If you've been following along for a while, you'll know I find inspiration just about everywhere—from gardens and allotments to whatever catches my eye on a walk. This time, I've headed to the coast.
I'm so excited to introduce my new Seaweed napkin collection, a set inspired by the incredible shapes, textures and colours of the sea plants that wash up along our coastline. Seaweed doesn't always get the attention it deserves, but look closely and it's full of beautiful, intricate forms that are every bit as fascinating as flowers or leaves.
This collection celebrates that quiet beauty, transforming some of my favourite varieties into hand-drawn illustrations that are designed to bring a little bit of the seaside to your table.
Each set includes six different seaweed designs, with every napkin featuring its own original illustration. Together they create a collection that's calm, colourful and a little bit different—perfect for anyone who loves the coast.
Starting with a Sketch
As with all of my collections, everything begins with a fine liner pen.
I spend time drawing each piece of seaweed by hand, paying attention to the flowing shapes and delicate details that make every variety unique. Some have long ribbon-like fronds that twist and curl, while others branch out into beautifully intricate patterns.
I love working with line drawings because they capture those natural forms without overcomplicating them. The finished illustrations feel clean, simple and full of movement—just like seaweed drifting beneath the water.
The Colour Experiment
Once the drawings are complete comes one of the trickiest (and most enjoyable!) parts of the whole process—choosing the colours.
I mix all of my screen-printing inks by hand, and I can spend hours testing different combinations before settling on the final palette. It's amazing how changing one colour slightly can completely alter the feel of a collection.
For these napkins, I wanted to reflect the rich variety you find along the shoreline. Seaweed isn't just green—it comes in beautiful shades of olive, moss, golden brown, deep red and soft grey-green, and I wanted the colours to feel natural while still bringing plenty of life to the table.
There are usually far more test prints than anyone ever sees, but that's all part of the process. Eventually, everything clicks into place and the collection starts to feel exactly as I'd imagined it.
Printed by Hand in Norwich
Once I'm happy with the drawings and colours, it's time to start printing.
Every napkin is hand screen printed in my Norwich studio, one at a time. It's a wonderfully traditional process that I never get tired of. There's something incredibly satisfying about pulling the ink across the screen and revealing a fresh print underneath.
Each napkin is then dried, heat cured to make it durable enough for everyday use, and carefully checked before being folded into its set.
It's definitely not the quickest way to make textiles, but I think you can tell when something has been made by hand. Every print carries those little details that make handmade work so special.
A Little Bit of the Coast at Your Table
I've always loved the seaside—not just the big views and crashing waves, but the smaller details you notice when you slow down. Shells, driftwood, sea glass... and, of course, seaweed.
This collection is a little reminder of those coastal walks, beachcombing adventures and salty afternoons by the sea.
Whether you're hosting a seafood feast, setting the table for friends or simply adding a bit of coastal charm to everyday meals, these napkins are designed to be used and enjoyed.
Made from natural cotton, they're reusable, machine washable and a lovely alternative to disposable paper napkins.
They also make a thoughtful gift for sea lovers, wild swimmers, coastal dwellers or anyone who dreams of living by the sea.
Coming This September
I'm currently busy screen printing every pre-order in my Norwich studio, with the first sets ready for delivery in early September.
It's always exciting sending a new collection out into the world after months of drawing, colour mixing and printing. What starts as a few sketches on paper slowly becomes stacks of freshly printed napkins, ready to find homes around dining tables across the country.
I hope this collection brings a little of the calm, natural beauty of the coastline into your home.
As always, thank you so much for supporting handmade. Every order allows me to keep designing, illustrating and screen printing each collection right here in my Norwich studio, and I'm so grateful that you choose to support small, independent makers.
Now, if you'll excuse me, there's a pile of seaweed waiting for me in the studio… thankfully this kind doesn't smell of the beach! 🌿🌊