Strong Island

Hello Thread and Butter

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012. Published in Art, Craft & Design by

The beautiful Lauren from Thread and Butter agreed to a little in interview to share her passion for crafting, creating, vintage and Portsmouth.

When did you realise crafting was more than a hobby and that you could start selling your work?

I have always been interested in everything creative since I was young. I’ve studied photography, fine art, and textiles throughout school and college, which lead me onto a foundation degree in art and design at Portsmouth University. I was then offered a place on an Illustration course at the Arts University College of Bournemouth, however I decided to withdraw from any academic studies and pursue art as a hobby. It took me a while to put confidence back into my work, but after becoming obsessed with blogs, creative magazines and craft/vintage fairs I felt it was time to get back onto the handmade path. I started by setting up a Thread and Butter blog which to my surprise received more views than I could of expected within the first month. This then inspired me to start selling my work so I enquired about craft and vintage markets around the South. I started by having a small section on a friends stall, but have now moved to having my own which is fantastic. I’ve recently set up the Thread and Butter online shop which is a fantastic way to reach people all over the world.

What do you like about the art scene in Portsmouth and what draws you to sell your work here?

From my time at Portsmouth University I was able to explore the city. However I’m sure there is still plenty that the locals could show me. I spent a lot of time in Albert Road, rummaging through the charity and antique shops. I love the small boutiques there which are full of a mixture of handmade local goods and vintage treasures. I feel every city should have a least one area full of creative gems. There seems to be a really nice community within the Portsmouth art scene which is very welcoming. I’ve had a stall at the Guildhall which was a great success; it was really fantastic to meet other local sellers and bloggers.

What inspires you? Other crafters/bloggers/artists etc

I find a huge amount of inspiration from creative blogs online. I find them a fantastic way to keep up to date with what’s going on in the creative world. I absolutely love magazines, and I’m always looking for new subscriptions to add to my collection. I also collect things from my travels including zines, leaflets, photographs, fabric, trinkets, basically anything I can squeeze into my bag. I love visiting local craft and vintage fairs which I always leave spilling with new ideas. At all time I carry a small notebook with me which I use to jot down any ideas I get throughout the day. Whenever I feel stuck, or have a mind block, a few flicks through this and I’m ready to create again.

Any plans for Thread and Butter this year?

I’m concentrating on keeping up to date with the blog this year, with lots more tutorials and DIY inspirational features. I’m really excited to be working on a few things with some magazines which will be out later this year. But most of all I’m looking forward to Thread and Butters 1st birthday!

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1 Comment to Hello Thread and Butter

  1. [...] was really pleased to be able to interview Lauren from Thread and Butter, check out the article here on Strong Island. Im hoping Lauren will be doing a sparkly guest post on Ooh la Lapin [...]

    Thread and Butter « Ooh la Lapin on January 24th, 2012

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Features

The 2nd Strong Island Ale – Dry Dock No. 1

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012. Published in Features, Food & Drink, Strong Island by

As you may know each year we run a home brew competition in February where the winning brew has the opportunity to be brewed by Irving & Co Brewing Co. and sold around the city in the summer. Last year’s brew, the Strong Island Hopper Ale, was hugely successful being one of Inving’s best selling ales and selling out so quickly it went through a second brew run. This year’s winning ale is Dry Dock No. 1, originally brewed by Lee Immins, went on sale in some of Portsmouth and Southsea’s pubs over the weekend.

We spoke to The Hole in The Wall in Southsea who said the new ale went down a storm with it being their best seller on Sunday and with almost two barrels empty by the end of the Bank Holiday weekend. Those guys at the Hole in The Wall and their regular ale drinkers know their stuff so for us this was amazing early news with the ale.

To officially launch Dry Dock No. 1 we are having a launch party with the lovely souls at The Belle Isle on Thursday evening. The ale will be on full flow, come down and try a pint or two. As well as being on sale all around the city the ale will also be available in Chichester’s Belle Isle too, so you can drink it away from home for the first time too.






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The Isle Of Wight Randonnee 2012 – Team Strong Island

Monday, May 7th, 2012. Published in Bikes & Cycling, Features by

Just over a year ago, a group of Strong Islanders were sat on the Isle of Wight ferry on our way to the yearly Randonnee cycling event; 60 miles around the island spread across 5 checkpoints. Whilst on the crossing we couldn’t help but admire various enthusiasts and their custom team jerseys. Fast forward a year and it is my great pleasure to unveil the Strong Island cycling jersey. Made as a one off for the event, the jersey is our way of representing this city and all the values that come with it. Thanks to the combined designing efforts of Chris Ballingall and Tristan Savage, we were able to produce this clean, retro looking jersey that 11 of Southsea’s finest could wear to conquer the island’s endless hills. Well done chaps.

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