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About Denise


I have stitched for almost as long as I can remember. I’m passionate about needlework, craft, art and creative design of all kinds, especially so when I can incorporate my other interests into my work.

I get my inspiration from a number of sources, but mostly from literature, archaeology and history, my other main passions apart from Textile Art.  I love the imagery used in ancient civilizations, particularly Persian, Egyptian and Greek culture and these often feature in my work.  I often incorporate textural and mixed media techniques into my designs, which are usually further embellished using hand embroidery, free machine embroidery and metal embossing.  I have a City & Guilds Diploma in Embroidery, and am a member of Basildon & District Embroiderers' Guild and Essex Handicrafts Association.


I started Craft Arena at Barleylands Craft Village in Billericay, Essex in 2007. Prior to that, I spent 5 or so years designing websites and worked as a manager in the NHS and public sector.  I found it was becoming more and more difficult to get the supplies I needed for my work, so I started Craft Arena to provide a one-stop shop for Textile Art and Needlework supplies, support up-and-coming and established textile artists, and provide workshops to demonstrate the range of creative textile techniques to new starters and more experienced artists and crafters.

We doubled the size of Craft Arena in 2010, opening a Textile Art Gallery specifically to showcase the work of local textile artists and also to enhance our workshop space. In 2013 we expanded again, allowing us to have a dedicated Gallery. Gallery 50 is open to the public and viewing is free. If you would like to find out about exhibiting in Gallery 50, please take a look at the website or contact me directly.  We also now have a larger workshop area which gives us the opportunity to have guest tutors

I am married to Ray, and we have two daughters and two granddaughters.

Here is a selection of my own work. Prices are shown for those items that are for sale. Contact me for more information.


Venetian Fantasy
Mixed Media
£450
Swallowtail
Needlefelting, machine and hand embroidery with beading
£350
Entwinned III
Embossed Aluminium on constructed fabric
£150
King Hereafter
Hand and Machine Embroidery with Mixed Media
Not for Sale
Autumn
Based on a work by Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh
Embossed Aluminium and Hand Embroidery on Silk
£250
Button Sampler
Machine Embroidery with Buttons
£90
Life on Mars
Mixed Media with Machine and Hand Embroidery
£200