Birdies...

New Birdy Repeat print. 

I've not posted for a while now, I've been rather lax. However, I have been working hard on different projects. Some for my own enjoyment (like this bird print) and others that are more beneficial to Eleanor. 

Another flying visit but I will blog properly soon! 

Merry pre-Christmas to all! 

Occasion Prints...

New Baby Print
(Any Name)

Pink Colour way
Wedding Print

Wedding Print
(Custom names & Dates)

There's always time for a break...

Lets face it, the local didn't have quality fashion magazines in abundance so I had to (well I didn't have to) revert to my old Magma ways... I won't be having any "shopping" breaks any time soon and meandering around the Northern Quarter seems to be a distant memory so I went ONLINE. I tell you, it just isn't the same. You don't get to touch and flick first hand which I find particularly distressing! Although... in hindsight I would have probably bought double if i physically went in there. The excitement of getting a package feels exactly the same you'll be glad to know... LOVE and BON continually manage to distract me :) 

Also, during the periods of time when I've listened to wayyy too much Kate Bush, Bjork and The Moody Blues and turned one too many pages of my glossy mag, I re-visit the reality of my shop. A lovely one at that, however i tend to leave things to get a little messy. So a tidy round a bit of a move around did eventually happen. It is now sparkling and I've put some new prints up to replace ones I've sold. A couple of screen prints... 

Life Is Like An Onion. You Peel if off one layer at a time
and sometimes you WeeP.
Screen printed and embroidered.
£100

It takes hands to build a house but only hearts
 can build a home
Screen print on paper
£85
(I will be ironing out the creases!)

New Counter Kaftan in place too!

Kaftan / Wall hanging 100% Silk and
available to buy.
Designed and Made by Eleanor
£250

New Designs...

New repeat print design for a new lazy chair I've just bought!

Complimentary stripe repeat 

New Chairs...

Beech Wood Chair Painted in Craig & Rose

Cover 100% Cotton 

Designed and Printed by Eleanor 

£200

Teak Wood Chair
Cover 100% Cotton
Designed & Printed by Eleanor
£180

Wooden Chair painted in Craig & Rose - Chalk White
Cover Designed & Made by Eleanor
Cover is wipe-able cotton canvas
£180

New Designs...

A Friend Is One Who Knows Us But
Loves Us Anyway

A Good Friend Is Cheaper Than Therapy

A View From My Window...

Gorgeous morning in sunny Salford... Too good not to share! 

How could I forget to mention the FANTASTIC Vintage Village Fair

at Stockport Market Hall where I had a stall. You'll be able to find me and a link to my website on their traders page! It was a new experience for me and at first it was quite nerve-racking. However, after I'd recuperated from a traumatic early morning with some help from a few cups of coffee I thoroughly enjoyed it and I will be punctually attending the next which is on the 14th November. It's free entry and there is a wide variety of stalls. It's held on the second Sunday of every month so come down to grab a bargain or a lovely piece of art work :)

My Stall

So I just nipped to my local corner shop to grab a magazine and to generally catch up on what's happening in the world of fashion. I don't know what I was expecting... maybe a couple of issues of Bon, Purple Fashion or maybe even Lula. But who was I kidding... I found Elle was the best they had to offer. Not that I'm dissing Elle mag, in fact I love Elle decoration. BUT Alexa Chung (who i hate to love love love) was on the cover promoting her little self with an article 'How To Shop'. 

Here she is... actually this is me (I wish). I want that hat. 

Also Miu Miu. I want their collection, all of it. Lottery? 

Inspiration...

I've recently visited the Northern Contemporary Craft fair... It was really refreshing to see New Designers and current artwork by people similar to myself. I had lovely chats with former piers from Manchester Met and from other Textile Artists. I came across a fantastic Potter Adam Frew.  His work was really inspirational and had a lovely naive quality to it. His website is definitely worth a visit! 

Magazine Illustration

I've just completed an Illustration for my best friend who's in her final year at Huddersfield University studying fashion media and promotion. One her projects consisted of a magazine and she asked if i could produce a illustration that would correspond with a chapter from the book Frankenstein. This is what i came up with...

©Eleanor

©Eleanor

Shop Opening...

I haven't posted for a few weeks, I've been SO busy. I've got lots to mention. But firstly, the exciting venture of opening my shop 'Eleanor' took place 2 weeks ago. I had a lovely opening evening where lots of wine was consumed and all of my close friends came along. The shop is looking great and I had lots of positive comments from people which was lovely. If you would like to come and see my shop the address is: 309 Bolton Road, Salford, Manchester M6 7GU.

Visit My Website:  www.eleanorfranks.co.uk

I had fantastic night and sold a print and lots of cards; I've just designed some extras for christmas and other lovely occasions. Take a look...

New Baby £2.50

I Love You At Christmas
£2.50

Happy Christmas
£2.50

Happy Birthday
£2.50

These designs and more... All available to buy at my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/Eleanor46

New Flyer...

SO, I've just finished designing a new flyer ready for The Vintage Village Fair in Stockport on Sunday 10th October and also for the opening of my new rented shop in Salford :) (thanks to my boyfriends mum for so kindly letting it to me rent free for now!) I'm a lucky girl... 

Front View

Back View

It's quite exciting as I'll be unleashing my creative and collective bits and pieces onto the world (well Manchester!). It'll be nice to get some feedback... 

I've gone for plain but intriguing for the front. It's a nice pretty print and all the necessary information is on the reverse, with some hand written and drawn elements for a more personal feel. I was aiming to mirror the quality and presentation of my work in this flyer. I hope I've been successful... 

Also bought some gorgeous new chairs to up-holster for my website. I bought a beautiful old Victorian 

rocking chair to cover in one of my prints! 

HOT

I'll be sure to upload the finished product - which will of course be available to buy!

I Wish You Were a Beer 

Ok... hello! I'm new to blogging so I'm going to take this slow. So i thought I'd start my first ever blog entry with one of my favorite designs to date... This was a print that I produced over a year ago. It was initially designed for screen printing and I eventually re-upholstered a stool with this design. I just think "I wish you were a beer" is so honest. I often wish these weird and wonderful things... and how cute is that beer head! YUMMY! 

Although beer head is one of my favorites I feel I've come a long way from these sweet an naives... My mind and technique have both matured and I have really felt at home with my craft. The transition from fashion design to Textiles during university was difficult but life changing. I have always been a Textiler at heart - although my love for fashion will never die. Here are a few images from my final collection: *all images are copyright

Penny Lane Print

Peace & Fear

Bulldog Print

Fishy Print

Vinyl backdrop