Tania Paige Designs

After a lifetime of loving art, print and sewing, Tania Hill made the decision to fully dive into her passion and study Fashion and Textile Print at university. Struggling to find the right fabrics for her projects, she decided to take her degree and print her own – soon, she was addicted to all forms of surface design; screenprinting, lino cut, sublimation, natural dying and any type of colour manipulation. Part way through her course, Tania decided she wanted to pass on her skills to other people, and has spent the last 5 years sharing everything she knows about design to other budding creatives from a studio in London. 

Does the slower, methodical pace of carving seem to encourage deeper conversation than faster crafts?

I believe it does yes, We can steam through things and finish quickly, but one of the nicest parts of attending a class is talking to the the other participants or the friends you bring with you.

What's the one thing beginners always assume is harder than it actually is?

Creating the original artwork. -The designs are always better than they think they'll be!

Do people tend to arrive with a design already in mind, or completely open to seeing what emerges?

I'd say it's about 50/50. Sometimes the design they come with isn't the design they use – chatting and collaborating can send them off in a different direction entirely!

Do you get many friends coming to a class to catch up, or couples getting stuck into printing for a date night activity?

It usually seems to be friends and family, but I do love the idea of a crafty date night!

How satisfying is that first 'reveal' moment when the paper is peeled back to show the print?

It's so satisfying! To see people's faces when they realise, 'I made that!' is amazing. 

What's the most ambitious design a total beginner has ever attempted in your class?

Anything that's too complicated! Some of my lino designs can take a week to carve, so I try to encourage people to be a little realistic with the timeframes. I never stop people doing what they want, though – they can always start in class and finish at home.

Has anyone ever come back to show you how they've used their design at home – on cards, fabric or walls?

Yes! It's always a delight to see how they've taken their designs and used them in real life.