meet a maker

this week we're chatting with kate from bluebell and rosie who makes beautiful textile items, my faves are the floral and gingham cushions :)

Please introduce yourself …
I’m Kate from Bluebell and Rosie on Folksy. I’m 27 and I live in Norfolk with my boyfriend, cats and chickens.

Do you have a website or blog address?
You can find my blog at www.bluebellandrosie.blogspot.com

I don’t currently have a website as I’m not producing enough work to warrant one, but just in case I have the domain name ready!

How did you learn your craft? How long have you been creating?
I’m relatively new to the world of Folksy and blogging (the two sit well together!) but originally I used to make cards for family and friends, about 6 years ago (that makes me feel old!) and then when things got busy with work, moving home etc I didn’t have enough time and only made them occasionally. Last year I decided to have a bash at making candles and decided I quite liked it! My mother in law then gave me her sewing machine which I was terrified of using – it took me 2 or 3 months to pluck up the courage to start using it! The internet is an amazing place and anything I do now that’s craft related is generally inspired (or taught!) via articles and blogs.

How would you describe your work / style? I’m relatively new to the world of making and I’m still finding and developing my style. I have an eclectic mix of things I make. Years ago I started making cards and that faded in to the background. Around about June/July last year I started making candles and then my mother in law gave me her old sewing machine – it took me 2 or 3 months to pluck up the courage to try using it!

Who, or what, inspires you?
There’s a great site called oneprettything that I have been known to spend hours reading. It links to various craft projects, advice and articles and you can see what people create. Some of the things are pretty amazing!

Is there any other craft skill you would like to learn?
I’d love to be able to paint. I’m hopeless at drawing but I recently brought some paints, just to try. Like the sewing machine, I’m yet to pick the brush up ...... I also want to learn to knit and crochet but despite numerous attempts that may be a lost cause.

thanks for taking the time to chat and best of luck with your folksy shop kate :)