#OhSoNatalie

Our monthly newsletter sharing Natalie’s favourite brands, the people behind them, and ideas about how we can go that little bit further with our creativity.

Natasha Hulse is a botanical fabric artist specialising in bespoke, handcrafted and hand painted appliqué, inspired by techniques from a bygone era. Her artistry weaves poetry with ‘oldie-worldie’ magic. No home feels truly complete without art and flowers, and Natasha’s work effortlessly embodies both.

Natasha Hulse is #OhSoNatalie

QUESTION 1

What is your favourite colour & why?

Purple and Brown are my absolute favourite colours. If I had to choose it would be purple but I just love them both together. One is grounding and adds depth whilst the other adds mystery and grace. I love them because they feel like they both offer a touch of the spiritual. One reminds me of nature and the other of magic.

I have just launched a rug collaboration with Pelican house which is very exciting and mural linens with Volga linen. 

 The rug design was inspired by the medieval period and symbolism in art around that time. In the design  I incorporated in a Snail. They were recognised in medieval times for their unusual strength, given that they were able to carry their home on their backs and travel from place to place. The idea that a rug can move with you from one home to another seemed fitting. Symbolism is important in my work and I always like to weave it in where I can, they say confrontation with a snail could represent a test of personal strength as well as mental fortitude, the idea of adding this into the design somehow feels like a lovely offering.

In the medieval period flower garlands and wreaths were a way to decorate your home all year round. I wanted to pay recognition to that tradition by creating a design that is floral and that could live with you throughout the seasons. I used the centre of the rug design to represent a garland and wreaths.

Linen mural with volga is a very exciting bespoke service Volga and I are offering with their beautiful plain linens and me painting a mural and adding in my three dimensional applique to it. Every design will be bespoke and made to order. We are also developing a collection of murals that clients can customise in different colourways and other touches. 

QUESTION 2

What are you working on at the moment that you find exciting?

QUESTION 3

I love how your appliqué art has recently evolved into painting on fabrics, furniture, and lighting. Was this shift a natural progression for you, or has it come as a delightful surprise through your collaborative work?

I really wanted to focus on the headboards when I started my business and fabric wall coverings. The headboards took off straight away and I focused on that. As I have grown I have had a tiny bit more time to develop the lighting and wall coverings very slowly. Even though these ideas have been in the pipeline since day one they have had to take a back seat, however I have  now started to sew them into my brand slowly when I have found the time. You wouldn't believe how many more ideas I haven't yet got around to but they will come eventually. It is just finding the resources and time! When I was at school  I designed products from shoe designs to metal welding flowers for lighting. It's just finding the time and getting the commission to get something off of the ground!

QUESTION 4

Where do you go for / what do you do for inspiration?

Breamore woods where I grew up has to be my number one! It's the root of it all. 

I also adore the Cloisters in New York City and the V&A here in London. I call Kew gardens "H Kew" as that is a large resource for me. The Pitshanger Museum in Ealing is also spectacular as is Leighton House in Holland Park area. I also love Porchester spa- there is a touch of magic there. Another must is one dance a day around the studio to get the blood flowing! 

It's The seat I sit on everyday. It's painted with flowers growing up the spindles and legs. There are little field mice playing and foxgloves and wheat on the seat. It was given to me by my grandfather and grandmother. I am very close to them and they mean the world to me so it's the most valuable thing I own. 

QUESTION 5

Do you have a cherished object you would never part with? What is it & why?

Follow Natasha Hulse on Instagram @NatashaHulse_Design