The pretty, pastel-coloured houses which give Aberaeron harbour its distinctive charm have helped local textile artist Helen Evans develop a prize-winning portfolio.

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Whilst at Carmarthen School of Art, the BA Textiles graduate captured her memories of the views from her childhood home, in Portland Place, Aberaeron, to produce a range of beautiful woven cushions.

The stunning designs are influenced by the town harbour’s palette of colours and Regency architecture. Her work drew the attention of organisers of Wonderwool Wales, the premier Wool and Natural Fibre Festival in Wales, who have awarded a special bursary which will help her set up in business.

Helen was chosen to receive Wonderwool Wales’ annual bursary to a graduate from the BA Textiles; knit, weave and mixed media course at Carmarthen School of Art, part of Coleg Sir Gậr.

Judges and Wonderwool Wales organisers Chrissie Menzies and Olwen Veevers, who presented Helen with a cheque for £1,000, said they were impressed both by the quality of her work and her business plan.

“I am absolutely ecstatic to have won,” said Helen. “The bursary will go towards buying myself a loom, so I can make exactly the same fabrics now I have left college. I am starting up a business as Helen Margaret Textiles.”

Helen, 23, hopes her customers will include visitors to Aberaeron who will be as inspired by the town as she is. “I was brought up in Aberaeron, surrounded by the colours and gorgeous shapes of the town and it wasn’t until I came to Carmarthen that I realised how embedded they were in my mind,” she said.

Visitors to Wonderwool Wales 2019 can look forward to admiring and buying Helen’s beautiful cushions, as part of her prize is the opportunity to showcase her creativity at the event at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells.

Next year’s show is on April 27 and 28, 2019. For more details visit: www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk. Like Wonderwool Wales Ltd on Facebook or follow on Twitter @wonderwoolwales