Natty Designs

Natty Designs Fun graphic prints on a range of T-shirts, hoodies and gifts.

03/04/2026

Finally off the bench - a full repair of this 1891 vegetarian cookery pamphlet by Dr Thomas Low Nichols.

There’s something so special about holding a piece of history that was literally falling apart and knowing it’s now set for the next hundred years. Its author, Dr Nichols, seems to have been quite a character. He was an American doctor who moved to the UK in the Victorian era to preach the gospel of “natural living” and meat-free eating way before it was mainstream.

This one was a real journey. I started by completely deconstructing the fragile original, mending every single rip and tear in the pages with hand died Japanese paper, before hand-sewing it all back together. I really wanted the new binding to feel connected to the soul of the book, so I created custom endpapers inspired by a tiny floral illustration I found tucked away inside. Its owner had requested a purple and green palette.

The final piece is a sturdy quarter-bound hard cover with a classic book cloth spine and some beautiful marbled paper on the boards. It has gone from a “handle with care” relic to a book that can be opened, read, and loved by future generations.

So happy to see this one heading back home to be enjoyed by its owner.

I've added some delicious vine tomatoes to my Spoonflower store for this week’s
27/02/2026

I've added some delicious vine tomatoes to my Spoonflower store for this week’s

25/02/2026

Finally some signs of spring in the garden after a long, dark (and very wet) winter!

07/02/2026

“I saw thy heart begin to melt
Like ice before the sun,
Till both a glow congenial felt,
And melted into one.”

This tender Valentine’s verse comes from the archives of the Morris and Gilbert families of Eastbourne and Lewes (ref ACC 8798/2/2), now cared for . It became the spark behind my Valentine’s pocket purse design.

Long before pen met paper in 1846, the idea of the Puzzle Purse had already travelled far. Its origins lie in Japan’s Heian era, where folded paper boxes known as tato kept safe small tokens and treasures. By the eighteenth century, that tradition unfolded into something new, a way for sweethearts in England and Colonial America to exchange messages of love, each fold revealing a hidden sentiment or symbol.

The Valentine preserved at The Keep was sent from Mary Sophia Wille to James Morris of Cliffe, Lewes, on 14 February 1846.

I wonder if there is still a place for these handmade Valentines in today's busy world.

Meet my new happy hygge design! I created this cheerful Scandinavian pattern for the Golden Thread challenge.This week’...
30/01/2026

Meet my new happy hygge design!

I created this cheerful Scandinavian pattern for the Golden Thread challenge.

This week’s theme is Hygge. I had a lovely time filling my design with steaming mugs, teapots, birds, and balls of wool, all tangled in blue leafy vines. It’s inspired by those snug Swedish moments: hot tea, woolly socks, and watching the world go by from a warm window seat. I loved playing with bold oranges, yellows and blues to make it feel like sunshine on a dark January afternoon.

Hope it brings a little extra warmth and joy to your day! I've popped both of my Swedish designs into my Spoonflower shop.

What would you make with this fabric?

Celebrating Swedish FikaI started the new year taking part in golden thread challenge. The first theme of 2026 is scand...
16/01/2026

Celebrating Swedish Fika

I started the new year taking part in golden thread challenge. The first theme of 2026 is scandi style. I created this simple, hand-drawn pattern in memory of all the wonderful times we have spent with our special friends and family in Sweden. Who can resist a cheeky coffee treat with baked goods?

04/11/2025

Forager’s Tale Tunnel Book

As winter draws closer I’ve been enjoying the last days of autumn. Inspired by my woodland walks and latest Golden Threads prompts, I created a whimsical tunnel book full of colourful mushrooms, berries and some little creatures!

I used Procreate to draw my design and made a repeat pattern for the cover papers and slip case interior. I used my Cricut to cut out the cover boards with windows for the book and slipcase exterior. I also had a first attempt at embossing - with mixed results!

Just some words to be added and then this project can join my growing library!

I wonder if this design would also make a cute card. What do you think?

African Collared Doves Lino PrintThanks for all the lovely feedback on my last post. Here’s my final colour choice for e...
28/02/2025

African Collared Doves Lino Print

Thanks for all the lovely feedback on my last post. Here’s my final colour choice for entry to the red and black challenge for the !

In the end I opted for the red sea as people said it helped the birds pop and looked like a sunset reflecting in the waves. Can't argue with that!

Keep your fingers crossed for me. Its the first time I've been brave enough to enter!!

African Collared Dove LinoprintIt’s been a few weeks since we came home from the beautiful island of La Gomera. Each eve...
23/02/2025

African Collared Dove Linoprint

It’s been a few weeks since we came home from the beautiful island of La Gomera. Each evening, a gorgeous African Collared Dove visited our balcony in search of sweet treats. I couldn’t resist creating a print in their memory.
I plan on submitting this print to the Black and Red print challenge.

I’m having trouble deciding whether the sea should be red or black. I would appreciate any thoughts on this! (Let me know in the poll below)

If you’d like to see a photo of our friendly Dove, swipe to the last image!

African Collared Dove LinoprintIts been a few weeks since we came home from the beautiful island of La Gomera. Each even...
23/02/2025

African Collared Dove Linoprint

Its been a few weeks since we came home from the beautiful island of La Gomera. Each evening, a gorgeous African Collared Dove visited our balcony in search of sweet treats. I couldn’t resist creating a print in their memory.

I’m planning on submitting this print into the Black and Red print challenge.

I’m having trouble deciding if the sea should be red or black. Any thoughts on this would be gratefully received!

If you'd like to see a photo of our friendly Dove, swipe to the last image!

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