Professional Practice Day- The Harley Gallery

I visited The Harley Gallery for an open day to meet some local artists; I regularly go here for coffee but the opportunity to see the artists' at work was a bonus!

I first visited Louise Presley, owner of Hope and Elvis and her beautiful little studio. Her work involves vintage fabrics she finds and reworks among with hidden messages to create personal and bespoke garments- all of which have a lovely sense of sentimental value.

I found this little house absolutely adorable! It definitely inspired me to have a go myself. The studio had a very homely feel to it with doodles pinned to the walls and bits and bobs Louise had collected over time.

She gave a lot of great advice that I found myself furiously scribbling down in my journal, along with seeming genuinely lovely to talk to!

Check out her blog here! http://www.hopeandelvis.com/blog/

The next artist I visited was Ashley Thomas, a surface pattern designer. When I first walked into her studio, I was welcomed with warm summer colours and organic patterns which instantly made me forget about the pouring rain outside!

Wildlife, fabrics and flowers are her main inspirations, and this shows in her beautifully illustrated cards and notepads that are displayed in her studio.

My favourite piece of advice she gave was "Do what you enjoy, find your own path and have fun!"

Follow Ashley's blog here! http://ashleythomasdesign.blogspot.co.uk/

There were many other artists I visited and chatted to which I found very useful and would recommend these open days for anyone who has an interest in art and design/ crafts.

 :)