Paper Houses Connects with Blessed Unrest


This month for Paper Houses Connects we chat with Lorna of Blessed Unrest! I met Lorna in 2020 when restrictions were lifted and I could visit her workshop for some creative professional development to explore some new ideas. Lorna is a few days away from the end of an amazing crowdfunding campaign to open a textiles hub, Ink on Mesh, in Edinburgh.

Blessed Unrest web profile.jpg

Blessed Unrest

Lorna is a brilliant textile designer and tutor who is just about to open a new community print space called INK on MESH.

1. Tell us who you are and what you do?

I’m Lorna Brown, I live in Edinburgh where I run my Contemporary Textile and print company Blessed Unrest. I’ve been working in the creative industries for 30 years as a freelance designer and educator, my print brand Blessed Unrest is 5 years young this year. I hand screen print natural fabrics like cotton, linen, linen blends and canvas and make these into home wear collections and smaller fashion accessories like clutch bags and pin brooches. I design limited edition digitally printed silk scarves.  I work to commission creating bespoke textiles and products for interiors either hand printing or digitally printed depending on the complexity of the design. I also run day and weekend print classes.

2. Why are you a creative?

I have a need to be creative that influences my mood, my personality, my identity and It’s been that way as long as I can remember. Being a creative allows me to share and show how I see,  and experience the world and being a creative educator allows me to support and encourage others to express their individuality.

I think everyone has creativity within or the potential for creativity whether it’s nurtured, recognised or not. The way you put a meal together, the way you dress or decorate your home, the way you use words and language and what you see as you go about your daily life it’s all creative expression.

 3. If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing when you started out what would it be?

I’d just tell myself to stay on task, stay true to your vision, listen to your intuition. Don’t let your inner critic restrict you!...use it to push you towards the things you most fear.


4. What's your favourite task/job to do and your worst?

Days in the print studio when I’m either experimenting with new ideas or completing commissions are without a doubt where I’m happiest. I really enjoy working with customers and collaborating on project ideas, brainstorming possibilities and finding unique design solutions for a particular brief.

Doing my tax return is my most hated job and I literally leave it until the day before the deadline.  

5. What song/podcast gets you in the zone?

I’m a huge radio 6 listener and have it on all day. Love a bit of old school Ska from the Specials/Fun Boy Three to get me motivated, First Aid kit for anytime listening and for chilling I love London Grammar, Neil Young and recently discovered, Angus and Julia Stone.  

6. What do you have coming up this year that you are excited about?

My project is part of the Creative Scotland Crowdmatch - I am 1 of 20 shortlisted creative projects in Scotland - that have the opportunity to win a share of £75,000 in match funding, up to £10,000 per project.

This campaign will run for 1 month from launch on March 22nd 2021

I’m looking to achieve my goal of establishing INK on MESH, a community print space that offers classes, courses and tuition in screen printing and stitched textiles.

INK on MESH will provide affordable:

  • Studio and social space

  • Education and training programme – beginners to advanced 

  • Access to specialized equipment/tools and materials

  • Events, talks, and demonstrations

  • Free educational resources

  • Internship and membership opportunities


I love Lorna’s plans for INK on MESH and it’s definitely a dream space that’s echoed with here. Though Lorna’s about to make it a reality and just needs a bit more support to get her to her final target in the last few days. If you can share, back, or support in any way please do.

Pop over to see Lorna crowdfunder here -  

Paper Houses ConnectsMhairi Allanmark making, Creative Wellbeing, meet the maker, textiles, textile design, contemporary textile design, screen printingComment