For more information on Country Living Events for 2024, please contact Ellie Craig, Artisan Growth Manager at [email protected]
Art on Scarves
This year we are lucky enough to have North Wales-based scarf designers Art on Scarves joining us at our Christmas Fair in Harrogate. We recently caught up with them to find out more about this wonderful brand, their origins, inspirations and future projects.
Company Overview
Art on Scarves was set up by North Wales based artist, Lucy Hay to showcase her original drawings and designs, by handprinting them onto beautiful Cashmere Scarves.
How did it all start?
Completely by accident!! Lucy was printing cards from her drawings and selling them at local craft fairs. She moved onto having mugs printed and then wondered what her prints would look like on fabric. Using a charity shop white fleece scarf, Lucy printed her first set of Christmas Robins! They looked fantastic and Art on Scarves was born.
The story behind the name…
Lucy was originally known by the brand name An Unexpected Artist. Why? At School Lucy was told to give up art as she had no talent for it! 30 years later …. Lucy did a beginners drawing and painting course at the local college and found people actually wanted to buy her prints and cards. It was so unexpected that Lucy calls herself An Unexpected Artist!
After trading successfully for a few years, Lucy decided to bring other hugely talented artists’ designs into the Company, so rebranded to Art on Scarves. Today the Company handprints the designs of over 10 British Artists onto these elegant and luxurious fashion accessories.
Where are you based?
North Wales.
What inspires you?
What I see out of my window! Foxes, Hares, Sheep, Wildflowers, Robins and of course Dragons!
What is your creation process?
I see an animal or plant that sparks some kind of emotional reaction and which would spark the same in my customers. I start by sketching and then adding layers as I go. I’ve recently started drawing on an iPad which is really different but I’m enjoying not making so much mess!
What makes you, your brand or products unique?
All our scarves are handprinted in the UK. All the design work, painting and drawing is done by British Artists and is both beautiful and unique.
What is your next project?
We are now trying to source a scarf with a much higher content of Cashmere.
What are your plans for the next 12 months?
To conquer the world!
What is your biggest achievement?
Adopting my gorgeous son.
What is your best-selling product/line?
Definitely the Cashmere Blend Scarves. They are super soft, warm and cosy and add more than a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Your experience of your first Country Living Fair (year, exhibiting or visiting) / What are you looking forward to the most about exhibiting at the Christmas Fair?
This year I exhibited at RHS Malvern, RHS Tatton and Burghley Horse Trials all in the Country Living Marquee. Most looking forward to the atmosphere of a Festive Fair.
What do you love about Country Living Fairs?
The friendliness and camaraderie of the other traders, the support of the Country Living staff and the customers who know quality when they see it!
Your three top tips for crafters and makers…
It’s very challenging at the moment, so keep on going, adapt your products when you need to and most of all listen to your customers!
Any advice for fledgling businesses…
Be determined, be fierce and don’t let anyone take away your dreams!