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Helen, lampshade designer and founder of Moorish Idol found lampshade-making through fabric printing which she began two years’ ago. Having printed the fabric she then needed something to do with it.
Enter lampshades!
Before starting Moorish Idol, I had a variety of self-employed jobs – jewellery making, transcribing, decorating – and of course I am mum to two boys who keep me very busy! I’ve also been lucky enough to undertake two overland expeditions through North Africa and the Middle East, but that is a whole other story!
I have also started using embroidery in my work, which is proving to be very popular. I have new designs in the pipeline which I have been working on over the winter. I would say that the embroidery is my favourite part of the creative process – I taught myself when I was a child and I have always loved creating pictures with thread. What challenges me the most is knowing when to stop – it can be very easy to work on into the night just to get that last thing made….!
1. Just do it!
2. Don’t fear failure
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice
I have been helped along the way by talking to other creative business owners and hearing about their successes and struggles – it reminds me that we are all working long hours and juggling so many things! I was recommended Needcraft for lampshade kits and supplies by a friend who runs lampshade making workshops. Needcraft staff have always been incredibly helpful, the products are shipped promptly and are of a high standard and competitively priced.
My three warnings would be:
1. Remember to stop – there is always tomorrow!
2. Don’t risk everything
3. Don’t worry if you don’t have success first time round.
I mainly print on linen, but occasionally will use cotton. I print using patterned rollers and Annie Sloan paint, but am currently looking at mixing my own paint. I love being creative and am passionate about what I do – it is amazing to be able to make a living doing something that brings me such huge enjoyment and satisfaction, and to be able to do so from home which enables me to spend time with my children. I hope that I inspire them to run their own businesses in the future!
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