Life is full of changes, sometimes bringing a similar experience that requires a new outlook!

After closing my online business TuTu-Topia, a decision that was also brought on by the loss of my father, I found myself in a situation where both my parents had passed away and a realisation that not only brings sadness, but a need to live life to the full. I wanted to make some changes, to connect more with the local area and people around me. I decided that I wanted to move away from selling online and I began to sell The Topian Den designs locally. Two years previous in 2012 we had moved from Lincolnshire to Pembrokeshire in South West Wales, I have always been drawn to the coast.

Preseli mountains, Pembrokeshire, Wales

I started by regularly doing local craft fairs in Narberth at The Queens Hall with

Pig Street Craft Collective. It was wonderful to connect with other likeminded people and to meet the customers who purchased from me. This evolved into selling in a shop in Cardigan called the Crafters Cwtch where local artisans and crafters rented a space to sell their products. To travel to Cardigan from where we lived, we drove through the Preseli mountains which was always breathtaking. On one of those journeys we had to stop to let wild horses cross the road, and there were so many sheep. I just loved the way in which these animals were part of the landscape and had the freedom to roam in the mountains. There was one occasion where a sheep couldn’t make it’s mind up if it wanted to cross the road or not, which for future journeys made me more alert to the sudden choices that they might make!

During this time I kept hearing wonderful reviews from people who had visited The George’s in Haverfordwest. It is a quirky cafe bar and restaurant with a retail area. They trade ethically, so I thought that this could be a fitting place to sell my designs and it was a great success. If you are ever in this area pop in, the food is wonderful.

Whilst selling locally I continued to update my Facebook page and shared regularly new designs. I would occasionally sell items that I’d made to customers online, if they didn’t live locally. I was often being asked where my designs could be bought and started to feel that maybe I didn’t want to restrict who could purchase from me!! For a time selling locally offered me simplicity in my life, however sadly this proved not to be as profitable as I’d hoped and I realised that maybe it was time to sell online again, knowing that people wanted to purchase from me in this way. I didn’t at this point want to create another website, but I was familiar with selling on Etsy, finding this to be a great platform to sell online. I was confident that this was the right choice, so in 2014 I opened my Etsy Shop. I did eventually stop doing craft fairs and selling in the Crafters Cwtch, however my clothing and accessories can still be purchased in The George’s.

In 2016 we moved to Laugharne. Anyone who has heard of the poet Dylan Thomas will have probably heard of this Township in Wales, we get lots of visitors and holiday makers here. Soon after moving I began selling my designs at The Parrot in Carmarthen and then in our local delicatessen called The Ferryman. I continue to think of new ways in which I can reach more people and my intention is to continually evolve… bringing me now to the present day in sharing my creative journey with you!!

Laugharne Castle

So what inspired me to create my designs in the way that I do?

If you have read my previous blog The birth of TuTu-Topia…!! (my first online business) I talked of why I started making clothes to sell…

I feel that what we wear is an outward expression of our inner selves. As I got older I used to ask myself why adult clothing couldn't be as playful as children’s.

I wanted to create these designs so that we can all express our fun and quirky personalities no matter what age we are.

When we feel free and playful, life always feels pleasing. To live without the fear of what people think and to express ourselves in a way which brings us happiness. Through my creation of art, I hope, I might bring a smile to others.

One of the key features of my designs is the appliqué art, I create this using the left over pieces of fabric from my clothing creations, so nothing goes to waste! I didn’t just decide one day that this was the direction I was choosing, it just sort of happened!! I started with an owl on a dress and I found so much enjoyment in creating whimsical and childlike characters on my clothing. It has progressed over time and now I find that it is the favourite part in the process of all my creations, especially giving the quirky characters facial expressions and sometimes creating stories in textile art.

I am very much inspired by beautiful landscapes and nature. I love folk art and folklore and just love anything that makes me smile, it reminds me of how much I enjoyed as a child, living in a world of magic and fantasy, where it didn’t matter if it was true of not, it just mattered that it made you feel happy!! I adore colours and with the limitless choices and endless combinations, each colour when put together sets the theme for everything that I make. Quite unintentionally, I have just noticed that the photo’s I’ve added above of my designs, all have cats on them!!

As I am creating with preloved recycled clothing, I feel that it is very relevant to mention the importance of keeping unwanted textiles out of landfill, everything can be reused and created into something new and beautiful. I especially love working with cashmere, wool, denim jeans, corduroy and vintage wool skirts.

It is essential to me that longevity is implemented into each design, ensuring that they are made to last. When I purchase things that I love, I think of them as my forever items and the quality is of great importance to me!! Many of the clothes that I make, are designed with the idea that they can be thrown on and look effortlessly great, to be comfortable and easy to wear. I find my bags especially fun to make… right down to making purses, arm warmers and even hair scrunchies, where I can use up all my tiny pieces left over from other creations.

To view more of my designs... click on the photo!

I believe that when we create with love, we bring joy into the world… and I like the thought, as I share with you what I love, I may bring a little happiness and fun into your day…

My husband has recently started filming me sewing, giving you a little insight into how

I work, more videos can be seen on my YouTube channel.