Birds and Buttons

I've had so many lovely comments about our new Homewares range, and one thing that I've been asked is whether I designed the items myself, or collaborated with a Designer. 

Well, we could have gone down that route, but having used  design skills in my ceramics work, I didn't see why this new project should be that different.  I think most craftspeople, whether it's needlework, quilting, pottery, knitting, whatever, have a good eye for design even if they don't realise it.

Summer Winds apron and teatowel

I've always had an interest in folk-art motifs and I knew from the start that I would be incorporating lots of birdies into the mix, especially into this range - a bird flying on Summer Winds just seemed so right.
 

Ceramic Birdy Buttons from Catherine Daniel Ceramics

I've been making birdy buttons in the pottery too and the odd one or two that haven't gone to galleries have been popped in with some of the homewares orders with our compliments - a little Freebird!

Summer Winds Teatowel  - Birdhouse detail

Of course, once I had popped a bird into the design, he had to have a little birdhouse to live in.  Birdhouses have also been a favourite in the ceramics studio for a long long time.

Ceramic hanging decorations - birdhouses in the foreground

I didn't quite realise this cross-over was happening until after we'd got the new items from the manufacturers, and I suddenly saw all my favourite things in them.

Summer Winds coaster

Quick Reminder! One more week to enter the Giveaway.  Winners announced on Saturday 22nd March.   Please take the picture if you wish.

As a crafts-person, what are your favourite design motifs;  those that you keep using over and over?

x Cathy