I am super excited to bring you my next Makers Profile interview. The uber talented and super whizz that is Eloise Renouf. Designer of mid-century inspired prints, fabrics and accessories. Her work is so inspiring. I caught up with her recently to ask her a few questions...
Please can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about what you do?
I'm Eloise Renouf. I'm a freelance designer and illustrator. I work on commission projects, and also sell my own range of prints and fabric accessories online. I teach part-time at Nottingham Trent University, and am a Mum to three little boys.
Apart from your work what else do you like doing?
I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors - the opposite of what most of my work life entails. I like country walks, browsing car boot sales and flea markets, nosing around old book shops, visiting art galleries, reading (when I get the chance) and dinner with friends.
What is your favourite item in your shop and why?
At the moment it is my new cushion - probably the grey or mustard colour way. I'm pleased with the design and the fabric quality, and it represents the direction in which I'd like to move my business forward.
Where does your inspiration come from?
From textures and patterns I see around me, vintage books, paintings, mid century interiors, architecture, ceramics. I like the idea of taking inspiration from a three-dimensional object, and re-interpreting it in two-dimensional form.
Describe your studio/workspace?
Unsatisfactory! I work from home due to my family situation and divide my work space between the office, where I have my Mac, and the dining room table! It's far from ideal in terms of space, and being able to leave work out. But I enjoy being at home to be around the boys, and I can multi-task with some of the household chores! We're moving soon, so I 'm hoping that a large designated room will be the new reality.
What is a typical work day for you?
My work days vary widely depending on what is on the agenda. Quite often I'm juggling work with caring for our youngest son who is just fifteen months. On those days I snatch time when he has a nap, or take him with me to shop for art or sewing supplies. And I then work for several hours in the evening. On other days my Partner has our little one, and I can knuckle down for a whole day. Those days are a mix of packing and shipping orders, designing, researching, painting, emailing and sorting! I usually break around the time my big boys are back from school, and then start again after their bed time. I've become quite a night owl.
Please tell us about your current loves...
* Photography - Instagram. It's quite addictive. It's a nice little break from work, and I like the feeling of contact with the outside world, even if you don't leave the house. There's also such a diverse range of images at your fingertips - much to delight and inspire.
* Illustration/Graphic Design - Book illustration, poster art and printmaking from the Fifties and Sixties. Robert Tavener is a current favourite.
* Home/interiors - I love browsing all the images of mid-century houses on Pinterest, and dreaming of owning one one day. Friends of ours have recently bought a fabulous example, and it's a joy to spend time there. They own and run a business selling 20th Century furniture, so the decor is perfect too.
* Blogs - I find it hard to find the time to follow blogs on a regular basis, so only occasionally dip in and out of them. I've had some lovely mentions on blogs recently and greatly appreciate these - Lisa Congdon wrote a wonderful piece about my new book "Twenty Ways To Draw A Tree" on her blog, as did Bowie of Print and Pattern. It's lovely to be here too!
* Books - I find myself looking at picture books a lot of the time, but have been enjoying the new book about The Edinburgh Weavers by Lesley Jackson. For reading pleasure, David Lodge makes me laugh out loud with his witty observations and brilliant delivery.
* Magazines - Elle Decoration, Frankie and Uppercase top my list.
* Eats - I'm mostly vegetarian, but do eat fish. At this time of year I get excited about making homemade soups - Butternut Squash Bisque was our latest triumph. I'm also always looking for new pasta recipes that are quick and easy and suit the whole family.
* Drinks - I'm a "builder's tea" drinker during the day, and a white wine drinker in the evening . . . though with the nights drawing in it will veer towards red.
* Music - My musical tastes are pretty eclectic and depend on my mood, but my favourite album at the moment is Ray Lamontagne's "God Willing And The Creek Don't Rise". Melodic, soulful, intelligent, and the guy has a voice to die for (in my opinion!).
What do you love most about what you do?
I love being creative, and getting paid to do what I love! I enjoy the freedom of being my own boss. I love the fact that I can do the school run and spend time with my boys because I work from home. I love the variety - each day is different.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
It has to be the little models made by my boys that come home from school - I have two little hedgehogs made from clay with sticks for spines that sit on a shelf in our lounge. They make me smile every time I look at them.
If you were stranded in the wilds what item would you want with you to survive?
A warm blanket. I hate feeling cold!
Where would you like to be in ten years?
In a similar situation to now - healthy and happy with all my family around me; but perhaps with a little more space, more opportunities to travel, and a business that has grown enough to fund it!
Where can we buy your work?
You can buy my wares from my Etsy shop, www.eloiserenouf.etsy.com. I'll also be making appearances at Christmas Craft Fairs in and around Nottingham in November and December. Come and say hello if you can!
Just look at all that scrummy fabric! I am thinking of buying some and making some cushions for my sofa. The problem is what too choose! Argh... dilemma indeed, such beauties.
Eloise has kindly donated one Littlegreenshed reader a chance to win any A4 print and pouch from Eloise's Etsy shop - you choose! (you might have a real problem there, because I certainly can't choose!).
Winner will be announced on Wednesday 16th October - good luck!
Just look at all that scrummy fabric! I am thinking of buying some and making some cushions for my sofa. The problem is what too choose! Argh... dilemma indeed, such beauties.
Eloise has kindly donated one Littlegreenshed reader a chance to win any A4 print and pouch from Eloise's Etsy shop - you choose! (you might have a real problem there, because I certainly can't choose!).
Winner will be announced on Wednesday 16th October - good luck!
If you would like to be featured on Makers Profile,
please drop me an email and I can send my media pack.
loulittlegreenshed@gmail.com