About the Artist
Hello! My name is Alison Sutherland and I refinish and paint custom designs on furniture.
I have always loved painting and adore studying the colours shapes and contrasts of plants and flowers. Having gained confidence in my artwork during the pandemic lockdown I decided to brave the leap to furniture art and home décor.
I spent a lot of time honing my refinishing skills on furniture throughout our house and once I had painted everything in sight I was hooked. I began sourcing preloved vintage furniture. I was amazed at the outstanding quality of these older pieces, but I could also see how they could be old fashioned and look a bit sad in a twenty first century home. The challenge of seeing the potential and bringing the piece a fresh new look was a process I learnt to love from start to finish.
By the time our little Derby house became full of painted pieces, I was attending furniture art workshops, live painting events, online business courses and watching every tutorial going. I decided to dive in feet first and invested in a back garden studio. Looking out to all the flora and fauna in the garden fills me with inspiration and I am truly in my element with my little sprocker spaniel Ivy by my side (or by the pond watching frogs which is her preferred post).
My favourite part of the business is when I can step back and feel I have given the piece the love, life and makeover it deserved. I confess I do get quite attached to the furniture I work on so I have to say I find the hardest part can be letting them go. I decided it was a nice idea to pass on this passion by providing an adoption certificate with every piece of furniture sold. It explains a little about the history of the piece (if known), what products have been used, information on how to look after it and of course a name. You can find more information about this in The Little Ivy Designs ethos.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.