Hello, thanks for visiting PolesApartLydia.

The items for sale in this shop are all handmade in Hereford using a combination of techniques.

I studied Design Studies and Three-Dimensional Design at the University of Central Lancashire many moons ago, but my creativity took a back burner when my twins (now grown-up) came along.

PolesApartLydia started on Instagram and grew from a personal project in remembrance of my Polish grandmother (Babcia) who passed away in January 2017. The aim was to document her years as a child refugee during WWII so younger members of our family would know her story.

A panel was stitched for each key part of her journey which began in Poland, took her through Siberia, Persia and Lebanon before arriving in the UK where she lived to the age of 93.

Each sewn illustration was documented on Instagram when it was finished and the text posted online was used in the final book.

The Kazia's story project and subsequent creations can be viewed at: https://www.instagram.com/polesapartlydia/

This endeavour sparked my dormant creativity and I have been making ever since!

I use a variety of materials and techniques to create a range of products. My style is eclectic and often juxtaposes rough textures against more luxurious materials.

I specialise in making wedding anniversary cards incorporating the traditional gift material for each year into the cards.