Artist Feature~Cupcakes for Clara~Interview and giveaway



Clara


We are so excited here at Midnight Reads to have Laura with us to answer some questions we have about her and Clara.
Thank for joining us today Laura, let's get started!

1) We know Cupcakes for Clara started 4 years ago but how long have you been working as an artist/crafter?

I started crafting properly the day after I drew those first doodles of Clara. I wanted to make a doll of her, and so I got stitching. Before then I have worked as a puppet maker in animation for many years, which I love, but never really on my own projects. Although when I was little, as my mum loves to remind me, I was constantly making things. Blue Peter style of course!

2) Have you undertaken any form of training or study?

I studied art at school, and did an animation degree at university. Getting to grips with the intricacies of animation really taught me to be patient with my work, and developed my love of working with tiny fiddly things. I have certainly learnt a lot of crafty skills working as a puppet maker.

3) Does anything influcence your work?

I’m influenced by so many things! My children, other crafters work, a particular piece of fabric, a combination of colours. Anything! Most of the time ideas spark after Tom and I have a brainstorming session – we seem to bring out each other’s creativity.



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4) What is a typical working day for you?

I’m still on maternity leave at the moment, so I squeeze in work whenever I can. Usually after the little ones have gone to bed in the evening I’ll get a couple of hours to draw or sew.

5) Do you have a favourite artist/crafter?

I adore Sarah Jane Studios. Her illustrations are just beautiful - she is so very talented. I was lucky enough to receive two of her prints as a gift last year, and I still haven’t found anywhere quite special enough to hang them.

And I have always found Lauren Child’s work outstanding and extremely inspiring. I just love it!

6) If you had to do another job for the day what would it be?

I’m not sure that I could choose a more awesome job than being a puppet maker by day and crafter by night! But if I had to go down a completely different path, I’d probably like to work in a special care baby unit looking after the tiny preemie babies. After having our own baby 10 weeks early last year, I am just amazed at the work those nurses do. That job would be a real honor.

7) Can you share what you are working on with us at the moment?

I have been furiously scribbling away at storyboards for a Clara & Macy picture book for the last few months. I would love to see Miss Bossy Pants Clara published! I nervously sent the storyboards off last week to an interested publisher so I’m currently keeping everything crossed. I’d also like to start re-stocking my little shop over the summer too, so I’m working on designs for that – prints, make your own kits, and possibly Clara dolls.

Thank you very much for stopping by to answer our questions.

I loved answering your interview questions! Thank you so much!

And now for the giveaway :)

Laura has sent us not one but two of her handmade purses which are so beautiful, I wish I could keep them both!! Would it be so wrong if I entre the giveaway myself?

For your chance to win one of Laura's handmade pieces just leave a comment.

Winners will be chosen at random.

The first winner can choose which purse they would like.

You DO NOT have to follow this blog to enter.

It IS International.

Giveaway will end on 30th June

Only 1 comment here will be counted as your entery.