July 2026

Name: Andrea Nichol / Approachable Earth Designs

How did your creative journey start?

When I was 7 years old, my Nana brought home a needlepoint kit, and I was fascinated. She helped me to do my first needlepoint stitches, and I’ve done nothing but learn all different types of needlework over the years. While in university, I joined a medieval re-creationist group and began making elaborate Italian Renaissance costumes, which included intricate embroidery. Over the years, I have learned Bargello, Blackwork, Whitework, Crewelwork, Cross Stitch, Bayeux Tapestry Stitch, Hardanger, Goldwork and other types of embroidery. I began embroidering and beading tweed, silk, and linen pieces about 6 years ago and have since focused on bags and purses.

Can you explain your creative process? How has it changed over time?

When I first learned embroidery, I used patterns drawn on fabric to create the images and motifs, but now I just allow my fingers to do whatever they feel they want to do on each piece that I do. It’s a very pure way of doing art, which is highly therapeutic. I cut the piece out in silk, wool or linen fabric, then look through my threads and pick something I like. Then I put the fabric into a hoop and begin stitching. The motif takes shape quite quickly.

Who influences you? Which other creatives’ work do you love?

My most profound influences can be found in nature. I focus on flowers, trees, plants, and sometimes insects such as bees and dragonflies. In the beginning, my Nana influenced me. She knew so much about the textile arts, and we had wonderful times together. I am influenced greatly by artists who paint landscapes in particular because sometimes their use of colour influences a piece I want to do. I also love designing my bags and purses, as well as sewing them and assembling them once they have been embellished.

What advice would you give creatives who are just starting out?

I would advise new artists to learn from as many different sources as they can and to be open to being a lifelong learner of their craft. There is always something new around the corner, and the challenge is part of the delight of creating.

What can visitors expect when visiting your space during Falkirk Open Studios?

I will be at Falkirk Delivers office, and visitors can expect a cross-section of my work as well as the opportunity to take part in short teaching sessions where they will be able to learn some basic embroidery stitches to make a patch.