Bella Bella

This summer, I had the very special honour of creating a pet portrait for a fellow artist.
Susan’s cat Bella sadly died of old age. Bella had been a loyal companion, keeping Susan company while she worked. Her loss was felt deeply.


Bella started life as a stray. She was found living behind the local Italian restaurant, so she was named Bella.

Suasn chose me to create a lasting reminder of Bella because she liked how I use different materials and stitching to create a mixture of memories as well as a depiction of the subject.
Susan collected lots of items, which meant something to her and her cat. She sent me an old menu from the Italian restaurant Bella was found at, wrapping paper and scratched cardboard that Bella had played with, and a small collection of packaging from things that Bella liked.

Susan trusted me to create a  loving memory of her pet companion, and her only requirement was to include zigag stitching, which is reminiscent of her own creative work.

I’ll be honest, I felt the pressure. I could tell Bella was a very special friend.
Did I overthink it? Yes. Did I take too long creating it? Yes. Was it worth it? Also, yes.
Bella is beautiful

It’s super easy to commission me to create a special art piece for you.
Just email me your request, perhaps with a photo or two. I have a size/cost guide to help you work out your budget.
Here’s a link to previous commissions https://thriftdesign.co.uk/commission-archive/
And here’s a little bit of info about the process https://thriftdesign.co.uk/commissions-3/
It’s worth noting I have a waiting list so it may be a month or two before I’m able to complete your piece. If you have a special date in mind contact me sooner rather than later.

Botanical Bliss Art in Bloom

I’m very honoured to be  part of  the latest exhibition at Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge.
Botanical Bliss Art in Bloom runs from May 3rd to July 27th.

I have created three pieces, especially for the exhibition, as well as some favourites from my current range.

Heart Gallery is a stalwart of the Contemporary Craft world. I first met Alison, the owner, at the beginning of my Contemporary Craft career, when she was giving a talk about approaching galleries: the do & don’ts. Since then, it has been an ambition of mine to stock her gallery.
A couple of years ago, that ambition became a reality, but the novelty hasn’t worn off, I’m still thrilled when I’m asked to exhibit.

Remember to support your independent high street shops

New Product Experiment

I’ve been experimenting with a new way of creating pet portrait commissions.
I’ve had a few requests for my coloured digital sketches, so I decided to give it a go.

Happy customer

I created a digital sketch of Scrumpy the cat, and I sent it to the printers.
When I received the prints back, I couldn’t resist working into it a little more with coloured pencil.

Working on the print base

My intention (when I get time) is to add a little more embellishment with machine and hand stitch.

Commission Revisited

When I first started out I was asked to undertake a very special commission.

Love & Marriage

A unique piece which celebrated wedded love and family.

The family followed my career and watched my creative practice grow and develop.

This year, they asked if I could add to the piece and bring in a little colour.

I aim to please so of course I said yes.