For more information on Country Living Events for 2024, please contact Ellie Craig, Artisan Growth Manager at [email protected]
Paige Denham
Paige Denham is a print designer influenced by pattern, colour, and play. Paige designs and produces a bright array of homeware, stationery and gifts which include, the most colourful of cushions and the most cheerful of cards. As well as her product line, Paige also offers a mural panting service, painting directly onto the walls in your home.
We caught up with Paige to find out more about the business. Take a look below for our interview with her…
How did it all start?
I graduated from Loughborough University in 2019 where I studied printed textile design and fell in love with the traditional handprinted process of screen printing. After graduating I founded my own creative practice gaining support from both the Princes Trust and Cockpit Arts. Two years in and here I am doing my first Country Living Fair!
The story behind the name…
I wanted to create a brand that was transparent and celebrated the maker behind the prints. Therefore, I decided using my own name, Paige Denham, was the way to go. It is important to me that my customers know my story, the processes used to create, and for the brand to be personable.
Where are you based?
I am based in a collaborative studio with Cockpit Arts. I was fortunate enough to be awarded their ‘Make It! 2020’ award which has seen me being based in their Holborn studios for a year and a half now. I live in Thamesmead, south east London, and also do a lot of community arts work here.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by shape, colour and people. I am a big advocate for community and representing those who may not have the same platform as me. Enabling people to be creative regardless of skill or ability is my passion, I aim to show this through the colourful work I create and the places I inhabit as an artist.
My latest collection, that I will be bringing to the fair, is named the ‘Playtime Collection’. This is inspired by the theme of play in my hometown of Thamesmead. I love to use storytelling in my work, every shape signifies something, I am very proud of that.
What is your creation process?
All my work starts with a drawing or collage. I then scan it into the computer and play around with scale, colour, and composition. When I am happy with a design, I will apply it to either a cushion, card or adapt it for screen printing.
The murals I paint come about slightly differently as I will spend some time talking to the client, asking questions, and getting a real feel for what they want. I then begin the drawing and collage process before scanning it in and playing with composition.
What’s important to me is that everything I produce, albeit homeware, stationary or a large-scale mural, is hand rendered. I want everything to feel like it’s been made my me, by a person, an independent maker.
What makes you, your brand or products unique?
Everything I put out there is whole-heartedly me. I design prints that bring me joy in the hopes that they will make you feel the same. I am completely transparent when it comes to my creative practice and will often post on my social media channels ‘honesty posts’ about the ‘up’s and down’s’ of being a business of one.
The new ‘Playtime Cushions’ are a great example of that. They are brand new this year, measure 45X45cm and will sit cheerfully on your bed/sofa. I wanted the cushions to radiate fun as in my home I want to surround myself with things that make me happy. There are 6 new cushions in the Playtime collection, and they are each double sided. A pattern on each side means you are guaranteed twice the amount of joy in your home!
What is your next project?
To keep colouring in the world one cushion, mural and artwork at a time!
What are your plans for the next 12 months?
In the next 12 months I plan to start offering print workshops to help encourage everyone to explore colour and be creative.
What is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement so far has to be working with my local community to produce a 10-metre public mural in my hometown of Thamesmead. The print and patterns in this mural have now inspired my latest collection ‘Playtime’.
What is your best-selling product/line?
The celebration cards always get the most incredible feedback and, I love to hear who is going to be receiving the cards you buy, but I have to say the collage packs always sell out. The collage packs are made up of offcuts of my screen-printed papers, colourful card, quirky shapes, and stickers. They come with a full set of instructions on how to collage and there are lots of examples of the collages on my Instagram – @PaigeDenhamPrints. They make the most perfect gift, stocking filler or creative aid.
Will this be your first Country Living Fair?
This is my first time exhibiting with the Country Living Fair London, I will be on stand NB8 on one of the newcomer stands, come and say hi.
What do you love about Country Living Fairs?
I have been a visitor to Country Living Fairs many times and I love the atmosphere. I especially love that the fairs support new makers.
Your three top tips for crafters and makers…
- Do what you love and make everything with passion. There is no point in making something that you don’t absolutely adore and/or would spend your own money on purchasing.
- Identify your brand values early, they really help to shape every decision.
- Be brave, it’s scary to invest in yourself, but if you see a place for your product in the world make it happen.
Any advice for fledgling businesses…
Continue learning, collaborate and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Oh, and things always take a lot longer than you think they will!