If you're looking to add a touch of pretty to your home, look no further...Christina Marie is the one woman band behind these beautiful home accessories and artworks. From personalised illustrations, to pressed flowers and delicate wreaths, we got in touch to find out more about Christina's creative journey and her hopes and plans for her small business.
Christina with her daughter
Tell us a little bit about your creative journey and launching your own business?
I was making and creating from as young as I can remember, Art was always my favourite subject throughout school. After studying a degree in Fine Art, I completed a PGCE in Art and Design and I have been teaching Art for 11 years now. When I went on maternity leave and my daughter arrived, it gave me the push I needed to start doing something else that I also love and that’s when I started doing this, alongside teaching.
You create beautiful illustrations and interior accessories, where do you find inspiration?
Thank you, that’s really kind. I would say my biggest inspiration is definitely nature. I absolutely love flowers, trees, the countryside and the coast… all the colours, textures and patterns.
Christina's workspace and some of her interior accessories
How important is sustainability and the environment to your business?
Very important, I am really keen to try to be as environmentally friendly as possible, I frequently use recycled or repurposed materials and make sure I consider things like packaging, for example always using bio-degradable cellophane sleeves for cards and illustrations. I think there is always more that we can do though, and it is definitely something I continue to focus on.
Do you have a best seller or a favourite product to make?
My top five best sellers are my pom pom stems, copper and blush hoop wall hangings, wooden bead hoops, pressed flower initials and my wedding venue illustrations, and I love making them all. The venue illustrations are particularly lovely though as its something so personal to the individuals and hopefully something that they can treasure.
Do you have any future plans or ideas for new collections?
I have a few new pieces launching in a couple of weeks time, including some more botanical dyed fabric pieces and some new dried flower pieces too, then it will be on to prepping for Christmas!!
What small businesses or brands are you loving at the moment?
Gosh there really are so many I’d love to mention, but to narrow down to just ten; for absolutely stunning photography Katie Drouet Photography. For beautiful children's clothing and accessories Rose And Guy, Small But Mighty Clothing, Rhubarb The Bird and amazing one off unique makes from Little Pip England. For gorgeous prints It Was A Rabbit Illustration and Wellies And Tutu Illustration Co. And for some lovely embroidery and word art Oh Sew Cute, Annie Honey Stitches, May And Larkspar and The Quinns Letters.
Studio soundtrack…
The last couple of weeks I have mainly been listening to Tim Halperin, Colbie Caillat, Eric Clapton and my Grandmothers absolute favourite Nat King Cole. I also tend to find not a day goes past without me asking Alexa to pop some Take That on too!
Find a collection of Christina's work at our Summer pop up shop at Helmingham Hall. You can also follow her creations on Instagram @christinamarie_art
//all images courtesy of Christina Marie @christinamarie_art//