My day in cups of tea
We pulled up a chair at the work table of artist, designer and knitter Dee Hardwicke and asked her to tell us all about how she spends her day in cuppas
First cuppa of the day and what are you doing?
I’m in my studio, cup of tea in hand, spending a few minutes looking over the designs and swatches spread out on my work table – a vintage brioche-making table. The surface is an ever-changing moodboard of
everything I’m working on.
Tell us a little about what you do.
My work as an artist, designer and knitter includes collaborations with partners such as Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the publishers of my knitting books*.
We’re putting the kettle on. Do you have a favourite mug?
Having designed several tableware collections, I’ve a cupboard full of samples. I have a couple of favourites for different seasons – my National Trust flowers and butterflies sets were constant companions while working on my book.
Any tales of spilled tea to share?
Oh goodness! I had two beautiful sheets of watercolours laid out on my table and knocked a cuppa all over one of them. I actually kept it because the tea stain gave the watercolour an almost vintage look – a reminder of the ups and downs of the creative process.
So true! When is work done for the day?
Being creative never really feels like work so I sometimes have to remind myself to down tools. On darker evenings, I love the feeling of settling down in my studio with a piping hot cup of tea and a rich slice of cake. On the chilliest and wintriest of afternoons, it feels like being given a very comforting hug.
One final cuppa?
I’ll have one last cup while I look over everything that I’ve knitted, painted or sketched throughout the day, bringing my day full circle. I then feel excited about getting back to work in the morning.