Textiles alumna Kat picked for Kirstie's Handmade Christmas on C4

University of Huddersfield graduate, Sheffield-based artist Kat Taylor is set to star in this year’s Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas – the Channel 4 programme fronted by Kirstie Allsopp that shows how people can enjoy a memorable Christmas using second hand and homemade items. Every episode artists are tasked with creating something festive in their own style.

“I was honoured to be contacted by the team behind Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas and overjoyed to be chosen to compete on the show,” says Kat, a cut paper collage artist from Deepcar, who is second from right in the photo above, immediately to Kirstie's left. 

“My design for the show is inspired by my own childhood experiences of Christmas and posting letters overseas to my grandad, and by my young daughter’s question of how her letter to Santa actually reaches him. 

Follow Kat on Instagram @kattaylorcreates

“I love working in miniature so my piece is full of tiny festive details that depict my idea of where your letters to Santa end up after you’ve dropped them into the post box.”

Inspired by her love of the outdoors and the tranquillity she feels when she travels, Kat’s cut paper collages are intricately pieced together from her cosy home studio in the Yorkshire hills. 

Each collage is delicately crafted from hundreds of almost indiscernible pieces of hand-painted paper that include recycled magazines, used stamps and envelopes, dictionary pages, sheet music, old books and a variety of other collected sentimental papers. 

Each finished piece is unique; with every micro element breathing depth and character into each meticulously honest scene.

Get your mince pies ready and turn to Channel 4 at 17:00 GMT on 23 December for a trip into a winter wonderland to see what Kat and her friends are going to make.