I love texture, colour and variety and the challenge of seeing something in my minds eye and experimenting until I can create a useful or wearable item that is as close as possible to how I orginally pictured it. I could not find thoughtful different and slightly quirky items, so started to make them for myself. I have honed my skills over many years and can now fulfil that vision of making that quality item that accords with my original vision.

MY STORY
I grew up in a creative family, with a father who was a sculptor and stone mason and a mother who sewed all our clothes and could breathe new life and uses into vintage fabrics. It was natural for me to make things; I learned to sew making clothes for my dolls.

For many years I have practiced as a corporate lawyer, and my art and sewing have always been an important creative outlet. I have sold my Cotswold paintings and prints through shops in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds where I grew up, and also on one of the original auction websites. What I like about Etsy is the much richer connection and contact with the buyers and users of the items that I sell; it adds the extra dimension to the joy of making, that makes it so worthwhile for me.

MY INSPIRATION
I have always been interested in history and the past, since I found my first fossil on country walks. I did my first degree in Archaeology. I use this inspiration in my work and enjoy bringing together the best of the past and the present. I love natural materials, and will always be a country girl at heart.

MY STUDIO
I sew and paint in a large sunny study overlooking a park, which I share with my partner Tony. Tony is a great encouragement and support and does the computer side of things for me, as well as writing novels; his latest novel is for sale in the shop. It is good be able to share the creative life and motivation, even if our products are very different. My cat Nero keeps me company, and when he wants attention chews my brushes, walks on my paint and drinks my painting water. He is hard to ignore.

My studio is a very happy space, I hope that this happy environment and the efforts I make to get things just right add to the enjoyment of the end product for the person who buys or receives an item I have made.

ETSY COLLABORATION
Since joining the site I have enjoyed getting to know some of the other sellers through the teams. I have collaborated with Jane of Coin Bleu photo shop and with her permission I have completed one painting from her lovely door images. Her shop link is
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CoinBleu?ref=ss_profile

WHAT RECENT CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT WHEN ART MET CLOTH
"Pretty item beautifully made and so original. Lovely." ladybird930

"lovely brooch, will make the perfect gift for a friend. Arrived very quickly!" greenpix1e

"A complete all-round pleasure. Very communicative, helpful seller/artist - and delivered in super-fast time despite Christmas in the middle! The moth itself is exquisite - beautifully crafted and finished. It really is a very life-like study in silk and thread and looks like it might flutter away! Thank you so much Jane - I absolutely love it! "

"Jane was really helpful -- refunded extra postage charge due to PayPal and even gift-wrapped my purchase. Very happy!" Gary