Today we introduce to you the second of our Spring stall holders- Claire of Beetle Cherry who is another Fairy Tale Fair newbie! Claire is well known across the Brighton craft scene, and she creates some of the most whimsical illustrations, that all have magical stories behind them. Lets go on an adventure with her now…
“I enjoy the freedom (of craft): all I need is a piece of paper, a pencil and my imagination and I’m away!”- Claire, Beetle Cherry
Tell us a bit about you and what you do/ make….
My name is Claire, and I live and work in my flat in Hove. I like to draw, paint and cut out pictures, which I then sell as art prints, cards and other things. I love animals and I’m always dreaming of going on adventures, all my illustrations are from some imaginary story I’ve made up.
How would you describe your style?
A bit whimsical but with a strong spirit of adventure; full of talking rabbits, partying insects and friendly dogs. All my illustrations are hand drawn and painted, mostly using watercolour and gouache paints. My work seems to have a wide audience, from young couples to parents buying for their children’s bedrooms. Anyone that likes the idea of going on an imaginary adventure I guess!
How long have you been making your craft items?
I’ve always loved drawing and making, so in a way I’ve been doing this all my life. But it has always been very low key, I never studied art or anything. I set up Beetle Cherry a bit more than a year ago when I got sick of my full time office job and wanted to make a go of doing something I love. So in terms of making things to sell, not very long.
Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?
My DIY Papercut pack is always really popular. I think people are often keen to try new crafts but don’t know where to start, and because papercutting doesn’t require lots of expensive equipment it’s a good place to start. I’m putting together some new designs for them at the moment too.
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
The freedom: all I need is a piece of paper, a pencil and my imagination and I’m away!
Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?
I do other craft fairs in Brighton, and got quite a few already booked up for this year. I hope to branch out a bit this year and try craft fairs in other places, such as London.
What items and Mother’s day/ Easter gifts will you be selling at The Fairy Tale Fair?
I’ll be selling my illustrations, papercuts and cards, as well as a few pieces of jewellery, all very popular with mums! I’ll also have my DIY Papercut pack and a brand new colouring in book.
What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?
I hope to be able to continue making and selling my work, and also to take on more commissions which I love doing. My BIG dream is to write and illustrate a children’s picture book, I’m starting to come up with ideas at the moment!
We are very much looking forward to having Beetle Cherry at our next Fairy Tale Fair on Saturday 9th March. We are sure her magical illustrations will be very popular! Why not take a look at her website? It’s one of the best and most creative sites we’ve seen! Find out more: www.beetlecherry.com Do it- or the fairies will get you!
