I would like to share the result of my first large-scale shadowfold: a curtain to hide my personal belongings, a perfect solution to a very common problem. The light from the window behind provides a warm glow and the shadows are reflected on the surrounding walls.

This project was exciting as I have previously made the same tessellation from my handmade paper Draga. Two completely different techniques, but two very similar results!

I am currently working on restoring a beautiful authentic sewing table. I have given myself the challenge of  painting a faux marquetry inlay to give the table additional charm.

Preparation is the key to a good finish. I have spent many hours sanding, filling and refilling the surfaces to make them as smooth as possible before applying any paint. Now I am ready to begin the next stage. First I will paint the whole tabletop a faux mahogany,  then I will work on the individual woods over the top.

Here are some images of the table’s evolution so far.

Sewing table

Table sanded

Table filled

Table primed

Ioana – Shadowfolds

Ioana – Shadowfolds

Ioana – Shadowfolds

During the visit of my friend Jeff Rutzky I discovered the joys of shadowfolds, a technique of sewing material to create tessellated patterns. This particular tessellation was made from a piece of cotton around 1.60mx2.50m. The pattern is featured in the beautifully illustrated book that he recently made with Chris Palmer, Shadowfolds.  I look forward to trying out some different designs and experimenting with other fabrics.

Private Home – before

Private Home – before

Private Home – before

Private Home – after

Private Home – after

Private Home – after

The client, with a newly-acquired private home in London, wished to improve this room with a colour scheme that would highlight the original Victorian features. By hand-mixing my own paints, I am often able to find the exact colour or shade to meet the client’s requirements. With this new colour scheme the room appears larger, lighter and the focus is brought to the original cast iron fireplace.

Hair Salon – before

Hair Salon – before

Hair Salon – before

Hair Salon – before

Hair Salon – after

Hair Salon – after

Hair Salon – after

Hair Salon – after

The complete makeover of this hair salon in Normandy, France was one of my first solo projects as a decorator. Drawing on my deep interests in the Art Nouveau movement, the final result included two hand-painted murals inspired by Koloman Moser.

Marienthal Chapel – before

Marienthal Chapel – before

Marienthal Chapel – before

Lettering restoration in progress

Marienthal Chapel – after

Marienthal Chapel – after

Marienthal Chapel – after

I participated in the restoration of the beautiful chapel of Marienthal in the Alsace region of France. The original paint on this canvas was wearing away. Reviving the original colors, I brought it back to its initial state- as it would have appeared when first painted around 1843.

Fireplace Restoration – before

Fireplace Restoration – before

Fireplace Restoration – after

Fireplace Restoration – after

This carved slate Victorian fireplace in a private home in London had an original faux marble finish that was badly damaged. As there was not much of the original decoration remaining to use as an example, I researched different finishes used on similar fireplaces of the same era. Together with the client, I created a composition that would suit their new interior while keeping most of the original design.