Disclaimer Alert: The Inkifi Classic Photo Frame has been supplied by Inkifi for the purpose of this review, however, all opinions expressed are 100% mine.
THE BRAND/WEBSITE
Inkifi is a photo printing company, founded in 2012, and based in Manchester, UK. Making the most of the digital age, Inkifi prints photographs direct from your instagram site or from your phone – and you can personalise your photo displays using the digital tool on the website. I placed my order via the company’s UK website using photographs from my iphone to create my photo frame images using the website tool. There is also a website for customers in the USA and an iPhone app which displays some but not all products.
THE PRODUCT
Inkifi sell a wide range of photo products from photo frames through to photo books. I ordered the Classic Frame 16 x 16” in Black (https://inkifi.com/wall-art/instagram-frame.html ). The Classic Frame comes in a choice of colours for the framework to match your decor – white, black, natural; it comes in 3 sizes: 12 x 12” , 16 x 16” or 20 x 20” . You can also pick the number of photographs to feature into your frame: 1,4,9,16,or 25 (I chose 9). The photo frame itself is sturdy and well made.
The digital tool on the website is relatively easy to use with plenty of helpful tips if you need it. Downloading my photos went very smoothly. It was easy to move the photos around on the screen so that you can envisage what the end result will be like. If I have one little criticism, it is that there should be more guidance on the margins we have to play with, especially at the tops of the photos. On screen, the photos look well aligned but upon receiving the finished photo frame, there isn’t much of a gap and the heads are very closely cropped! A minor issue though.
PACKAGING/DELIVERY
I was extremely impressed with the packaging! My photo frame was well secured with cardboard on both ends and well wrapped with oodles of bubble wrap. Delivery time was just as impressive too. The photo frame takes on average 2 – 3 business days to produce. The photo frame comes ready to hang, which is really useful.
PRICING
I was pleasantly surprised how reasonable the prices for the Classic Photo Frame. There are a couple of add on prices to the basic one – if you wanted a natural wood frame rather than black or white; number of photos; and delivery is speedy anyway but if you really can’t wait then a faster option is available. After briefly looking at the USA site too, prices seem pretty comparable. For under £50 you can own a quality gift that is pretty special.
CONCLUSION
I was extremely impressed with the photo frame quality and with my display of pictures as a whole. My frame is a great way to show off my family pictures from my daughter’s recent wedding. But any occasion could be featured – the Classic Photo Frame would be a great gift for Father’s Day, graduations, birthdays, holidays… the list is endless. My verdict: 9.5/10
For pinning later
Linda x
All photographs are by Linda Hobden
My thanks go to Inkifi for supplying the Classic Photo Frame for this review.
My guest this week is Ben Harvell, chief wordsmith & founder of a writing service called “Do Us A Ditty”. Covering everything from poems, written wedding favours, invitation poems to custom song lyrics and advertising jingles; Ben’s job sounds fun indeed. I caught up with Ben recently to find out more….welcome Ben 😊
Hi there. I’m Ben, Do Us A Ditty’s founder and chief word wrangler.
What inspired you to set up “Do Us A Ditty”?
My wedding. As a professional writer, I decided it would be fun to write little poems as wedding favours for each of our guests. We hand-wrote the poems and used them as place cards for the big day. People loved them so much that I decided to create a business writing fun little personalised ditties people could buy as gifts.
You seem to have the ability to write poems for all occasions from personalised special occasion ditties to wedding place card poems; poems for readings & speeches to advertising jingles. What poem styles are proving popular amongst your customers so far?
Birthdays and wedding speeches are definitely the most popular, but we do our fair share of anniversary poems too. I’ve also been really surprised at how many people trust us to write really special poems for major events. We’ve written rhyming eulogies for funerals, corporate speeches and even a wedding proposal. The information our customers provide is amazing.
Have you got a favourite “poem” style occasion that you love to write for?
Wedding speeches are always fun. There’s a delicate balance of comedy roasting and sentiment and usually a bunch of hilarious stories to weave in.
What is the ordering process to get one of your personalised poems?
Super easy. You pick the poem you want and fill out a form to provide information about your subject (or we can send you one), make a payment and we get writing. Our personalised poems are delivered digitally via email and our framed customisable poems are shipped directly to you. On average, our personalised poems take around 1-2weeks to complete.
As you are based in the UK, are your poems available to purchase overseas?
They are indeed. We have a lot of American customers in addition to those in the UK.
What inspires your poems? Do you look for something specific on the questionnaire?
It’s a funny thing. When someone is buying a poem like this they tend to really think about what it is they love about their subject. We provide customers with prompts as they fill out their information but, most of the time, what we receive is great and they already have a good idea of what they want to say. It’s then our job to build the poem around the information they provide, taking into consideration their preference in terms of tone and style.
What was the hardest or most unusual piece of poetry you’ve created so far? Most memorable?
There have been a few odd ones. We wrote a memorial poem for a dog once… They’re not normally hard to write, but we spend a lot of time tweaking and perfecting them. People want a special gift and we work hard to make sure each poem is perfect.
Have you always wanted to be a poet or did your career aspirations lay elsewhere?
I’ve always been a writer since my school days. It became a profession via journalism and marketing and somehow morphed into poetry too.
When you are not writing ditties, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Two kids under two keeps us pretty busy but, if I do get a minute free, you’ll find me barbecuing (in all weather) or watching sport.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
I fit the writer and work-from-home stereotype – the more comfortable the better. It’s certainly not high fashion but my preferred outfit is shorts, t-shirt and flip flops.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? (Apart from your own!)
Abercrombie & Fitch is my go-to but, having grown up by the sea, I also wear a lot of surf brands, primarily Salt Rock.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
My dream is to find some smart yet comfortable trainers that I could wear to the office or a restaurant without looking like I haven’t made an effort.
Boots or Shoes?
Always shoes. Boots just don’t seem to work for me. I look like a cowboy.
For Pinning Later
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Do Us A Ditty
If anyone is interested in ordering a poem, head over to www.dousaditty.com to check out what’s on offer. We’ve recently launched our framed, customisable poems which are definitely worth a look for a quick gift. You can use the code BSF15 for a 15% discount on any poem or follow this link: https://dousaditty.com/discount/BSF15
Thank you for the chat Ben!
Linda x
All photographs have been published with kind permission of Ben Harvell
My mug has been supplied by Original People for the purpose of this review, however all the opinions expressed are 100% mine.
WHO ARE ORIGINAL PEOPLE?
Original People is an online shop where people can design their own unique and personalised gifts. Founded by Fredrick and Mia Svensson , who spotted an array of family stickers adorning trailers, cars , boats etc whilst on a road trip in USA and decided to bring the concept to Europe. Their 3 key goals are personalisation, sustainability, and to make people happy.
THE WEBSITE
The website is comprehensive without being cluttered. I chose to review a mug that I wanted to personalise with a collage of 3 of my photos (my happy places – the village where I live, Calheta in Madeira, and Tuscany, Italy). On the website you can upload a photo or a drawing or you can do your own cartoon design using the online design tool. There is a 3D tool to check the result before you place an order. The design tool is fairly easy to use, especially if you are used to online design tools in general – if you are technically challenged it might take a bit longer to figure out. I used the 3D tool to check my order but having since received the mug, I think I could’ve lined up my photos a lot better so they look totally seamless – rookie error! Although Original People is based in Sitges, Spain, the website is in English with prices corresponding to your relevant country.
When it comes to stickers, the website features step by step instructions on how to apply the stickers and other such guides.
THE PRODUCTS
Every product is custom made and unique. All graphical elements are sublimated to keep the design intact. Original People has an impressive variety of products available and at very attractive affordable prices too: personalised mugs (my option); coffee mug; coffee tumbler with lid; wine tumbler with lid; stainless steel water bottle; kids bottles; straw cups; custom car stickers; and camper vinyl stickers.
SUSTAINABILITY
The brand claims that all their products are sustainable – their products are BPA – free, they use eco friendly packaging, recycle all material and reuse everything they can in the production process. They support projects that fight the climate crisis and those who give children in developing countries an education. They regularly collaborate with NGO collaborators (SeaSaveOrg; Greenpeace; The Orang Utan Project).
DELIVERY
It takes 1 – 2 work days to make your custom product. During this process I received emails tracking the development of my mug and I had up to 12 hours to edit,if necessary,my order. Delivery takes 5 – 9 working days via DHL global mail; Express Delivery is 24-48 hours. Despatch is from the factory/HQ of Original People in Sitges, Spain. My mug took roughly 8/9 days to be delivered to my home in England.
CONCLUSION
I am really impressed – it was fun deciding which product I wanted to review and I liked the idea of having a mug. I was undecided on what photo to use and in the end I decided a collage of my 3 happy places would be lovely. The process of using the online tool was fairly easy although I think I should have paid more attention to lining up the photos properly – however, I am pleased with the outcome! The colours in the photos on the mugs seem to be a little saturated – that might be due to the sublimation process to keep the design intact. Again though, it is a minor issue. I’m chuffed. It’s a great idea for gifts and the prices are really reasonable. I didn’t get to review the stickers but I am sure they are of a high standard too. 9/10
Creating magic since 1996, my guest this week is Andy from Paper Starlights – think cool camping lanterns, wedding lights, lampshades, parties, Christmas and Diwali decorations- these starlights are hand screen printed using artisan techniques. I caught up with Andy to find out more about his magical brand… Hi Andy and welcome!
Hello 😊 My name is Andy Jupp. I spend my time mainly in the UK and India, have a small brown dog called Darcy, like to drink rum and coke, and am rarely able to watch a movie all the way through.
What inspired the creation of “Paper Starlights”?
Finding a means through which I could do something in life that might make people feel good. I think inspiration is inherent, you just need the spark sometimes. For me it was seeing for the first time the impact traditional bamboo star lanterns had on a social environment.
I understand that “Paper Starlights” is a collaboration of 2 family businesses from India & UK with a story that spans 2 generations & 3 decades of friendship. How did that collaboration come about?
The friendship came about through sheer determination – identifying that we had a mutual interest, then working hard over many years to develop it. For all of us, the maintenance of our relationships, and a focus on quality of relations comes first. The first time we met we ate together, and this is something we make sure we do as often as possible.
You have a lovely wide range of starlights – I particularly like your Bohemian range, especially the Fantasia Tropic. What starlights and designs are proving popular amongst your customers so far?
One of our USPs as a company is to produce across styles and applications – for domestic use, for location décor, for events and hospitality. So it could be a scandi style shop window display, a colourful kids bedroom, or a venue like Kings Cross Station with large 2 metre stars – the popularity seems to derive from the vibe and atmosphere the stars create – We’ve been producing stars since 1996, and have a portfolio of over 180 styles. So there’s a high possibility we have something for most people.
Do you have a particular favourite design?
The next one . Always.
As you are based in Derbyshire, are your products available to purchase overseas?
We have stockists around the world, and retail and wholesale through digital channels too.
How are the starlights made? What makes Paper Starlights special?
They are made with love, care, experience, and attention to detail. The focus is on effect : how to best achieve a certain effect upon a person / location. Because our stars are lanterns, luminosity is key. So materials, design, and process are massively important. Every part of the process is performed by hand, including, crucially, the printing and punching.
Paper Starlights are not just for parties/Christmas/Diwali – they make good lampshades too. What’s the best way to take care of them?
One of the unique things about our stars is that they fold flat, and can be used, re-used, and used again. Sustainability is built into the fabric of the design, aswell as the materials. Many of our customers have been using their stars for 10 years or more, either continuously or as seasonal decorations. The best way to care for them – just leave them be.
How big are the starlights? Do you cater for large scale decorations for events etc?
Our stars range from 42 cm diameter up to 2 metres, although for domestic use the norm is 60cm – 87 cm. We provide packages for events, weddings, hospitality etc. We also design and build installations for large public buildings.
Have you always wanted to be an artistic career or did your career aspirations lay elsewhere?
I can’t really distinguish between the artistic and non-artistic, career, or otherwise. I think I understand it all just as life. I have another company called Charity Shop DJ which could be said to be 100% artistic – and its focus is on highlighting how we are all creative people, no matter what we “do”. Most important thing for me is that whatever we do, whoever we are, we can effect things, and have effects on others. We have the authority, all of us, to choose whether to be a good person or not.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
I have a tailor in India who every year makes me a new safari suit. My favourite is a black pin striped safari suit with a pair of white trainers. Although I may look like I’ve just stumbled out of the bookies in 1970.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
I’d like to wear a love-child of Skechers and Dr Martens, with a touch of Crocs thrown in. A kind of urban slipper for men of a certain age with gout.
Boots or Shoes?
Boots. Every time. I love the feel of lacing them right up, knowing that they are gonna be staying on for at least the next 48 hours whilst we go out partying.
For Pinning Later
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Paper Starlights
Did you ever do painting by numbers as a child? I did, with colouring pencils, felt tips and paints. I loved it! So, when the lovely people at Paint By Numbers UK asked me if I would like to review their custom Paint by Numbers kit, I jumped at the chance. In fact, I thought it might be good for my artistic teenage son to try but when it arrived, I decided actually I am going to give it a whirl myself!
DISCLAIMER
The Paint By Numbers Custom Photo Kit were supplied by Paint By Numbers UK for the purpose of this review however all opinions expressed are 100% mine.
The Kit
THE BRAND
Paint By Numbers UK have hundreds of pre made Paint by Numbers kits to choose from, there are some free download designs or you can choose to get a custom Paint By Number kit. Whichever kit you choose, they all come with a numbered sheet, a pre printed canvas, paint and brushes. Clean website with easy navigation and instructions to download your photo if you choose a custom kit , are clear and precise.
At the start….
PACKAGING AND DELIVERY
My kit came in a long tube like parcel with the numbered sheet, canvas sheet, paint and paintbrushes rolled up securely inside. Delivery times depend on what you choose. I assume that a ready made print kit would be with you around 5 – 7 days. A custom Paint By Numbers kit takes a while so allow extra time if you are thinking of purchasing a kit for as a present. For a custom kit, it takes 2 working days to assess and process the photo; 5 – 7 days to create the custom image into a paint by numbers kit; 3 – 5 working days for shipping. After payment is received, a total delivery time is estimated. Free shipping in the UK too.
THEPRODUCT
Original photo
For custom kits, the company advises to pick a photo to download with a variety of colours, so with this in mind I decided to download my picture of a fruit stall in Funchal fruit market in Madeira. It is certainly colourful and had a lot of scope. I had 35 paints in my kit, 2 thin brushes and a slightly thicker one.
My finished painting
MY CONCLUSION
According to the website, creating art relieves stress, encourages creative thinking, increases brain plasticity and imparts other mental health benefits. All I know is, that after a busy few weeks at work it was nice to come home and spend an hour or so in the evening, doing a bit of painting – it was very therapeutic and enjoyable. Some of the numbers I found hard to read as they were so small, so I may have put the wrong shade in places! Also, I found I am not very neat with a paintbrush as I would be with a pencil or felt tip pen – but I like the idea of the paint being daubed on, like an abstract painting! At the end of the day, I have a painting I’m proud of and that’s all that matters. Would I purchase again? Oh yes, most definitely. It was a great activity to do away from my phone/computer/TV . Highly recommended 10/10.
Bright, fun and bold accessories inspired by nature and pigeons – my guest this week is bubbly Jess Taylor, a talented textile artist and illustrator. I caught up with Jess recently, to find out why she particularly likes pigeons …and Birkenstocks ! Hi Jess and welcome!
Hi I’m Jess aka Loadofolbobbins a textile artist and illustrator based by the sea in Portsmouth, UK. With a love of silhouettes and a penchant for pigeons, I make bright, bold and fun sustainable accessories inspired by nature, literature and cosplaying pigeons.
What inspired you to set up “LoadOfOlBobbins”?
After graduating with my degree from art school I found myself in a bit of a creative wilderness, careers advice wasn’t top of the list of priorities on my degree course! Navigating the transition between being in full time education and then out in the big wide world was a bumpy one. After some success entering a few competitions, one of which means I have a piece on permanent display at Blackfriars Station, Bankside Entrance (wave hi from me if you find yourself there!) I found a love for illustration and decided to create a shop to start selling my work, thus Loadofolbobbins was born.
I am always curious to know the origins of brand names, so why did you choose “LoadOfOlBobbins”? Did you consider other names?
Once I knew that I wanted to create a shop to sell my wares, the mission to find a suitable name began. During a phone call brainstorming session with my fab big sister and fellow creative biz owner The Makers Marks, (who I unashamedly bribe with my stitched and illustrated wares), we threw around all manner of stitchy names. ‘Bobbin along’… lots of bobbins were mentioned and in a magical light bulb moment Loadofolbobbins was born.
You have a lovely wide range of illustrated products inspired by nature, literature and cosplaying pigeons! What products and designs are proving popular amongst your customers so far?
Over the years I’ve been very lucky with all the fab customers I’ve had, they seem to like quite a broad range of my work and my new ‘Birds of a Feather’ collection is getting a great reception. Fred the pigeon is always very popular and good for a giggle and there are definitely a strong contingent of Brontë lovers out there who enjoy my ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘Jane Eyre’ inspired jewellery. But my all time best seller is definitely my ‘Deeds Not Words’ pin. I always see a surge in sales during elections and particularly tumultuous times, I like to think it helps keep people going and encourages them to keep making their voice heard at the ballot box.
I particularly like the fun Unicorn Pigeon Wooden Necklace. Do you have a particular favourite design?
Oooh now you’re asking! I’m one of those people that finds it almost impossible to pick one favourite, annoying I know. I think because you spend so much time developing and creating your work and put so much of yourself into every piece it’s difficult to single one out. A big maker perk though keep a few pieces for myself, so I’ve got every pair of my bird earrings and wear them all the time!
As you are based in Portsmouth, are your products available to purchase overseas?
I love having customers from all over the world and have sent my work off to new homes across the globe everywhere from Brazil and Australia, to Europe and the US, it’s funny to think my art is better travelled than me. In more recent years however, quite a few new bits of legislation have made it prohibitively expensive to send to some places. I do still sell to the US and Canada, via my Folksy and Etsy shops, and am open to enquiries from other places on a case by case basis.
What inspired your original cosplaying pigeon Fred? What do you particularly like about pigeons? You have an illustrated book of Fred’s cosplaying adventures – where do you get your ideas from ?
Fred first appeared on the scene right at the beginning of my Loadofolbobbins journey back in 2014, debuting at my first market with a pair of reindeer antlers. I’ve always loved pigeons they’re such beautiful birds, the iridescent plumage at their necks is stunning plus all those incredible tones of grey. They’ve also got such wonderful personalities and are incredibly clever; did you know they can distinguish between different human faces?! Most of my ideas for Fred’s adventures comes from things that make me laugh, if I find it funny odds are someone else will too….I hope!
What was the hardest or most unusual piece of artwork/illustration you’ve created so far?
Earlier this year I collaborated with my composer dad on an animated relaxation video for a new wellbeing app called Syntropy. We saw the call out for artists and thought it would be a fun project we could do together. It was a real departure from anything I’ve ever done before and I hand drew 969 individual frames which took many, many weeks. Ignorance was definitely bliss before I undertook this challenge. I’m really looking forward to seeing it go live in the app in November.
Have you always wanted to be an artist/illustrator or did your career aspirations lay elsewhere?
As soon as my tiny toddler hands had their first finger painting experience it was clear that I was destined for a career in the arts. I come from a really wonderfully arty family so have always been surrounded by the arts, I think between us we have everything covered, writing, music, visual art you name it. When I was very little I did want to be a bird, but I feel I’ve managed to at least be bird adjacent with my many creations.
When you are not illustrating, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Probably unsurprisingly I like to hang out in my garden with the birds that keep us entertained with their feeder shenanigans. I need to get better at giving myself time off to be honest but I love reading, discovering new music and I’m on a real documentary watching kick at the moment which I’ve blogged about a bit, lots of uplifting inspiring arty viewing has definitely been a joy lately and the new series of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ is just brilliant.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
Pretty much anything and everything turquoise and in the blue green family, my absolute favourite colours. I have a lovely pair of sparkly Birkenstocks which I am particularly fond of and a fabulous collection of statement earrings by other wonderful makers. Big and colourful is definitely my vibe.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?
Slight bit of family bias here but I love my sister’s needlepoint kits and she’s just released an amazing book which I’m super proud of, everyone should check out page 86 there’s a Jessica stitch!
I’m finding new and wonderful makers all the time and have recently found a bunch more thanks to the fab Super Seconds Festival organised by Ink & Bear. It’s a great event where 250 makers sell their seconds and end of line stock at big discounts, the next one is 1st & 2nd April 2023 so definitely worth keeping your eye out for that.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
I’ve had a hankering to do a bit of sewing lately and after a successful attempt at making myself a kimono style top, with some of my rather large fabric stash, I’ve got my eyes on a kaftan dress pattern. Some fancy new Birkenstocks to match would be lovely too.
Boots or Shoes? Probably shoes, oh my gosh you got me to pick a favourite! To be honest anything that fits my wide feet is a real dream. So many lovely shoes out there just don’t fit me, did I mention I love Birkenstocks?!
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about LoadOfOlBobbins. I can be found in various pockets of the internet at my website https://www.loadofolbobbins.com/shoponline and on Instagram and Twitter as @loadofolbobbins for those from further afield who’d like to shop my wares there are links to my Folksy and Etsy store on my website shop page. I look forward to hearing from some of you!
Great to chat with you Jess!
Linda x
All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Jess Taylor (LoadOfOlBobbins). The Pinterest pic is courtesy of Folksy.
My guest on the blog this week is Brit Punk Artist, Mark Sloper, whose artwork is collected by celebrities such as Sir Elton John, Sting, Boy George and Sex Pistol drummer Paul Cook, to name but a few. Probably most famous for his image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with blue hair, nose ring and tattoo; Mark’s new collection is based on antique flags of the world that played a part in military history. The new launch has been dedicated to the people of Ukraine facing the horrors of war with a warning that history can so easily repeat itself. I caught up with Mark to find out about his new art collection and about his love with punk too…. Hi Mark!
I’m Mark, illuminati, I’m a punk artist that uses fine art techniques. I like to use neon to finish my pieces. I’m Cornish by birth, from a long line of artists, I’m now based in Shepherds Bush, where the almighty Sex Pistols hail from.
After a career as a cameraman, director of photography for bands, documentary maker; what inspired you to become a Brit Punk artist at the age of 45?
I was always good at art – I went to art school in Sheffield, but having grown up skint in a council house, I thought that art would continue my life of nothingness, so I did extra studies in TV and fell into the BBC in my 20s and never really left. When I got to my 40s, I thought is that it?? So I learnt to fly a helicopter and took up art seriously overnight. I overload everything!
You celebrate the punk era & lifestyle – what is it about punk that inspires you?
I got into punk at 12 years old and ran away from home with the then punk band Adam and the Ants. I still wear Westwood clothes, still see bands live and have never changed. I still have a questioning punk attitude which many find aggressive, but we grew up angry. I’ve had to kick down a lot of doors to keep a roof over my head
Your latest art collection is based on antique flags of the world that played a part in military history. What is the history and inspiration behind this collection?
I didn’t have parents as a kid, my grandad dragged me up. He incessantly rattled on about the war, jumping out of planes and killing the enemy with his bare hands. He was a champion bare knuckle prize fighter and a huge bear of a man. He would get out all his flags on royal occasions and the damp smell and raggedy feel of them has stayed with me. In my new flag collection, I’ve sourced flags from the Dunkirk rescue, French partisan freedom fighter flags, Italian fascist flags, WW1 German trench flags and some Victorian suffragettes flags. A whole load of history brought back to life.
You are probably most famous for the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with a nose ring, blue hair and a tattoo! But do you have a particular favourite image that you have created?
I love “queen in residence”. I have one at home, they’re really special 1900s royal palace flags that are up when queenie is at home.
Your paintings are collected by many famous celebrities, and I am sure you have met many famous celebrities through your work as a cameraman, band photographer and documentary maker. Have you ever been starstruck or in awe of a celebrity? If so, who?
Frank Sinatra. I spent a week backstage with him at the Albert Hall. He said I was a stupid punk and over the week tried to change me into a worldly gentleman. Didn’t work!
Do you paint in situ or do you take photos and illustrate from there?
Everything is from my imagination.
There are obviously topics that you can paint very well but is there anything that you find really difficult to depict?
Nope, there’s a technique to cover all aspects of art, however, you won’t find me painting animals, landscapes or the flipping sea!
Mark with Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook
Have you always wanted to be an artist or did your career aspirations lay elsewhere?
Its always been in the back of my mind, but you need a lifetime of experience to get out what’s in your head, to translate it into art.
When you are not painting, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love Soho, I love good restaurants and great wines. I’m lucky to have a beach shack in Spain so you’ll find me there a lot. I’m a mad keen biker so I love tearing around on my Triumph.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
I’m head to toe in Vivienne Westwood and have been since I was 12! I also wear Lewis Leathers jackets and for special occasions I wear bespoke Mark Powell suits – he calls me the punk soho mp
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?
Yes, Mark Powell on Carnaby St, and Lewis Leathers on Goodge Street.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
Anything from Westwood new collections, the clothes fit me perfectly and make me look smart.
Boots or Shoes?
Always boots, just bought a third pair of Grensons, really comfy and hardwearing. Everything I own doesn’t last long as it gets covered in paint.
For Pinning Later
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc
@mark_illuminati. Insta
Brill to talk to you Mark – my personal favourite is the Sid Vicious painting ( the one I used as the Pinterest photo). 😊
Linda x
All photographs have been published with kind permission of Mark Sloper.
Art but not exactly as you know it this week – bespoke vintage inspired crochet wall art created by Emma of Pineapple Fibre Art. Using gorgeous hand dyed yarns, these intricate art pieces are certainly pretty and you can see the painstakingly amount of work that has gone into each mandala. And the size of them! I was gifted the Pale Green Penny mandala (thank you Emma) and it amazed me how big it was and how stunning it looks too. I couldn’t wait to ask Emma about her works of art … Hi Emma!
Hello, my name is Emma and I live in Devon halfway between Dartmoor and the sea.
What inspired the setting up of “Pineapple Fibre Art”?
Pineapple Fibre Art is based on my love of vintage doily patterns and gorgeous hand dyed yarn. No one really has white doilies under their fruit bowl anymore, but the patterns are so intricate and beautiful that I wanted a way to allow them to be enjoyed in a more contemporary setting. The ‘pineapple’ in my business name comes from a motif that is frequently found repeated in my work and loosely resembles, you guessed it, a pineapple. I love to crochet, I love turning a skein of yarn (merino/nylon blend for preference) into something beautiful, the possibilities in that skein of yarn are endless and that is so exciting.
Your crochet mandalas are made using gorgeous hand dyed yarns in a variety of doily patterns. What mandala patterns and colours are proving popular amongst your customers so far this season?
This season the colours have been more muted, and my most popular pattern has been the Maggie, with her tight central swirl and pineapples around the outside. This is a 60cm design, a stunning statement piece of art. I’ve also seen an increase in my pattern sales, which makes sense with the world still partially closed due to Covid-19.
Out of all your collection, do you have any favourites?
I’ll always have a soft spot for the Fran, a graceful 70cm hoop. She was rather tricky to get right at first, but it was so worth it. Despite her size she is light and airy and looks beautiful in any colourway. This one in the soft mint green was the first and I love her!
As you are based in the UK, are your products available to purchase overseas?
Yes of course! Obviously Brexit has made shipping to the EU more expensive, and prices for shipping have been shifting, but I am happy to set up shipping to anywhere; my parcels are light, but big so courier services are usually required.
When designing the doily patterns to add to your mandala collection, do you base your designs on original vintage pieces or do you prefer to make up your own pattern combinations?
It’s a real combination! Many of my hoops are based on vintage patterns, tweaked to fit within the perfect circle of my wooden hula hoops. Over time I may amend the pattern further to suit my tastes and tension, the sizes of hoops available and the size the customer wants. I have designed from scratch my own 60cm hoop, Patience, named for the time and effort required to get it right! I also sometimes use motifs from various patterns in tandem to suit the yarn and size I am aiming for.
How long have you been crocheting? Can you also knit?
Ooo, I’ve been crocheting for around 12 years now I think. A friend started me off and I got the rest from Youtube. Knitting however… that’s much more tricky: I have knitted a scarf, and one sock. I can sort of knit I suppose, but it’s hard going and I’d rather have a crochet hook in my hand!
Growing up, did you always want to be a designer/creative field or did your aspirations lie elsewhere?
I think like many people I didn’t come into my creativity until later. I don’t paint or draw and wouldn’t have called myself artistic or creative when I was younger, despite always making jewellery and, later on, bags. I don’t think I ever had a particularly firm idea what I’d do as an adult after the two weeks work experience in a primary school when I was 15 told me I didn’t want to be a teacher. I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up, and I’m 36 now, I’ll just keep making it up as I go!
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
Dresses! In winter I love colourful tights especially Snag mustard ones, yellow legs make me happy, in summer some chub rub shorts. Less worry about what goes with what, and more comfy! Teals, navy and purple figure predominately. I’ve worked out what I like and tend to stick to it now, even if I can be a bit predictable!
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?
I love Folksy and Etsy for beautiful unique hand made things, Seasalt for clothes, but I’ve never been much of a high street shopper and 2020 removed my desire to shop in person even further. I could do with a couple of more summery dresses though, so I might have to brave the shops soon!
Boots or Shoes?
Boots, with crochet socks! I hate wet feet and boots mean I can walk the dog without my feet freezing off. And I don’t do heels, I never really learnt to walk in them. Am I allowed to say that here?!
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Pineapple Fibre Art
Thank you very much for the crochet mandala ( it is very beautiful) and thank you for telling us all about your crochet works of art. My Nan always had lots of crochet doilies scattered around her house and she would have adored your work too.
Linda x
All photographs have been published with kind permission of Pineapple Fibre Art (apart from the header photo and the Pinterest photo which were by Linda Hobden).
Talking about upholstery this week with Sarah Jane Hemsley who had a desire for more creativity in her life and this led to an interesting transition from working in hospitality to retraining as an upholsterer. I caught up with Sarah Jane to find out more about her work, her training and her career change desire! Hi Sarah Jane!
Hi, I’m Sarah Jane Bustin, founder of Sarah Jane Hemsley Upholstery – Hemsley is my middle name – based in St Margarets Twickenham, south West London.
I’m originally from Isle of Bute, west coast of Scotland and have been living in the south for 20 plus years now but go back to Bute several times a year.
What inspired you to become an Upholsterer?
During my previous working life, I’d always done some kind of evening class in life drawing, sculpture etc.
10 years ago, whilst doing the daily slog into London I decided I needed to try evening classes in something… anything a bit different! Plumping eventually for upholstery as I love interiors and thought of myself as quite hands on. Well within five minutes of the first task of stripping a grotty, smelly drop seat pad I was completely and utterly smitten.
You offer a bespoke service to restore, revive and reupholster antique, mid-century and modern furniture. What has been your favourite or most challenging piece of furniture you’ve upholstered?
Goodness, well the challenges are often the larger or more complex pieces. There’s always a frisson of excitement when you get a proper antique or mid-century designer piece but probably the most head scratching was an upholstered porthole for a teenager’s bedroom. The client had seen one in a magazine and had a joiner build the ‘porthole’ into the cabinetry in her daughter’s bedroom, it was only then we were contacted to upholster it. It took many hours of working out how to pad and cover (in red velvet) this 1.5 metre circle to make a usable comfy seat!! The cushion elements and backing circle were made in the workshop and then it was assembled on site over a few hours. Think we managed to achieve it pretty much bang on!
You have recently launched a lovely range of fabrics and homewares featuring illustrations by Isle of Bute artist Lyn Bulloch – who also happened to be your art teacher when you were growing up there! What fabric designs are proving popular amongst your customers so far?
The Waverley design seems to resonate most with people. We can’t believe how many folk have recognised the ship when they see the fabric, even in West London!
Lyn’s illustrations are technically brilliant resulting in the ink drawings being so representative of the landscape in and around Bute.
The pretty colours of Dunagoil & Shore Road also appeal but my favourite is the bold linear horizon of mountains and fields of the Sleeping Warrior.
As you are based in Twickenham, are your products available to purchase overseas?
Currently the products are sent within the UK only. I would love to send overseas and will be looking into that over the next few months.
How long does it take to train as an upholsterer?
I trained in intensive chunks of time – 1, 2 and 3 weeks at a time – over a few years to gain my certificate and advanced certificate through the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers. My training took placed in the most beautiful setting of a converted barn in Cornwall with fantastic Master Upholsterer Richard Hooper Home | Tresithick Upholstery Training (tresithickrestorations.co.uk)
Have you always wanted to be an upholsterer or did your career aspirations lay elsewhere?
Becoming an upholsterer was a total career change. Previously I worked in Facilities and Operational Management for universities and hostel accommodation. It was very business focused with lots of people management and customer driven. Certainly nothing like the creative area that I now work in.
What aspect of being an upholsterer do you enjoy the most? Any downsides?
Being an upholsterer ticks so many boxes for me. It’s creative, requiring continuous problem solving and interpretation, it’s keeping alive traditional craft skills and ensures furniture continues to be useful and loved and not discarded.
Running your own business means you’re in control of everything which I relish! I find I have ideas bursting out of me and just not enough time in the day. On the downside it does mean I work long hours and can get a bit over consumed in what I do. I need to stand back and put perspective on things every now and then.
Do you ever get a chance to advise, select or suggest ideas of materials, patterns, styles to customers?
I love fabrics and have developed a wide knowledge of designs, suppliers and trends which allows me to advise my clients. Technology has moved on so much that there are amazing stain resistant fabrics suitable for family life and of course I like to seek out the smaller design companies for something special.
I can offer advice on colour schemes, practicality of cloth and pattern scale. I particularly like sourcing fabric for clients’ one-off statement chairs in period houses… that can really get the creative juices flowing! Oh, and there’s my own Bulloch Collection of course!!!
Several times a year we have stalls at fairs and markets locally where I sell restored pieces such as the ‘Bliss’ chair.
When you are not upholstering, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Well, this last year has been an odd one for all of us and I’ve found myself working longer hours than usual. When I do get time away from work I love walking in the countryside – the New Forest and Surrey Hills especially. I’m also desperate to get back to galleries and museums and perusing antique fairs and car boot sales.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
I’m usually dressed for work… all comfort and practicality! But I’ve really missed dressing up over the last few months. I adore dresses!! It was my birthday the other day and I wore a vintage dress made from a 1940’s housecoat to the pub beer garden for a boozy lunch! Super long earrings and knee-high suede boots and it felt great.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?
I love vintage clothes and regularly trawl vintage and charity shops. During lockdown I found a great British sock maker Pittch. I’m also determined to shop more local and independent where I can. Instagram has been an eye-opener for what’s out there.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
Always on the lookout for the next perfect dress. I’ve also got several skirts that I’m planning to alter… bespoking my wardrobe!
Boots or Shoes?
Always, always boots of all varieties (both for work and leisure) and then Fitflops in the summer. Arch support is essential as I’m on my feet most of the day – it’s definitely worth spending on looking after your feet.
For Pinning Later
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Sarah Jane Hemsley Upholstery
More information and insights about Sarah Jane’s work and the Bulloch Collection ….
Inspired by Wales – its beautiful scenery, language and culture – my guest this week is Lizzie Spikes, artist and illustrator based in Aberystwyth in West Wales. Lizzie founded her company, Driftwood Designs, in 2005, which she runs along with her friend Becky who apparently has a passion for spreadsheets! I caught up with Lizzie to find out more… Hi Lizzie!
Hi! My name is Lizzie Spikes and I’m the arty part of the partnership that runs Driftwood Designs. I live and work on the West coast of Wales, near Aberystwyth, in a cave-like Welsh cottage with my two sons, our two hounds, two cats and our mildly grumpy goat.
What inspired you to set up “Driftwood Designs” ?
Becky Barratt and I have known each other since school,and we found ourselves as new mothers with complementary skills and the need to make a living around our children. Driftwood Designs was conceived and created at Becky’s kitchen table with a handful of cards and a couple of poster prints run off for us by the friendly printer up the road.
I am always curious to know the origins of brand names, so why did you choose “Driftwood Designs”? Did you consider other names?
I came up with Driftwood Designs as a company name. It was my second choice – I had my heart set on Flotsam and Jetsam Designs but it wasn’t available as a domain name and with hindsight would have been a bit of a mouthful. Driftwood Designs was next on my list and it’s served us well.
You have a lovely wide range of illustrated products including posters, greeting cards, lampshades, cushions, tea towels, mugs and so on. What products and designs are proving popular amongst your customers so far?
Our cards are still our biggest seller and the pandemic has definitely increased sales as people strive to keep in touch. Alongside this Becky and I both love the product development aspect of our work and like to dream up new designs and creations – hence the ever-increasing array of designs. We try to put our imagery onto homewares that are both practical and beautiful.
I particularly like the Colonnog Hearty design in the velvet cushion and tea towel. Do you have a particular favourite design?
I also love the hearty designs and now that we’ve found a British company who can make our textile products as bright and beautiful as we want them to be I would like to make more! Our china mugs bring me joy every day and I love my ‘Seasons’ lampshade.
As you are based in Wales, are your products available to purchase overseas?
We’re happy to send things overseas and our website is fully stocked with our many products.
What inspires your illustrations? Do you go out with an idea to look for something specific to draw? Do you draw in situ or do you take photos and illustrate from there?
I find lots of things inspiring – nature, the changing seasons, quotes I hear or read, places and people. And I’m lucky that our customers send me ideas and things they think I’ll like. I always have a working notebook on the go which is full of scrawls of the things I don’t want to forget.
I hear that you like to work with pieces of flotsam and jetsam driftwood that you collect from your walks on your local pebbly beaches. What was the hardest or most unusual piece of artwork you’ve created so far out of driftwood? Favourite piece?
I like Driftwood as a canvas – the pieces that wash up have always had a previous use and a history that makes them inspiring. My favourite piece of driftwood treasure thus far is a wooden guitar that I found on a local beach one rainy April which I turned into a scene.
Have you always wanted to be an artist/illustrator or did your career aspirations lay elsewhere?
I have always painted and drawn and it feels wrong to go a day without doing so. I studied Drama and Fine Art at university – I specialised in sceneography and costume design because it was another way in which to interpret, illustrate and communicate literature. One day I’d like to revisit set design but for now I’m happy to illustrate things on my kitchen table on a smaller scale!
When you are not illustrating, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time I can be found out walking with my hounds and a flask of coffee or in the sea – swimming or trying to master standing up on my surfboard. I like to be outside in all weathers. I also like cooking, and eating, and my perfect weekend would be a hike somewhere new with good friends followed by a big meal, a glass of red wine and a warm fire.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
I love clothes and have frocks in all colours, shapes and sizes but mostly end up wearing paint splattered jeans which are worn on the knees, jumpers and wellies! On the days when I wash the paint off and head into town for work or meetings I like to wear less practical attire and can even be found in heels.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?
My favourite online shops are a local coffee vendor called Teifi Coffee who delivers my favourite brew, an art materials supplier, ebay for new and old dresses and I hate trailing around supermarkets so I try to buy most of my groceries online too. The boys and I get the occasional Gousto food box delivered – it means that we try different things and the boys are getting adept at cooking by following the instructions so it counts as a home schooling task. Locally we’re very lucky to have some wonderful independent shops and if you ever venture to Aberystwyth, Medina is definitely worth a visit for food and supplies.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
I definitely, absolutely need a new pair of Saltwater Sandals. I had a gold pair for years and they finally gave up at the end of last summer.
Boots or Shoes?
I wear boots in winter and sandals in summer… I rarely wear shoes and have never really considered why not- they were a part of school uniform that I was happy to leave behind.
For Pinning Later
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Driftwood Designs
We can be found on the web at www.driftwooddesigns.co.uk or on Facebook as Lizziespikes-DriftwoodDesigns and Instagram as @drifteddesigns or in real life we have a shiny new shop on Pier Street in Aberystwyth and in Castle Arcade in Cardiff.
Absolutely beautiful prints and illustrations, Lizzie, they definitely conjure up the spirit of Wales!
Linda x
All photographs have been published with kind permission of Lizzie Spikes/ Driftwood Designs
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