Paloma Textiles aka Paloma
What do you make?
I am a mixed media artist and designer, specialising in accessories for interiors and fashion. I handcraft a range of things from earrings, pom poms, tassels and embroidered bags and now wall canvases/frames. Overall my main specialism is embroidery, I have always adored embroidery. Paloma Textiles is also involved in a coworked collection with artisans in Ayacucho, Peru. My vision is to help communities globally. What inspires you? I was born in Lima, Peru and from a young age I was surrounded by textiles and texture and a lot of colour. Subconsciously, I am inspired by Peru especially Peruvian ancient motifs and cultures such as Nazca and Chimu as I adore all the detail and colour. I love combining modern aesthetics and materials with ancient techniques and motifs. |
How did you begin your making journey?
I spent most of my childhood in Peru but moved to London at a young age with my family but always loved craft and art. I studied textiles from GCSE all the way to Arts University Bournemouth but Paloma Textiles started after university. When I finished University, I struggled to fit in the current textiles companies so I decided to take a trip to Peru and started to do more research, workshops and also started to collaborate with artisans. Then I grew a vision that I wanted to have my own business with the concept of helping communities, teaching and motivating people to be more crafty.
What is the favourite thing you make?
Accessories! As a mixed media artist, I play around with many mini collections but I just love accessories. My favourite would have to be embroidered bags/ frames for interiors and for fashion, earrings. You have the freedom to be experimental and play with the materials! I love how an accessory is one of a kind and can give life to a person and their home.
Do you ever have crafting disaster?
Yes of course, many, many times! I am constantly redoing and fixing things but it’s all part of the progress. After a crafty disaster whether it is colours, texture or material you will adjust it and fix it .Without a disaster you wouldn't learn how to improve your work and you normally get more ideas from it.
If you had a crafting wish, what would it be?
To be able to have more hands and time! Most of the time I have so many ideas and I wish I could do them all super fast to see the final outcome. I would also like everyone to have the opportunity to have the resources to be able to be crafty and have fun making things. I use textiles and craft as a way of expression, relaxation and I would like more people to do the same.
I spent most of my childhood in Peru but moved to London at a young age with my family but always loved craft and art. I studied textiles from GCSE all the way to Arts University Bournemouth but Paloma Textiles started after university. When I finished University, I struggled to fit in the current textiles companies so I decided to take a trip to Peru and started to do more research, workshops and also started to collaborate with artisans. Then I grew a vision that I wanted to have my own business with the concept of helping communities, teaching and motivating people to be more crafty.
What is the favourite thing you make?
Accessories! As a mixed media artist, I play around with many mini collections but I just love accessories. My favourite would have to be embroidered bags/ frames for interiors and for fashion, earrings. You have the freedom to be experimental and play with the materials! I love how an accessory is one of a kind and can give life to a person and their home.
Do you ever have crafting disaster?
Yes of course, many, many times! I am constantly redoing and fixing things but it’s all part of the progress. After a crafty disaster whether it is colours, texture or material you will adjust it and fix it .Without a disaster you wouldn't learn how to improve your work and you normally get more ideas from it.
If you had a crafting wish, what would it be?
To be able to have more hands and time! Most of the time I have so many ideas and I wish I could do them all super fast to see the final outcome. I would also like everyone to have the opportunity to have the resources to be able to be crafty and have fun making things. I use textiles and craft as a way of expression, relaxation and I would like more people to do the same.