Then they are manipulated into patterns or compositions, filled with colour and the fun begins.
The possibilities are endless. I spend a long time tweaking colours, experimenting with patterns and repeats. Every tiny detail in a design is hand drawn, each pattern collage is originally for example a flower drawing which has been re-coloured, repeated, re-scaled and experimented with.

Last month I had some photos of inside my studio from Photographer Ben Bonswell.
I thought I'd share some of these as it's a nice insight into the process behind my designs.
All my designs start as a drawing or painting. Everything, even patterns start as a little doddle and are all hand drawn. This photo is a snapshot of one of my desks, I have 2! One for creative mess (above) and one for formatting, designing on the computer. Above is my inspiration wall, I collection all sorts of things everywhere I go, from postcards to paint swatches.



Here's me doodling away, working on a peony illustration. Nothing ever came from this drawing by the way, only a small percentage of designs actually make it to a final product.
Which is all part of being a designer, sometimes ideas are rejected and it's back to the drawing board, or desk!


Above is a close up of some water colour flower heads.
These did make it onto a product, my new age cards which you can see in my online shop.
Sometimes the quick paintings are the best as they are more expressive and are not over worked.


Hope you like this unique sneak peek into my world. Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon!

Here's some snaps from our open studio weekend. It was such an amazing weekend. We are all overwhelmed by the amount of visitors we had. Thanks to all the people who came along, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. And thank you for supporting local creative businesses like us at The Harley Studios.

I'm opening my studio to the public for the first time ever!
Come along to the The Christmas Art and Food Market and Harley Open Studios
This is a fantastic opportunity for the general public to have an insight into my workspace and also start your Christmas shopping early and buy directly from me.

This year, the event will take place on:
Preview afternoon: Friday 28th November, 1pm - 4pm
Saturday 29th November, 10am - 5pm
Sunday 30th November, 10am - 4pm

The Christmas Art and Food Market and Harley Open Studios is free entry, we also provide free parking.  As ever, we advise that this is a very busy event. Please arrive early and wear suitable footwear - the car park can become very busy, and muddy, over the weekend. 

We hope you can join us for an exclusive weekend of seriously special Christmas shopping on the Welbeck Estate. For more info and directions Click Here

Have a sneak peak into my studio over on the Harley Gallery blog feature. I will be opening my doors to the public on Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November 2014. Come and have a look at my workspace and start your Christmas shopping and buy my products from me directly.

Ashley Thomas has recently joined the community of artists and craftspeople based at the Harley Studios, built in Welbeck Abbey’s historic Victorian kitchen garden, Pineapple Pits and Tan Gallop.
A successful surface pattern designer, Ashley told us why she made the move from her design studio at home to a Harley Studio on Welbeck Estate.

 I graduated in 2007 from Staffordshire Uni with a first class honours degree in Surface Pattern Design. In 2008 I launched my own brand of home accessories working from a design studio that I set up in my spare room. Over the past seven years things have gone from strength to strength and my work is now available in interior boutiques, gift shops and galleries in the UK, Paris and Tokyo.
 I’ve always loved visiting The Harley Gallery, it’s such a beautiful and inspiring place. I have taken part in the Christmas Market in recent years and my work has proved very popular with the visitors. It’s a dream come true to now have a studio here and I’m really excited about opening my studio doors to the public for the first time ever in November for the Harley Open Studios event.

I have a range of handmade cushions, notebooks, fine china mugs, quirky tea towels, unique cards and limited edition art-prints and wallpaper, all printed and made in England. My inspiration for my work can come from the smallest detail, such as the pattern on a vintage plate or watching the busy little birds in my garden. I aim to produce designs that are fun, curious and make people smile.
I’ve had a lot of commercial interest in my work from prestigious companies including Laura Ashley, Mamas and Papas and Hallmark Cards. My latest collaboration with Debenhams has showcased my work onto high streets across the country.

The Harley Studios open twice a year, offering visitors the chance to explore the diverse work spaces of artists and craftspeople. The next Open Studios will be held on Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November 2014 during the Christmas Art and Food Market and Harley Open Studios.

For every tea lover, this gorgeous tea for two set is made from fine china. Including a teapot and two cups, which stack together, in gorgeous retro inspired floral bird prints. 
Tea for two, £24

One of my favourite products are these set of four stacking mugs, which come in a dotty gift box.
The design features the best in show of my farmyard animals.
Set of four stacking mugs, £22.50

I have a new headquarters! I'm now officially part the Harley Gallery Foundation Studios, based on a beautiful and historic Welbeck estate.

There are lots of interesting things to distract me here such as an award winning farm shop full of yummy local produce, Welbeck Abbey brewery, the Dukeries Garden Centre, The delicious lime house cafe and lots more. There is also a prestigious art gallery on the estate, the wonderful Harley gallery. 

I'm now part of the diverse community of Harley foundation studios which is occupied by lots of creatives such as a Picture Conservator, Sculptors, Jewellers, Ceramicists, Furniture Makers and now me! You can see info on everyone here. Very exciting stuff!

I spend so long on a computer these days I forget I can actual draw quite well.
Here's a snap of my progress on my next collection AW14