Alongside her full-time teaching role at St Gabriel’s, Mel has turned her long-standing love of design into a thriving side business, creating beautiful, nature-inspired surface patterns for textiles and handmade products. Her vibrant work, influenced by the flowers, birds and plants surrounding her East Hanney home, celebrates organic form, texture and colour.

A graduate of Loughborough University with a First-Class Design degree and a Master’s from the Royal College of Art, Mel brings exceptional expertise and passion to her teaching. “Teaching has always been a big part of who I am,” she explains, “but I’ve also felt the pull to create something of my own. Every pattern you see on fabric — whether on a dress, a cushion or a teacup — has been drawn by someone. I love being part of that world.”

Working digitally with an iPad Pro, Apple Pencil and Procreate, Mel has grown Botanica Pattern Designs into a dynamic creative business, recently collaborating with local artisan Bobbin & Spool to produce a collection of bespoke handmade bags featuring her original prints. She also shares her creative process and design updates on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, as well as through a monthly newsletter.

Her feature in Round & About not only celebrates her success as a designer but also highlights the incredible creative talent within the St Gabriel’s teaching community. “I hope parents feel reassured their children are in safe creative hands,” she says with a smile.

Congratulations, Mel — we’re so proud to see your talent and passion recognised!

📸 To read the full feature, visit Round & About Magazine
📷 Follow Mel’s work on Instagram @botanicapatterndesigns