I'm an award-winning embroiderer with cats and taxidermy as my inspiration

Talented Rowan Shepherd is hoping her unique embroidery creations - shaped by her love of cats and all things vintage - will secure her first place in a leading global competition.

Rowan, is an embroidery artist based in St Annes, and is vying for recognition on the international stage with her distinctive textile work.

Having recently completed her degree in textile and design at the University of Lancashire, Rowan is channelling her passion for embroidery into competitive success.

Her creative process is deeply rooted in her everyday environment.

Drawing inspiration from her home, vintage items, and especially her lifelong love of cats, she crafts intricate pieces that blend personal history with artistic flair.

She said: "All my inspirations are from my surroundings, so my house, things that I find in my house, specifically bags, embroidery, vintage things, my cats," she explained.

Last year, Rowan entered the Hand and Lock Prize, a renowned competition held in London, where she achieved third place with her piece 'Outback Heirlooms'.

This work reimagined the kangaroo’s pouch as a functional bag, drawing on imagery from marsupials, antique bags, and taxidermy.

This year, Rowan is competing again with 'Cat Collar Tree', a piece inspired by a childhood story she shared with her mother about missing cat collars.

"My whole life I’ve had cats and I love cats, so I’m inspired by them a lot," she said.

I just like how you can paint with threads in a tactile way, so it’s basically just the same as painting with paint and a paint brush but I’m using sewing machine and threads.

With her latest entry, Rowan hopes to build on last year’s success and claim the top spot in the prestigious competition.

Since 2000, the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery has showcased exceptional talent and innovation, attracting artists from over 60 countries.

Rowan is keeping her fingers crossed for success when the winners are announced in November.