Meet the maker - Ruth Spencer-Jolly

Meet the maker - Ruth Spencer-Jolly

Hi! I'm an artist based close to Queen's Park and I am really inspired by the locality which I love walking and running round. In my guise as 'ARTSJ' I currently have two ranges of products, one of which directly responds to nearby boroughs of London, taking the form of illustrated maps that capture the sites of interest and quirky landmarks in a neighbourhood. I also have a 'paisley pet' range: a collection of products for people who love animals, pattern and bright colours. When not making art, I'm often found with my other hat on - as a nanny - but I also love to run, ceilidh and go to the theatre.

My favourite product at present is the paisley dog teatowel. It's bright, cheerful and captures man's best in friend in many of the possible shapes and sizes. 

My favourite place to find inspiration at the moment is the Victoria and Albert Museum. I didn't grow up in London, and so I only discovered this treasure trove when I moved to 'the big smoke' about 18 months ago. It's incredible! As a lover of all things patterned; I'm in seventh heaven there. 

You can see Ruth's work at www.ruthspencerjolly.com/ARTSJ and www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ArtSJillustration. Ruth will be at Homeworks on 1st December

Makers Choice – Elvira Van Vredenburgh

In the coming weeks we will be featuring a selection of our designers and makers and asking them to choose a favourite piece from their collection.

Today we are kicking off with Elvira Van Vredenburgh, back for another year with us on Sunday 2 December:

I have always had a passion for anything printed and studied at The Royal College of Art leaving with an MA in printed textile design. Afterwards I set up a print studio selling silk screen and then digitally printed fabric designs worldwide to designer names such as Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein to High Street stores such as The Gap and Victoria Secret.

In 2016 I decided it was time for a change of direction and so Elvira van Vredenburgh Designs was born. Instead of selling to other designers I wanted to become the designer maker.

Starting with a small collection of cards which then turned into wrapping paper, notecards, notebooks and giclee prints and printed silk scarves:

 My first collection ‘Birds’ was inspired by the drama and movement of birds in flight, almost like a dance. I wanted to capture this spirit in her designs. My style is very bold and graphic yet has a delicate edge.

I’m very inspired by 30’s style vintage posters with strong blocks of colour and pattern:

Designs start as a little pencil sketch and are then scanned into the computer and reworked in Adobe illustrator. This is where the play of bold shapes, colour and pattern takes place.

I will be bringing my updated snowflake Christmas wrapping paper to homeworks this year. It is my most popular online product and a current favourite:

An Indian Summer

An Indian Summer was created 5 years ago by Nimy, inspired by a love of prints and textiles. An Indian Summer is characterised by a colourful melange of East-West aesthetic, eclectic prints, natural fibres and handcrafted artisan fabrics.

It is an affordable, artisanal lifestyle brand for the conscious woman who wants her wardrobe to reflect her sustainable lifestyle:

All garments are handcrafted by artisans in Rajasthan using the traditional techniques of hand block printing.

Working with small family businesses rather than large corporations to produce our range, An Indian Summer make sure that their production partners adhere to ethical employment practices:

Nimy will be bringing new hand block printed loungewear collection to Homeworks, comprising of kimono robes, kaftans, nighties, pyjama bottoms & boxer shorts – ideal for gifting friends and family:

We asked Nimy to choose some favourite products from her range and also tell us about what inspires her:

“ My Favourite garment is our hand block printed kimono robe – it’s very versatile can be used as light weight jacket, cover up and dressing gown; cool, comfortable, easy to pack for travel.

Major influences for the collection comes from art nouveau artist William Morris Inspiring places Liberty, V&A and Rajasthan.”

An Indian Summer will be at Homeworks on both days 3 & 10 December.