Just Bought Some Pens

I've just gone and bought a few new fine liners tonight as I have had the urge to draw again recently. Ok maybe not quite as many as in the picture below but enough to doodle away with for a while. I've just got to figure out what to draw now......

The Poppy Tree

I think I actually let out a little squeal when I came across these prints by The Poppy Tree on Etsy. Etsy has quite a new feature which recommends shops you may like when you sign in, and clever Etsy got this one right! The Poppy Tree shop has lots of prints, postcards prints, charms and even handmade wooden ornaments (just look at the bottom picture - wow!). I got most of these images from the first page of Kelly's shop because I really fear I will part with a lot of money if I venture any further in.

How To Draw a Penguin

This little gem is on the Guardian's website today. How to Draw a Penguin by Children's book illustrator Oliver Jeffers. Follow this link to see the whole amusing article with your step by step instructions on how to draw your own penguin - it's great!

Amy Earles

These beautiful paper creations are the work of Amy Earles aka Wool and Water. She has an Etsy shop which you can find here and also an amazing looking website which you can check out here. Amy draws and paints her paper doll creations and then sells the reproductions from her shop. They are all ready for you to cut out, create and play with although I would probably want to frame them and stare at them for a long time.

Divine Twine

Loving this bakers twine, such a simple way to pretty-up any package and works particulary well with brown paper. I have only really come accross the more readily available red/white combination before but this just might kick start my search for some pastel shades and I really like the grey/white combo too. These shades are available here (US).

Living In A Sepia Coloured Dream

http://www.etsy.com/shop/homesteadtreasures

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ParisPhotographer

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bethtastic

All these items have been included in an Etsy Treaury by Into The Light. I have always love sepia tones in artwork and photography, there is something quite magical about the mood they create, a little bit sentimental and romantic. I don't often remember to look up the Treasury section in Etsy and really should do it more often, it's great to see so many different items collected together on the same page under one person's vision. View the treasury here.

Always

Belle and Boo

If you have never set eyes on the wonderful work of Belle and Boo then you are in for a treat. Belle & Boo heads up a collection of artworks from the imagination of illustrator Mandy Sutcliffe. Belle & Boo are two of Mandy’s favourite characters. Mandy studied illustration at Leeds Metropolitan University, during which time she went on a university exchange trip to France. It was here that Mandy’s love for illustrating children truly blossomed as she spent many an hour in the Parisian parks drawing the beautiful French children. To date Mandy has had three books published, one of which she wrote as well as illustrated.

I particularly love Mandy's beautiful cushion designs and art prints, all of which and more can be found in her shop.

Big Bows from The Small Object

Just too cute :) If you are not familiar with the work of Sarah Neuburger aka The Small Object then you can see her blog an shop her store right here - go go go! These images were just too lovely to keep to myself. Such a simple little idea to dress up any spare clothes pegs you happen to have lying around the house! 

Je t'aime

Saw this on Pinterest and LOVED it, taken from the Truly Smitten blog, correct me if I am wrong but if you follow the links from that blog I think to get to it's original source!

First Day Of Summer???

Eeek, the Google homepage is so cute today. It is called the First Day of Summer by Takashi Murakami to celebrate the Summer Solstice (although if like me you have just watched the rain pour down ALL day an barely seen any sunlight you'd be forgiven for thinking it was the middle of December!). Maybe I'll get on Expedia next and book a week in the sun, bliss!

Chocolates

I'm feeling a little bit hungry! Wouldn't mind some of these lovelies with my evening cuppa, so if anyone fancies hopping over to the Charbonnel et Walker website to order me a few it'd be much appreciated! How wonderful is the packaging, you would feel so decadent eating these don't you think.

Stuffed Nonsense

I was just having a little browse on Folksy when these wee guys caught my eye, they are tiny Human Beans and measure only 5.5cm by 3.5cm. Each little Human Bean is unique and hand finished and comes in it's own box. They are made by Stuffed Nonsense. Stuffed Nonsense is based in Cheltenham and is created and curated by Bex and El. Connoisseurs of curios and creatures for over three years Bex and El spend their time tinkering away with lovely fabric and temperamental sewing machines. If you want your very own Human Bean then take a look at their Folksy shop right here.

Freya Cumming

Yesterday I spent a lovely afternoon walking around Dundee's West end enjoying the Westfest event taking place. There were bands, world record attempts at piggy-back races, stalls, food and even better a beer tent! I bumped into an old friend from the year below me at art college, Freya Cumming. Freya had a stall selling her wonderful prints, they are simply breathtaking. I love the of pattern within her prints and the delicate colours she uses. 

In 2005 she moved to Bristol for the Multi-Disciplinary Masters Print course at the University of the West of England, which she completed in 2007. During this time Freya and fellow artist Frea Buckler conceived the idea behind 'SNAP', the printmaking co-operative which now exists in Bristol's city centre. Running since September 2008, Snap is an art gallery, studio space and workshop run by its eight resident artists. Freya still works from her studio space at Snap and runs regular workshops in Screen Printing from there. If you would like to see more of her work then you can have a look at her website here.

Roll On July 15th

The new and final Harry Potter film is on it's way! If you know me then you will probably be a bit bored of me going on about all things HP and about how excited I am for The Deathly Hallows Part 2 to come out in July. I have booked my cinema tickets for the opening night and some friends from work will be coming with me. Not long now..............

Straws From Pippi

 

I just love all these Eco-friendly paper straws available to buy on the Pipii Website. They are so much fun and would be so cute at a party. The Website has lots of lovely things to help make your party look amazing, paper garlands, labels, packaging etc. These straws are 100% biodegradable and compostable too so you can feel a little less guilty about sipping away on a cocktail! I think I might have to invest in some for my sisters hen party.

Pinterest

farm6.static.flickr.com

This morning before my shift at the day job began, I finally gave in and signed up to Pinterest. I was hooked instantly and got the app on my I-Phone too so I could browse this afternoon whilst on my lunch hour. Pinterest is like your very own virtual pinboard, you collect images which inspire, make you laugh or you find interesting and categorize them onto boards - you decide the topics, your own collections etc. These images were all pinned this evening on the board I have called Simple Things to Make and Do.... Of course the chances of me getting round to actually making them is slim but should a whole load of spare time suddenly land upon me then I know where to look for inspiration. 

scrap-book-spaces.tumblr.com

http://sewmamasew.com/