When I ventured to New York recently I expected to find it inspiring, fun and a good place to source treasure for Piece By Piece Home one-off designs…..and I am pleased to report that my expectations were not only met, but exceeded.

I had been to NYC about 13 years ago on my way to live and work in London. I loved the diversity of the City, the pace and the ease of getting around on the subway, but I was a bit distracted by the three months I had just spent in South America and the next step of setting up a life in London.

During this recent visit I allowed myself to be fully immersed in ‘the big apple’ and it was such a rewarding experience. Travelling with a fellow creative, Louisa de Haas of Louisa Rose & Co and re-uniting with family I have who live in the USA, made the time in this big city feel very warm.

We packed in a lot during the eight-night stay, including visiting The Met Art Museum, The Guggenheim Museum where Hilma Klint’s work was being exhibited, the markets in Harlem, MJ Trimmings, Mood Fabrics, a bead warehouse full of boxes of vintage finds, flea markets, ABC Carpet & Home, Anthropologie…and there may be have been a bit of shopping and cocktail sipping going on too!

I also had the pleasure of meeting one of my customers in New York who has purchased a one-off clutch. Jenn Gracie of Gracie Studio, that make the most exquisite custom, hand-painted wallpaper, was such an inspirational person to spend a moment in time with. 

I found treasures all over this great city that I have already started utilising in my fashion and home décor designs. Trims, fabric and embellishments that I just haven’t seen before.

I am also pleased to report that I didn't stumble across any one-off clutches similar to mine, so that was a great boost too as I feel that what I am doing has an element of originality and that's important to me. 

Travel is a luxury, but it also feels like a necessity for me to keep my mind open and the ideas flowing.  

I’m back in beautiful Bowral now and feeling refreshed and ready for the silly season.

I’d love to help you out with bespoke gifts for Christmas, so keep an eye on my website, visit me at Dirty Janes, Bowral where I am the current artist in residence or email me with custom enquires, I’d love to work with you!