Beautifully British: Alison Hardcastle

Well, this was a Tea for Joy coup, if I do say so myself. I've managed to sneak in an interview with Alison Hardcastle, even though she's about to pop any day! Her first baby was due last Saturday, but hasn't appeared yet, so I swooped in, just in time for another Beautifully British interview.

Alison's work is a new discovery for me, but already I'm a huge fan - look at these fabulous notebooks. My favourite is the off-cuts (it is what it says on the cover - made with lots of leftover bits of paper) but I also love the bright ideas notebook (with stickers for those extra-special ideas.) They are all available to buy online at her shop.

Thanks Alison, for taking part.

Brief bio: I studied Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art followed by an MA in Sequential Design & Illustration at The University of Brighton. I've since become a freelance book artist, designer and printmaker focusing on making hand-made and hand-printed books, stationery and cards. In addition to this I've spent the last 6 years doing various artists' book workshops and part-time tutoring at Edinburgh College of Art.

My work: I use a lot of hand-drawn lettering, patterns and carefully chosen colours. My work is therefore probably characterized by bold colourful patterns often with a little bit of humour thrown in for good measure.

What inspires me: Inspirations for my work probably fall into 2 categories. My books tend to stem from a love of lists, collections and documenting. My designs for notebooks and cards tend to come from patterns which I find in everyday things. I'm also slightly obsessed with phrases and idioms and these pop up in all aspects of my work.

A perfect day: It definitely includes afternoon tea, sunshine and a bit of peace & quiet. I'm easily pleased.