Find A Maker Week - DAY 1 - This is me…

DAY 1 - This Is Me....

I’m Charlotte from @flowersforsusie. I studied Ceramic and Industrial Design at Central St Martins back in the early 90’s. Since graduating I’ve worked as a shape designer for over 25 years and more recently I’ve become a textile designer and lampshade maker with my brand @flowersforsusie.
The story of my brand is something very close to my heart so I’m always proud to share.
@flowersforsusie is my print based studio, creating bold printed textiles and handmade lampshades in my studio in Dorset. Originally established in 2014, Flowers for Susie started as a creative yearly charity project, raising money for the @ammf (a charity developing vital research into my mum’s rare cancer) in memory of my mum ‘SUSIE’. My first year I made handmade flower brooches and so my name was born - @flowersforsusie. It was through these fundraisers that I discovered lino print and textiles design and Flowers for Susie as you know it today was born. Mum is still at the heart of my brand and it is a privilege to be connected to her every single day as it grows and develops.

My work has a strong Mid Century aesthetic and I love to use motifs and simple silhouettes in playful repeats to create modern design statements for the home which evoke a warm sense of nostalgia. All my designs start life as a lino print, the prints are then digitally crafted to create the unique patterns and colour combinations with a mid-century modern aesthetic. Inspired by nature in the local wooded chine which surrounds my home as well as the urban landscape I grew up with, each motif has a story to tell.

Charity is still important to my brand, and this year I’m supporting @michaelsltd hostel for the homeless through some creative workshops. They help and support people in times of need through community, kindness and of course craft so a perfect fit for my brand.