Me, myself and I

Growing up in the humble town of Skegness, creativity was explored together with my grandma and mother with inspiration drawn from the rich colors of rock candy, the jingly bells around the necks of the donkeys and the vibrant illuminations. Hours were spent creating our own inventions of cereal box board games, cardboard kitchens and comic books including our own quirky character designs inspired by the characters in Disney stories and cartoons. As time went on, the stories became 3D characters, pop up books and textile plush toys based on the new heroes.  

Relocating to the midlands and later attending De Montfort University's Ba (Hons) Design Craft course taught many different craft practices such as; ceramic, glass, metal, textiles, wood and plastics. Surface pattern design mixed with textiles became the most loved aspect of the course and illustration was reignited from the remembrance of loved characters that were created throughout childhood. Teaching book-making classes to school children as part of a work experience placement taught what children liked in stories and the characters that inspired them, their depiction of heroes and heroines and villains - sometimes unexpected characters emerged. The characters in 'Flowertasia' were inspired by the 'flower fairies' book series, a well-loved childhood tale. Craft and design has always been an important aspect, a stress relieving and enjoyable past time, soon becoming a full time dream career choice.