Art

Nat Maks' wallpapers, murals and prints are hand-printed using the Suminagashi technique.

The process involves a medley of colours being placed on water, which then start to expand on its surface. The colours move on the water in an organic way and when a dynamic pattern has been formed, Nat makes a print by placing and moving paper on the water so it picks up the colour pattern. This technique means each piece is unique. 'There are no pattern repeats - we create individual rolls of paintings,' she explains.

Lampshades = old fashioned = bad. If that's your view, well, it's time to reconsider because too many a room could do with an injection of personality and an easy way to do this is with a colourful lampshade.

bluebellgray is something of a phenomenon if speed of success is a measure. Because this 13-strong Glasgow-based textiles and homewares company started its journey just eight years ago as a one-woman show; on  Fi Douglas’s kitchen table to be precise, as she painted some floral designs.

eco friendly mosaic maker Katy Galbraith uses old bits of crockery and glass to make her beautiful works of art. She says making mosaics is a lot like doing jigsaw puzzles

There's an assumption that art is beyond reproach because it's culture and culture is good for the mind and the soul. But the business of painting has long been up to its neck in toxic pigments, solvents and formaldehyde, and artists haven't always scored highly when it comes to minimising waste.