British Craft Trade Fair 2013

Gosh, it's been so long since I've posted anything on here - apologies! This week I have been exhibiting at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate, showcasing a new range of limited edition screen-prints, cards and home textiles. 

Despite it being exhausting it was really good fun and met some great contacts and other designers along the way. 

My new work remains heavily influenced by the modernist textile designs of the 50's which I love and this time explores vases and pots of florals I have been drawing over the last few months. With a cheerful new colour palette I've been printing like a crazy lady to get ready for the show and I got there in the end - just about! 

For those of you who have never been, the trade show features some of the best makers working in print, metal, plastic, ceramics, wood and textiles (mainly) and allows buyers for small shops and galleries the chance to pick some new stock and suppliers to work with. There are so many beautiful pieces on show it must be so hard for them to choose! 

There were plenty of last years newcomers (like myself) who had returned and it was lovely to see some friendly faces and to see how they had developed over the past 12 months. One of which was the lovely Mandy Tate, trading as Natty Maid, with her beautiful collection of lino print and collograph pieces. 

Mandy had some lovely new products to share and my personal fave were the fabulous fishy placemats based on one of her detailed lino cuts - can't wait to see these available in the stores! 

Nottingham based illustrator Sue Bulmer, (another returning newcomer) was back with a new collection of limited edition cards and prints under the theme of 'love rocks' - a slight departure from last years birds and bird boxes this new selection of prints illustrate song titles and sayings in her quirky black and white signature style - delightful! 

Sue and I also did a print swap at the show and I can't wait to get my 'Sue Bulmer Original' up on the wall in my studio!

Finally, creative chum and ex-student, Jess Hogarth was onto her 2nd trade show of the year (after Home London in January) and continuing to go from strength to strength. Jess was launching some new products this time though with some fresh new tea-towels, cushions and notebooks all featuring her lovely illustrations and juicy colour palette. 

Just when you think 2 trade shows in a few months is busy enough, Jess will also be showing at Pulse in London in a few weeks time - busy lady! - so catch her there too if you can. 

A final little mention for my trade show neighbours Zincwhite and their wonderful jewellery celebrating the magnificence of the pencil! 

Made from recycled Derwent pencils, transformed into stylish rings, cufflinks and more, I particularly love this rainbow necklace! They also were runners up in the 'WOW factor award', voted for by exhibitors - it couldn't have happened to a lovelier pair of makers!

There are of course far more fabulous makers than I can do credit to here so apologies to anyone I have missed! All in all is was again a great show and either exhibiting or visiting I'll definitely be back next year!