Introducing: Step in the Picture
We are always on the look out for new and unique elements to make your wedding ultra personal and Step in the Picture really is that extra special touch. Not only do we adore the unique and entirely personal artworks Janet creates, but we LOVE the idea of reliving your wedding day whenever you catch a glimpse of the framed artwork on your wall.
These pieces are so unique we asked Janet tell you all about them…
My name is Janet and I’m a mixed media memorial artist.
I create contemporary artwork inspired by memorable moments and experiences. The memories I work with are endless; from weddings, new births, people, places, holidays, it really can be anything. I use botanicals to capture the emotional journey so the picture tells a story, to do this I first preserve your flowers. No flowers, no problem, I can also preserve botanicals from the grounds of the venue (with their permission of course), and for those that don’t like flowers at all I can incorporate other materials such as sand, rocks, ribbon, material, i can even make it extra personal and incorporate ashes, or it might just be as simple as your invites, name places or save the dates, the choice is down to you! That being said for those that do have beautiful blooms on the day, preserving them into a piece of artwork is the perfect wat to hold onto those memories. I offer various sizes too which make the most unique gifts.
You would work directly with me from start to finish. I want you to feel as involved as possible, so along with the artwork I offer a service where I send you regular updates of your piece so you know where it is up to but more importantly you get to see it come together. The average piece can take between 8-12 weeks to complete, fully framed and ready to hang; depending on the type of flowers to be preserved the drying time can extend the lead time with the regular updates, you would be informed of where your piece is up to.
I also offer Botanical Workshop Experiences, there are brilliant for hen parties. I come to you and deliver a 3hr clay workshop where everyone gets to create their own botanical reliefs. I supply all the materials, you just need to supply the location. Just like the memorial work, I offer a free consultation and can personalise or theme the workshop to your choosing. The aim of the workshop is to create a relaxing experience making your own memories, creating your own keepsake, learning a new skill or simply just having fun.
Being an artist for most of my life I’ve always taken inspiration from people and nature. Experiences and memories has been something really important to me and I’ve always found a way of preserving them visually. 2019 I renewed my wedding vows as I wanted to experience the big wedding I didn’t get the first time round and from that moment forward I knew I wanted to surround myself with other people’s stories; the tears, the joy, the moments you simply can’t let go of. It is something I’m tremendously passionate about, so I spent around a year coming up with a way that I could offer just that.
The workshops are something I started last year after receiving much demand for them. They are a great way of unwinding with a group of friends and family, having a laugh, and sharing time together. They are different to the average hen party as you’re spending 3 hours playing with clay and plaster, making a mess but ultimately at the end of it everyone get to take away their own keepsake from the day too.
What is the process of working with you?
Quite simply get in touch via email, phone or drop me a message through my website. I’ll arrange a call or meeting with you to talk about what you’re looking to capture and what I can offer. I always offer a full consultation prior to undertaking any work as no two artworks or workshops are the same. It also means I can gather as much information about your day as possible and to make any arrangements for flower preservation such as delivery/collection. Once you have made the decision and want to book i take 30% non-refundable deposit to secure the date, the remaining balance is then due in full either prior to despatch of the artwork or 4 weeks before the date of the workshop.
How soon do people need to book you?
For both memories and workshop experiences booking is advised as early as possible, especially if flower preservation is involved as there is a very short window of time to start preserving them to keep them looking thoer best (maximum 3 days) so arrangements for delivery/collection dates need to be booked in to avoid any delays in the process. The workshop experiences run for approximately 3hrs and are very popular so early booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
What piece of advice would you give?
Inject as much of your personality and character into your day as you can because you are creating YOUR story. The most unforgettable moments are those that people experience a strong emotion from and can relate to it, so make them laugh, make them cray, but above all else make them feel the love.
You want your guests to walk in and instantly recognise it’s your wedding without even being in the room, even the smallest detail can tell a tale.
