Last Days of Summer

Enjoying the last days of summer

I feel so lucky to be able to live in such beautiful surroundings

Inspiration

This weeks inspirational quote comes from a Ellen Giggnbach, an artist whom I admire greatly. I just hopped over to her website and loved the answer she gave to the following question. It sounds easy to do but living in the moment is a daily practice for me. It's hard to get out of your head & I mean really out- letting go of all the chatter & becoming truly present. Try it & see how you feel. 

Do you have a life motto?

Something that you find inspirational and drives you?

I have learnt to relax and enjoy the little things in life. Every day I go for a walk, and instead of looking down, I look around me at the flowers and birds, smells and colours, it's about living in the moment,

It helps me appreciate my lovely life!

Spring And Summer Memories

Today I've been reminded that time is flying by and soon it will be Autumn. I REALLY don't want summer to end! I feel so much better in myself when it's warm & sunny- I think I must have been a reptile in a previous life because during the winter months all I want to do is curl up & hibernate (not sure my 3 year old would approve of that). Here's a sweet project I did a while ago that's helping to keep me in a summery mood! 

Inspiration

Happy Monday everyone. Lately I've been looking for daily inspirational quotes to comfort one of my closest friends and I noticed that I loved reading them as much as he did. With that in mind, every Monday I will post one of my favourite quotes here to inspire you too! Here's my first, enjoy!

"Life is a great big canvas.

Throw all the paint on it you can."

Danny Kaye

Bubblegum Elephant

Et voilà! One painting is finished, just a layer of gloss varnish needed on the top.

Happy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everyone! I defy you not to smile if you watch this.

Painted Pages

I've been taking an e- course with Sarah Ahearn Bellemare and it's been a joy. Through showing me her painting process (which is fascinating to watch) she has taught me various new techniques- my favourite tip so far has to be a game she taught us on how to get yourself unstuck when you are staring at a blank canvas & have no idea what to do or where to start.

Here are some backgrounds I created using Sarah's game, not sure where they will lead yet but I had so much fun creating them. I just let my inner child come out - I didn't care if it looked ugly, I just kept on going & enjoying the process, I ended up going to bed pretty late that day!

If you would like to find out more about Sarah's course, it is called Painted Pages and I would highly recommend you having a look.

P.S I forgot to mention I also got a little 'fun-filled class pack' in the post with an envelope to open each week of the course. Every time I open one of the envelopes it feels like I'm opening a gift & really brightens my day :-)

JoJo Maman Bébé

So I was flicking through my latest catalogue from JoJo Maman Bébé and low & behold I see the tables & chairs I designed for John Crane looking back up at me! I let out a rather loud, excited yelp & then had to show it to every unsuspecting individual who knocked on the door (inc. the post man, Tesco delivery man & someone trying to sell me a new door.....). Anywho as you can tell I really am very chuffed indeed. If you want to take a peek, click here for the table and here for the chairs.

I'm off to have a slice of cake to celebrate :)

A Duck!

(on my computer screen)

Hello. I've just got back from a wonderful trip to Ireland.

Work has once again resumed & I'm currently drawing retro ducks whilst feeling very sleepy.

Zzzzzzzzzzzz

I've been in a.....

Ooops, I fell into a black hole of order making & deadlines! Apologies for being away from my blog for so long.

We also went on a short holiday to France, which we desperately needed. The sun shone everyday, we ate ice creams on the beach, played in the pool & relaxed. Good times.

I'll be back soon, with some new work to show you, that's if anyone's still reading this!

This inspired me today

Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they're deciding, make even more art.

Andy Warhol

Getting ready for Surtex 2013

Hi there! Here's a peek of what I've been up to. Any available time I've had recently has been used to design as much as possible for Surtex. Wish I could go! You can find my work at the Cinnamon Joe stand- Booth 312.

All photos have been taken via Instagram

Looking for red

Looking for painting inspiration for an e-course I'm taking. This weeks theme is red. These beauties are in my own front garden :)

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Featured On Print & Pattern

Hello. My agency Cinnamon Joe, fellow artists & myself have been featured on the Print & Pattern blog. Print & Pattern has to be my favourite 'go to' places for inspiration so it's always an honor to see my work amoungst so many talented artists & designers. To take a peak click me :)

Cinnamon Joe will be attending Surtex 2013 in booth 312- come & say hi!

New Toys!

Is such an amazing & proud moment when you get to see your designs on final products. Last year I designed some characters for toy company John Crane & here are a few completed products with my characters on :)

Pitter Patter

My little brother is now a father! How amazing is that. Just had to share.

Congratulations Mummy & Daddy.

Looking forward to my next squeeze with your beautiful daughter.

Folk Pattern

Hello all, is the sun shining where you are? We are finally seeing some sun here in the UK & it's making me feel soooo much better in everyway.

Things have been very busy over the last couple of weeks- the usual- deadlines, being a Mummy, keeping (or trying to keep) house work under control! My little rabbit George had to be taken to the vet in the fear he had Snuffles (sounds cute but its deadly :( ), thankfully our vet doesn't think he has it but it was still an added strain that's still worrying me a bit. Piggy (affectionately known as, you'll hear why in a mo.) George's new girlfriend whom we adopted from a rescue center, is settling in very well. She's on a diet- let me tell you- I have never seen such a huge double chin on a bunny before! Her previous owners apparently fed her digestive biscuits & cooled down tea would you believe! She's already lost a lot of weight & can now clean herself properly again & run around & enjoy herself without getting out of breath in the first few minutes. Good news!

Here's a little pic of them having a cuddle. Awe! Sigh...........

And here's a snippet of a wrap I designed last year, I'm in love with the colours on this and it just made me my heart sing when I was designing it.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter & here's to a warm sunny spring!

: )

Bunny Bonanza

I'm making happy gift tags for my stand at Hula's Bunny Bonanza day.

If you are in the area do drop by & say hi :)

Hula are hoping to raise awareness on how to look after bunnies correctly, 

so I am thrilled to be able to be a part of it. 

Here's a video & quote from the Rabbit Welfare Association:

"A hutch is not enough"

Please share this poster & help us raise awareness :)

Working away in the wee hours

We've actually had some sunshine this week. Wooooohooooooo! It's made me feel like spring is nearly here & has inspired my next design (still a work in progress). It may all change, but for the time being it's making me smile.

Love

Behind The Scenes

Here's a sneak peek of a customer request I'm working on. I'll be able to show it to you soon :)

Cupcakes!

Oops :( Have I been away that long? Time is flying by- how can it be February already? I've been a busy bee with various projects not to mention that Valentine's Day is fast approaching so orders for cards & prints are coming in. Want to see them? Click here for my NOTHS shop. In the meantime I will leave you with some cupcakes I am working on today. Cupcakes always make me happy and a little hungry.......

P.S Back soon with some paintings I've finally got round to adding to my Etsy & NOTHS shops. Follow the links to take a peek if you'd like :)

A Brand New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Wishing you all an amazing 2013. A year full of happiness, peace, fulfillment & prosperity !