Exploring Etsy – Emma Hall Art

Exploring Etsy with loadofolbobbins!

As the temperamental summer weather makes it’s way to UK shores I’m sure many of you may be on the hunt for your latest craft project. Ongoing projects are even more enjoyable when you can sit outside and catch some of that glorious summer sun, (providing you have smothered yourself in the all important SPF 50), maybe with a lovely fruity umbrella drink and someone fanning you with palm fronds to keep you cool….ahh we can but dream! Today’s featured maker Emma Hall has created a huge collection of wonderful characters drawn straight from the animal kingdom, her shop ‘Emma Hall Art’ is full of fabulous sewing patterns you can turn your hand to.

Fox by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture)
Fox by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture PDF Pattern)
Brown Hare by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture)
Brown Hare by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture PDF Pattern)

Graduating from art college, Belfast in 2001 with a degree in graphic design, Emma worked for 10 years as a graphic designer. It wasn’t until she started a part-time textiles class, to learn how to make curtains that her love for textiles started – being introduced to needle felting, soft sculpture and embroidery, she never did get around to making those curtains! Soon after this she began to sell her work online and was able to make a small living while being mum to her two little girls.

Airedale Terrier by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture)
Airedale Terrier by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture PDF Pattern)
Wire Fox Terrier by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture)
Wire Fox Terrier by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture PDF Pattern)

What is your earliest stitching memory?

When I was a child I used to watch my older sister sewing. She could make anything! When I looked at her patterns sitting on the table I just thought that they were way too complicated for me to be able to master, so I don’t think I ever tried. It wasn’t until about 4 years ago that I decided to learn to sew. I ordered a ‘beginners’ teddy bear making kit and was totally daunted by the brief instructions. After consulting many books I finally worked out how to make the bear, and haven’t looked back! When I am writing up the instructions for my patterns I always keep this in mind and take loads of photos of each stage to help explain the process.

Reindeer by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture)
Reindeer by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture PDF Pattern)
English Bull Terrier by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture)
English Bull Terrier by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture PDF Pattern)

What fires your imagination?

I think not having discovered textiles as a medium for creating my artwork until I was in my 30s means that I’m still enjoying experimenting. Sometimes I get a spark of inspiration from the texture or colour of a fabric, or how ink reacts on certain materials, there are endless possibilities and I still find that very exciting.

Wire Fox Terrier Puppy by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture)
Wire Fox Terrier Puppy by Emma Hall Art (Soft Sculpture PDF Pattern)

I defy anyone not to fall in love with Emma’s work, there are even more wonderful creatures in her shop that will undoubtedly steal your heart and make you grin, so do head on over! It would be wonderful to see any works in progress or finished pieces if you decide to treat yourself to one of her lovely patterns. I can be found on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook so do share pics if you do!

—–

Jessica Taylor aka Loadofolbobbins is a Textile Artist and Illustrator based by the sea in Portsmouth. At her happiest with a needle and thread, with a passion for genealogy she often explores old photographs in her Textile art. With her fingers in many creative pies she loves to experiment with new techniques, creating illustrated and stitched goodies for her new Etsy shop.

Share The Love

Want More of the good stuff?