Inspiration Station – DrawPaintPrint!

The focus on sites such as Coriandr is always heavily on the crafters, which is entirely understandable. Pretty things that also serve a purpose AND are handmade? Fabulous!

Well, how about handmade things which are just there to be pretty? I’m talking about all the artists and illustrators that create little works of art ready to brighten up your house. Whether they’re drawn, painted, printed or collaged, I think there needs to be more of it, so artists, this inspiration is for you!

Successful Online Sellers – Natasha Newton

Hi there Natasha! Tell us about yourself and how you got into art.

I’m a full-time artist and illustrator from Suffolk, England. I can’t really remember a time when I didn’t draw or paint. Even when I was very young I always seemed to be creating something. I remember the excitement of receiving colouring books and huge packs of felt-tip pens as presents – to me, these were the best presents ever! I also think I’ve always had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit. I remember making bookmarks and little gift tags and so on and trying to sell them to relatives. I also used to design and make a little newspaper called ‘Newton News’ – I’m sure there must still be a copy floating around somewhere, but it’s probably terribly embarrassing!

I think I was destined to be an artist. I really can’t imagine doing anything else, and nor would I want to.

› Continue reading

Coriandr in the press

We received a great bit of press coverage this month, in the form of an interview in the May issue of Let’s Knit! Congratulations to Zoewoods, and all the other sellers who had their items on the front page of the site when the picture was taken. Not to mention a big hooray for our blog editors, Digtheearth, Alibalijewellery and Tiny Pretty Things, who also featured!

Lets Knit article

If you fancy a look for yourself, the May issue of Let’s Knit is on sale now!

Inspiration strikes – Collage

With the recent scrapbooking trends, it is no suprise that collage is making a comeback. It straddles art and craft and gives really quite unique results if you take the time to seek out unusual materials. All you need is a good eye for colour, texture and composition -and some decent glue!

Here are some collaged beauties from deviantART to inspire and motivate you:

Discovering deviantART – Birds

Yes, yes, I am obsessed with birds. I can’t help it – I think Spring brings it on! However it seems I am not the only one – have a look at these beauties and long may the bird invasion continue!

Discovering deviantART – Springtime!

This is the second in a series of articles exploring the depths of inspiration there is to be found on deviantART! I don’t know about you all, but I am just about ready for Spring, so here’s some springtime craftiness to celebrate the count down to easter; enjoy!

Discovering deviantART – Valentines day

Hello all! I’m Molly, otherwise known as Tiny Pretty Things, and I’ll be blogging inspiration from far and wide! I can’t say when or how often, I’m like the inspiration ninja, striking when you least expect it. Remember I am writing these articles for you so let me know if there’s any way I can improve.

For the time being I shall be introducing you to the wonderful Artisan Crafts gallery on deviantART.com. I have been a member for a long time now, and I am always finding wonderful new artists I wish to share!

As today is Valentines (well, it was an hour ago) I thought I’d go with the topic of LOVE. So enjoy the eye candy!