Friday 16 June 2017

Summer's here at last! It's such an inspiring time, isn't it?


Summer’s here at last! It’s such an inspiring time, isn’t it?


We’ve been enjoying blue skies and beautiful weather here – and the garden is blooming.
After I’ve dropped the children off at school, I like to come back to my garden and potter with a cup of coffee. Feeling the sun on my face, listening to the hum of bees and breathing in the warm scents of summer – it’s so calming and gives me a wonderful sense of purpose for the day ahead. After a session in the studio, it’s also the perfect spot to catch the last of the day’s rays – preferably with a glass of something delicious in my hand!


Meanwhile, pirates have taken over the studio! Our classic pirate ship design is back with new fabrics and a very special personalised twist. Choose a name and I’ll embroider it on my handmade and appliquéd cushions, laundry bags and framed pictures. I’m particularly excited about the pictures – they’re my first foray into appliqued and embroidered textile art and I know you’ll love them as much as I do.


Each of our pirate designs combines denim, ticking stripes and spots – they’re the perfect gift for the little adventurer in your life. I’m currently developing this design into a printed fabric, so keep your eyes peeled for more exciting new products!


This month I’m also feeling inspired by my recent adventures with my family on the North Norfolk coast. The sun shone and it was even warm enough for the youngest member of our team to have a little paddle in the sea! The Norfolk coast is about big blue skies, pale sand and little beach huts. No trip is complete without a visit to Cromer to do a spot of crabbing. Did we catch any? Sadly not, but a great time was still had by all!


 











Now, it might sound a little crazy, but I’ve also been thinking about Christmas. Yes, that’s right, Christmas in June! In the world of design, we’re always thinking ahead. And I’m so excited about what I’ve got planned. I’ll be launching my very first Christmas fabric! 
As well as beautiful textiles, my design will also feature on kitchen products, cards and gift-wrap. Exciting, right?


Now, let’s make a swift return to summer time! As you know, I hand make everything in my studio. I thought you might like a peek inside my day. Here’s a little video, showing part of the process of making the new pirate range. I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into life at the studio!





I’d love to hear about what’s been inspiring you this month!

Wednesday 10 May 2017

New collection

New nursery collection includes prints, bunting and lampshades


Hello! It’s Kirsty here. How are you all? It feels ages since my last post. So much has been happening in the studio. I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Spring has well and truly sprung and we’ve all been hopping with excitement about the warmer weather and longer days. The extra light in the mornings and evenings means lots more creative time for me – essential when I’m fitting my designing and sewing time around my busy family life!



I had a such a lovely Easter at home with my family. One of our favourite traditions is decorating our Easter Egg tree. This year I hung the branches with sweet little fabric cones. The Easter bunny was kind enough to come and fill them with lots of mini eggs. Yum!

We’re based in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside. I love this time of year because everything gradually starts coming to life again. I’ve been pottering around the garden and veg patch, watching it all wake up after winter. I love to start my day with a wander down to say hello to my chickens in the sunshine. Then I grab the coffee and biscuits and climb the stairs to my little attic studio.



And there’s been lots happening in the studio! I’m thrilled to have launched my new Bunny range, which is perfect for nurseries. Elm Tree Studio started out with nursery products and I’ve really enjoyed going back to my roots. I’ve been experimenting with new designs and I’m so happy to be able to share them with you all.


New co-ordinating nursery fabrics available by the metre



The Bunny design (nursery fabrics) is based on my original appliqué artwork. It’s been cleverly reproduced as fabric, whilst keeping a flavour of the original stitching and embellishments. It’s available on our classic lampshades and as beautiful bunting. It’s soft and pretty – perfect for boys and girls alike.

Bunny nursery bunting


No nursery is complete without a bit of bunting. It’s such a pretty way to add character to a plain room! I design and make everything by hand, so each piece is truly unique.







My bunny bunting has been a joy to make and it’s available in several different styles. Choose from  flag style bunting or more traditional triangular bunting. There’s something for every baby! I can even personalise bunting with a name. It really doesn’t get much cuter!

Beautifully embroidered personalised bunting

Bunny flag bunting




Nursery lampshade





You know I love my coffee, and it’s been so soothing sitting with a cup of my favourite blend while I cut and stitch all that lovely bunting. I know you’ll all love this new design as much as I do.








And while we’re on the subject of new designs, have you spotted my new mustard coloured aster fabric? When I first designed my aster range, I was inspired by the striking natural shape of the aster flowers in my country garden. This dream has translated into a subtly modern design, with a real hint of mid-century style about it. My new lampshades are effortlessly stylish and will inject a bit of scandi-cool into your home. I love mine!





I hope you’re all enjoying spring as much as me. I’d love to hear more about what you’ve all been up to!