Claire Payne is a self confessed craft-a-holic-science-nerd, sharing her design and craft projects on her blog Payne Design. Claire started her blog as a scrapbook of her latest projects but later became a retailer, selling her own original designs on Etsy. Sewing is her life making cute things for small people by working with felt (which she loves), cute fabrics, pretty ribbons and buttons. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Claire Payne.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My style is bright and somewhat mismatched. I love colour and each room in our house has a different focal colour.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
New products and projects usually come about when a friend or client asks if I can make something specific for them. I'll sketch idea then work on a prototype or two to get it just right. I'm a bit of a perfectionist so this can often take a few tries before I'm happy!
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I have great admiration for fabric designers. I mainly work with quilting weight cottons and when making my childrens items I always use my go-to designer Ann Kelle. Her prints are bright and fun and kids love them just as much as I do. Otherwise I do like Cath Kidston florals.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
When I get stuck for inspiration I go back to my science roots. I'll sketch something science based and quirky and once I’m in the right mindset I find it much easier to work on other projects.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
My children have brought me to where I am now. While I was pregnant with our first child I was disappointed with the choices for simple baby accessories. Things were either baby pink or baby blue, bright colours were a rarity. I decided there and then I'd start making for her. I had to import bright, bold fabrics from USA to begin with but as the years have gone by its got easier to get lovely childrens fabric! Things have gone on from there. My range has grown as the children have and I now have a nice little collection of fun and practical gifts for kids.
