As a child I was fortunate to have both parents who worked in the creative arts - my mother (Stella) was a Heraldic Artist and enjoyed painting landscapes and running art classes, she also enjoyed sewing and made many of my early ensembles and plenty of fancy dress outfits. My father was a trained carpenter and had many practical skills which included set designing and building for Hull University drama department. He was always updating things at home and in the 60’s this meant tiger wallpaper and a breakfast bar! “Make do and mend” was definitely a motto of my upbringing and I think it is reflected in my crafting activity today.

My A ‘level choices were broad but did include Textiles and Dress- I learnt tailoring skills, choosing the correct fabrics for apparel and could handle a Bernina sewing machine fairly competently.  However, choosing neither chemistry nor art to accompany my Textiles and Dress A ‘level, I fell into a career in physiotherapy.

I have worked for the past 30 years in the NHS as a Physiotherapist/Ergonomist looking after the musculoskeletal health of the staff of one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country. It is a rewarding role but does nothing to quell may need to create! The catalyst to the creation of Oxford Craft Studio was the installation of my very own craft cabin in my 50th year. This has given me the space to experiment with a wide range of mediums including chalk paint, decoupage, copper, leather, paper, glass, pyrography, lino and screen printing.

I have currently rekindled my love for all things fabric, creating both practical and hopefully stylish eco-friendly gifts for the sustainable home. My stencilled linen bread bag kit will be demonstrated live on Sewing Street TV (FaceBook; YouTube; Sky 670 and Freeview 74) on Friday 20th November 2020 at 10:00 GMT.

I plan to increase my kit range which will uniquely combine a sewing element with an additional craft, such as leather work. I hope to re-start workshops in 2021 as I get most enjoyment from sharing my love of learning a new skill and creating something beautiful.