Business Focus – #7 – Framed Memories by Laura

Every month we aim to put the spotlight on a business within the community, whether it’s a shop or a market trader. For our seventh entry in the series we had a chat with the lovely Laura Muldoon of Framed Memories by Laura. Pudsey is full of creative people and Laura is no exception, offering bespoke portraits as well as a number of ready to purchase products online and from her market stall.

Tell us about yourselves, where it all began and your ties to Pudsey?

My name is Laura and I’m a professional watercolour artist based in Pudsey.

I have loved painting from an early age and was given a set of watercolour paints from my Grandad and haven’t looked back since!

Art was always my passion and my hobby. I have been very lucky that my hobby was able to be turned into my profession.

How would you describe your business in one sentence?

New and exciting watercolour designs inspired by nature.

What can customers expect from you?

Graduating with BAHons in Surface Design I love to create new and exciting designs using watercolour, every single piece is one off and made with love. In 2009 I was lucky enough to exhibit my work at the Surface Design Show in London.

I welcome commissions which have given me new and unexpected challenges. Each commission is new and exciting. I love painting from what I can see and feel from my subject.

Inspired by the outdoors, everyday life and love I try to capture your memories in personalised pieces of art.

As well as painting I also host watercolour classes. You will be taught by a qualified teacher. After graduating as an art student I qualified as a primary school teacher. I worked as a primary school teacher in Leeds for over 8 years and was the leader of the Art curriculum. Exploration of different techniques are taught that will develop into painting an observational watercolour painting.

My classes were unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but I’m hoping to start them again in the future!

Tell us about your most popular product(s)

I’m excited to be attending both craft fairs and markets this year, this includes Pudsey Market every Friday and Pudsey Scarecrow Festival later this year.

Over lockdown I was able to launch new products which include art prints, greetings cards, stationery, gift sets and printed textiles.

I also continue to paint pet commissions which is how my business started.

Dogs, cats and horses are not the only animals I have painted over the years. I have painted birds, hamsters, a mouse, rabbits, a hedgehog, ducks, goats, giraffes and also a highland cow! I love to paint animals, there’s something so captivating within their eyes.

What do you enjoy most about Pudsey?

It’s just over a year since I took the plunge to hand my notice in as a primary school teacher and pursue my business full time.

It’s been the hardest, most challenging, yet incredibly rewarding year but I’m so grateful for it!

I’ve made incredible friends – business and personal. I’ve achieved incredible results for my clients pushing myself way out of my comfort zone with many commissions. I don’t think I’d even recognise the girl I was a year ago!

Considering the circumstances we’ve all faced this year I’ve had a lot of self doubt, questioned whether I should continue and have felt such exhaustion but I have achieved incredible milestones for my business.

I would like to say thank you to everyone in Pudsey including some local businesses that have helped me achieve these milestones.

You can find out more about Laura and her business by checking out the Framed Memories by Laura Facebook page alternatively you can find her and order online directly from her website.