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I am very excited to have Georgie Baker Designs as one of our newest designers on the site. She has such a creative, unique style and we are lucky enough to get a little look into the secret life of Georgie :)
My parents were undoubtedly the people who influenced me creatively. There would always be an abundance of sewing threads and fabrics squirreled away in a box in my mother’s wardrobe, and I would always anticipate their next outing onto the bed, where cottons and needles would scatter the sheets and the floor. My father is also artistic, and as a child I would often sift through his collection of black and white sketches that resembled photographs.
The house I grew up in was a modest three bedroom semi with a beautiful garden, and one I miss considerably.
If I could change one thing about myself it would be to learn from those who practice the art of spontaneity.
You wouldn’t know it but I’m very good at playing a few tunes on the piano. I had lessons as a child, but I haven’t kept it up as much as I should have.
You may not know it but I’m no good at maths and numbers. I really couldn’t think of anything worse.
At night I dream of strange things mostly. Although I can never remember them fully. Most are fleeting visits to another time or conversations I may have had, and most are quite bizarre.
What I see when I look in the mirror my reflection when I wake for work at 5:30 in the morning.
My favourite item of clothing has to be a pair of black patent T-bar shoes that look like they have been pulled straight out of 1920’s black and white film. They are lovely.
I wish I’d never worn fluorescent pink leggings. I was aged eight at the time.
I drive an old clapped out Mazda which I have become surprisingly attached to. It has seen me through many an adventure.
My favourite building is St Vitus cathedral in Prague; it is a beautifully haunting building, with amazing structure and craftsmanship. I also adore the mosaic structures built by Gaudi.
A book that changed me ‘Textures of Memory, the Poetics of Cloth’. A collection of artist reviews and reflections on the power of re-collection and memory.
Movie heaven … I love horrors, anything with atmosphere and anticipation.
The last song I downloaded was an album by a band called The XX. One of the best records I’ve bought for a while.
My secret crush is the jewellery made by Marmod 8 as seen on etsy.com. They manage to get just the right amount of macabre in their pieces, whilst still retaining a beautiful design aesthetic.
My real-life villain is The taxman.
The people who really make me laugh are my three wonderful friends who I lived with at University. I wish they lived just around the corner.
My greatest regret is not having a definite action plan after graduating from University.
The last time I cried … I cry at silly things mostly.
My five-year plan … I’d love to move to either Brighton or London, set up a shop, albeit a virtual one rather than one made with bricks and mortar, and sell my wares. I’d also love to design for Vivienne Westwood. I can but dream.
My life in six words… Unpredictable, Surprising, Rewarding, Difficult, Challenging, Productive.
Askey Illustrations is one of our latest illustrators to join the site. Here’s an insight into the life of Jo Askey, the lady behind the fabulous prints:
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am an illustrator and graphic designer. I live in Cheshire with my husband, two kids and an ancient Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Troy and a little dwarf lop bunny called Ozzy.
How long have you been running Askey Illustrations?
I started up askey illustration after I had my little boy four years ago. I came to the conclusion that as there were no jobs that
fit around a baby’s timetable that it made sense to create my own role. I haven’t looked back since.
How would you describe your style?
My style is slightly quirky, I love to combine delicate natural line drawings with solid blocks of colour – I feel that digital art
really compliments the way that I work.
What is your creative process?
My creative process varies. Sometimes inspiration hits me and I have to start working on something immediately, other times I can feel as if I have no idea what I want to create until I actually sit down and start drawing.
Five random facts about me…
1. my first job was as a Desktop publisher/typesetter.
2. I can usually tell what typeface and point size a piece of text is just by looking at it. (see above) I have a slightly geeky love of
typography.
3. I love chili peppers and have nearly perfected making super hot chili jelly which I eat with just about everything
4. I grew up in Canada
5. I’m hoping my husband buys me a Ukulele for my birthday this year!
What inspires your work?
My work tends to be inspired by my life and the little details (like how cute kid’s shoes are).
What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession has to be my mac.
What is your biggest achievement?
Managing to keep sane while looking after two kids and running a business!
My 3 favourite websites -
I Love Typography
Design Spondge
UK Handmade
Any exciting news coming up for Askey Illustrations?
At the moment I’m looking forward to being able to get lots more work done now that my little boy has just started school!
mmmmm – Jammie Dogers, French Fancies, Vanilla Slices and lots more little nostalgic treats are now available at www.allthingsoriginal.com. Ouissi from British Cream Tea is the newest designer on the site and has definitely got our mouths watering!
The pages of British Cream Tea are filled with the most perfect little hand sewn felt goodies and have really brought back some fabulous memories of my childhood food. So much so that the last time I went to the supermarket I just had to grab myself a pack of Party Rings :)
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Ouissi. I am 34. I have a one year old son, a little black cat and a pianist partner called Billy. I am a felt confectioner and create felt sculptures of British foods and Icons of British Life.
How long has British Cream Tea been running?
Just over a year. In fact I celebrated the 1st birthday of my little business this week with cake (naturally!) and champagne ;)
How would you describe your style?
My style is a little bit nostalgic.
I draw from my own memories of my childhood as well as memories of my family and friends. I love vintage textiles, artwork, clothes, posters and adverts and all of these influence my work and the feeling I wish to portray through my sculptures. I do make new British foods occasionally but the majority are traditional foods that my sister and I, my Mother and Aunt or even my Nanna and Grandma ate as children.
What is your creative process?
I love food. I love eating it, shopping for it and cooking it and I gather inspiration from so many places. I can have ideas whilst shopping, talking to my sister, reading a book or watching a film. I make copious lists of foods I want to make…most I will never have to time to sew in my lifetime!!
I don’t sketch or make patterns, I see what I want to make in my head and I cut it out of sheets of felt, then I sew it together, stuff it and embroider any details. Only then do I create a simple paper pattern. I always keep the original.
I always find it hard to explain how I make my pieces as I just sew what I see in my mind. I don’t know how to describe it better.
Share 5 random facts about yourself
i. My favourite 3 foods are chocolate, squid and liver.
ii. I am obsessed with gathering and keeping pictures of my family. I particularly love photographs of my mother, her siblings and my grandparents from before I was born. I need to frame and hang them together on a wall at some point to show my son his history. In fact I am actually obsessed with history on general and am currently planning a quilt for my little boy made out of all his special baby clothes.
iii. I have a masters degree in Psychology and a postgraduate certificate in Criminal Law. Before having my son I was a university lecturer in psychological statistics and research methodology.
iv. I am learning Cantonese and speak both French and Italian, though neither fluently (sadly!).
v. My favourite film is “Breakfast at Tiffanys”
What or which artist/designer inspires your work?
I am not really inspired by any particular artist or designer. I am inspired by memories, my life, random occurrences and food but not one particular person.
What is your most treasured possession?
My grandfather’s green beret from WW2. He fought in it, got married in it and it sat on his coffin during his funeral before being given to me as the eldest grandchild. It sits safely in my wardrobe with the last pipe he smoked before his death and my nanna’s land army badge and wedding ring. I would never give any of them up.
What is your biggest achievement?
My son.
3 fave websites?
I love blogs rather than static websites as they move and evolve and I love the trail of someone’s life through their posts, words and pictures. My essential daily reads change depending on my mood and what is happening in my life, but my three favourites lately are:
i. Brocante Home - The ups and downs of a vintage housekeeper…terribly addictive!
ii. La Tartine Gourmande – An amazing French food blog with fabulous food photographs.
iii. Contemporary Embroidery - Awe inspiring contemporary embroidery.
Any exciting news coming up for British Cream Tea?
From next year I will be creating 4 collections a year (Spring, Summer, Autumn/Winter and Christmas). Each will contain limited edition pieces, patterns and felt British foods. Each will be built around a specific theme.
I am really excited!
What do you do when you are not creative?
I play with my son, watch films with Billy, drink wine with my sister and mother, talk with my friends and read…a lot…
We’re so pleased to now be selling the gorgeous accessories of A Alicia. Her handmade felt flowers are just beautiful and are guaranteed to make any outfit stand out!
A Alicia is also the first www.allthingsoriginal.com designer to do an interview for this blog – thank you Anna from A Alicia!
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I run A Alicia Accessories from my home in East London, where I love living, though I do yearn for the sea, especially in summer! I’ve always loved sewing – I don’t actually remember being taught to sew, it just seems like something I’ve always done. Each A Alicia accessory is designed and handmade by me, so I get to do a lot of sewing these days!
How long has A Alicia been running?
I started A Alicia Accessories in February 09, so a lot has happened in a pretty short time!
How would you describe your style?
My favourite kind of outfits are simple and classic, but with a single statement accessory, be that great shoes (fortunately I’m vegetarian, which limits my shoe choice as I don’t buy leather, otherwise I’d be an addict), jewellery or (of course) a fabulous brooch!
What is your creative process?
The process of actually making my accessories is delicate work, but fairly monotonous, so it leaves parts of my brain free to wander off with ideas about new designs, colour combinations, new materials…
Share 5 random facts about yourself
I really like
1. mashed potato
2. green tea
3. wine
4. chocolate
5. asparagus
What or which artist/designer inspires your work?
I studied Art History for my first degree, so Art has always been a huge inspiration. Japanese craft, past and present, is also really important to me – I love the discipline and the engagement with materials.
What is your most treasured possession?
Probably an old house-plant I have (I think it’s what you call a Cheese Plant). It was the first thing I bought when I moved to London four and a half years ago and it’s lived with me in various flats and houses ever since.
What is your biggest achievement?
Well I’ve just given up my part-time-day-job to concentrate on A Alicia Accessories full-time, which feels like a pretty big step!
3 fave websites
www.ebay.co.uk – Great for craft supplies, and all those random things you just wouldn’t know where to find – like the vintage mannequin I use for my photographs, she’s from ebay!
www.designspongeonline.com – There are so many gorgeous design/craft blogs out there, but this a favourite of mine
www.riverford.co.uk – They do great home-delivery organic, locally produced veg boxes (and other organic stuff including wine!)
Any exciting news coming up for A Alicia?
I’m going to be at the Islington Contemporary Art and Design Fair in October, which I’m very excited about!
What do you do when you are not creative?
Sewing does take up most of my life now, we got rid of our TV in January and I swear that’s the one of the main reasons that A Alicia Accessories got off the ground, I don’t have that temptation anymore! But I do love films (trashy and highbrow), and watching documentaries on the internet, but I tend to do that while I’m sewing!
