An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet
regardless of time, place or circumstance.

The red thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break.

Ancient Chinese Belief

The Red Thread is the passion of Sydney artist Lisa Tilse, whose
love of colour, design and the radiant imagination of children
led to the creation of these vibrant works of art.

Q&A with Lisa

Why did you choose to create children's portraits and Red Thread art?

Since I became a mum in 2004 I have been devoted to recording everything about my daughter Roxy and, little by little, a new passion for portraiture and whimsical art was born. What started simply as my desire to create art for my family and gifts for friends quickly expanded to commissions from others who, like me, had been unable to find high quality children's portraits and funky affordable art. Red Thread art was born and it has really struck a chord with adults and children alike.

I use my my collection of vintage children’s books, Japanese paper and ephemera to create Vintage Heart Boxes, Wood You Believe! Art, Vintage Storybook Tiles and SushiBird Tiles. I have become known over the past 9 or more years for my Personalised Heart Boxes and I always love to make these custom orders. My other ranges will be replaced periodically as I’m always creating new things and bursting with ideas.

What’s next for The Red Thread?

I am really loving the rise of ‘craft as cool’, and would love to encourage others to embrace it too. In 2009 I started my “ok, let’s sew” product line with the Sweetie Petites and I am working on expanding the range. I created the Sweetie Petites as a beginner project for children to make with adults, and they have proven to be really popular with an appeal to a wide range of age groups. Since then I’ve designed the Ooshka Babushka sewing pattern kits and the Hello Birdy sewing patterns - both are lovely projects to make. I have lots more ideas and things on the drawing board, so stay tuned for more fun kits and patterns.

What attracted you to a career in art and design?

The truth is there wasn't one single moment when I made the decision to be an artist. It's just who I am and what I love. I have always been drawn to creative expression and have a strong desire to create and be surrounded by beautiful things. I have a degree in Visual Communication Design from Sydney College of the Arts (UTS) and have also studied fabric design and printing, photography, painting, mosaics, decopage, quilting, and ceramics. I have collections of vintage and modern fabrics, buttons, ribbons, and trims as well as decorative papers, old china, and many other miscellaneous things that I can't bear to part with as they inspire me whenever I look at them.

So just how do you create your wonderful portraits?

Each portrait takes weeks to create. They are created from scratch, and are not the result of a scan or computer program which converts a photo.

First I analyse the photo(s) and identify the child’s prominent facial features and characteristics - for example large blue eyes, or distinctive face shape. Then I draw an outline of each element of the structure of the face, colour and shade the elements, and re-assemble them digitally before starting the first of many stages of refinement. (You can see an example of the hundreds of shapes that make up the hidden structure of a portrait on the portraits page.) Finally I design the background elements and create a colour palette. The first ever Red Thread portrait was of Roxy (of course!) and can be seen on the portraits page.

It's wonderful to be able to combine my traditional artistic skills, successful career in computer-based graphic design and my love of being a stay at home mum. Each portrait and piece of art I create is an intricate labor of love!

What else do you do?

I still work as a graphic designer, and I love to do commissioned work too - art, illustration, and pattern design. If you have any ideas about commissioning something or collaborating I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email.

By the way, aren't you the egg star handbags lady?!!

Yes! For 4 years I designed and created limited edition egg star handbags which were also sold online. I'm very excited to bring a whole new vision to my wonderful egg star customers who have been incredibly welcoming of The Red Thread. Thank you everyone!

If you’d like to read about my creations, inspirations and observations, click here to visit my blog.

This Red Thread belief seems to resonate with many people. I named my business for this lovely Chinese belief after my husband and I adopted our daughter Roxy from China. There is no doubt that this amazing little girl, born half a world away, was absolutely meant to be our daughter. The red thread connected us and she’s the light of our lives.