Meet the Team - Christina de la Mare

Please can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your work?

I've been living in Bristol for eight years and sewing for about three. I wanted to be able to make

something and to make it anywhere. Sewing was something that I had loved as a child, but once I

started again, I found I couldn't stop. I started out making embroidered bird ornaments and doorstops

and am now making other animals – elephants, rabbits and horses – too.

What do you think makes Paper • Scissors • Stone special?

It’s a wonderful collection of locally made art and craft. As the stock changes regularly it’s always

exciting to visit and it’s a great incentive for artists who want to sell their work. And I just love the look of the shop – from the display stands for the work to the pieces themselves – they are both beautiful

and quirky.

What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline?

There’s something very comforting about sewing and wool felt is a wonderful material to work with.

It’s very strong and the colours provide a bold backdrop to the embroidery. And I love coming up with

new embroidery motifs for my work. I've found inspiration in a wide range of places – from Mexican

wedding dresses to my friend’s wallpaper to, um, Ikea.

Describe your studio or workspace? 

The great thing about sewing by hand is that you’re very mobile. My sewing and I have been on holiday together a few times. It’s even done jury service with me ... The rest of the time we’re based in the living room so that I can keep one eye on the TV if there’s something good on.

Are you involved in any Christmas Markets, if so what? 

A few this year. I’m doing the North Bristol Art Trail on 24th – 25th November at the Horfield Baptist Chruch, followed by the Christmas fair at Horfield CofE primary the following Saturday. I’m also really looking forward to doing the Made in Bristol Christmas market at Colston Hall on Saturday 15th December.

What is your favourite part of Christmas? 

I love the build up to it, Christmas shopping, menu planning, etc. It’s an excuse to go out for Christmas drinks as many times as you can fit in. And to have a glass of mulled wine for elevenses  And seeing family altogether, of course.

If you could collaborate with a fellow Paper Scissors Stone artist who would it be and why? 

It would be Rachel Foxwell or Esther Hubert.  I love Esther’s idea of hiding the most beautiful part of her cups and plates on their underside. And Rachel’s ceramics are both fragile yet bold – I love that combination.

Choose a Christmas gift for yourself from Paper Scissors Stone? 

One of Esther’s lanterns.

Which is your favourite local independent eatery in Bristol & why?

I love the Runcible Spoon on Nine Tree Hill. The food is fantastic and I love the atmosphere and décor  I've been there quite a few times and I'm going back as soon as I'm able.

What are your plans for 2013? 

More animals, more fairs. I'm on a roll and I want to keep on going.

What is your favourite Christmas song? 

Low’s Just Like Christmas

Finally if you were a Christmas cracker, what inside treat would you be and why?

Umm, one of the number puzzles with a square missing that you have to move around to ... anyway,

hours of fun ...!

Thank you Christina - a lovely interview, we like Runcible Spoon too!

Christina's birds will be available in Paper Scissors Stone Volume 5 from Thursday 29th November.