The Return of the Hand
Michelle Witts Designs began in a small studio in East Devon, surrounded by hedgerows, sea air and the call of curlew. What began as sketches made on walks and notes in the margins has grown into a body of work that celebrates the living landscapes of Britain — its wild coastlines, quiet woods, and open fields.
Every design starts by hand — brush, pen and ink — capturing the rhythms of the natural world. Nothing is automated; every mark carries the gesture of the artist, every line a moment of looking. These drawings evolve into repeating patterns that move easily across fabric, paper and print, finding new life as homeware, illustration and pattern design.
This work is guided by one idea — the return of the hand.
In an age of speed and automation, the hand slows things down. It notices. It remembers. It restores the human touch to what we make and live with every day.
From coast to countryside, Michelle’s designs are an invitation to pause — to see again the beauty that’s already here.
Hand-painted in Devon. Rooted in Nature. Designed for Life.
My inspiration comes from the diverse and beautiful breeds of birds, animals and flowers that can be found in and around our countryside.
I am passionate about maintaining links with the British manufacturing heritage and my products are made by firms in the UK, including textiles from Lancashire and prints from Cornwall.
I try to be as sustainable as possible - the tea towels are printed using ethical and sustainable printing processes and the cards are printed using carbon-captured paper, which supports the Woodland Trust project.