Archive Afternoon Tea Artwork

I had been intending to frame this afternoon tea artwork from my portfolio archive for a long time. There were just a couple of details on the design that bugged me though and I kept putting it off. This weekend I finally got around to amending the details that bothered me and this artwork is finally mounted and framed.

I did blog about this artwork previously after its first few tweaks in July 2008 but out of curiosity I looked up the details I had filed regarding this design (I keep dated patterns and templates for all of my artworks). Would you believe I made this design in July 2007?! Certainly about time it was finally amended and framed! And surely a clear sign that I am not likely to tire of the theme of afternoon tea and cakes!

I have a few more archive afternoon tea designs that could do with reinventing. I have had a few suggestions and requests from one of my stockists so lots to think about. I will keep you posted on what I come up with.

New Tea Time Themed Goodies

I have just added two new tea time themed goodies to my online shops (both Folksy and NOTHS).

The first is a new embroidered and appliquéd framed teapot artwork. This artwork combines linen, lace and printed floral cotton and has lace trim, satin ribbon, a mother-of-pearl button and hand-embroidery detail.

The second is a cute little make-up purse with an appliquéd teacup motif. This purse has been made in the same style as my make-up bags and thus has a sponge-clean acrylic coated linen/cotton fabric lining making it easy to keep it clean.

If you would like to purchase one of these designs in another colourway or with a personalised message please email me at studio@clairehurd.co.uk.

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New Afternoon Tea Artwork is Now Ready

The Afternoon Tea artwork I mentioned in my previous post is now finished and ready for sale in my shop.


I have added just a touch more detail since my last post. I have defined the shape of the teapot with a bit more freehand machine embroidery and have added some hand-stitch detail to the bottom left in order to balance the text on the right.


This atrwork will be made to order so there is the option to personalise the design and replace the text with text of your choice. For more details please see my shop.

New Design in Marks and Spencer!

I unexpectedly came across one of my designs in Marks and Spencer today, it is so nice when that happens! They have turned one of my artworks in to tea towels for their new season kitchen collection.

I am so pleased to see this design in-store as it was one of my favourites and Marks and Spencer have been very true to the original artwork. It is a great example of how nicely embroidered and appliquéd designs can be translated in to print.

Calico Shopping Bags - Update

Today I am posting an update to the calico bags collection I mentioned last week.

The bags shown above complete the collection and once again have appliquéd vegetable motifs and hand-guided machine-embroidered text. The only exception being the bag at the top left which has no embroidered text. The bags are all made using pre-washed calico and have double handles suitable for going over the shoulder.

Calico Shopping Bags

This is the first design from my calico shopping bag collection made using the appliqué vegetable motifs I showed you last month. The bags are made with pre-washed calico and have double shoulder straps making them comfortable to carry.
The appliqué vegetable motifs are complimented with a freehand machine-embroidered comment such as 'shopping', 'vegetables' and 'eat your greens'.

Floral Appliqué Design

I am taking a little break from repeat pattern designs this week and working on some more floral appliqué designs. The details above have been taken from a larger artwork combining scattered floral appliqué motifs with ribbon and ric-rac stripes. The overall effect is contemporary and crisp with a handmade touch.
This design would work well as either bedlinen or kitchen textiles such as table runners and napkins.

Appliqué Artworks - Tea and Cakes

This afternoon tea and fancy cakes inspired appliqué design is aimed at both the kitchen textiles and the greetings card and stationery markets. The cupcakes have been given added detail with applied flower motifs, beads and buttons to make them more fancy and good enough to eat!

This appliqué artwork has been specifically designed for the wedding stationery market. I have used a very traditional and limited colour palette and made use of luxury fabric textures such as velvet, silk and metallic sheers. The cake decorations and champagne bubbles are created using ribbon flowers, flower motifs, sequins and beads giving the design more depth. The different fabric textures and added detail on this design will make it look luxurious and maintain the depth of the design when reproduced graphically.

Appliqué Artworks - Garden Vegetables

More garden designs today, this time with more emphasis on vegetables and using a brighter colour palette. The details above have been taken from a larger appliqué artwork created using appliqué, freehand machine embroidery and ribbon detail.

I particularly like this second design, it has more refined detail and I am pleased with the colour balance. The images are quirky and yet precise and the quality of the embroidery has come out well.

I have removed the image of this design from my blog as it has now sold. It was sold to an Italian company so chances are I shall not see this one in production in the UK - a real shame as it is one of my favourite designs. I shall keep my eyes peeled for it anyway and shall post images of the final product should I find some.

Kitchen Garden Designs

Having worked on a lot of children's designs recently I have decided to continue with the garden theme but post some kitchen designs suitable for kitchen textiles, placemats, crockery or even stationery.


Both of these images are details taken from larger applique artworks. I have used subtly textured fabrics in muted green/natural tones to make these designs suitable for the kitchen market. I have finished off both designs with some hand-stitched detail and some machine embroidery.