Here at CraftStash, we pride ourselves on our co-brands, which have been exclusively designed by some of the best crafters in the industry - designed by crafters, for crafters! Today, we're shining a spotlight on TEXT{ures} by Lou Collins as part of our Brand Spotlight feature, where we interview all of our favourite brands and crafters.

Lou is a master of mixed media crafting, and creatures beautiful grunge-y pieces using all sorts of techniques in just one design. Think dark moody colours, metallic features and distress sprays.

Here's a little more about what makes Lou tick!

What inspired you to start your brand in paper craft and mixed media?

LOU: Having worked in the craft industry for many years promoting other brands, I always said my dream would be to have my own name on some product packaging.

When CraftStash asked me to design my own brand of products, I simply jumped at the chance and knew exactly what I would like to create.

I absolutely love both mixed media and card making in equal measure, so I wanted to design products that would cross-over into both and suit as many styles as possible.

What's the trickiest part of your creative process?

LOU: I would probably have to say getting the crazy ideas out of my head and into a format that the graphic designers and product development team can understand!

I have ideas for designs or items that have sometimes never been seen before, so conveying those through from design to the manufacturing stage can be tricky sometimes.

But, we have an amazing and thankfully open-minded team here at CraftStash who do their best to bring my visions to life!

How do you keep inspired when designing new collections?

LOU: I have ideas for themes and collections at the strangest times, I may be walking my dogs around a field, on a call to a friend, or often, falling asleep, so I keep notes on my phone and add anything that comes to mind straight away.

This is the list I will usually go to first when I sit down to start designing a new collection.

How do you balance creativity with practicality in your designs?

LOU: Speaking of our fabulous team, I do the creativity bit, and then we have a department that who will look at the costing and other essential factors to ensure the products in mind are going to be safe, usable, within budget, and versatile.

Being a crafter for so long, I usually get most of these right myself anyway, but it’s good to have a second pair of eyes on things.

Any tips for someone just starting with paper crafting and mixed media?

LOU: It is probably cliché, but I still always say that there really are no mistakes, so long as you enjoy the process as much or even more than the finished result.

This is a hobby to enjoy doing; the fact that you end up with something pretty at the end is just a bonus!

CraftStash Rapid Round

Favourite type of paper to work with?

LOU: Watercolour - it's strong and holds all my messy mediums!

Essential tool you can't craft without?

LOU: Probably a pokey tool - I also lose them on a weekly basis!

Most used colour palette in your projects?

LOU: Anything with teals in.

Favourite technique to add texture to your projects?

LOU: Texture paste through a stencil!

Top three essential tools in your craft stash?

LOU: My heat tool for drying all my projects quickly (I am not at all patient), my pokey tool for die cutting, adding faux stitching, marking for cutting and more, then my Distress Oxides - can they be considered a tool?

Unexpected talent?

LOU: Plumbing - I have done all the plumbing in our house renovation - new bathroom, ensuite, radiators and kitchen!

Ideal holiday destination?

LOU: St Lucia where we had our honeymoon, or anywhere with a warm sandy beach.

Favourite book or movie?

LOU: I am a big Harry Potter fan of both the books and films.

Most memorable childhood hobby?

LOU: Any art - painting or drawing, my Art lessons were my favourite! 

What's your go-to comfort food?

LOU: Apple Crumble! 

We loved delving into Lou's thoughts and finding out where her inspiration comes from!

For everyone wanting to stay updated with Lou's latest creations, be sure to follow TEXT{ures} and Lou Collins on social media.

TEXT{ures} - Wings and Things - Shop the full collection on CraftStash.

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Keep crafting, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our next "Brand Spotlight."