Over the recent months i have been designing my socks off and trying to put together 3 designs worth going to trade with. The pressure was on because i decided that i would show at the Harrogate Home and Gift Show in July, they have a specific hall for designers new to the world of trade, they've called the Hall (E) Intro North so i am hoping it will draw a lot of buyers looking for the next big thing...which will hopefully be me! (i'm on stand E50 if you happen to be there, come and say hi).

I find that designs either come to me in a flash or i have to bleed them out drop by drop. This time, unfortunately, it was a relentless/plainful task which took months and involved plenty of mood swings (sorry to my family there!). But i have finally come out of the other side and sent them to the respective manufactures a couple of weeks ago, we seem to be getting through the teething problems and so now it's just a case of sitting back, hoping, wishing and praying that a) they turn out like i hope and b) they are liked by others!

I have now entered the world of stand display, packaging, brand imaging, marketing, PR, labels, stationary, pricing, wholesale, quantities and much much more - the mind boggles, i'm starting to understand why people who run their own business look so dam tired! But i have to say i wouldn't change a thing.

www.homeandgift.co.uk

I've just re-found this lovely website by Lucy May Schofield, she makes the most beautiful books, i wish i owned one.... www.lucymayschofield.co.uk

This illustration is of my home town, Chester. It's a really beautiful roman city and apparently the 3rd most visited tourist city in the UK! These are 2 of 3 made of these exclusive cushions. They are 100% Linen, have feather inners, measure 40cm/30cm and retail at £40.

I'm not a real supporter of the whole facebook thing but it does have it's pluses, one being that everyones on it and it means i can shamelessly advertise myself and my work and draw attention to my blog and website! But incase you found me through another method then here's the link to my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lizzie-Prestt-Designs/377159417448?ref=ts It has proven to be a good way of creating awareness and seeing my work in bulk, so thank you facebook!