Formerly 'Buttons, Beads and Blanket Stitch'.

My work predominantly comprises hand cut and burnished lino prints, with sewing playing an occasional part.

Whether working in print or in stitch, I am inspired by the natural world and the people around me, with words/text frequently playing an integral part.

* I endeavour to represent my pieces as clearly and with colours as true to life as possible, however some slight variations in tone between the image on screen and the piece itself may occur.*

Lino Print & Occasional Stitch, made by me in the Midlands.

I have always loved to create; from making clothes as a teenager to experimenting with painting, drawing and printmaking and gaining a Fine Art degree, through to teaching children to running workshops and creative classes for adults too…

Following 10 years as a primary school teacher, I determined to make time for some of the things I had loved to do before work took over, and so my love for hand sewing and later of printmaking was re-kindled, and my one-woman business was born.

My original business name, ‘Buttons, Beads and Blanket Stitch’, perfectly encapsulated those days when my work comprised entirely stitched pieces. It is printmaking, specifically hand cut and burnished lino printing which now dominates my work, though these two areas, of print and stitch, do still occasionally overlap and combine.

My textile pieces are largely created from natural and/or re-purposed fabrics with the sewing not at all complex in terms of stitches or technique; I love the simplicity of drawing with the thread, using simple black outlines with colour to create and fill spaces.

Regarding print, I love the almost meditative process of carving and the boldness of a single block print onto beautiful handmade papers.

Whether working in print, in stitch or a combination, the changing seasons, the natural world and the people around me are my constant inspiration.

Find Mandy Benton Printmaker on social media

• Instagram