I’m Rach, a designer toy artist and crafter based in the Peak District, drawing inspiration from folklore, nature and a steady diet of fantasy films and books I have created a whole cast of fantasy creatures that dwell in the forest of my imagination. Using a variety of materials, I bring these creatures to life in the form of art dolls, designer toys and figurines, to be adopted into the homes of my collectors or sent out into the world to spread a little bit of magic and whimsy.

In my workshops, which take place in a cosy craft space next door to the magical Punnydukes shop in Matlock, I invite participants to paint their own versions of my most popular designs.

Thanks to Daler-Rowney I have been able to provide workshop attendees with brushes and paints, both System3 Soft Body Acrylic and System3 Fluid, which gave me the perfect base set of materials to introduce folks to the art of painting small figurines. I have had a range of abilities and ages attending the workshops I have run so far, and watching their dedication to bringing their visions to life using these materials is an absolute joy.

There are many stages and processes involved in my artwork, including sculpting, moulding, casting, fabrication and sewing, but it is the painting stage that can often be the most rewarding as it is during this time that a piece really finds its personality. Through my workshops, with the help of Daler-Rowney, I have been able to share the joy of bringing these little creatures to life.