I’m trying to keep up with number 6 on my list (my missions for 2011). I’ve spent 2 days doodling in a sketchbook and thought I’d pick out some of my favourites and share them with you. I’m a little bit addicted to that chevron pattern now…

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

Another doodle from my London/Essex adventure the other week. I’m Full of cold at the minute and since I have a day off (typical). I’m probably going to turn today into a bit of a random post day. So make way for me talking jibberish – and when I’m not jibbering I’ll either be knitting or snoozing.

Also the September Sale is on – 3 for 2 on prints for the whooole of September. Here’s a link.

I completed stage 2 of the painting/picture/doodle this morning and wanted to show you how it was progressing. Very slowly, but it’s starting to take shape. (If you missed the first post, here is a link – as you can see I’ve done LOADS… ok that’s a fib) I’ve done a high res scan as it is now because a tiny percentage of me predicts disaster for the next stage – now it’s time to test/play/experiment. I’m not planning on being very adventurous with this drawing but I’ve had an idea bubbling around my brain and it’s time to try it out – I definitely don’t do enough spontaneous doodle experiments.

It happens a lot and I’m sure I’m not alone – I get random little ideas and never seem to act on them. Maybe this is because I’m useless at keeping sketchbooks flowing (I forget them, lose them, I’m too ambitious with them and too precious with them – thus losing interest in them), they would probably help me to fine tune these ideas and drawings instead of just imagining them and then forgetting them. In the end I’ll put the potential project off or maybe even spend too much time thinking about it so when I get an opportunity to start I’ve either lost interest or moved onto something else completely.

I am trying to change this unease I feel towards sketchbooks. I’d like to find that comfortable mid way point between a book of drawings I’m very precious about and a scrap of paper drenched in scribbles. (It sounds like I’m after a smart casual sketchbook) Right now I have a collection of small yellow post-it notes on my desk. They’re filled with quick, rough, awful sketches but they’re a record of those little ideas I mentioned before that would usually get themselves lost. I’ve started carrying a very small note book too – just in case emergency doodling must commence (I say “I’ve started carrying” – it’s in one bag and if I happen to use that bag then I have the sketch book on me that day). I’m classing all of this as my ‘sketchbook training’, it sounds a bit more like ‘sketchbook therapy’ – I’ll get there one day even if it means gluing a book to my hand and carrying an assortment of pens around my neck.

Round 3 of this drawing will follow over the next couple of days.

:)

Just a quick note to say hello and show you some of the Polaroid pictures I’ve been working on this last few weeks. Some are examples of me playing around with colours. Very sorry about the loud wall paper – hope it’s not too distracting :) I would love to hear what you think as I’m really REALLY enjoying making them. Speak soon!

Well it’s that time already. I’m off to Paris for a couple of days, a well earned break I’d say. I’ll be back on Sunday but it does mean that any orders made as of yesterday until Sunday won’t get processed until Monday :( Sorry about that.

I did the purchasing of incredibly expensive mini shampoos, conditioners and all that jazz. I was a bit miffed to find that an empty (as in, fill with shampoo yourself) travel bottle was £1.65!!! Whereby one with posh shampoo was £1.75!!! Take a wild stab in the dark and guess which one I went for. I’ve found my passport, which is in date – phew. I haven’t packed my bag – very unlike me – but it’s only for a couple of days and you pick the best clothes when you go on impulse. I’ve got my books all ready. I plan to take Evelyn Waugh’s ‘Decline and Fall’ and John Buchan’s ‘The 39 Steps’. I bought a new more portable sketch book yesterday…. which I’ve already started drawing in, ahem. My Camera is charged… my ipod needs charging… I think I’m nearly set.

And on that note, I’ll bring you back a post card ;)