Singing in the rain

- 'Singing in the rain' print -

It's the weekend!!! I am excited about the possibilities of what I might do. Hmm.. decisions.. decisions. There is a long list of things I would like to be doing in my obligation free weekend. Things like ripping out the back garden, buying pavers and plants for the front garden, finish painting the house, painting the fences, restoring my $18 vintage bargain of a park bench, buying a new laundry fit out - the list is ENDLESS! I love renovating and love doing 'housey' things. Is anyone else working on interesting projects around the house this weekend? If so let us know!

Above is an illustration I have been working on. It is perfectly fitting as it is suppose to rain tomorrow!

P.S. 'Sing Laugh Dance' and 'Hop Skip Jump' illustrations are now available in my Etsy shop :D

My Little Vintage Girl

Almost Friday! Where has the week gone?
I love days when I get a lot done - today was one of those days. I even managed to finish a nice little illustration combining vintage inspired fabrics and a bit of computer magic! I've added it to the slowly growing collection of prints in my Etsy shop.
"My Little Vintage Girl" print is available here!

- My Little Vintage Girl -

I Heart Japan

- I Heart Japan -

Hello there! Just a quick one as I have HEAPS of work to get done before the day is through.

I love Kokeshi Dolls, Geishas and Japan so it may come as no surprise that I have done another Kokeshi design! I previously posted a Kokeshi design I did for work. It was so much fun I decided to create another but directed more for kids. I think it turned out rather cute but not sure if I have finished it. I will have to sit and think about it for a bit. Is anyone else like this?

So back to work for me. For everyone in Melbourne I hope you are making the most of the beautiful 34°C day outside. Beach weather! :D

A Q U A R I U S

- Aquarius -

Here is 'Aquarius' for all you water-bearers out there! Speaking of water, I'm off for a swim with Skyla today. Must make the most of this lovely hot weather :D

Jazzy Matryoshka Print

This afternoon I played around with fabric swatches on the computer and jazzed up a set of Matryoshka dollies! A nice change to standard pink and purple for girls I think :D

Little Bo-Peep

Hi Bloggies! What a busy week it's been with Halloween and a public holiday (in Victoria) for the Melbourne Cup. I usually do pretty well with the horses. This year I backed a horse named Illo. I'm always shortening illustration to illo and thought it was a SIGN! Well the horse came second last - BOOoooo!!! I wonder how many other illustrators out there made the same mistake!

Speaking of illos, I'm doing a series of illustrations based on Nursery Rhymes & Fairytales. Yesterday I worked on 'Little Bo-Peep' and at the moment I'm working on 'Jack & Jill'. I am so enthralled with this current project - more to come soon! xx

Patchwork Quilt & Pillow

Here is a sneak-peek into some of the little projects I have been working on for the baby's room. I had trouble finding a quilt I liked at the shops and in the end thought stuff it I will make my own. I wanted the nursery to be unique, pink but not too pink and a little bit vintage inspired. I am no expert when it comes to sewing things and I have trouble following patterns, so I usually just make up my own along the way. But I found this blog Diary of a Quilter very handy with the quilt and Cluck Cluck Sew was the inspiration for my pillow. Sewing can be quite addictive. Give it a go!! The cute Scrapbook Girl Rattle Toy is by Mamas & Papas - Daddy-to-be found it.

One month to go!

Yipee.. only one month to go till I have this baby! I started maternity leave a week and a half ago and had my Baby Shower on the weekend which was just lovely. Now I am free to do crafty things for the baby and maybe get some new illustrations done for my etsy store.

Little Red Riding Hood

I just had to share this cute little find with everyone. Little Red Riding Hood is by Alimrose and you can purchase it here. I bought this doll recently for a friend of mine who had a baby girl. How cute - I had trouble giving it away! A lot of my friends are steering away from baby pinks for girls, so I thought this would be a lovely gift without being too pink. Alimrose do other gorgeous toys and gifts - perfect for a baby showers or birthdays - definitely worth checking out!

Arabella Silverspoon

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! I have been busy painting my hallway - ceiling, doors and walls. Wow... what a huge job. I have also decided I hate painting! I think I spent 10 hours yesterday painting and I will probably have to put in a few today - goodbye weekend... hello sexy walls. I want to do more fun stuff, like starting my Christmas gifts & decorations and doing a few new illustration. I need more time!!! Does everyone feel the same?

Spring Gardening

Hi Guys! Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. Are any of you gardeners? I am and a little bit obsessive about gardening.
Today I am going to get busy in the garden and what a huge job it is for such a small garden. When we moved in, there was nothing but gravel, bark and a few ugly rocks to look at (I will show you before and after photos once I have finished it). So I am busy trying to get our cottage garden finished before summer comes.
Oh how I pine for lazy summer days... so I can sit in the sun, admired my garden with a yummy cocktail and a good book!
Thanks Bee for your constant gardening advice - we do love chatter about our gardens like a couple of old Granny's but thanks to you I haven't killed anything yet :D

Life & Style Fair

Last Wednesday I worked in the Artwrap stand at the Life & Style Fair. It was a great day with plenty to look at and there were some fabulous people there too.
Here's the display at the fair of the Bonnie Bunny and Brambles Bear Baby range I did for Pepperpot YAY! 
Products for both the boys and girls ranges include: Photo Albums, Deluxe Brag Books, Brag Books, Record Books, Growth Charts, Tin Notecards, Trinket Boxes, Photo Frames, Baby's First Print Kit, Wall Stickers, Photo Cards, Gift Bags & Wrapping Paper.

PortabelloPixie Pattern

Ok, the sewing machine needs to be set up soon. I have purchased ANOTHER Portabellopixie sewing pattern by Sandi Henderson - I just couldn't resist! Portabellopixie - 'Gracie' comes with 4 garment patterns and a lovely, coloured instruction manual.

Moving House

I have been a little busy moving the last few days and unfortunately haven't had a chance to post anything :( What a mammoth task it has been! Here I am sitting in my new studio which is looking lovely minus all the towering boxes! I will have to post a pic once it's all cleaned up and looking spiffy.

Anyway, with not a lot of time on hand I thought I would post a couple of little experimental pieces I did a couple of months back. It's fluorescent acrylics on calico and finished with a little embroidery thread.

Pretty Girls

Here are a few more of my illustrations that were sold on Etsy. 

Top to bottom: Portrait of Pretty Petula, Chasity Cobblestone at the Cabaret, A Geisha named Suki, Gertrude & Gardenia