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..)

Cats

I drew these in March 2012, when I went to the local cats protection to get a new pet cat. There were so many personalities and stories I felt the need to draw a few of them when I got home again. They're funny little sketches with a few words about each animal, but when i looked back through my sketch book recently they stood out. I'm not great at drawing from memory, but in a way that meant I got the personalities of the cats across better as I wasn't focusing on the accurate look of each animal.

Felix really did have a big head like this. Some kind of condition that meant his teeth grew big too.

Pumpkin was huge, and a bit scarey, I went in to pet him and he stood up to great me, showing his full size. He was surprisingly friendly though.

 Molly was my favourite! She lay out on the floor and rolled around wanting a belly rub.

These cats were really shy and both just sat at the back of their cage mirroring each other.

These cats were a bit worse for wear! They were really cute though. They're previous owner had died of old age. :(

I've been thinking about drawing more animals to incorporate into greeting card designs. I'd like to make bright ink coloured drawings that fit in with my recent balloon illustration.

Lobster

Lobster is done! This one I've printed on a square 15 x 15cm card. Would look great framed for someone who loves seafood or has a nautical themed decor.This card is now in my Floksy Shop