I trained in fine arts and the restoration of paintings at the Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and began working with textiles after my children were born. It was just not practical to be working away with oil paint and turpentine while toddlers were crawling around me. That is when my love for working with textiles originated. Textiles are much more tactile than paint and offer endless possibilities.

 

I always use vintage, recycled or used textiles. This is the only connection between my work and the original idea of patchwork: to make something beautiful or useful with discarded textiles.

 

I love watching the birds in my tiny garden, so I started making textile collages of birds. Wanting to also make some really useful things, I started making bags. First just for myself and then I just couldn’t stop anymore…

 

For the collages I use cotton, silk and mixed fibers, often hand dyed, which I machine stitch or hand stitch and hand embroider. More or less realistic, my works are inspired by nature. Trees, birds, flowers are endless sources of inspiration. I work from photos that I take in my garden or walking and traveling.

 

The tote bags are mostly made from very sturdy recycled upholstery fabric. They are all one-of-a-kind, colourful and versatile. They can be used as a shopping bag or as a colourful addition to your outfit.