Craft Focus - Aug/Sep (Issue 68)

I am also inspired by nature, and ideas often pop into my head when I’m out walking in the local countryside. Eckley Tales was developed in this manner and is based on a sweet little wood mouse named Woody, who lived at the bottom of our garden for a while. He claimed a nest box that my husband had built from a hollow log. How does the design process work? The initial idea is the hardest part. I am always collecting images, usually photographs that I have taken when something has caught my eye. I use these when building a mock-up, which is put together in Photoshop, layer upon layer. I then print the image and add details which I draw on to improve the overall look. Once I’m happy with it I will import the image behind a grid using specialised software such as Stitchcraft. This allows me to be more accurate with my depiction of the subject matter. The grid is set to the design size and also represents the aida count so I know how big the stitching will be. I then select thread colours for the final design. For cross stitch kits, the process continues further as I have to design the packaging, and put together a readable and accurate chart and instructions. There is also a marketing campaign to publicise each launch. Where can retailers get to see your kits? The Eckley Tales collection can be purchased directly from Amanda J Butler Designs. The kits are put together by a professional team who have years of experience within the field. I am available for commissions, and some of my work can be viewed through my Etsy store. I can also be contacted for a more detailed portfolio. What’s your take on the British craft industry – is it a good sector to work in? Over the years I have found the craft community to be a very supportive network of like-minded people who enjoy sharing knowledge through social media. I love working in this sector, and I have personally witnessed the industry go through some very successful years, but also some turbulent ones, with a number of closures over that time. I do find that cross stitch does tend to bounce back, with many diverse uses such as detailing on jeans, towels with aida bands or even as a form of installation art. There is definitely scope for those with imagination to take it to new and exciting levels. What’s coming up next for you? My next venture will be to create a textile- based collection for baby and toddler bedrooms. I am also learning to build my own website, which I am taking one step at a time. Amanda J Butler Designs amanda-butler8@ntlworld.com +44 (0)7486 449 305 etsy.com/uk/shop/AmandaJButlerDesigns craft focus 65 designer profile