FCA&C are currently selling some of  Lovely Pigeon’s fab products in their online shop.

Lovely Pigeon is the alter ego of designer-maker Kirsty Thomas. She is a printmaker, illustrator and upcycler. She loves doodling, junk-shopping, making lists (and losing them again), mid-century modern, old tea towels, flea markets, sewing, folk, beaches, wine, growing vegetables, text, pop up shops, wally dogs… and pigeons.

We caught up with Kirsty to ask her more about what she does and what she plans to do next.

What’s your background and what inspired you to become a designer?

I originally trained in Design Studies and worked within the fashion industry for several years. I owned a street wear fashion label for three years before deciding to retrain as an art teacher.  I got itchy feet again when I moved to Scotland 4 years ago. I started creating jewellery pieces, drawing more and teaching myself to print. From those experiments, Lovely Pigeon was born.

I am inspired by anything and everything but particularly like the simplicity of mid century art and design and the work of people like Charles and Ray Eames and Lucienne and Robin Day. I also like anything that makes me smile.

How would you describe your customers?

I think my customer base is quite wide – young, crafty-design types, ladies who lunch and lots of people in between. I would love to develop a stronger male customer base – there seems to be a real lack of craft based products directed at men.

What is your favourite piece from your collection?

Eek, that’s a difficult one! The Mr Pigeon lino print was one of the first pieces of print I did and it still makes me smiles every time I see it.  He has a very cheeky look in his eye!

What are the highlights of your career so far?

Working with some of the best independent design shops in the UK and internationally and galleries is a privilege and it is always great when new stockists are interested in your work.  However seeing my name in Elle Decoration is probably one of the high points.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

Lovely Pigeon’s 2012 collection is a bit of a departure and features lots of colour, shape and pattern. I’m also hoping to extend my home wares and stationery collections and start experimenting with different print techniques, laser cutting and textile printing.

Thank you.

Lovely Pigeon Fantail Bird Brooch; available from FCA&C's online shop @ £5.50