Fun times!

Hello 2011! (You got here fast)

I hope everyone had a wonderful start to the new year. I spent the evening watching movies with the cat and by 12 was watching all of the fireworks from the window in our “studio/small room”. This meant the following day I was fully functioning and able to attempt making red lentil soup. hurrah! (Stayed in my PJs ALL day though)

I’m really looking forward to this year and I’ve been inspired to make a little list to hopefully push me in the right direction when I need it.

26 things to do while I’m 26, here goes:

1. Make a book
2. Make 5 zines
3. Create 50 paintings
4. Read 30 books
5. Knit a jumper
6. Complete 2 sketchbooks
7. Put on an exhibition
8. Have an Edinburgh adventure
9. Create 5 Posters
10. Make a new print each month for the shop
11. Get my book in page 45 (even if I have to smuggle it in)
12. Make a mix tape/CD for someone
13. Have a London adventure
14. Go to the seaside (I’ll save that for a warmer season)
15. Write down all the films I see (instead of forgetting them)
16. Complete my blanket
17. See more live music
18. Take more photos
19. Make a new friend
20. Bake a cake (that won’t damage/kill anyone)
21. Design book covers for 10 of my favourite books
22. Get a massage (Inspired by Jen’s list – this one is VERY IMPORTANT)
23. Find new charities to donate to every month (so is this one)
24. Build a den
25. Make a mask
26. Website revamp

Hello folks!

I’m sorry things have been a little quiet recently on the site. This weekend  I was out in Southwell taking part in the open studios, which meant manic making over the last few weeks. I’ve got a load of new little treasures to share with you (I’m really excited) AND I’ll be finally making some of the Cotton Doodles available online! Also I will be posting my first little seasonal tutorial over the next couple of days so keep tuned! For now, here are some pictures from over the weekend.

Another one of the little paintings I’ve been working on these past few days. More to come…

And another…

I’m in the process of building up a collection of little paintings to sell at some of the November and December craft fairs (I also plan to add a few to the online shop too). The one above inspired the bigger painting (below). I’m completely smitten with the black oval backgrounds. It frames the girls so nicely and makes the colourful patterns really stand out. Perhaps it’s just the time of year but I also think it makes them look a little eerie.

Talking of giving myself the creeps, I’ve spent the morning painting and listening to spooky stories on the radio. Strongly recommend ‘The Signal Man’ by Charles Dickens if you have 15 minutes to spare. Definitely one of my favourite short stories – I love Victorian Gothic ghost stories, can you recommend any treats? I’m such a wimp when it comes to horror but I can’t help myself when old ghost stories are involved.

Here are links to another couple of tales I recommend if you’re UK based and fancy some narrative while you work. Sherlock Holmes Vs Dracula (classic), Arnold Ridley – The Ghost Train (this one’s brilliant! If you’re a fan of the 20′s and like a touch of Jeeves and Wooster with your spooky stories I strongly recommend it). There are so many more I’m going to try and catch before they time out, a little bit of Faust I think for now. Enjoy!

To celebrate the last few hours of the September Sale I’m announcing 4 new prints that are now up for grabs in the shop! Top left CW: ‘Polaroid- Bunting’, ‘Polaroid – Hiding Place’, ‘Polaroid – Suitcases’ and finally ‘Polaroid – Hard at work’. I’ve been slowly building up this  little series and I’m excited to show you this batch. It’s one of those fun projects you can dip in and out of and a great way to play around with different colour schemes. I’ll be releasing some limited editions along the way too so keep your eyes peeled.

Ps – The September Sale ends tomorrow October 1st, 9am GMT.