nikki mcwilliams.

Biscuits is the word of the day. A cup of good strong tea and a biscuit to dunk solves everything. Traditional and comforting. Today I went to a lecture and Nikki McWilliams was speaking. I loved her work and really wanted to share it. Her work is doing so well, which is no surprise as the designs are so quirky and cool. What I find fascinating is that she did her degree in fine art and yet is such a successful textile designer. It makes me have hope. Can't find a job? You create one and not only that but one that you love.

Biscuit anyone?

http://www.nikkimcwilliams.com/

done and dusted.

The stress of doing a twenty minute presentation is finally over. To my surprise, I am a little bit sad. I have learnt so much, managed to conquer my fear of public speaking although I'm defiantly not an expert. Made better friends with the girls who are in my class. I will really miss working with them all.
James Donald was an amazing help, he gave us all badges for good luck from his own collection and lent samples of his work to show at the presentation. We could not of asked for a better artist to research.
This weekend I visited concrete wardrobe and the shop lived up to my high expectations, it was full of little, unique trinkets and beautiful craft pieces. Including James' stunning PickOne textiles.

Here is a photograph of James with my lovely group, don't need to tell you which one he is because he is the only man!

james donald.

Seventeen years teaching, a first in constructed textiles, the largest craft facebook page in the UK, co owner of a leading craft shop in the capital, not to mention his own weave label, PickOne. James Donald is an expert in Scottish craft. Graduating in 1993, with a "work hard and play hard" ethic, James has achieved most dreams an aspiring textile designer has today . In 2001, Concrete Wardrobe was opened, sharing the best in Scottish craft at an affordable price. AND if anyone wants to learn how to manipulate the internet to use it for your own benefit, this is the man to talk to. James has managed to brand himself using the free advertising offered to anyone. You just have to use it in the right way. Connections is a big part in becoming successful. I can wait to speak to him tomorrow and hear his tales.

#designandmkt

http://concretewardrobe.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=577150300

James Donald is the designer my group has chosen to focus on, we decided to choose him because he is such an influential designer and uses a traditional method of weaving to create his fantastic designs. James Donald and  Fiona McIntosh opened their own shop in 2000 called Concrete Wardrobe. Concrete Wardrobe based in Edinburgh concentrates on selling primal Scottish designers specialising in crafts which are quality and affordable, including ceramics, textiles, furniture, jewellery and fashion. 


"Concrete Wardrobe has a solid reputation for innovative collections and designs covering the worlds of fashion, textiles and furniture. It's an eclectic mix, including high quality knitted clothing, woven scarves, bags and purses from local designers. A range of interesting antiques from the 20th Century Antiques section (with pieces from the 1920s to the 1970s) complements glassware and soft furnishings and includes design names to excite from Britain, Scandinavia and America - think Eames and Panton."

DIY Pen from FRASER ROSS on Vimeo.

PickOne: A One Minute Video ...

PickOne: A One Minute Video ...: For what it's worth here is my little video that I put together for Prof. Mike Press to present to all his shiny new students at Duncan of...

lindsey gardner.

"Quietly Eccentric

I LOVE dogs, I love drawing and I love textiles!

Although better known as children’s book author/illustrator, I have returned to my screen printing design roots to launch my textile label, Quietly Eccentric. Inspired by my love of dogs, products feature hand screen printed quirky drawings combined with graphic florals on cotton bags, woollen dog shaped cushions and wooden wall panels.

These are a must for trendy dog lovers everywhere! All my dogs have their own personality and attitude.I try to bring them to life in a quirky and colourful way, making them a unique and unusual gift. Everything is hand screen printed.

Humourous, quirky and loveable dogs for every aspect of your life... without the vet bills!"

It was a very enjoyable experience listening to Linsey, is was easy to relate her journey from student to being a successful designer. Her passion for what she does shone through every aspect of her work. 

Lindsey told us some useful websites for reference and that could be possible buyers (fingers crossed) for the future. 

notonthehighstreet.com

anthropologie.com

Here are some samples of her work: 

paddy hartley.

Face corset? Sounds very strange and very intriguing. What an earth is a face corset? In our lecture today, Paddy described his experiences of being a working artist in the industry today. What I found really inspiring was that Paddy held the same project for years, twisting them to compromise with his needs. Paddy's enthusiasm for face corsets was so strong that he changed and manipulated them to be fresh (and occasionally shocking) throughout the years. Evolving to fit into new situations, adapting for new faces.