First and foremost, Ann Cox is a silk ribbon embroidery designer who runs her own company selling silk ribbons and kits. She teaches at colleges of further education, takes classes in her own studio and gives talks to clubs and guilds. She is also a professional cake decorator, a very keen gardener and is interested in many other crafts, especially those relating to flowers. Ann lives with her husband, Ashley, in a small village near Southampton in Hampshire.
An Interview with Ann
Where were you born?
In the village, 100yds from where I live now
What is your educational background?
Wykeham House, a private school in Fareham, 6 miles from here, not the brightest spark on the planet but I loved it. Then Southampton Technical College and continual FE education over the years. Amongst other things C&G A Level Cookery, Dress Designing and Teaching.
What first got you interested in craft?
As a child I was taught and encouraged to knit, sew, cook and any craft going - I made my first jumper at 9.
How long have you been crafting?
Forever, always will be - one thing always leads to another.
Where do you get your materials?
The silk ribbons that I use for the silk ribbon embroidery that I specialise in now are made in Japan. I purchase them directly from the supplier, YLI, in the States and probably we are the largest supplier in the UK and supply ribbons worldwide.
How/Where did Search Press discover you?
I contacted 5 publishers one morning and for very obvious reasons at the time, approached Search Press. I will never be a millionaire but it is without a doubt the best thing I ever did.
What were your first thoughts when asked to write a book?
Over the moon, until I found that it was going to be a 48 page paperback - I thought it was going to be a hardback at £25 per copy - a bit like Jeffrey Archer. However as I have said in every talk I have ever given, the one thing that I learnt was 'I didn't know there were so many pages in a 48 page book'. I have to say the hours of work needed are unbelievable - let alone all the expertise and time given by Search Press.
Any tips for beginners?
Start with The Beginner's Guide to Silk Ribbon Embroidery, or now The Handbook of Silk Ribbon Embroidery, choose a project at the beginning - not as most of us do at the end of the book - and follow the How to's to the letter - you will learn how to manage the ribbon - not to let the ribbon manage you - then move on and experiment. Above all it is a very friendly medium to work with, rewarding and fun to do with limitless applications - Anything a needle can be passed through e.g all fabric, leather, card, thin wood, clothes, cards etc
What is your favourite craft tool?
Size 13, 18 and 24 chenille needles and a crewel 8 - the only needles needed for Silk Ribbon Embroidery plus a pair of small sharp scissors.
Have you travelled for your craft?
I have been to Denmark, The Midlands, Wales and The South of England. I have been invited to Australia and South Africa - but would like to be able to tie this up with a publisher or shop for more than one venue - very expensive to do this independently - but would be great.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Nature to create a shape and overcoming the medium on which the embroidery is to be worked. I long to do a feature combining a flower/flowers as part of a watercolour picture - I have started to work on this idea and of course some necklets. Endless really.
