Welcome to our 11th edition of meet the Contrado artists series. We continue to be astonished at the diversity and talent we come across. You may remember that in our last edition of Meet the Artists, we looked at artists with graffiti creations and zen ruminations. This time we are going to take a look […]
What is jute? We all have used gunny sacks, rustic looking bags, curtains and several other pieces of furniture or accessory, that have a lattice-like weave and a coarse texture. Chances are that these products were made of jute. But how many of you know what is jute? It is a natural fibre derived from […]
As an artist, inspiration is imperative to your practice. It fuels creativity and allows your work to grow and develop – but where do we find inspiration, exactly? You might look everywhere from nature to pop culture, but why not start at the very beginning (which, after all, is a very good place to start). […]
What is Nylon? We all use umbrellas, stockings, socks, toothbrushes in our day to day lives. Most of us have also come across this term at some point or other. But have you ever stopped to consider what is nylon? How can one material be both plastic-like as in bristles and pliable as in a […]
It’s no secret that showcasing your artwork in an exhibition can be a little bit daunting. Whilst exhibiting your pieces definitely opens up your art to a wider audience, there’s always the lingering worry of negative feedback. But it’s a risk worth taking. For emerging and established artists alike, the exposure is vital and is […]
8 of the Best Fabrics for Summer Clothing There’s nothing worse than that sticky, sweaty feeling when it’s ‘el scorchio’. You rather want to flail your arms around in that envious care-free summer manner. So, when the weather is hot hot hot, make sure you’re not not not that person everyone avoids on the tube and discover our pick […]
March is here, and with it comes a batch of Contrado’s new artists online, all ready and waiting for you to meet. Art is in the eye of the beholder, and our extensive online market place is filled with a plethora of amazing talent, covering all areas of the art spectrum. From pattern and surface […]
What is Chenille? You know the fuzzy lived-in quilt that has been handed down to you by your grandparents,? Or the fluffy new throw adorning your couch? They are probably made of Chenille. Among the gamut of fabrics that we encounter in our lives daily, how many of us have an answer to the question […]
What is Velour? Velour is an incredibly soft, plush textile which is very similar to velvet (albeit much less expensive). It’s characterised by a wonderfully soft-to-the-touch finish with cut fibres that follow the stroke of your hand, and drapes seamlessly. But what is velour, and how does it actually differ from velvet? Read our guide […]
If you’re only just embarking upon your sewing journey or you’re a well-seasoned stitcher, chances are your machine has more to offer than you think. Sewing machines can have anywhere from 8 to 100+ types of stitch settings alongside other tips and tricks, and the more elaborate your machine is, the more it will have. […]