Kate Thornton Design

This weekend at the Harley Gallery

2011-11-21T11:59:00.001Z

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th are the days to get that Christmas shopping out of the way in style at the Harley Gallery Christmas Arts and Food Market

Alongside lots of new framed collages I will be selling a wonderful selecton of cards and prints, including these lovely Christmas Cards.....

New work for the Holmfirth Art Market

2011-11-09T13:58:00.000Z

There have been a few late nights in preparation for this Sunday's Holmfirth Art Market and here's a sneak peak of the new work I've been making. This original collage has all been carefully cut out by me (no laser cutting here) and assembled to make a beautiful triptych called 'Moonrakers'...

Anyone from my neck of the woods will be familiar with the annual Moonraking festival and I thought the name was rather fitting for this piece which has quite a Japanese feel to it..

Blackbirds

2011-10-17T17:40:00.000+01:00

I have been asked by Lucas Bond my great stockist in Balham, London to come up with a Blackbird design which incorporates the Balham area. So here's what I've come up with, some new colours to add to my palette. I wonder which ones they'll go for...

Blackbird Album Cover

2011-10-13T13:12:00.000+01:00

I came across this great album cover today whilst researching images of Blackbirds for some new designs I'm working on for Lucas Bond. I love the free drawing style of this image!

Space!

2011-10-05T17:06:00.000+01:00

I'm finally all settled in to my new office/studio, can't quite decide what to call it so might just refer to it as "the space"... and I love it, so much space! And my own little kitchen!

London Design Festival

2011-09-22T09:57:00.001+01:00

There's been plenty to see at the London Design Festival this week. It's a shame I can't make it down to London however I am currently selling work along-side the wonderful products of Snowden Flood at their new shop within the Oxo Tower. Tonight they have a launch party as part of the festival 5-7pm!

I really would have loved to have gone as they are exhibiting the work of american artist Shaun Kardinal whose use of vintage postcards and geometric forms is close to my heart!

Holmfirth Art Market

2011-09-16T09:16:00.001+01:00

I'm really excited to be selected for the Holmfirth Art Market again this November, I missed the summer event due to a slightly larger event in my calendar, my wedding!! This is one of my favourite events as it is literally right on my doorstep and the atmosphere is fantastic! (The market is on Sunday 6th & 13th November, I shall be there on the 13th)

Hello to the stockists starting with H!

2011-09-15T12:05:00.000+01:00

Whilst updating my list of stockists I noticed I had seven starting with H... so here they are:
Harewood House
Harley Gallery
Heart Gallery
Hepworth Wakefield
Hebe
Holker Hall
Holme Valley Warehouse

Hebden Bridge Birds available at Heart Gallery

2011-09-15T11:42:00.000+01:00

Flying over-head are three unique designs which use antique maps of Hebden Bridge... and where else would you find them but at the fantastic Heart Gallery in Hebden, the designs are available as both greetings cards and mounted prints!

Zero Broadband

2011-09-13T20:12:00.001+01:00

We have recently moved into a lovely new office and studio and I love it, so much space, light and everything in its rightful place... the only thing is we've failed so far to sort out any internet.

However this is a blessing in disguise, it means we get time to read about printing and make fun and exciting books inspired and directed by this great book we bought a few weeks ago at Tate Modern! Thank you to Esther and Dikko at Purgatory Pie Press... Hope to post some pictures soon when we have regular internet again!

Saltaire Makers Fair - Saturday 10th September

2011-08-31T18:51:00.003+01:00

Very much looking forward to doing the Makers Fair at Saltaire again on Saturday 10th September..... the fair is part of the Saltaire Arts Festival and will be showcasing some fantastic designer makers and artists. Make sure you come along and join the event on Facebook and whilst you're at it... please please follow me too!

Friday Warm-Down!

2011-08-05T18:13:00.002+01:00

Busy day today, glad it's Friday and the sun has come out just in time for a fish supper at the Pub!

In my search for a nice illustration to adorn my post, I came across this lovely Fish.. I don't know what it is or where it comes from.

Anyone speak this language?

Warm inside!!

2011-08-03T17:04:00.003+01:00

I'm definitely not complaining but it was so warm inside today, I just had to say 'no' to the computer and take a breather outside with a cup of tea, my sketchbook and bird books.... and look what appeared. A big-footed Wren!

I like these!

2011-08-01T17:55:00.006+01:00

This is a bit of a blog copy from Black Eiffel but I couldn't resist sharing these

wonderfully quirky silhouettes. I love them and they're by Wilhelm Staehle, otherwise known as Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre

Friday Afternoon

2011-07-29T16:28:00.007+01:00

As much as I love and am continually surprised by British birds, I occasionally get a bit envious when I look further afield and find that America in particular seems to have brighter, more colourful versions of our native species. For example the American Robin, Stellar Jay and this dazzling Goldfinch!

The Hepworth Wakefield

2011-07-28T16:28:00.005+01:00

In the run up to the anticapted opening of The Hepworth Wakefield I approached the gallery about designing them a series of exclusive "Wakefield' cards... we went ahead and they've been selling really well in the gallery shop since the very first day!

So I was really pleased to receive a lovely email from a customer yesterday who'd purchased all five designs and had them framed to go in the kitchen! She very kindly sent me this picture...

A different kind of map!

2011-07-22T14:16:00.004+01:00

As some of you may have noticed, I like maps. So, of course I like this map created by Angus McArthur & Alison Hardcastle, I found it whilst taking a peek at the blog of http://www.wemadethis.co.uk/ a London based graphic design company specialising in Print!

Can't beat a bit of Battersea!

2011-07-22T11:00:00.003+01:00

It's getting to that time of year when I have to start thinking about lovely things for Christmas! In my adventures around the interweb I came across some lovely designs by Snowden Flood. I particularly like this Battersea Apron!
http://www.snowdenflood.com/shop/london-tea-towels-aprons/battersea-apron

New... 'Skipton Sheep' A Limited Edition for Nora's in Ilkley

2011-07-19T12:12:00.002+01:00

I have been asked to produce this lovely Sheep design for Nora's in Ilkley. With their close proximity to Skipton and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, 'Skipton Sheep' combines silhouettes of sheep and lambs with an antique map of the area and background colour inspired by the National Park.

This Saturday.. Not to be missed!

2011-07-13T18:22:00.004+01:00

Well I'm really sad to hear that this Saturday 16th July will be the last ever Craft Candy event at Millennium Galleries in Sheffield.

However we will be there with smiles on our faces and of course lots of lovely goodies to cheer ourselves and the visitors up.

http://www.craft-candy.org/blog/

Also, please follow Kate Thornton Design on Facebook for further updates and news!

Thanks

Saltaire Makers Fair this weekend. Saturday to Monday 10am - 5pm at Victoria Hall!

2011-05-27T10:50:00.003+01:00

I have produced three new 'Saltaire' greetings cards and prints especially for the event. Come along to see the other two!
http://www.saltaireartstrail.co.uk/artstrail2011/makersfair.htm

Love this photo by David Cookson. Swallows really do make my heart flutter!

2011-05-27T10:47:00.001+01:00

Back to it..

2011-05-03T11:27:00.003+01:00

Well after some lovely sunny days in the garden and a trip up to beautiful Northumberland it's back to it and I'm preparing for my first Saltaire Makers Fair. The fair is in the wonderful Victoria Hall in Saltaire and runs from Sat 28th May - Mon 30th May

First Swallow of the Year!

2011-04-07T13:43:00.003+01:00

I was so excited to see my first Swallow of the year zooming over head today! Swallows have to be in my top three favourite birds and my heart feels very glad when they come back every year.

My pair of Swallows design is proving very popular and I was very pleased to design this limited edition greetings card for the Harley Gallery on the Welbeck Estate in North Nottinghamshire!

2011-03-31T15:51:00.002+01:00

'Balham Parakeets'
A preliminary design for Lucas Bond, London

New Stockists

2011-03-29T16:01:00.005+01:00

Well I've been super busy acquiring new outlets for my lovely greetings cards and prints and I'm so pleased to be adding 8 great new stockists to the list. Amongst these new stockists I'm very excited to be producing some tailored designs for...

Attic Hampton Hill, London
The Hepworth Wakefield (opening 21st May)
Harley Gallery, Welbeck
Love the Lakes Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria
Heart Gallery Hebden Bridge

Please take a look at the stockist list for links to all of the fantastic independent shops and galleries where you can buy Kate Thornton Design greetings cards and lots of other beautifully designed products!

Easter Greetings Cards

2011-03-16T11:41:00.005Z

I've just been working on some new designs for a lovely shop in the Lake District, Love the Lakes is in Bowness on Windermere and they have asked me to produce some new greetings card designs which include the much loved Lake District sheep.

As spring is on its way, I thought a variation on this design with the little Lambs would be a great Easter time greetings card!

Ilkley this Saturday 12th March

2011-03-09T19:46:00.002Z

If you happen to be up North, living or visiting - How about a nice day out in Ilkley this Saturday and pick up some lovely things from some fantastic makers at 100% Handmade....

Next Event

2011-03-01T10:32:00.003Z

Kate Thornton Design will be at the next 100% Handmade event in Ilkley on Saturday 12th March. http://www.leedsvintagefashionfairs.com/ See you there!

A new year!

2011-01-25T15:08:00.003Z

Well Christmas feels like a really long time ago now and I'm feeling very excited about 2011. Already I have done two things this year which I have never done before, I've given a lecture at my former university to the third year fine art students about the trials and rewards of running your own business. I'm also delivering some school workshops to Year Ten and Eleven at Toot Hill School in Nottinghamshire where all the students are at least two foot taller than me, but lovely all the same and really got stuck into their collage designing and making...
I'm also starting to get a bit of a thing for Bird stamps. Eek! I blame my friend Jackie who sent me these lovely stamps originally from Hong Kong!

Thawing out!

2010-12-10T16:42:00.002Z

Well I'm really glad the temperature has gone up slightly as I will be huddled around my lovely things at the Hub Christmas Market on Saturday 11th December!

http://www.thehubcentre.info/talks-and-events/christmas-craft-market/

The Hub National Centre for Craft and Design is in Sleaford, Lincolnshire - a little gem in the middle of the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside!

Handmade Ceramic Brooches

2010-11-25T13:22:00.004Z

I will be at The Harley Gallery Christmas Market on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, this is my first time participating at the market so I'm really looking forward to it. I have heard nothing but good things about the event and it was also voted as one of the top ten Christmas shopping experiences, according to the Telegraph!
I'm also very excited to be unveiling my new ceramic brooches! I've been working really hard to make sure they are ready for this weekend, as I'm fairly new to ceramic processes I under-estimated the time and risk elements involved!

However it is very rewarding when they are finally finished!

New products for sale...

2010-11-11T08:49:00.003Z

I am very excited to be working on new ranges of products and this weekend I will be launching the new bird sihouette mugs and lace themed bags! These will be available to buy at Holmfirth Market 14th November, Harley Christmas Market 27 & 28th November, 100% Handmade Ilkley 4th December and The Hub Christmas Market 11th December in Sleaford. Hope to see you at one of these fantastic events.... And if you can't make it, do get in touch and I'll be happy to send out mail order any items you like (subject to availability)

This weekend...

2010-11-11T08:43:00.003Z

It's that time again, Holmfirth Art Market has already had one very successful day last Sunday and it is here again this Sunday 14th November. At the heart of 'Last of the Summer Wine' country, the market has a fantastic mix of artists and designers.

So don your wrinkle stockings and grab your wheelie shopping bag to fill up with lots of lovely gifts. I can't think of an easier or more fun way to do all your Christmas shopping!

And the winner is.....

2010-11-10T20:27:00.001Z

Dan Wilder... I was really pleased to award Dan, one of my oldest friends an M and S voucher which was the 'Survey Completion Prize' Thanks to all of you who helped me out by completing the market research survey. I had over 100 results which is fantastic.

Thanks....

2010-10-02T20:02:00.002+01:00

....to Nottingham Visual Arts Magazine and the nice little plug they gave Creative October and Kate Thornton Design..
http://www.nottinghamvisualarts.net/articles/sep21/1184/creative-october

Eye-Spy

2010-09-29T17:59:00.002+01:00

I was really excited to spy my work in the window of the fantastic Itch Gallery in Oakham. I caught a glimpse on their website today.

Itch are a brand new gallery in the small but beautiful county of Rutland. And....

They have a grand opening on Saturday 2nd October and would love to see you there to meet some of the artists, have a glass of fizz and enjoy the artwork!

Go to http://www.itchgallery.co.uk/ to see more of Itch and to spot the birds in the window!

Festive Card Designs 2010

2010-09-23T10:16:00.001+01:00

Creative October - Nottingham

2010-09-09T16:41:00.002+01:00

An entire month devoted to the very best of Nottingham's Creative Talent....... There's something in here for everyone, hope you can make it! Please take a look at the calendar for full events listings. And don't forget I'll be exhibiting at the Local Designers Market at Nottingham Contemporary Sat 9 and Sun 10th October!

Exciting events for your calendar. You will find Kate Thornton Design at the following events this Autumn/Winter:

2010-08-30T12:00:00.006+01:00

9 & 10th October - Local Designers Market at Nottingham Contemporary
This event is part of Creative October a week long celebration of Nottingham's Creative Businesses

29th October - Chesterfield Arts and Markets Festival

14th November - Holmfirth Art Market

27 & 28th November - Harley Gallery Christmas Art Market, Welbeck

4th December - 100% Handmade, Ilkley

11th December - Christmas Craft Market, The Hub National Centre for Craft and Design, Sleaford

Website!

2010-08-11T17:20:00.002+01:00

Hello all, I am very excited to announce the launch of my new website www.katethorntondesign.com there you will find my full range of greetings card designs and mounted prints availble to order, a gallery of images and information about Kate Thornton Design!
Please take a look and tell me what you think!
Thanks
Kate

Selling Event this Sat 17 July, Millenium Galleries, Sheffield

2010-07-12T19:22:00.005+01:00

I am very excited about my first Craft Candy event 'Candy Floss' this Saturday 17th July at the fantastic Millenium Galleries in Sheffield. If you haven't been before, the galleries are well worth a visit, shiny new building attached to the exotic winter gardens and a tasty cafe.

See you there!

http://www.craft-candy.org/

Commissioned Designs

2010-05-19T18:18:00.005+01:00

Next Event, Sunday 6th June

2010-05-13T14:26:00.003+01:00

Really looking forward to the next Holmfirth Art Market, I will be selling on Sunday 6th June! Hope to see you there..

I Love Handmade feature

2010-04-26T09:39:00.002+01:00

A big thanks to I Love Handmade for featuring my work. To see the review and find more beautiful work by independent designers and makers visit

http://ilovehandmadeblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/jenny-wrens-by-kate-thornton-design.html

Look what just flew in, a pair of Jenny Wrens!

2010-04-02T17:03:00.002+01:00

100% Handmade

2010-03-16T15:57:00.002Z

Hello everyone, new work to come soon. Promise. But first I must tell you that this Saturday 20th March I shall be in Ilkley, at Riddings Hall for 100% Handmade, a unique selling event. Hope to see you there... Oh and it's organised by these people http://www.leedsvintagefashionfairs.com/

New Paris greetings cards at Hansel, Singapore. I love the display. Thanks Hansel x

2010-03-03T11:10:00.004Z

To see more from Hansel's beautiful shop please visit http://www.ilovehansel.com/
or to see what they're up to right now take a look at their blog http://thehanselblog.blogspot.com

The Paris Series

2010-01-13T22:42:00.010Z

Apples and Pears and Festive Fairs

2009-12-09T10:45:00.003Z

Here are a few images of the markets and fairs I've been doing during November and December including Holmfirth, Nottingham and Bradford! Not only can you see images of my work and stalls but also my great friend Sue Clay's beautiful felted bags, hats and scarves. You can find more information and see more of her work at http://www.feltconnection.co.uk

Christmas Cards

2009-11-13T17:59:00.001Z

Card Designs

2009-11-13T17:53:00.001Z

Trains and Flying Machines, November 2009

2009-11-12T14:05:00.007Z

New Work October 2009

2009-10-20T17:43:00.000+01:00

Greetings Card Designs

2009-10-20T17:40:00.001+01:00

Custard Factory Handmade Market, Birmingham

2009-10-20T17:35:00.000+01:00

Work - Summer 2009

2009-10-20T17:04:00.000+01:00

Holmfirth Art Market June 2009

2009-10-20T16:47:00.000+01:00

Blue Tit Thief - Pink

2009-10-20T16:17:00.000+01:00

Introduction

2009-10-20T14:46:00.000+01:00

Welcome to my blog!

I am a designer-maker based in Nottingham, originally hailing from Holmfirth in West Yorkshire I came to study Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University and apart from a few short escapades to New Zealand and back to Holmfirth, here I have stayed.

I make contemporary collages using a variety of materials, antique post-cards, maps and printed papers. Other interests in my life, particularly birds and the natural world influence the subject matter and the images that find their way into my work. I also create beautifully bold and colourful corsages with ribbons, buttons and beads.

I sell my work at art markets and through independent galleries and stores, please contact me directly by email if you have any questions or are interested in purchasing any of my work.

Here you will find images of my work, the markets I have taken part in and any info of future events and markets.

Thanks for looking, Kate.