Textures

Over the last few weeks I have been using my spare time to explore some different patterns and textures that I have wanted to experiment with for a while, but not had the time.

First up. Weird but really fun AND pretty.
Bubble blowing.

I've really wanted to do some marbling for quite a while, but as there's so much marbled pattern everywhere at the moment, I decided to try something different.

My thinking was that they would make great fabric backgrounds, however the paint that I was using doesn't leave much of a mark on the fabric (unless it soaks in and becomes a mess), so I'm not sure what they will be used for yet, but I love the nebula type patterns that are created once you start layering up the colours. I'd love to add a gold layer, and also try some collage with them too, so perhaps that's next.

If you want to do this then you don't need any specialist equipment!
You just need to lay out some paper to protect your table, then;

• a small quite short jam jar
• a few straws
• some paint (could be acrylic, poster, water colour)
• a jug of water
• washing up liquid 
• paper to work on

All you need to do is put a small amount of paint into the jar, (depending how dark you want the colour), add enough water to fill about a third of the jar, and add a few drops of washing up liquid. Pop a straw in the jar, and place on top of your paper.
Then all you need to do is gently blow! There's a bit of trial and error to get the right shapes and patterns. You may want to make the colour stronger, or even add more water.

You need to let the paper dry before each layer otherwise they will blend together.

Have fun with this. It's messy and made me feel like I was at playgroup, but getting the right colours and the right sized bubbles makes a really good result!

DO-IT-YOURSELF!

Soon on the blog we are going to start doing some D-I-Y posts, to give you some ideas of small things that you can do yourself to add small (or big!) personal touches to your bedroom, your studio, your whole house!

We will also be announcing some workshops too, including dying pattern techniques, pompom making and paper decoration making.

If you'd like to receive emails with details about these workshops before anyone else, then please sign up to our mailing list here.

Lulu Hankin - StudioUp

Our next maker that we want to tell you about is Lulu Hankin, designer and maker creating work under the name StudioUp. Lulu's work combines beautiful traditional textile manipulation, alongside more unconventional components such as copper piping. We wanted to know what is behind her contrasting use of materials.

  
What is the overriding theme or drive behind your work?
To combine these three aspects:
Geometric

Minimal
Texture

What draws you to work with interiors and furniture?
Being able to physically create something that when placed in a space can completely alter it.

What are you favourite materials to work with and why?
I’ve become really fond of copper pipe recently, the way it changes colour the more you handle it, aging quickly in front of you. The simplicity of only having a few types of fittings to work with which the dictate the shapes you can produce and design.

What materials or processes are you interested in exploring next?
I really want to start expanding into weaving & macramé so I can utilize more textures in my pieces. 

What is the best part of being immersed in a community of artists and makers?
Pushing me forward.

Who are some of your favourite artists and makers?
François Morellet is always at the top of my list, after seeing his reinstallations exhibit at the Centre Pompidou in 2011, I completely fell in love with his light instillations, geometric forms, the simplistic patterns and grids he creates and mainly the use of constraints & rules that he sets himself. Morellet’s work is probably the main influence for my own designs and work structure.
Also my pals over at London Cloth Company are a constant inspiration, they seem to be relentlessly creating & expanding, having spent some time with them last year I realized the magnitude of what they are doing & how important it is. They are basically rescuing & protecting textile history. Try and beat that!



You can see more of Lulu's work on our website.
StudioUp is based at Islington Mill in Salford.