Ickleson illustration + design

Back up your back up

2012-01-16T21:31:00.000Z

Let this post be a lesson to any one who stores electronic files of their work.

I tried to access copies of my illustrations only to find out they were no longer there, I reassured myself that all was not lost as they were backed up. However the only things I could recover from my back up were corrupt scrambled images that were no good to anyone.

I have closed the shop while I try to sort this out. I have no idea how it happened but I think we have to assume that previous work is written off. However I am trying to see the bright side - this is a chance to create all new work, a new beginning.

Damn you technology, but you can't keep a good illustrator down!

Ickleson at Society 6

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000Z

You can now find some of my designs at Society6 where you can buy prints, ipod/iphone covers and laptop covers.

http://society6.com/ickleson

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T11:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone, may your year bring you adventures, dreams, loves and frienships.

I always find this day exciting - such a feeling of anticipation and opportunities - 2012 is going to be a good one, I can just feel it!

Rain

2011-12-31T17:00:00.000Z

I've just been looking back through old work and realised that there is a theme that I keep coming back to.

I guess it goes hand in hand with my water obsession, here are my rain themed prints:

Today I am a Storm Cloud

Rain

Summer Rain

The prints can be found on Etsy or Ickleshop

Looking forward

2011-12-30T11:54:00.001Z

Just a quick post to show this blog has not been abandoned alltogether.

It has been a busy winter so far and a lovely Christmas. As I look forward to the new year it looks like that will be busy too.

True to form, the gypsy blood has kicked in, and once again we are investigating new places to live. I want a room to use as a studio and to be somewhere near a river or the sea, I'm drawn to living near water. Apart from that we'd quite like a garden again, and maybe a dog to keep me company working from home.

We'll just have to see what the new year brings.

Holiday - Padstow

2011-10-11T18:50:00.000Z

I have had a few days off to visit the sea with my man. I went to Padstow and stayed in the loveliest B&B Cyntwell. Here is the romantic little room we had in the attic:

Here is me enjoying a lovely cool mojito:

Here is the best italian food I've had in the UK, Arancini and fiery aribiatta from Rojanos:

Here is the glorious sands of the beach near Padstow, it was perfect and tranquil with lots of rocky coves to explore:

Here is an absolutely epic raspberry meringue from Rick Stein's Deli:

And, because it was Cornwall:

Bank holiday weekend

2011-09-08T19:00:00.000Z

I know it's been well over a week since the bank holiday weekend, but I thought I'd share a couple of pictures. It'd spent a couple of weeks worth of evenings designing and making things for Cov Art Fair, like these susage dogs who later became cards.

I was quite pleased with my little stall, and happily made a few sales, while eating cupcakes from the stall next to mine.

I also stayed with my parents in the house I grew up in. It felt really good to go back (it had been a while), and I squeezed in some visits to friends including one who just had a gorgeous little baby girl.

This is my parents dog Bonnie, who will make any one feel welcome as long as they want to play.

Animals

2011-09-07T17:00:00.000Z

I seem to have gained a second little furry member of the family. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Withnail, our cute little Chinese Dwarf Hamster:

He was bought for us as a joke, which initially made me very angry as not animal should be bought as a joke or given away lightheartedly. They have little lives that are precious and the people that gave us Withnail took a gamble that we would commit to caring for him, for the sake of an easy laugh. As soon as I saw his little nose timidly poking out of his new home, all the anger melted away.

We still have a brute of a hamster called Monty, who is far to keen to fight and bite, so the two of them have separate homes.

Some people have lots of cats, I'm on my way to having lots of Hamsters!

A visit to Hampton Court

2011-09-06T20:23:00.001Z

On Sunday, when the weather was very wet and autumnal, I went to Hampton Court. I loved every minute of it, the place feels like something out of Alice In Wonderland.

The gardens were amazing, both the plants and the design had obviously been carefully thought about and refined over all the years. I'd love to go back in better weather and spend time exploring all the nooks and crannies.

There were some wonderful characters that I'd like to go back and draw, and inside some of the walls and ceilings are breathtaking, covered with angels, cherubs, rainbows and mythical beasts.

Out of everything I saw, this spotty cat was by far my favourite - he even had ligthning bolts for whiskers, how cool is that?

Blogging

2011-08-18T19:59:00.001Z

It has been a while since my last blog. I have been working very hard, but also trying to make the most of the summer, seeing family and friends whenever possible.

Problem with giving everything your all is that you get tired, and giving all your energy doesn't necessarily mean that you are creating your best work. I think that's a point I've reached, but with no holiday in sight I'm just going to have a few nights of good sleep, a few hot baths, and then start all over doing it again.

I have so many ideas I want to get out of my head and into reality, and I only seem to have two settings; stop or go.

So right now I'm at stop, but before to long it will be all go go go!

Limited editions

2011-07-23T21:24:00.000Z

Beautiful Heads

2011-07-19T17:34:00.000Z

Lately I have been drawing ladies' heads. All of these are limited editions of 10 available in the shop, once I have sold 10 of each I am afraid that is it.

Doodle on it

2011-07-06T18:28:00.001Z

You can give something a whole different feel just be drawing on it. I used to graffiti my school books, and I still add glasses and moustaches to pretty models in magazines. I decided to breathe new life into an old illustration of mine by the addition of a little black ink.

Clouds and leafy plants:

Leafy branches and flowers:

More teacups

2011-06-28T21:05:00.001Z

I do like drawing and painting teacups, not sure why. These ones can be found in the shop.

Bunny on a boat

2011-06-23T20:14:00.001Z

I draw a lot of bunnies, but I think this is the first one I've put to sea.

Find it in the shop here http://www.etsy.com/shop/ickleson! Also in the shop, teacups...

So many bunnies!!!!

2011-06-17T20:33:00.000Z

Each bunny hugs a love heart, and has been made by me. I've made a couple of custom ones for friends so if this is something you're interested in email me. Or if you want to buy one of these little characters check out ickleson.etsy.com

Emmy the Great for Amelias Magazine

2011-06-16T20:19:00.001Z

I spent a lovely couple of hours doing a little piece for Amelia's Magazine to go alongside a review of Emmy the Great's latest album Virtue. It is very rare that an illustration turns out exactly how I have it in my head, but some times things just fall together. So here is my initial sketch, she does look naked behind the cake (and has no hair), but I was happy with it:

And from the first sketch I just carried on adding detail and colour, and here is the finished illustration:

To read the review and see my illustration and other illustrators take on the same subject click here.

And now for something completely different

2011-06-15T17:37:00.000Z

A friend of mine asked if I could draw him a tattoo. I asked what he wanted, and he said a cute zombie pinup girl. I must admit it isn't something I've drawn before, but I managed to come up with this lady.

Making the undead sexy without being grotesque was a bit of a challenge, but I'm quite proud of how it turned out. I wonder if he will get it tattooed, if he does, I'll make sure I get a photo.

Owls

2011-06-14T16:58:00.001Z

In the shop: http:\\ickleson.etsy.com

Toys & Tags

2011-06-09T18:40:00.000Z

I have had a fab old time with my sewing machine making dresses, which are not interesting enough to post about, and I have also made toys (about which I am very excited). I'm going to sell them on Etsy, but I will post photos as I add them to the shop, but for starters here are a pair of bunnies.

I have also made Owls and Mermaids. Why that combination of characters? I don't know, it just seems to be the way my mind works. Each one will be sold with an illustrated tag:

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration

2011-06-08T17:53:00.003Z

Last night I downed tools early and headed over to Tatty Devine, Brick Lane, not only because they are one of my favourite jewellery makers but also to attend a special event - I went to see Amelia of Amelia's Magazine on the final night of her book tour.

I got to sample some refreshing Lychee, Berry and Basil Juiceology and admire/eat some scrummy beautiful biscuits from The Biscuiteers, before listening to an inspiring talk about Eco fashion, illustration and social media from Amelia herself.

I treated myself to a copy of the book (so I could pour over the illustrations) and also came away with a fab Tatty Devine bag and some Dr Hauschka face mask samples.

I met some truly lovely people including Emma Block (whose gorgeous pictures are in the book) and Maria Papadimitriou (who makes very clever jewellery from thrown away plastic).

You can even see me amongst the crowd in the photos on Tatty Devine's blogpost about the event here or admire Emma's perfectly iced biscuit and photos of the night here. And if you are still wondering what all the fuss is about visit Amelia's Magazine.

Cake & Cards

2011-06-08T13:03:00.001Z

At the weekend I went to a lovely sunny summer wedding, where the highlight of the day was the cake. It was a Choccywoccydoodah (they're based in Brighton) and was created out of white chocolate and delicious chocolate fudge sponge.

The other thing to catch my eye recently was a little parcel from Moo. It landed on my doormat and inside were my new business cards.

I am so completely in love with them - especially the rounded corners. I am carrying them with me everywhere, so if our paths should cross feel free to ask me for one.

Friends: furry and non furry

2011-05-27T20:50:00.001Z

I now live with a little Russian Dwarf called Monty, he's very feisty, likes cornflakes and running. He's isn't the Dachshund I was hoping for but is very charming and makes me laugh.

A very good friend of mine had a little boy called Jacob at the beginning of the month, so I made him a happy bunny as a welcome to the world gift. I'm quite pleased with it (almost kept it for myself), so I may make a few more and see if they'll sell on etsy.

I also made this papercut birthday card for another May baby, only this one was born 30 years ago and is soon to have a little one of her own. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy papercut, I'm busy doodling some more designs that I think will look pretty good in paper too.

Old Sketchbook Find

2011-05-24T12:27:00.004Z

I was flicking through my old sketchbooks, something I do sometimes to look for inspiration, and I came across this drawing. This is from a sketchbook from my college days so this drawing must be 13/14 years old (eek).
I obviously got bored of adding the detail to her scarf, and I rarely draw in so much detail now, but it reminds me of how intensely I used to draw everything, something I may try to get back into my work.

Twitter callouts

2011-05-23T19:46:00.015Z

I've been working on something secret, something that I can't share yet, but there are a few recent illustrations I can mention.

I answered a couple of callouts on twitter, the first being from @AmeliaGregory from www.ameliasmagazine.com. The request was for a fashion illustration based on a designer from Polish Fashion Week. It was a fab opportunity to challenge my skills by attempting a different genre of illustration. Here is my contribution:

You can see it in context here: ameliasmagazine - Fashion Week Poland

The second callout was from a lively fashion blogger @gemfatale, she was up against a deadline for her final project for uni (a feeling I remember well from my student days) and needed a few line illustrations:

Gem has used them along side contributions from @jadecc (from @cellardoormag), and illustrations by @topofmytodo to create a fantastic little book of clever money saving DIY, fashion and beauty tips. She's been featured on the C4 programme Super Scrimpers, and has a lovely and entertaining blog www.gemfatale.co.uk (check it on Tuesdays for more thrifty tips.)

Stormcloud - reworked

2011-05-05T19:59:00.002Z

I loved this image so much, from it's creation as a tiny doodle when I was having a bad day, but I adore it now I've drawn and reworked it.

Graphic.

2011-04-28T20:45:00.007Z

There is something about design books with large full colour pages that will always turn me into a kid in a sweetshop. I want them all, and I want them now, and I will never have enough.

My addiction is costly, and my bookcase is bursting so I have held back from buying any for a while. However, when I realised I had a gift voucher for Amazon I happily slipped off the wagon and bought this: What could be more indulgent for a scribble geek like me than poking my nose into the sketch books of 110 artists & designers and seeing how they created and form their ideas. It's 352 pages of pure wonder and enjoyment, so I don't care if there is a Royal Wedding on, or if it rains, I'm busy with my nose in a book.

Today I am a Storm Cloud

2011-04-26T19:57:00.007Z

This is a personal piece. I'm not often moody, but every now and then I wake up grumpy. Normally because I was disturbed while sleeping, but some days - just because.
On days like that I'm stormy, unpredictable (even I'm a little uncertain what I'll say), and generally hard to control. Those around me tend to just head for shelter, batten down the hatches, and give me the space I need to blow it all out of my system. I love them for the fact they put up with me, even when I know I don't make it easy.
I think this is an image I will rework a few times and a theme I might explore futher.

Coupon code

2011-04-22T11:38:00.001Z

As it is lovely and sunny outside, here is an offer:

Free shipping, this Easter weekend, with this code HAPPYDAYS - shop here: http://ickleson.etsy.com

Today's additions

2011-04-22T09:35:00.003Z

All will be sold at http://ickleson.blogspot.com

Also added:

2011-04-20T19:45:00.002Z

Get them from the shop ickleson.etsy.com. More will be added over the next few days.

Peppermint Bunny

2011-04-20T17:50:00.006Z

Next to be added to my little shop: ickleson.etsy.com is the 'Peppermint Bunny'. As lovingly drawn and painted as evera a bunny was, this one is stripey as well.

It has been glorious weather here in Surrey. Makes me really appreciate where I live - lots of wildlife and woodland. Planning to get down to the river over the Easter weekend, maybe hire a boat and just drift along.

A Bushy Tail

2011-04-19T20:28:00.006Z

I have spent many happy hours drawing and painting a series of small compostions. The first of which is this 'Bushy Tail'. Japanese brush pen, watercolour, hand drawn border, oval mount:

Made with watercolour paper, cream card stock and covered on the back with brown paper. I have signed the back, and written the title.I've made a few - every single one of them different, and will be adding them to the shop over the next few days, so there is a chance to pick up an affordable original little painting... if you want.

And I want these shoes

2011-04-11T17:49:00.002Z

If I had the money, these would be mine...http://www.chiemihara.com/collection-LangEng.html

Inky Squares 3 & 4

2011-04-11T17:07:00.003Z

Birds & bunnies: Available in the shop http://ickleson.etsy.com

Inky square number 2 - Owl

2011-04-02T19:40:00.005Z

This is just a little thumbnail detail of my little owl drawing that I've just added to the shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/71335420/inky-square-no-2-owl-orginal

I'm very lucky where I live, I'm surrounded by big old trees which are home to woodpeckers, jackdaws, jays, blue tits and many other fabulous birds. I often see them from my desk and occasionally get a glimpse of a heron on his way to pinch fish out of a neighbour's pond. I find it great inspiration to see them all birding around - especially now it's spring.

I have a feeling there will be more bird drawings coming soon.

Inky Square number 1 - Toadstool

2011-03-29T21:14:00.004Z

As usual I have been drawing toadstools, a lot. I have been making the most of my gorgeous Japanese pens, working on high quality recycled cotton rag paper, and really enjoying myself. I've been creating images that make me smile, using only black ink.

This one is for sale, as a one off original, in the ickleson etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/71066320/inky-square-no-1-toadstool-orginal

More coming soon x x x

Brush pen girl

2011-03-05T17:09:00.004Z

I treated myself to a selection of gorgeous Japanese brush pens of various colour, size and make. They are great fun to draw with, and I love the results. You can get the effect of drawing with a brush dipped in ink without all the mess.

If you want to get some to try for yourself, I can really recomend these http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/221_872

30th Birthday and other stories

2011-03-04T19:16:00.005Z

Hello, I have neglected this blog for too long.

But while I've been gone I reached one of those milestones in life, the big three zero! I was dreading it but it turned out to be the perfect excuse to see lots of dear friends and family, and to take a road trip.
We stayed in the Hotel du Vin in York, which was simply gorgeous. We also stayed in Oulton hall outside Leeds, and that wasn't shabby either. I spent my time exploring and shopping by day, and drinking champagne & cocktails by night.
York Minster, very spooky by night: There are even Ghost walks that start right outside, next time I will make sure I have time to go on one. I loved the atmosphere, and can't wait to go back.

A little late but:

2011-01-03T11:08:00.002Z

Happy Dance

2010-11-19T21:06:00.002Z

I am very happy at the moment. I have moved to Weybridge (which is lovely), into a new flat that is spacious and old (also lovely), and I'm about to go on holiday (fantastic!).

The last couple of months have been so busy, there has been so much to sort out. Somedays I hardly felt like my feet were on the ground, like I was being swept along by everything. But now I've landed on my feet, and it's a good feeling.

I will now get everything else back on track, well after my holiday I will.

'An important message about the arts' - an animated video by artist Davi...

2010-09-13T19:56:00.000Z

Super busy, and another lady with horns

2010-08-30T10:33:00.004Z

I am meeting myself coming back at the moment.

I move back down south next week and have the longest to do list of things I need to get done before I go. Plus I'm trying to see as many friends and family, that I'll leaving behind, before I go. Not an easy juggling act.

So I made sure a very good friend got her birthday prezzie, a Lady Jackalope canvas: Right can't stop, speak soon. x x x

Lady Jackalope Number 2

2010-08-14T18:59:00.002Z

For some reason this is an image I keep coming back to at the moment. I've drawn several versions of this lady and I have a feeling I'll be drawing a few more yet.

Original painting - For Sale

2010-08-03T20:33:00.002Z

The Lady Jackalope is now for sale.

12 X 16 inch oval canvas

Original Acrylic Painting

Bit of a bargin, I don't mind telling you.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52988850/the-lady-jackalope-oval-canvas

Lady Jackalope

2010-08-02T21:39:00.003Z

One of the things I've really loved doing recently is getting back into painting. I had an oval canvas that has been sitting around for months just waiting for something to happen to it.
One smudgy sketch later, and it was ready for a duck egg blue wash of acrylic. I like remixing the colour with extra green and blue as I build up layers, I think it gives more texture.
Next I added a lovely deep ultramarine blue to create a bold forest background. I have to be careful not to get carried away painting branches, painting trees is something I've never got out of my system.

Then I added some more colours. I could have done the whole thing in a glorious indulgence of blues and greens, but sometimes a little red and purple goes a long way.

I then like to put the painting to one side for a bit, somewhere where I can see it and stare at it. I then gradually add the details - the shadows and highlights until what I see matches with what I had imagined it would look like: And sometimes the painting isn't quite what I started out to do but is a nice surprise t the end.

I'll be listing 'Lady Jackalope' for sale tomorrow at 9.00pm GMT. I'll post the details here.

More paintings on their way, real soon. x

I'm back

2010-07-07T08:10:00.008Z

Hello again.
I took at bit of a break from the blogging world. I needed some time to get myself together and plan, there are big changes ahead.

I went on holiday to Devon, where I spent a glorious week looking after chickens, going to the beach, riding a tandem bike and best of all...

visiting a sculpture garden:

These are just a few of my favorite pieces from http://www.broomhillart.co.uk/ if you're ever in the area you should visit. It was a really lovely place rammed full of inspiring work.

And to continue the mushroom theme:

2010-06-19T10:28:00.004Z

Every now and then I like to try drawing with colour instead of black ink. I find it changes the way I approach an image and I get less bogged down in detail. So recently I have been picking up my paintbrush, instead of a pen, and doodling with my favourite colours. Here is the result of one of my doodles - a pair of fine blue and purple mushrooms, the print of which is for sale at etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49758573/watercolour-mushies

Peeky Peeky - Toadstool Cluster

2010-06-15T20:42:00.003Z

The latest print to hit the shop is the 'Toadstool Cluster'. Here's a peek but to see more you'll have to head over to etsy or to my new Facebook page

Raindrops

2010-06-14T18:16:00.003Z

There has been lots of summer rain recently, but I'm still feeling summery... bring on the sunshine.

Toadstools - unfinished

2010-06-13T12:05:00.003Z

I'm mid way through adding colour to these toadstools, I'll be selling prints of the finished piece when it's ready. I quite like it as black and white though, so maybe I should do prints of both... I'll have a think about it.

It's a glorious sunny day so I'm tempted to spend it in the garden, or with friends. Maybe painting will have to wait today.

Finished bunny

2010-06-10T20:00:00.002Z

Quick Rabbit

2010-06-02T19:33:00.003Z

I have been super busy, but I've not forgotten my little blog. I have several things to share, which I will, just not right now. While I'm away I'll leave you with this little rabbit....

Mushies - in the shop!

2010-04-11T11:43:00.007Z

I have finally got round to adding some Mushies to the shop. Up untill now I've only been delling them at craft fairs. Each one is a one off, I never use the same design and colour combination twice. They are individually numbered, each comes with it's own mini card and presentation box with tissue paper grass.

Hoorah for all things mushroomy.

http://ickleshop.bigcartel.com/category/mushies-toadstools

Don't let truth get in the way of a good story

2010-03-20T10:48:00.004Z

Yesterday I saw Oliver Jeffers (and his amazing moustache) in conversation with Martin Salisbury at the College of Communication London. Apologies that in the photos he's just a head emerging from a bunch of flowers.... Oliver is a bit of a hero of mine, not just for the moustache but as an illustrator of stars and penguins, and book eating boys. He was quite entertaining to listen to and my favourite quote/nugget of wisdom from the talk was 'Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story', a moto to live by I reckon. He lives the dream - making a living from drawing & painting, living in New York but travelling the world.

Monster Art Workshop

2010-02-22T22:08:00.000Z

Art Monster

2010-02-20T15:47:00.003Z

I'm doing a workshop at the Lock Gallery in June - making monsters with kids during half-term. I'm really looking forward to it, we're still at the planning stage but I thought I'd share the little art monster I've drawn with you, I think he may become our logo/mascot for the event.

I have another Art fair to prepare for in March. Oooo and I'm going to see Oliver Jeffers (my hero) in Conversation with Martin Salisbury at London College of Communication, I can't wait.... Woop! You can see him in video here.

Gothic logo

2010-01-10T14:09:00.002Z

I had a fun project recently, a friend of a friend was starting a company called 'Offbeat and Macabre' and they asked me to do their logo. It'd bean a while since I last did something a bit darker so I really enjoyed drawing skulls, thorny branches and cobwebs. I guess there's still a part of me that is still a 15 year old goth, and it was nice to let her out for a while.

Notebooks for the new year - 2

2009-12-30T17:21:00.004Z

Notebooks for the new year

2009-12-30T13:35:00.004Z

It's been a great Christmas and now I'm looking forward to 2010. The first two months I will be crazy busy but it should pay off and then I'm hoping to do another mailshot promotion in March. I have a lot to do before then. I am adding things to my Etsy shop that were popular at the craft shows, starting with a few notebooks. They are all designed, cut and hand bound by me. The pages are recycled paper and the books are 10 x 15cm.

The first design to be added is Madame Rose as seen in these photos. I'll post the others as I go. If you want one you can buy one here: www.ickleson.etsy.com

Happy Christmas Everyone

2009-12-24T09:20:00.002Z

I am completely taken over with Christmas excitement this year. I've been baking star shaped shortbread for the neighbours and wrapping presents. I am especially excited about the Gruffulo being on TV on Christmas Day (5.30 BBC1), fantastic!

Anyway I'm off to spend Christmas in Devon, I'll miss my family and a certain little lady, but I'm really looking forward to seeing the sea and snuggling up round a fire.

Happy Christmas Everyone, have a good one x x x

Edit

2009-12-19T07:00:00.002Z

I will no longer be attending the affordable art thingy, some times things just don't work out. C'est la vie. I still think it's good these things are happening in Cov thanks to my good friend Emma so if you are nearby tomorrow and looking for some thing a little different to do then pop down.

Chritmas Cards

2009-12-18T13:07:00.005Z

I've sent out my Christmas cards, both real and electronic and so I thought I'd share this year's design.

I really do feel festive, it keeps snowing, all the shops are playing Cliff Richards and I've bought all my presents. So I have one last craft fair tomorrow and the affordable art evening on Sunday then that's it till the new year.

I'll be spending Christmas in Devon by the sea, so lots of long winter walks and then bundling indoors to sit round the fire drinking and talking - can't wait.

I hope you are all looking forward to a lovely Christmas too, I have a couple of friends who are having tough times at the moment but hope that it will all work out well for them too.

Affordable Art at the Lock Gallery

2009-12-09T11:14:00.004Z

I took part in the Christmas Art fair at the Canal Basin in Coventry. I really enjoyed it and it was quite successful, until it rained, but for December it was a lovely day. Anyway, off the back of that there's another event, I knocked up the poster in a bit of a hurry, but I've seen the art going onto the walls so I know it'll be good.

So if you're in Coventry and looking for something a bit different to do, come and have a mince pie with us :)

The finished Fox

2009-11-29T20:43:00.001Z

Foxy Man

2009-11-27T11:05:00.002Z

This is the rough design for a card I made James, it's his birthday today and I always make him a card. They're usually quite silly, but as we both quite like foxes and we have a local one that trots down our street most nights, I though a fox would be fitting. I'll have to post the finished print later as we're about to head out for a birthday lunch.

Mermaid in colour

2009-11-26T14:27:00.003Z

Here is a cropped version of the mermaid in her newly coloured state. I played around with the colour of her hair but Emma has chosen brown, so brown it is :I've put copyrite on the image because really it belongs to Emma, it'll be her tattoo and I probably won't post the full image untill she has had it done. I just hope she is as happy with it as I am.

Mermaid progress

2009-11-25T14:14:00.004Z

I've finally had a moment to sit down and carry on with the mermaid for Emma's tattoo. We decided the nipples were a bit much so I've opted for some star fish, once the black and white version is agreed I'll add some colour. Till then, I'm very pleased with how she's turned out.

Warwick Exhibition Centre - Craft fair

2009-11-23T12:43:00.003Z

This is me, on Sunday, at the Contemporary Arts Craft Fair. I got up in the wee hours of the morning to set in my little car full of all the things I've been making over the last few weeks. I then drove off into the country side and got myself lost. I spend about half an hour thinking I should give up and go home (to save petrol more than anything else), and then I found the exhibition centre, so I set up and spent the day selling and chatting to other artists and crafters.
I met some lovely people and, although I didn't make a fortune, I did feel that the whole thing was a great success.

...plus I got to wear my Cath Kidston apron as my money belt - Woo Hoo!

Warning - nipples

2009-11-18T09:49:00.004Z

My friend Emma asked me to draw a mermaid tattoo for her, so here's part of the first sketch, not quite happy with the face yet, but getting there.

Coventry Transport Museum

2009-11-16T10:59:00.004Z

On Saturday I had a little stall at the Coventry Transport Museum's Craft Fair. It was great fun, lots of variety in what was being sold. I shared a table with Emma from The Lock Gallery and her wonderful Naughty Monsters.

Here is a picture of my little corner with the Ducky Swans at the top:And these are a couple of the dolls I made:

I was sat near a Delorean (the car that was in Back to the Future) and Princess Di's red Metro from the 80's. Not my usual Saturday. It was a great atmosphere, I'd definitely do it again.

Ducky Swan

2009-11-11T15:25:00.006Z

I'm making some adorable swans for the craft fair, but to save arguments when people call the ducks I'm going to label them Ducky Swans : If they sell well I might add a few to etsy as well.

Swirls and Butterflies

2009-11-10T14:30:00.006Z

I found this old illustration whilst unpacking after our move. It was sandwiched between some sketchbooks. I thought I'd scan it so I could rework it one day, but I actually quite like it as it is. I used to put swirls on everything (not a lot has changed), I quite like how this one they're almost like ironwork around the fragile butterflies. I wonder what else will turn up...

I'm busy making things for the Christmas Craft fair again. I'll post things as I go. My favourite so far are some swans with little collars on.

Yellow Goat Giveaway

2009-11-09T10:50:00.002Z

No I'm not giving away yellow goats but Yellow Goat Design is having a beautiful giveaway.

So many gorgeous things, you have the chance of winning some pretty tape and some japanese paper goods of your choice. I have a real weakness for this sort of thing.

Hectic times part two

2009-10-23T15:55:00.003Z

This is the finished card that I gave out to all my Surrey friends. I made it into a postcard so that I could add a personal message to each of them on the back.

We moved last Saturday but it has taken till now to get things sorted, we had no phone, internet, TV, oven and we couldn't find anything amongst all the boxes. Things are much better now. I'm applying a fresh coat of white paint to my new garden studio and hopefully tomorrow will be able to set that up too. Maybe by Monday it will be life as normal...

Hectic times

2009-10-08T20:00:00.005Z

I am moving in just over a week but only found out today that we definitely had a house to move into. There's nothing like cutting it close... Anyway I've been working on a typography based postcard to give to my friends down here to show I appreciate them and also provide them with my new address. I won't show the finished thing until they've got them but here are some of the elements involved.

Magame Foxglove

2009-09-30T06:38:00.001Z

Mushie Label

2009-09-27T15:26:00.002Z

This is the label I've made for the Mushies, they are going to be individually boxed with a greeting card (photos soon I promise). Then I'll sell them in the shop and at craft fairs.

Eash one will be numbered so you will know which one you've got and how many others were made before it.

I have exciting news, I'm moving in October to a bigger place so I'll have a studio at home. I'll also be closer to friends and family which will be magic.

Plant a Sunset Garden - Custom Munny

2009-09-22T15:07:00.004Z

I've finished 'Plant a Sunset Garden' the red Munny I've been planning for a while, she's all varnished and re-assembled and here she is:

I'm so super proud. Doesn't she look just perfect next to 'Plant a Moonlight Garden'? They have been lots of fun to do, am really tempted to paint more.

They are both available in my new shop - ickleshop.com

Owls Glorious Owls

2009-09-06T08:15:00.002Z

Don't know if you remember this post well here is the finished project:
A collection on little owl pots, each with their own character. I'll be adding them to the shop soon and they will come with small owl gift cards. They just make me smile. I'll let you know when they're in the shop.

Plant a Moonlight Garden - Custom Munny

2009-09-04T18:16:00.003Z

Here is the finished Munny, he’s been finished a while and has stood looking out of my front window. 'Plant a Moonlight Garden' is my first Dunny custom, painted in acrylics, in delicious blues, greens and purples. You can see my brush strokes but I prefer it that way - signs of how something was created and the hands that did it, if I wanted a more polished and slick version then I would buy a mass produced, machine printed Munny designed by someone else... this little guy however was lovingly customised by me. I really enjoyed painting him so much that I’ve decided to paint a friend for him, in red, and I have a few Dunnys to play with too. Huzzah!

Sneaky peaky

2009-08-22T14:31:00.002Z

I've been spending a lot of my time just painting at the moment, I'm really enjoying it. I seem to spend most of my week on the computer for one reason or another so getting my hands dirty (well, painty really) is supremely satisfying. Here we have some more mushrooms and a Munny I'm working on. Don't worry - the Munny will have arms eventually.

Logo's

2009-08-13T19:38:00.004Z

I've been working on a couple of logo's recently. More will be revealed soon but for now, here they are:

Holiday Highlight

2009-08-12T18:41:00.002Z

The best bit of the whole holiday was walking to and from ‘Watersmeet’ which is a spectacular valley leading to where two rivers meet before they head to the sea. I think it is one of my favourite places. There are lots of little waterfalls, deep still pools and then areas where the water just babbles along over the rocks. We stopped at ever bridge and cove to take it all in and sat on rocks watching the water run by. At the point where the rivers meet there is a beautiful picnic area and National Trust Shop. It was great to see so many people just enjoying the area after our long walk during which we hardly saw a soul.

The Hols

2009-08-10T21:01:00.004Z

Well I have returned from one of the best Holidays I’ve ever had. It was so good I’m going to find it hard to summarise it for you. We went to Lynton and Lynmouth in North Devon where we walked the coastal paths and ate glorious food in old pubs. Monday we went to Woolacombe where James went surfing whilst I sat day reaming and doodling on the beach. On Tuesday we took a two hour boat ride (across a very choppy sea) to Lundy Island where puffins live. I didn’t see any Puffins but I did see Dolphins chasing the boat on the way there and the way back. I also saw wild black rabbits who were very cool but camera shy. There are not many people who live on Lundy and it is a very craggy island facing out into the Atlantic which gives it a really eerie feel.

Weds we headed down to St Ives in Cornwall where the Modernist artists used to live and work, it is now an incredibly busy but pretty harbour with beach coves on either side and fabulous winding streets that allow you to peep at different views. There are still a lot of artists studios there so it was very inspiring and I found a fabulous Flea Market where I bought this.

We ate a fabulous fish restaurant on the harbour side and drank cocktails late into a glorious summer night. Thurs I explored even further whilst James soaked up some sunshine on the beach.

Friday morning, we went for a lovely horse ride along the Doone Valley (where the book ‘Lorna Doone’ is based). I had a lovely stubborn pony called Maggie who had a fab side parting which made her look extra moody, she didn’t like walking through mud and took a different route to the other horses and just really wanted to eat the Ferns. I admired her character though.

Oh I do love to be beside the seaside… tiddly um pom pom

2009-07-31T18:17:00.002Z

Well I’m off on holi-bobs tomorrow. A four hour drive to Devon to the land of sea, goats and ponies. I’m really ready for it, it will be my first whole week off since Christmas – Woo Hoo!
I’m going to St Ives Cornwall for an overnight stay on Weds, hoping to visit the Tate and soak up the arty atmosphere: http://www.tate.org.uk/stives/art-in-stives/ and knowing me I won’t want to come back. Sigh…
And we have a two hour boat trip planned to Lundy Island on the promise of seeing puffins, porpoises, seals and such like… sadly no penguins but I’m secretly hoping to see a great blue whale – surely that’s not too much to ask for J

Art deco adventure

2009-07-26T14:28:00.005Z

On my way down to Brighton yesterday I stopped of in a little seaside village called East Preston and wile I was there I found this amazing old garage - Manor Road Garage.It's been empty for years and is decaying and shabby but to me this is what makes it all the more beautiful. It still has it's original sign and pumps. How cool!

Many Pies...

2009-07-25T07:52:00.005Z

I am doing a wide variety of things at the moment, trying my hand at different crafts (like the crochet) and also new mediums like customising Vinyl toys. I've been inspired by Lunabee and Small and Round, if you don't know their work you might want to have a look. It's great fun to try new things and exercises the creativity muscle.

But anyway, I bring you my first Custom Dunny - Star Vine:

When I'm not drawing...

2009-07-22T15:38:00.005Z

When I'm not illustrating, I work for English Heritage and I was really lucky to go on on two site visits. Saltwood Castle, where I actually went up the scaffolding: And Westenhanger Castle in Kent:

Planning the Fututre

2009-07-16T06:52:00.003Z

I've been starting to dream of living by the sea, somewhere relaxed but with plenty of creative people to meet. I know exactly where I want to be - BRIGHTON. We were actually planning on moving there when we ended up in Guildford, but now I think we're going to work out a plan to get there. Some shots from my weekend visit

Mushies continued

2009-07-08T18:46:00.003Z

Some more close ups of the mushrooms:

Toadstool addiction

2009-07-07T11:23:00.002Z

I have 24 more little wooden mushrooms coming my way. I was so pleased with the results of the first batch that I couldn't wait to do more, I'm still drawing toadstools too!

I haven't stopped working on my secret project either, I will post pictures soon, I just need to make a little bit more progress.

More mushrooms

2009-07-05T20:58:00.003Z

Look look, lots of little wooden hand painted mushrooms. This is how I spent my friday night, wild I know... The blank mushrooms arrived on friday and well I couldn't wait to get started on them.

This is by no means the end of my mushroom/toadstool themed work, I have plans for more.

Sunshine & Sneaky peaky

2009-07-01T09:18:00.004Z

Here in Guildford, UK, it is hot hot hot! We're in the middle of a heatwave and experiencing the best summer in three years, Woop! I have been making the most of it - long walks by the river, meeting friends for warm summer night drinks, and finally wearing all the summer clothes that have been stuck at the back of my wardrobe for so long. Following my current obsession with toadstools, I have just bought this ceramic mushroom from Habitat. I was going to paint it but I now love it just the way it is. It looks so at home on top of our little stove.

And here is a sneaky peak at what I'm up to, the reason why I've not managed to post anymore drawings recently. All will be revealed soon:

Sunshine and toadstools

2009-06-25T20:03:00.004Z

The sun has shone and shone and shone some more. It has been super summery. I've spent my time mostly in the office but I've got out by the river whenever possible, sipping the odd cold beer of a warm evening...
When I haven't been enjoying the weather I have been drawing more toadstools, I'll show you them later, but for now here is an earlier one in colour.

Toadstools

2009-06-21T18:57:00.004Z

I've had a fantastic weekend visiting my family back home. Its strange I don't get homesick but it is always hard to drive away from them again. I'm not going to dwell on it instead I'm going to share some happy little toadstools with you.

The finished bookmark

2009-06-20T09:15:00.003Z

I've been reading quite a bit recently so I appreciate a good bookmark. I thought it would be fun to make one as a free gift to send with orders from the shop.

Please note the rounded corners on the final pieces, it makes all the difference don't you think?

If any one would like one sending them just email me here and I would be happy to send you one.

Bookmark sketch

2009-06-19T20:43:00.001Z

Is that an owl on your hat?

2009-06-18T19:47:00.002Z

Just a quick picture for now...

And now for something a little different

2009-06-15T21:30:00.003Z

This is an idea that kept popping up in my head. I like swirly things, and clouds, and skies, and hearts - so why not mix them all up and make a card out of them. So you can find this little treasure in the shop.

As with my Masters work, I like a bit of shadow detail, paper cut and 3dimensionality so I added a little foam sticky pad just to lift the heart from the backing: