Playing with fabric, thread, leather, fibres, dye and paint up in her studio are some of Laura's favorite things. Constant experimentation with new methods and techniques keeps her work fresh and vibrant. Finding her inspiration in the world around her, many of her works reflect the beauty that is to be found in the Haliburton Highlands. A Fashion Design Diploma and a Textile Surface Design Certificate make up Laura's formal education in the textile industry but her passion for this medium has been a part of her life since early childhood.

Some of the techniques that Laura is spending time with currently, include, free motion embroderie, a method that involves a sewing machine with the feed dogs lowered (the mechanism that feeds the fabric through the machine while sewing) this allows her to paint with thread, the canvas (the fabric) is moved, while the brush (the needle) remains in one place. Laura also uses leather to create pictures that are reminiscent of oil paintings but are actually made up of small pieces of leather. Needle felting (using a machine with multiple barbed needles and no thread) is one of the more recent methods that she is experimenting with, a much quicker technique that allows for more spontaneous working, and a wide variety of materials to work with including wool and silk fibers as well as trims, yarns and other embellishments.

Laura's true passion is still garments and a lot of her other work is an experimentation to find techniques that allow her to create truly unique and wearable art. Starting with a vision of the garment Laura makes some sketches and drawings mainly to work out colour placements and find the most effective techniques to achieve the desired look. The fit and wearablity of the garment is as important to her as the art work which becomes the surface. A canvas that is not to be placed on a wall but instead to be taken out and exposed to different settings, a three dimensional piece that has to move with the wearer and show well from all angles.

Laura's work is identifiable by her use of colour and texture. She strives to create Art from textiles that is vibrant and fun.

Most of Laura's work is available for purchase. She also welcomes custom garment orders and art commissions if you are interested please contact her at: