3 minute read
HANNAH HEYS
HANNAH HEYS' CUSHION COLLECTION
HANDMADE ORANGE AND TURQUOISE CIRCULAR RUG
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Interior trends come and go, but there are some age-old design techniques that buck the ‘fast fashion’ influences of today’s popular culture and instead have sustainability at their core.
Punch needle embroidery, or rug hooking, has a long history dating back to medieval times – possibly even as far back as the ancient Egyptians – and was traditionally used to decorate clothing with fine embroidery floss.
However, its popularity has blown up in recent years thanks, in part, to social media, which modern crafters have used to showcase videos of how they have adopted the technique to create beautifully-textured home décor using thicker yarn.
Hannah Heys began using the technique alongside tufting (a similar skill, but which uses a machine called a tufting gun) and latch hooking to create textile art for the home around four years ago. While these techniques are incredibly popular on Instagram and TikTok right now, Heys has made them the focus of her business and believes highquality works created using the techniques should become a more permanent fixture in people’s homes.
“They’re great for people who want to add bright and bold contemporary pieces to their home
Tales of texture
Hannah Heys is bringing ancient art forms back into London homes through her colourful textile art
that will not only liven up any space, but add an element of texture and interest,” says the 34-year-old. “Every piece is an investment designed to adorn your walls and floors for many years to come – it’s very different from mass produced art.”
Heys began her textiles venture by making wall hangings, but has since added a range of rugs and cushions to her portfolio. “I love creating textiles art and tufting is a wonderful way to translate my designs into both homewares and wall art,” she explains. “I love the variety of textures you can create, how my pieces showcase the versatility of yarn and how textiles art can be used as a modern way of decorating and accessorising a space.”
Heys’ most recent textiles collection draws inspiration from her love of typography, particularly that found on circus and theatre posters, and features bold text, simple shapes and bright colours. It is these eye-catching designs and the fact she only uses reclaimed yarn and, where possible, British wool, that draw people to her designs, which range in price from £120 to £2,500.
“I’ve always only used reclaimed yarn, but since the pandemic it’s been harder to get hold of, so I
HEYS STARTED WITH WALL HANGINGS
Heys Presto
Hannah Heys’ top tips for adding texture to your home
1. I may be a little biased, but I think that textiles art is the perfect way to add texture and colour to the home. The texture and interest that can be created cannot be rivalled by other mediums. Wall hangings, whether as a part of a gallery wall or as a standalone piece, are always a great addition.
2. Statement cushions add great textural interest to a room and can give it a great focal point, without committing to repainting or replacing the furniture.
3. Pull together an overall colour palette that you are working towards and stick to it. If you have a clear palette, all elements should complement each other perfectly, from your textural textiles to your curtains, they all have a part to play in pulling a room together.
started to explore using British wool, which is only spun in this country so not only is it more eco-friendly, but it’s a real selling point,” Heys explains. “Sustainability is at the core of my brand and so I strive to be as conscious as possible during every stage of the production process. This can limit my colour palette somewhat, as I am constrained by what’s available rather than just ordering whatever colours I want, but this forces me to think carefully about the designs I want to produce.
“It’s about creating pieces for people to love and cherish,” she fi nishes, “a statement piece and talking point for years to come, rather than fast fashion for the home.”
