Monsters Club

Last night I went to the opening of The Monsters Club Exhibition in The Parlour Showrooms, Park Street. There was an awesome variety of work from large scale sculpture to giant plush toys. There is some incredible and original work which is all for sale. Pop by if you can, it's a great show. Check out http://monstersclubbristol.tumblr.com/ for more info about the show and the artists.

Post Storm Park Walk

Looking more intact than I expected, in fact I'm pretty sure I missed the whole thing thing whilst asleep. Yesterday was a cosy slippers stay at home day working on commissions, watering plants, scented candles and drinking hot Ribena's.

 

 

Harbourside Market - Matchbox shop

I was at the Harbor side Market for the first time yesterday, selling prints, greetings cards, cushions and other bits and bobs. It was a good experience, I met some nice people and sold some prints and cards. It's great to get out into the public with my work and see what people like and are interested in. I have made a little shop name called Matchbox Club which I will also use for markets in the future, alongside my friend and fellow creative Lucy Suddaby-Smith. You can see what we are up to and when our next market will be on twitter: @Matchbox_Club and The facebook Page

Star Garland DIY

I have started feeling a little christmassy this last couple of weeks, maybe it's to do with the cinnamon and apple room spray I have been using. I just feel like being cosy and baking and making festive decorations. I made this star garland from gold card and baking twine. You also need plain paper and PVA Glue.

1. Cut your stars out of the gold card. I drew one, cut it out and used it as a stencil for the rest. I used 12 stars per garland.

2. Cut a length of baking twine (around 1.5 metres) To secure the stars onto the twine, stick 
    a piece of paper to the bottom of it with the baking twine sandwiched between.

   3. When the glue is dry cut the paper around the star. 

    And done, simple and effective star garland! 

DIY Upcycled Chalkboard Jam Jars

A new crafty little project I have made this week for a stall I am holding selling handmade goods this weekend. I managed to build up a bit of a collection of jams jars and decided to make them pretty so that they can be used to store bits and bobs in the kitchen. It was a fun, easy and quick little project and these would make great 

presents filled with chocolate or sweets or anything else you fancy!

You need : Jam Jars, Any size or shape you come across!

                  Enamel paint (I used a spray one in duck egg blue)

                  Black board paint

                  Acrylic Paint

1. Lay out the lids on paper outdoors or in a ventilated space. Spray or paint the enamel    

    onto the lids in layers leaving at least 30mins between layer. I did three for an even finish.

   2. While the lids are drying. paint the jars with the blackboard paint    
   making sure there is enough space for you to write on with chalk. Again I did 3 coats.

  3. Paint a design over the chalk. I did oranges, floral would look pretty too I think.

 

 

 
And thats it! If you are in Bristol this weekend pop by the harbor side market where I will be selling my wares!

Sewing Notions

A new piece inspired by my vintage sewing bits and bobs. I love this popper fastening set. Vintage design and packaging is so beautiful, why did it ever have to change!?

Easy Squid and Chorizo Paella for they Draw & they Cook

This illustrated recipe was made for They Draw & Cook i love Paella, its one of the best one pot meals I can think of. This recipe is a little unconventional in that the rice is cooked in the oven, but it is still super tasty and a great dish to try if you are too busy to stand over and consistently stir using the traditional method. Be sure to check out the other recipes on They

Draw & Cook. It's a brilliant resource and collection of beautifully illustrated recipes.

Clementine Stationery

I seem to be going for a bit of a theme this week! Here is some clementine stationery paper I have been working on. I'd like to create a range of these to print so watch this space for more fruity designs. 

Clementine Stamped Notebooks inspired by A Beautiful Mess

I was browsing one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess the other day and I came across this wonderful project and thought, why not give it a go! I had some blank notebooks that were a in need with a bit of a spruce up so decided to decorate them. They aren't perfect but it was fun to get away from my drawing for a bit and create something a little different : )

The stamps are made from craft foam and I used acrylic paint, head over to ABM to see the full (and much more professional!) instructions and results. 

Autumn Display

We got a nice little green pumpkin and a squash with our vegetable box delivery a few weeks ago that we have kept in the fruit bowl and has become a little autumnal display
for the chalkboard coffee table : )

 

My Jungle Scene design on Ohh Deer

If you pop over to Ohh Deer today you will find their latest competition - Pillow fight round 2.

I have submitted my jungle drawing to the competition which was created with soft furnishings in mind. 

All entries are available for sale for the next few weeks and the winner will be based on the amount of sales of each product. You see my full submission by clicking here

 

Here are my favorite other submissions so far:                                        

1. Tropical Jigsaw By Harriet Curtis                                                          

            2. Wildflowers of Britain By Lianne Harrison                                                         

           3. Elephant Mischeif By Rachael Saunders                                                         

Betty

This is a piece I drew a little while ago. I am really into my baking at the moment.

Not necessarily the box kind though! It's one of my favorite little ways to escape and relax.

I might make some chai cookies this weekend here's a link to a great recipe http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/chai-cookies/

Christmas Card 2013

I have just finished this years Christmas card design, will be popping it into my big cartel this week for anyone interested. Bring on the holiday season. I don't know about you but I'm enjoying the autumn light and crispness in the air. Pumpkin spiced lattes and chai cookies. Crunchy leaves underfoot. My favorite season.

Barcelona

 I spent last week visiting Barcelona with James and his parents. What a wonderful city! Creative, beautiful and sunny! Fell a bit in love with this place. My favorite part was wondering around the old town in the early evening, seeing all the hustle and bustle as the streets came alive with children playing, the amazing food markets and alfresco dining.