I’m having a weird day today. Is anyone else feeling that? Maybe there’s a storm-a-comin’. I think it’s been a weird start to the month in truth which is probably why I’ve been so quiet on here, sorry about that! I did find out that 3 days of pure procrastination means you end up with a comfy crochet shawl – so it can’t be all bad. I’ll get some pictures of it to show you. I’m a mixture of ‘pleased as punch’ and ‘guilt ridden’ because I probably shouldn’t have spent 3 days playing about with wool…

Anyway! Even though today’s been an odd one I did mange to squeeze out a new design for a new card that is slowly making its way into the shop! Can’t say no to a cat lady!

2 new cards hit the shop today! The black cats have become a little obsession/project I’m enjoying at the moment. I’ve been painting and doodling pictures of them for weeks now, maybe even months. We used to have a black cat (admittedly he had a white splodge under his chin so he was only 98% black cat) called John-Hungry. He spent most of his time (when he wasn’t pining for food or stuffing his face) sat with his bum against radiators or the rayburn – this resulted in him losing most of the fur from his back legs. So in the end he was half a black cat and half a bald cat.

The new year missions are coming along nicely. I’ve got some blanket themed pictures to show you very soon (it’s about 48% complete). I’ve been doing some swimming, which I foolishly didn’t put on my list (that would’ve been a good one!). I’ve decided that graphic novels and big comics count towards the ’30 books’ target. I’ve even had a little London adventure, but as you can probably tell by the lack of photographic evidence my ‘Take more photos’ mission isn’t going too well this month. In my defense it was horribly grey and very rainy when I visited London so the pictures would’ve just been grey and blobby – nothing fun to look at, honest.

The time has arrived. 3 new seasonal cards are now in the shop, each supporting one of these lovely stocking designs. The 3 cat ones are back too from last year. Here’s a link!

Above: New card design! Below: Some new faces. The online shops are still closed at the moment but the prints will be available to buy – in person- on SATURDAY 20th, as part of the Handmade Nation event at Broadway Cinema. Come along on Saturday and say hello :) Here’s a sneak peek though in case you can’t make it.

A new print now in the shops! (Above) ‘Out of the rain’ is printed on archival, brilliant white, watercolour paper using archival inks. Lovely crisp colours. I wasn’t kidding when I said all I’ve been doodling lately are cats. I’ve also designed a new card (below), which is also in the shops. A nice neutral card – suitable for any occasion. It’s blank inside and comes with a lovely ivory coloured textured envelope.

Today was a perfect day off. It was spent making cards and colouring new illustrations. I’m looking forward to a delicious home cooked meal courtesy of Miss Petite Poisson, a glass of wine and possibly an episode of Fast Forward. The evening is crisp, the sunset a lovely shade of copper. I’m so so so glad Autumn is officially here :)

Some new treasures in the shops (etsy and folksy): Above we have the Urban Forest tote bag! I went and picked them up today, I was really excited and I’m so pleased with the result. I got them done with a local company called I dress myself – I thoroughly recommend them :)  They use environmentally friendly water-based inks and are printed on fairtrade cotton bags – nice and sturdy too. Limited edition of 50!

Below: Christmas is around the corner – it’s a large corner but that doesn’t make it any less real ;) Christmas cards are now available in the shops (etsy and folksy) 3 different designs. All cat themed (sorry). I do have a fox themed one but I’m just not 100% certain about it. We shall see what happens.

Illya is settling in :) Her gammy eye is nearly better. I’m pretty sure I’ll bombard you later on with pictures displaying the cuteness. On the shop front, I have a few more treats up my sleeve (I’m hoping one of them hasn’t got itself lost in the post) I’ll keep you well and truly posted!

Have a lovely evening :)