Painting Mugs

I've got a box full of mugs. I was hoping to transfer my butterfly illustrations to them using special ink jet paper, but they did not work out. :[ However I do have a rainbow of porcelain painting pens, and I've started doodling some cute patterns onto them.
Tip: Make sure the surface you are painting is clean and dry before you start drawing and plan to do one side at a time so the colour is facing up while it dries and doesn't dribble down the mug.

I'm personalizing the inside too. Everyone (in the UK at least) has their own idea of a good cup of tea. I'm particularly particular, so this a friendly - bossy, reminder of how I like it!

Cactus

 

Cacti used to remind me of visiting elderly relatives, there was always a small glass entrance to their homes filled with dusty, spiky cacti. Of course I had to touch them as a child - yes, they were all spiky even the ones that looked softand fluffy. (Evil!) 

However I noticed the prickly cactus is looking pretty good these days and I'm currently making a series of drawings inspired by them. I was first swayed by the mini cacti garden bowl above. The colours are lovely and fresh! Below you can see quirky cactus ceramics, highlighting the amazing shaped cacti come in..

1: Mini cactus garden

2: The Jealous Curator on lina cofán

3: Brass earrings - lostarrowadornmentco

4: light and ladder - hex spora

5: Cactus colour palette

Spring 2014 Jewellery

I've gone all floral for my new collection of jewellery designs. Leaving cute animal drawings behind for a moment I've been Inspired by pastel colours and delicate spring and summer flowers. Pinks, yellows, peaches and of whites are the main colours I'm using trying to contrast nicely with greens and blues as you would see in nature. My Pinterest Board 'Spring' best illustrates my ideas and inspirations.

I've also been looking at SS14 fashion shows. They can be a great source of inspiration but I mostly look at them for that fuzzy feeling I get when I see my ideas are 'on trend' (sometimes they're not - *shoulder shrug*) Below are some of the frocks that suit my jewellery ideas the best, I love the super girly prints and embellishments!

Left: Temperley London / Middle: Alberta Ferretti / Right: Mathew Williamson

I'm really hoping to get hold of a lazer cutter next, (I know of a few establishments that have one I can rent) So I'll be doing more designs along the same theme with a more slick finish.  I'll be using different textures and I hope a mature colour palate so my items will be different to a lot of lazer cute accessories out their (which I love- but there's no point in making something that's like everything else)

I will also make a print for bags and scarfs using the floral them, I can't wait to get started and I'm planning to use silk painting, which I've tried in the past along side my silkscreen printing. I'll also be printing my budgies in the spring colours.

On my Pinterest boards you'll also see the next project I'm working on; Tropical summer!

The Boutique Christmas Market & Colston Hall Made in Bristol

 Ahhhh! So excited, this weekend I'll be holding my first ever Boutique Market. That's why I havn't been posting much here rescently, alot of work goes into organizing a art and craft market.
This will be on Dec 1st Monmouth shire hall, 11-3! We're raising money for the charity SANDS (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity)

You'll also find lot of lovely stall setup ideas and be introduced to loads of lovely artists and makers from in and around the Wye valley and welsh marches!

Read more here: The Boutique Market

This weekend I'll also be at Colston Hall Bristol, which I can't wait for! See you then? x

Bath Artisan Market

This Sunday I was at the Bath Artisan Market. It was my first stall there and I set up shop in this cute little hut! I've walked through the Old station many times as I've got friends and family who live near there. Its a very pretty venue, out side and yet covered from the elements by a glass roof, a perfect mix of inside/outside atmosphere! (Although I imagine it'll be horribly cold in the winter!!)
 The day was a bit slow for customers and other stall holders who were regulars commented on how unusually quiet it was. So I will be back in Bath to try again. This was also the first outing of my cushion display trunk, which I was very happy with. Happily all the colours matched on my stall. :D

Next week I'm at:
Newport Riverfront Sessions and Boutique Market on Friday 13th
Hereford Art Market on Saturday 14th
and Hereford Vintage Wedding Fayre on Sunday 15th!

Handmade Gifts : DK Crafts

Wow! I'm in a book. In Handmade Gifts by DK I show you how to make my popular tote bags, including the pencil design above. This was the first bag print I listed in my online shop and I'm happy to share a technique in printing it. (One that you can do at home without any expensive equipment!)
 In the back of the book you'll see my other stencil shapes for printing. Once you've copied and cut out the designs you canhave fun playing about with repeat patterns or changing scale of the shapes.

Take a closer look Here or even buy from a local retailer!? It's full of lots of lovely crafts and tips. I'm going to make the macaroons!

Tenbury Show

 I was at the Tenbury show this weekend. I've not done any county shows before so though I'd give it a go. There were some nice people and lovely baked goods in the tent next door. (dangerous for me..)