Kate Broughton brings us crafts and cocktails

A cosy corner full of handmade accessories and stationery is brought to us from Kate Broughton. With themes of nature and the countryside, we can almost smell the freshly cut grass just by looking at these charming items. 

Cute, quirky and environmentally friendly, this lovely label is both modest and contemporary. Kate manages to bring her own style to everyday necessities. Including these adorable bird nail transfers, which we have fallen in love with.

The Upcoming also loves her teapots card design, with a complimentary tea bag inside. Each piece is handcrafted, designed and illustrated by Kate herself, we caught up with her to talk about her endless list of endearing creations.

So, how did you begin the adventure of creating your own label?

When I graduated from university in 2004, I wasn’t sure what to do next. I couldn’t afford to do unpaid internships to get experience in the design industry, so I got a job in a local bookshop. I started making felt bird and animal brooches and opened an online shop and gradually increased my product range. I cut down my hours at my day job as my sales increased, and in March this year I took the plunge and went full-time. I love being my own boss!

Wildlife and nature appear a lot in your designs. Would you say these are your main inspirations?

Definitely. I grew up next to the river in a town called Otley in West Yorkshire where I did a lot of walking in woods, paddling in rivers, and bird-watching. This is where my love of wildlife began and since, it seems to have been a prevailing influence on my work. I also love to collect mid-century furniture and pottery. I have a vintage cocktail bar, so some of my latest designs are based on cocktails.

 

You use recycled and natural materials to create your pieces. How important is this to you?

It’s very important to me to try and make as little impact on the environment as possible, particularly because nature is such a big source of inspiration for me. Apart from my art prints, all my paper and card is 100% recycled, and I recycle all offcuts too. The packets for cards, mirrors, nail transfers etc. are made from fully biodegradable and compostable cornstarch instead of plastic. It certainly isn’t the cheapest way to do things, but I wouldn’t consider working any other way. All my supplies are from British companies, my badges, mirrors and magnets are made in Leeds, and I print everything else myself at home.

We really love your nail transfers, how did you come to think of them?

I’ve always liked the idea of nail art, but other than coloured varnish, I could never quite get into it. For one thing, I have short, stubby nails (I’d be too embarrassed to go anywhere near a nail salon!), and the loud and garish transfers I found on offer were just not me. I thought it would be great to have my own designs as nail art, and, after a little searching for suitable materials, I found a way to create my own nail stickers. I took some to a craft fair and they went down really well, so I took some photos and added them to my shop. They are my most popular items!

How would you sum up your designs in three words?

Natural, striking & contemporary.

Now who else wants a picnic and some Pimms? Come and join us here.

Bethan Williams
Photos: Courtesy of Kate Broughton