I thought I would share with you some bits and bobs from 2013. It seems to have flown by and looking at some of my blog posts from the year I didn't realise how busy and how much I've actually done.
The year started with me doing some new drawings/designs and working on my studio. Reaching Easter I managed to have myself three retail jobs. Mad I know, working six days a week and managing Lauren Cherice Designs I gave up one of the jobs in August. Then to my delight I was asked to join the CCAD team in September and help out around their new print rooms for the Autumn term. It was so good being back.
In the News:
November brought me an exciting surprise! My very first feature in a magazine! Living North! This has certainly been a huge highlight for this year along with the fair itself.
I have also been in my local paper this year, you will have seen me post about taking part in the Priory 900 celebration and drawing my mouse for the children of Bridlington to name. It has been great being involved with my local community, especially as this is where I am now based.
Also this year my friend Lydia also started up her own business, we have both supported each other with our work and again the free press did a little feature on us :)
I have also been very lucky to have been featured on some lovely blogs :)
Fairs:
Another one of my biggest achievements for this year has been the Living North Fair at York. I had only done small fairs over the summer but thought I would take a risk to get Lauren Cherice Designs more well know and hope others like my designs. I thoroughly enjoyed the Living North Fair, it went as well as I hoped and I loved meeting other stall holders and discussing life, design and business. It was also great to meet people in Yorkshire who follow my work. I would again like to say a big thanks to everyone who popped along, and to the Living North team for a FAB event!
I have also done other fairs in Bridlington Old Town, Sewerby Hall, The Merchant Hall in York, Hornsea, NFU Mutual in York.
Like I said before I was also back at CCAD, it was great to be around such a busy and creative environment. If I could live in those print rooms I think I would, though they are quite spooky at Halloween. It was great to be back to use the facilities, I spent many of my evenings printing my new designs ready for my fairs. One product/design is my Robin Tea towels. I didn't expect these to be as popular as they were. It was a nice surprise. Mr Robin was a new design for 2013, and I think many took a shine to him :)
Stockists:
I am also delighted to welcome new stockists to the work of Lauren Cherice Designs, the first being the gorgeous The Old Grammar School Gallery in Otley. Dylan has even been by my side to check out the stockists too. (He thinks he's my boss).
My work can also be found up north at the Joe Cornish Gallery in Northallerton, where you can find a selection of my hand printed tote bags and little squirrel sewing kits. Also at Studio 61 Gallery at Leashaw Holloway in Derbyshire, here you can find a selection of greetings cards and cushions.
I also continue to have my work locally at Behind the Times and the Alex May Gallery in Bridlington.
This year I also opened my online Etsy Shop! I was a little nervous but pleased I have had a few sales. It is still open and more items are due to be added very soon.
2013 also brought me one of my proudest moments... meeting Prince Charles and Camilla. The Prince and Duchess visited Bridlington in the Summer to celebrate the town's Priory Church turning 900. As I had been involved with the celebration I was over the moon to be asked to the service! It is one afternoon I will never forget!
Finally, although I am sure I have probably forgotten something... Brid Bay Knitters turned 1! This is very exciting, and not long in April 2014 we will be turning 2! I have been naughty and neglected my knitting for printing whilst doing my fairs but I am excited to get back to it in the new year!
I hope you all have a fab new year and 2014 brings you as much happiness, memories and love as 2013.
Thank you to everyone for their on going support with me and my work. It means a lot to me.
Lots of Love, Lauren :)
