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Textiles by april blog

A fangirl's guide to christmas gifting

11/16/2017

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Hey all! As you know I'm so passionate about local talent and unique design. I am also incredibly passionate about female empowerment and supporting female-led businesses. During the year I've been running TBApril I have been lucky enough to meet some incredible creatives and take part in events with people who I genuinely look up to. I get so excited about independent makers and markets I thought I would share some of my heroes with you in the hope it will inspire some special christmas gifts! 

1. Fernweh UK
I can honestly say I've never met anyone with such an amazing work ethic as Laura, I've admired her ethos and can-do attitude for as long as I've known her! Fernweh is a collection of the most beautiful handmade accessories inspired by the outdoors, it just takes one look at the website to see why I love this brand so much! Obsessed with the autumnal colours and chunky knits. I always find it challenging to find stylish, unique presents for my boyfriend (he's the kind of guy that likes to match his socks to his shirt and that's his knowledge of fashion) but with Fernweh i'm spoiled for choice with so many classic, hard wearing products. You can find Fernweh on Etsy.

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2. Darte Jewellery
​Not gonna lie, I'm kind of hoping someone near and dear to me is reading this as a not so subtle hint as to what I'd like to find under the tree :) Darte make simplistic yet stunning jewellery. These gold textured circle studs are a particular favourite, you can just tell all of their jewellery is of the highest quality! You can find Darte on Etsy along with various stockists in Scotland. 

3.Dear George
Sorry not sorry but i'm putting another jeweller on this list ;) I first came across the designs of Dear George whilst at BSSC's Hippy Market and I am so glad I did! She makes the most incredible resin jewellery unlike anything I've seen before, so reminiscent of nebulas and crystally things - what's not to love? I am fascinated by how this jewellery is made and I love watching behind the scenes videos from this brand on instagram. You can find Dear George on Etsy.

4. Sunshine No. 1
This is the most exciting place South of the Clyde ;) I'm probably biased as Suzi is my main Glaswegian stockist - but there are so many amazing talents who stock their work here, it would be so easy to do all your christmas shopping at once! The hardest part being resisting picking up something for yourself. To name a few of my favourites, some which I have discovered through the shop, Glasgow Soap Company (their irn bru lipbalm is a STAPLE and if you haven't used it you are missing out), Jennifer Lemon (another amazingly talented jeweller), Claire Barclay Draws ( the most hilarious tongue in cheek cards - my one true love Irn Bru featuring in a few) and Jen Smith Ceramics (beautifully illustrated ceramics which I fell in love with instantly!)

5. Studio Five
Last but my no means least, my favourite slow fashion sister duo, Studio Five. I've always felt an affinity with these gals as we all started our adventure into self employment around the same time, wanting to make a real impact on the throwaway fashion world by producing beautiful sustainable textile products. They have everything from makeup bags to printed tees, so much gifting inspiration for the fashionista in your life who seems to have it all! They've also just released a collaboration of stunning scarves with knit queen Joanna O'Brien which you can find on their website. 

So there you have it! My super quick guide to christmas! Also a shoutout to Scottish Craft Focus for compiling infinitely more comprehensive gift guides than this which are being released daily this week. Maybe you'll spot a Textiles by April product in one of them ;) Also look out for Honey Pop's incredibly comprehensive gift guide of over 100 Scottish creatives which yo girl may also be making an appearance in...

Since this is my website I should probably also plug my current etsy promo, enter code HOHOHO for 10% off ALL ORDERS valid until the 27th of November :) you know what I'm all about so I wont bother with a paragraph saying how great my products would be under the tree ;)

x




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Life after Gok!

11/12/2017

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Hey all!

So the last few months have been absolutely crazy. From being scouted by Gok Wan in October things have been such a whirlwind I haven't been the best at keeping you all up to date - this may be a jam packed post (with a special surprise at the end..)

Gok's Fashion Brunch was an event designed to be the most fun fashionable day out, where hundreds of woman could enjoy an afternoon lunch whilst being treated to an intimate runway narrated by Gok himself, and I was so excited to be asked to be a part of it. Gok was super impressed by my work and couldn't believe how much I'd achieved by the age of 23 and I was honestly just in awe of his presence the whole day! He was so kind and down to earth, even came over to give me a hug during my runway show which can be seen on this facebook live video along with my full body positive fashion collection. My fashion line can be ordered through email but be quick as my cutoff date for Christmas fashion orders is the end of this month!

After the show I  was busy sewing away to bring my work to 2 new stockists, Sunshine No. 1 and Quirq Glasgow, both championing local design and full of incredible talent. I'm so lucky to have my work in these two amazing shops and I'll definately be doing my christmas shopping there soon!

And finally, a collaboration which has been in the works for a while with the wonderful Rosalind, one half of I Am More Than, an incredible body positivity campaign combining creativity with self appreciation. Myself and Rosalind went to art school together, and since graduating last year we have been waiting for the perfect time to collaborate on a photoshoot! Kibble Palace at the Glasgow Botanics provided the perfect backdrop for this beautiful gal and some beautiful fashion (not biased at all..). She's been hard at work organising a celebration of diversity at SWG3 which you can find more out about here - it's not one to be missed.

Anyway I promised you something special for making it through this huuuge post so here it is - an EXCLUSIVE discount code valid from the 13th of November for two weeks on ALL products in my newly restocked Etsy store !!! You can grab 10% off all orders placed during this fortnight with the code HOHOHO so it's the perfect excuse to start that christmas shopping you've been putting off ;) it's worth noting that my cutoff date for christmas orders isn't too far after this, including my last appearance of the year at GWBP's ID pop up so get clicking! 

Much love!
April x
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Five Reasons I can't Wait For Autumn!

8/31/2017

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This year is flying bye and as our tans start to fade we can look towards my favourite seasons! And to kick off autumn I have five things that I am super excited about! 

Autumn is Finally Here! 

It's officially September tomorrow which means I can finally live my autumn/winter fantasy! Despite being named after the brightest month of they year I am absolutely an autumn child and I cannot wait to step out of my all black wardrobe and start introducing some of that moss green and burnt orange that we know and love ... but also still lots of black! 

New seasons mean new projects! 

I am pushing myself and my dressmaking limits t bring you some amazing new silhouettes and designs in the run up to the party season (which I for one am extremely excited about) such as some fabulous culotte trousers which will be swish swishing their way into your life soon ... Katy Perry if you're reading this, invest in some one off pieces now! You can see a peek of my new designs over on my Instagram page. Remember to hit that follow button as I have a competition lined up very soon!  

Supermodels of the world! 

Along with a new collection, there obviously needs to be a new photo's to go alongside! I have a wee photoshoot up my sleeve working with some fantastic creative who I've had the pleasure of meeting through my career so look out for that one! I'll be using it to compile a catalogue of completely unique made to order evening-wear which I'll be distributing at upcoming events an through my online store! Prices will include an online consultation pour moi so we can get your measurements right and choose from my extensive collection of prints! Speaking of fashion ... 

Sashay Shante! 

I am delighted and honoured to be taking part in the exhibition and catwalk entitled Mindframe, organised by the Scottish Design Exchange in partnership with Penumbra Scotland's leading mental haelth chairty.  During my time at art school I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder, predominantly in social situations, and it is still a huge part of my personality today.  I'm so excited to be able to help this amazing cause with what I love to do! All info about the event can be found here! 

Last but very not least! 

My next stallholder event where I'll be bringing my full range of sustainable, vegan and ethical products is a brand new event called the Glasgow Independent Market.  Organised by the brains behind the Glasgow Vintage and Flea Market at the Barrowland Art and Design Centre! I'm really looking forward to being part of the launch! Get yourself RSVP'd here!

All in all, I am very excited about upcoming new projects and some lovely creative goodness! As always any enquiries you can pop a comment on this post, contact me through a form on my website here or email me! 


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New Collection and More Markets

8/8/2017

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So August has rolled in and I have no idea where this year has gone! This past wee while I have been very busy creating, selling and getting to meet so many of you.  

At my last market stalls a lot of you have asked what to expect from my new collection! I've been really inspired by rock formations lately, as many of you know my previous collections have focused on the crystals themselves and how the lines layer together.  This collection will focus on a darker more Autumnal tone of colour which is perfect for the upcoming season! I've recently taken trips to Banchory and Stonehaven which are literally minutes from where I live but have the most amazing and exotic rock growths to photograph and be inspired by. Expect lots of greenery and fluid forms in my new work.

I do love my markets and this month will prove no different, on the 19th of August I'll be at Montrose Makers' Market.  Here I'll be displaying and selling my new collection, so if you are around the area then please pop down and visit my stall.  The event has listed myself and some other lovely talented companies alongside on their website here so check them out to see what amazing artists I'm exhibiting with! 

If you aren't able to make it to the Montrose Makers's Market, don't fret! I'm super excited to finally have my online store up which stocks some of my key pieces.  For all any special orders please don't hesitate to drop me an email here! 
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Aberdeen Markets

8/3/2017

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What a busy and brilliant weekend! As some of you know I was able to set up stall and display some of my collection at two events this past weekend in Aberdeen.  It was incredible to see the turn out at both markets and get to chat to you.

I did some questions about orders of pieces I didn't have currently available and yes I can do some bespoke pieces, I do have a core range but I can make customer pieces too! If you are interested in ordering something from my line or want someone even more unique please get in contact with me directly here! 

I did get some questions from you about where I source some of my fabrics, so I just wanted to reiterate that all my materials used are ethically and environmentally sustainable.  It's part of my ethos as a designer to hand make wearable fashion  that's fabulous whilst being healthy for the world too.  The rest of the process is pretty top secret so I'll leave you to your own imagination about how I create the way I do.  Every piece is unique and hand crafted which is why you all love it so much.  

Thank you again to Bridge Street Social Club and The Hippy Market for having me! If you didnt get a chance to visit me there you can still pick up your very own textiles by April pieces in my Etsy shop! 
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Aberdeen Weekend Market Events

7/27/2017

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Looking for something inspiring, fun and local to do this weekend? Well, come and visit me at events around Aberdeen City this weekend! 

If you have read my previous post I'm getting to meet you all at two local stalls this weekend.  The first, is on Saturday 29th of July is at the Curated Stories Makers Market.  You can come and say hello to me from 10am - 6pm.  This gives  gives you loads of time for a coffee and browse around. It's sure to be a great collection of amazing pieces! More info about this can be found via their Facebook here.  

The second market is on Sunday 30th July at the Bridge Street Social Club.  I'll be exhibiting here from 12.30pm until 5.30pm which is a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon! I've very excited to have all my pieces on display and chat about my exciting new collection coming soon! 

Both events are free admission so make you sure you get down to see your favourite pieces before they go! 

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Thank You Teasel and Tweed

7/23/2017

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I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone!
 
As many of you may have known my collection has been living in Teasel and Tweed for the past 6 weeks.  It’s been such a lovely experience for me to be able to create a space for you all to enjoy and peruse my merch up close and personal!
 
I wanted to write a massive thank you to Zoe for making this pop-up shop for me a reality. It has meant interacting with all of you and allowing me to source inspiration for an upcoming collection coming soon! The time spent there has been amazing and I’ve loved being a part of such a brilliant small business. 

 If you weren’t able to pop down to Rosemount but would still like to pick up some striking pieces for your own wardrobe don’t fret! I’m going to be down in Bridge street at the Hippy Market Takeover Sunday 30th of July.  All information about the event can  be found here! 

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    April Hay

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