Handmade Design is proud to welcome the amazing Duck & Peach to takeover our shop window!
You’ll be sure to catch her Halloween themed window display until Tuesday 1st November. We’ll have lots of her greeting cards, prints, tote bags and wrapping paper available to buy in store during this time.
Brought to us by Belper-based Illustrator Sophie, her work has been bringing smiles to our faces since 2015.
What is Duck & Peach?
Eagle-eyed readers may recognise Sophie’s work when it was featured in our latest blog post celebrating amazing local artists for Derbyshire Day 2022! Her unique style incorporates a wide spectrum of visual styles, moods and themes.
“I like using lots of colours and creating quirky, funny characters and illustrations that have a bit of magic about them,” she says. “They incorporate elements of nature and fairytales and will hopefully make you smile.”
One of our favourite pieces of Sophie’s is this fun Ay Up Me Duck Print Wall Art Print inspired by one of Derbyshire’s most famous terms of phrase.
“I’m from Scotland and since moving to Derbyshire I’ve been a big fan of the ‘Ay Up Me Duck’ phrase. That’s where the “Duck” in Duck & Peach comes from. I started my business her, and I wanted that to be a part of its identity.”
Where did it all start?
Sophie decided on her new career path in 2012 when reading to her eldest daughter.
I was reading her Eric Carle’s ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ one evening and thought “I’d like to have a go at illustrating books for children.”
Sophie followed her ambition and went to the University of Derby, completing an MA in visual design in 2015.
“When I started my business, it was put together with little more than dreams and ideas and a lot of hard work.”
Since starting Duck & Peach, Sophie has shared her art with the world in all sorts of ways; from painting our amazing mural to writing her very own children’s book. Sophie is never short of creative ways to demonstrate her talents!
“There’s something about a big canvas and painting on walls which is hugely satisfying and fun!”
Seasonal Art
Those who’ve taken a peek at our shop window may notice the inclusion of one cheery face; among the orange leaves and captivating artwork, sits a grinning pumpkin, a clear nod to the change of season.
“I love Autumn and Halloween, and elements of those can often be found interwoven in my artwork; pumpkins and toadstools are great favourites!”
What next for Duck & Peach?
Having started as a dream, Duck & Peach has grown to become a fantastic example of what local businesses can provide. Located in Belper, Sophie supplies her artworks to the local community and Handmade Design.
But what next for Duck & Peach?
“In the future I hope to create another children’s book or two. I’d also love to do more mural work, both commercial and within peoples homes too. I’ve so often been surprised by where my creative endeavours have taken me, that I’m very happy to go with the flow and see what comes next!”
Could you take over our window?
We’re always keen to celebrate our wonderful artists. Are you a creative from Derbyshire or a neighboring county? Would you like to see your work in our window? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send an email to [email protected] with the subject POP UP ENQUIRY.
