London-based Natalie Lea Owen is “new to the craft market scene”, so where better to start out that at the London Bust Christmas Craftacular?
Natalie is a graduate of Leeds College of Art, where she studied Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design. Now a busy freelancer, she launched her own range this year, inspired by “mid-century graphic design and all things bright and colorful”.
Natalie makes stationery, cushions, tea towels and other fun bits and pieces, all in her own super-sassy style.
She told us a bit about her new range.
Hi Natalie! Are you bringing anything special to the BUST Craftacular?
I have currently got my festive hat on, designing my first set of Christmas cards and trying to come up with some fun Christmas-themed items that I can make just for Craftacular.
What are you looking forward to the most?
I am just really looking forward to seeing some beautiful and unusual products made by the other exhibitors. I’m hoping to get my hands on some handmade jewellery as a Christmas present to myself!
Do you have any tips for a crafty Christmas?
I absolutely love any excuse to make handmade presents and last year I made personalized felt tree decorations for family and friends with their initials on. They were simple shapes with cardboard in between the felt layers and were hand sewn using gold shiny embroidery thread. They went down a treat.
What’s inspiring you at the moment?
I really love illustration and printmaking and I saw Laura Callaghan’s work for the first time at Pick Me Up: Graphic Arts Festival in London and was totally inspired. I love the way she crams lots of clashing patterns into her drawings. I just find her work really exciting and it pushes me to be more wacky in my own work.
Meet Natalie at the Bust Christmas Craftacular London on 22 November at York Hall, 5 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green London E2 9PJ.
Entrance is £3 on the door, with free goodie bags for the first 100 shoppers. Click here for more info.
By Katie Allen
