Designer Helen Steel

Happy Friday!:)

Today I thought I’d introduce the beautiful handcrafted work by textile & print designer Helen Steel.

A bit of info about Helen…

Helen studied at Grays School of Art in Aberdeen where she graduated with a degree in Textiles and Surface Decoration. “As a child I always enjoyed being creative and getting involved in arts and crafts projects. My mum taught me to sew and as she was very artistic she greatly encouraged me and taught me a lot. At university I specialised in print and mixed media textiles. However the majority of my work now involves freehand machine embroidery which I did not discover until later. I learned this and many other new skills, after graduating, by spending several months doing internships with two London based textile studios – firstly with Keelergordon and then at Gilbey & Cheyne. I was also lucky enough to do a work placement with my favourite fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, where I gained further knowledge of drawing and composing designs. My own work style stems from a culmination of these different experiences but as has also come about through a bit of trial and error!”

Helen has just launched her brand new business & website. Her next step is to expand her range of products & design collections.She creates beautiful, handcrafted gifts and textiles inspired by nature and childhood memories “All my work is based upon drawings which I have translated into fabric using stitch, print and applique. My collection of quirky, whimsical products is designed to be happy and uplifting. Using both new and recycled fabrics all items are unique and handmade to order”.

Helen will be exhibiting at the Dulwich Craft Fair on Saturday 26th June 2010 which will be held in St Barnabas’ Church Hall, Dulwich Village, London, SE21 from 10am-5pm. So if your in that area, pop along & check out Helen’s fantastic work.

I asked Helen who inspires her…

“There are so many incredibly talented designers out there who produce great work, especially on sites like Etsy and Not on the High Street where you can find some amazing pieces, as well as the Print Pattern blog which never fails to inspire. Several designers that I really admire are Abigail Brown, Poppy Treffry and Snapdragon who have all set up successful businesses creating fabric-based products while each having their own unique style. I also love Rob Ryan’s paper cut-outs, Belle and Boo’s cute cards and prints, Kat Heyes’ beautiful illustrations, Tim Walker’s wonderful photographry and Sanna Annukka’s stunning Scandinavian-influenced folkloric designs. A bit of an eclectic mix I know!”