On the back of the release of my new collection - Feathers & Flowers, I thought I’d write a little about the inspiration behind it, and to share my enduring passion for these delightful, colourful feathered creatures that so often spark my imagination.

I’m far from alone in this passion. People love birds for their beauty, the freedom they symbolize, and their remarkable ability to inspire wonder. Birds often provide a unique, sometimes deep emotional connection and a comforting sense of calm in nature, brought to life through their song and effortless flight.

Birds fascinate me. For me they represent a carefree existence and symbolise freedom. Whenever I walk in nature, I love to spot them - and study them if they hang around long enough! Hearing them can be just as exciting as spotting them too, and I’m gradually learning to recognise the subtle differences in each of their songs.

Each bird is so unique - Plumage, shape, size, characteristics and of course, their song. I love to capture the individuality of each one and with the tactile nature of textile art, it really feels like I am actually creating a creature with my own hands, with it’s very own personality.

This collection focuses on specific habitats that certain birds tend to favour, For example, the wren above is nestled in honeysuckle. These sweets birds are highly attracted to honeysuckle because its dense, tangled growth provides ideal shelter, nesting, and foraging sites for insects. They also love bramble and fruit trees but thats another pic for another day!

It’s been a fascinating project and I’m learning so much about these beautiful charming creatures.

The firecrest is the smallest bird in Europe and they love pussy willows! Who knew! I adore these cute little birds with their inquisitive eyes and furry orange caps! I have so many favourite birds that I can see myself adding to this collection for months to come!

Blue Tits and Great Tits are regularly featured in my work. I adore them and I see so many on my walks. I usually see them on some sort of flowering tree and loving blossom as I do, they always end up nestled in a cherry or blackthorn tree.

There are many more to see and you can view them all on my website. They are all available as original textile artworks or mounted prints.

I do take requests if you have a favourite feathered friend you’d like to see added to the collection. The possibilities are literally endless with thousands to choose from. I’ll be working on British birds for sometime but I can see myself branching out across the world! For now - I’m about to create a goldfinch with echineacha - so keep your eyes peeled!

I will leave you with one of my favourite ever creations - Mr Heron. There’s a resident heron by a lake close to where I live and he’s the inspiration behind this one. He has attitude!

My Passion For Birds

Across The World - A Special Collection