Lisa Olson is the chief felt designer at her own craft felt store, Tigerlily Makes!, working from her studio in the midlands. Lisa fell in love with creative arts back in school, where she studied needlework and textile art. She soon started to create wonderful things with ribbons, fabric, threat and leftover bits and bobs. Lisa has also had her work showcased on TV, has won a number of awards and has been Voted Best of British. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Lisa Olson.
Image Credit: 1) Anthropologie 2) Avoca 3) Twig UK 4) John Lewis 5) Vanessa Arbuthnott
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I would describe my unique style as being inspired by Dickensian and fantasy fairy tales of bygone era. These periods in time, are instrumental in inspiring my unique approach to wool felt and wool textiles.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
An idea springs to mind, usually from a specific colour that catches my eye or from a period novel I am reading or watching. It can be an unusual tea cup or the drape of a fabric. I then reach for my sketch pad and start sketching a draft.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I have had the privilege of working with Debbie Shore a presenter on Create & Craft TV. Debbie inspires me, because she isn’t afraid to try something new. Having previously been a children’s TV presenter, she fell in love with creative textiles and made the transition from children’s presenter, to a successful and published textile designer who is well respected within in the industry.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
There is really no one thing that inspires me the most, though the Dickensian and fantasy fairy-tale eras seem to kick start my creative process. I think this is because of the level of detail in the clothes or social etiquette, traditional process, but I am inspired by so many things.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I would say sheer hard work, determination and above all else a passion for creative past times is essential. Don’t’ be afraid to try something and fail, then try again. It takes time to develop your skill set and your style, so patience is always a key factor. No man is an island as they say and industry organisations offer good advice and tools to help you progress yourself.
