Denise Dye, a student in the printed textiles department at the University of Dundee has won an international design competition scooping £500 and a week's internship at America's premiere design show - Surtex in Manhattan.
Denise 37, from Auchterarder who works at the weekend as a nurse was picked from 162 entries for her lively figurine designs for children's party ware. She was inspired by the interests of her twelve year old daughter. Denise explained: "Laura loves to buy accessories. Knowing what appeals to her and her friends gave me a head start designing for children's parties."
She added: "I'm really excited about the internship in New York but it's also very nerve-wracking. New York is a brilliant place - it'll be a great experience before my final assessments."
Heather Buchan and Kate Knight also received honourable mentions totalling the top number of awards for an individual school for Duncan of Jordanstone.
Printed textiles course director Andy Taylor was delighted with Denise's win and Heather and Kate's successes. He said: "It's great for the University of Dundee that we have more students represented than any other school. The icing on the cake is Denise's win and her trip to New York. All our students' work will be viewed by a massive international audience which is great exposure for them and Dundee."
Surtex sponsors an international student design competition every year attracting entries from design schools in over six countries. Its annual trade show which Denise will be attending will be held in May at the Jacob K Javits convention centre in New York City.
Denise graduates from Duncan of Jordanstone this year and hopes to start up her own design studio in Auchterarder or Perth.
Contact Andy Taylor 01382 345309