Guest crafter - textile artist

Textile artist Samantha Schofield

For a change, today I’l like to introduce you to one of my Twitter friends, Samantha Schofield, a textile artist from Derby.

As my regulars know, I am way out of my comfort zone with anything to do with fabric and especially *shudder * sewing… so it’s great that Samantha is offering classes in this area.

Samantha very kindly reviewed our beloved Santa’s List stamp set on her blog recently so I asked her  what inspired her crafting. Like many of us, she started crafting as a child.

“I learnt skills from my family here in Derbyshire; my grandmothers knitted and stitched, my mother sewed (and still does) and my father was a watercolour and pen and ink artist.”

But it was sewing which became her passion and she went on to study a BA in Textile Design, specialising in print design.

“I love repeating patterns on fabric and paper. It's my weakness,” she says.  “I like to look back at old-fashioned crafts and make them current and practical for the here and now. Vintage books and magazines are my main reference points.”

Samantha holds classes in Borrowash, focusing on her passion for textiles. She says: “Seasonal wreaths, textile keepsakes, brooches, corsages; using fabrics, threads and buttons... and lots of fun! I take on special requests too, a hen party have just asked for French knickers! All my classes are half day so you leave with lots of ideas.

“I enjoying being able to create something handmade and bespoke. In my workshops, you bring your own creativity and learn new skills and techniques while making, with the added bonus of lots of tea and cake! I enjoy sharing my knowledge, it's great to get together and get social and share some of my crafty secrets!”

Samantha runs Crafternoon Teas (wish I’d thought of that title!) at Marmalade and Tea, Borrowash:

Sew a Christmas Keepsake

This Sunday, 8^th December, 2pm-5pm (only two places left)

Handstitch and embellish it with embroidery, ribbons and buttons. Add a vintage hand-typed message to your creation.

Create a bespoke springtime floral brooch

Sunday, 19^th January, 2pm-5pm

Using vintage fabrics, buttons and your own creativity! Choose fabrics from the stash to make yours truly unique.

Rose Textile Corsage

Sunday, 9^th February, 2pm-5pm

Make a beautiful fabric rose for yourself or to give as a gift. Using pinks, creams and reds to create a real keepsake, all finished with a vintage button.

Each Crafternoon Tea comes with a pot of tea, hand baked scone, jam and freshly whipped cream plus a crafty goodie bag.

£20 per head. To book contact hello@marmaladeeandtea.co.uk or call 01332 672862.