Tell us about your piece and how it represents the Country that you are from?

I chose to create a modern twist on a traditional Tudor Rose, with multiple layers and lots of tiny details. The Tudor rose is a traditional floral emblem of England which is deep routed in the monarchy and history.

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What was the most challenging part of the brief?

Cutting all of the tiny circles, perhaps I shouldn’t have included so many but I wanted to test the flexibility and accuracy of the Excel blades and also their tips - I am forever breaking the tips off of my blades (very frustrating). Sadly they did not perform any better than my usual Swann Morton blades.

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What part of the brief did you enjoy the most?

Choosing colours, I love any excuse to use bright and usual colour combinations.

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How did you enjoy working with Excel Blades?

I didn’t get off to the best start, slicing my finger very badly when taking the cap off – this does mean I can confirm how very sharp they are. I am not sure that they are for me though, perhaps it is muscle memory but my hand found it difficult to adjust to the rounded handle and I found the blades too long and rigid. I also found the blades on the rubber handle very difficult to change – perhaps I was being a little over cautious after cutting myself.​