I've always loved making things and have always sewn, and when my daughter was little, I'd often make curtains and Roman blinds for our home because I couldn't find the look I wanted for the price I could afford. All too often we love the look and feel of a certain interior style but when we calculate the cost of making it a reality it is very often beyond our means.

So, some years ago, I went on a soft furnishings course and 4 years later I'd got myself a City and Guilds in Soft Furnishing Design and a whole heap of new skills!! The course concentrates on teaching traditional, professional trade techniques in all areas of soft furnishings (Hey I can make you a balloon lined, stretched Empire lampshade if you so desire!!!) as well as design theory and practice. I came to appreciate that it’s the little things that finish a room; the unique cushion or the custom made lampshade that coordinates with my Roman blinds, the tie backs that pick out the colours in my curtains. The whole process intensified my love for interiors, for designer fabrics and for producing something special that I'm proud of. Now my daughter Vicky has grown up, she too has this passion for sewing and now works alongside me in our cosy, purpose built Essex workroom (at the end of my garden). Over the last 12+ years, we've worked predominantly with Laura Ashley and Voyage fabrics, producing made to measure blinds and curtains, cushions, tiebacks, custom made lampshades, upholstered pelmets for Laura Ashley referred customers, repeat customers and through online marketplaces.

Then a couple years ago I took a slight change of direction, shifting to lampshades as our primary focus. What I absolutely adore about lampshades and cushions is that it's possible to instantly transform your room, adding colour, focus, interest, warmth, the list can go on and on. And all of this doesn't have to break the bank! Keep your colour palette simple and neutral, and you can have fun with the smaller bits of decor. The only issue is, you don't find exciting lampshades in too many shops (look no further, they're here!!)

My other great love is the countryside. I live in a very unexciting town, just outside London, which is far removed from the idyllic rolling hills, quaint English farmhouse and roses round the door that is my ideal home, but the country, and the coast (being Dorset born and bred) is in my heart, and that's the big influence in how I style my home. So nature is a major influence in the fabrics I choose, you'll see that instantly as you browse through the shop!! I'm drawn to Voyage Maison's beautiful watercolour designs, Susie Watson and Peony and Sage's French floral linens and Sarah Hardaker's clever use of colour and pattern.

The only other thing I'd say about me is that I care deeply about my customers being happy and feeling comfortable, I believe that we should treat others as we'd like to be treated (and I like a little spoiling ;) ), so feel free to look around and drop me a line if there's something you'd like to know.

Liz xx