Forage & Stitch

Caroline originally trained in Fashion Design at Solent University, and for several years designed clothes and scarves for an international textile agent. However, in 1992 she decided to return to her first love - embroidery - and went to study Textile Design at Nottingham & Trent University. In 1995 she started her own business designing and producing embroidered fabrics for Liberty, including pictures, cushions, lighting and wall hangings. She also produced three one-off collections for John Lewis. Whilst exhibiting at the Country Living Spring Fair in 2002, the Japanese store, Takashimaya, selected Caroline and several other British makers to take part in a national craft promotion, travelling and working across the East and West Coast of Japan. Caroline stayed in Japan to research the art of Hapa-Zome, Ikebana, and the ethos Wabi Sabi. In 2018 Caroline, trained as an Arts Award Adviser and in Mental Health First Aid, to further her knowledge on mindfulness and well-being. Caroline has always maintained a strong sense of global responsibility. She uses only natural fabrics, and colours are extracted from flowers, herbs and vegetables grown in her garden. She invests a substantial amount of time and research into sourcing her materials, and many of the papers she uses are from economically developing countries, where rural communities rely solely on this as a source of income. The art she produces is inspired by the cycle of nature, and simplicity and authenticity are key. Caroline lives in Norfolk, UK, with her husband, daughter and pet dog.
Website: www.theartofembroidery.co.uk
Instagram: @artistcaz
Facebook: @artistcaz