashing patterns and the classical architectural influences.

The Trend is called "Outrageous" and I originally saw it on WGSN as a Swim Wear Spring/Summer 2010 trend, however I've developed the idea and made it my own with an unusual mix of imagery and a dark twist...

My project is based on Cabinets of Curiosity which were popular in the 17th and 18th Centuries during the age of The Grand Tour, they basically were encyclopedic display cabinets which housed a collector's found artifacts, antiques, paintings, sculpture and natural history specimens.

Here are some words and phrases which describe my project: seven wonders of the world, antiques, cameo brooches, jewels, treasure, skeletons, natural history, exquisite animals, theatrical, eerie, unusual...

Here's a picture of my work bay (when I first started work, as its certainly not as tidy as this now) to try and explain what I mean...

London- Research Visit, June

2009-10-05T12:35:00.001-07:00

At the start of the summer holidays I went down to London again to do some research and get inspired for my Minor project for my 3rd year.

I had a stroll down Portabello Road (although it wasn't a Saturday so wasn't as busy as usual) however I took a few pictures of what I found...I love objects that are repeated...multiples...so this shop display of sunglasses caught my eye (excuse the pun)...

This shop was amazing...I love all the random tat and bric-a-brac, antiques and quirky items...I like how the shop was so cluttered and jam-packed full, every spare space used to display strange objects or tacky souvenirs!

I loved this stall full of vintage brush and mirror sets... I liked how many of them were backed with traditional cross-stitch embroidery in delicate floral arrangements....

And of course I cant forget the vintage shops and boutiques...

This is a random picture I took from one of the stalls, I'm inspired by the vivid colours of the plastic flowers which were quite tacky...so of course I love it!

Work Experience at Pattern

2009-10-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Last January I did a 2 week placement in London with fashion textiles company Pattern, based in Bethnal Green. I really enjoyed my time there and learnt alot about working in a studio environment within the industry. The girls there were really friendly and taught me how to produce professionally finished garment-shapes, beading and stitching techniques and I spent alot of time in the dye lab perfecting the process- it was lovely to go into a work experience expecting to be making tea but instead actually producing work that was used on the garments made for the upcoming Indigo trade show that February in Paris.

The experience had such a positive affect on my last project of my 2ND year of my degree as I put all the new skills I had learnt to good use and was really pleased with my own designs and finished garment shapes :).

Here are a few random pictures from my stay over in London.....

For some reason I take pictures of old telephones and radios at flee markets...

I like things that have been preserved or trapped in time, like these crushed flowers, things in bell jars and specimens.

Records :).

Oohh and typewriters of course...

And finally, there's nothing like a big British cup of tea at the end of a long day at work experience... in a traditional greasy-spoon-style cafe, watching the world (and the Londoners) go by...

Paper Dress

2009-10-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

This is my final piece from my foundation studies in art and design course which I completed before I started my degree at CCAD. I based the project on my black and white photographs from my mums side of my family as my Grandmother was an important influence to me in terms of my interest in textiles; she taught me to knit and sew. It was basically a homage to her :). The pictures were taken as part of a photo shoot at The Evil Eye Lounge in York by Bradford-based photographer Sally Robinson, and the model is my best friend :); she looks stunning! Below also is a wool dress I had also made, modelled in the same location.

But yes....I thought I'd share this as its my favourite thing that iv ever made :).

Here's some of the photographs that inspired the project, they feature my Grandmother and friends working as Land Girls during the war...

Rightio Here I Go

2009-10-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

After serious umming and ahhring about this blogging business I have finally decided to take the plunge...although I am now repeating myself as I had just typed out this entire post and accidentally deleted it.

As I am in my final year of my BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design degree at good old CCAD, I thought it would be nice to track my progress through it and share what inspires me with my fellow bloggers :).

Enjoy!