I enjoy needlework and creative design of all kinds and have stitched for almost as long as I can remember. In 2007 I completed my City & Guilds Certificate in Embroidery Craft and Design and am now working towards the Diploma. Prior to this, I spent 5 or so years designing websites and worked as a manager in the NHS and public sector. I started City and Guilds because I wanted to expand my knowledge, and through that realised that I should have done it years ago!
I work from my studio, Craft Arena, at Barleylands Craft Village in Billericay, Essex, where I have a studio space, gallery area, room to teach and a retail business so that I can sell all my favourite products for mixed media textile work and all sorts of needlecraft.
I get inspiration from many sources, but mostly from archaeology and history, two of my other passions. I love some of the imagery used in ancient civilizations, particularly Persian, Egyptian and Greek. I like to include a lot of texture in my work, and incorporate hand embroidery with other techniques such as machine embroidery and metal embossing.
Craft Arena is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm and also on Bank Holidays during the summer. Our website has more information about us and our workshops and you can visit it and our on-line shop, phone me on 01268 523780 or visit us at Craft Arena, Studio 48, Barleylands Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD.
Denise
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