Vintage finds

My friend Elisabetta and I took a trip to the markets at London Fields yesterday. We stopped by the Designers Makers market to check it out and to see if my screen printed stuff would fit in there. 

Was quite quiet but had some lovely pieces there so I think I'm going to give it a go in a few weeks if they will have me.

Anyways, Elisabetta having a good eye for all things vintage spotted these cute shoes on a stall and to my surprise they are my size (I am a UK size 2 and can NEVER find high heeled shoes to fit - hence the wearing of converse, Vans or brogues all day, everyday!). I needed a pair of black suede shoes with a hint of red on for a wedding in September in which I am a bridesmaid, so couldn't believe my luck when I saw these. Our dresses are black 50's style halterneck circle dresses so I think they will be sweet.

Perfect fit and only £15. Ace.

Then I may have spotted some cases from the 50's and 60's and before you know it I own two of them... Red one I will use for carry on luggage or for mini trips back up north - tan one I will use for display. Very cool and so much cheaper than Spittalfields or Portabello markets. Elisabetta didn't go home empty handed either - she bought a very pretty handbag and a Colombian wooden cigar box. 

Very happy shopping trip!

Super pretty recycled Ikea furniture

I came across this really pretty idea on the Decor8 blog. Spanish designer Meisi turned her old boring brown Ikea cabinet into this really pretty piece of furniture. I now keep eyeing up my Ikea shelving units in my living room/studio and picturing them in aqua. Not sure how pleased Gaz would be having to look at these daily...too girly perhaps? So pretty though and such an easy way to personalise something to boring and mass produced. Always nice to add your own stamp to something.

To read more about it check out the lovely Decor8 blog

http://decor8blog.com/2011/06/30/ikea-leksvik-buffet-before-after/

Did I mention that I really do heart NY?

How awesome is this? The Empire State building in full, glorious rainbow colours for Pride week in NYC. This picture went viral on Twitter within hours after the passing of the gay marriage bill in the city last week. Congratulations New York - it's about time! 

Surprise wedding gift

So I was asked by my little buddy Sam, to do some artwork for her brother and his fiance as a wedding gift. She had the idea of creating a picture book for them to keep, telling the lovely story of how their relationship began and blossomed over 10 years. It just so happened that the theme of the wedding turned out to be along the same lines so everything tied in perfectly! After meeting by chance while travelling in Australia, they found that they had quite a lot in common and were also due to attend the same university in the following September...and as they say, the rest is history! 10 years later and after some amazing trips around the world, they are finally making a trip up the aisle. The book was written by Sam and her boyfriend Paul and we decided to put it all together by hand to make it really personal and a complete one-off, unique gift. Hope they like it as much as we enjoyed making it. Congratulations James and Kate! Here's a few line drawings and some of the final spreads. Take a peek!

                                                  

New ink (not me unfortunately)

Just thought I would show you my friend Amy's new ink she had done this week by David Corden of Ritual art tattoo studio in Kent. His work is truly talented and he is constantly pushing the boundaries of tattooing. Hopefully I can book in for my next one with him soon - fingers crossed for a cheeky cancellation! Sunflower is her favourite flower and it's holds great meaning and memories so a perfect subject for a tattoo. She tells me it was painful but it really is a beautiful piece of art. All the guys at the studio are amazing artists and very friendly chaps so if you plan on getting something done - go check them out. www.ritual-art-tattoo.com

Thanks Gemma!

Quite exciting news to tell that refers back to my last blog post about Gemma Correll and her 'What I wore Today' blog.Turns out that she did move my illustration to her photostream on Flickr and more importantly and excitingly I found out 2 weeks ago that she actually chose it for the book! Squee! I was one of the first 16 to be picked. Currently waiting to see the other 16 and to hear any more news.

It's amazing to see the response she has had to this project over the past few years - people far and wide contributing fine doodles in all shapes and mediums. Some very stylish outfits and people on there. It's amazing and I'm totally chuffed to have been selected to be a part of it. Thanks very much Gemma! 

To see the other contributions that have made it in to the book so far click here (mine is second for the left on the top row). Will post more info when I know it!

http://whatiworedrawings.blogspot.com/

What I wore today...

Just submitted this doodle to Gemma Correll's 'What I wore today' photostream. Her ace doodles and wonderful idea is being made into a book! How exciting! I'll be chuffed if she even chooses it for the photostream to be honest! 

Scribble fun

 I was sent this great site today by a friend in work. Very addictive and makes any doodle look ace! Not sure how much work I will get done today. Try it here: http://www.zefrank.com/scribbler/scribblertoo/

Here is my first scribble.

Welcome to the world Kai!

Two of our lovely friends who live in LA welcomed another beautiful bouncing baby boy into the world last month. Due to some sad family news I haven't had chance to do them a doodle! But at last I found some time to do this and send it over to them. Can't wait to see you guys and meet the new addition!

New screenprinted cards

Whilst drawing penguins for  a project in work I decided to turn one idea into a hand printed card. Sent one to my friend Laura for her birthday with a printed envelope. This little fella's wing didn't print all the way through but that's why I think I like him the most. 

Just a few little doodles that made their way from my sketchbook into Illustrator.

Animal people love this swag

Wasn't sure about adding this to my blog... don't really ever do anything like this...But people love pictures of their dogs so here is a picture I did of someone's pet for a present.Probably will be the first and last realistic picture I do of a dog so there you go.

Frank

A commission from my friend Rob for his wife's birthday. Hope she likes them. Apparently she loves sausage dogs. Might have been nicer to actually buy her one but hey ho - good for me!!

Craft-tastic

My friend Amy asked me to design a banner for her super pretty craft stall. 

Check out her stuff at...well you guessed it... www.aims-designs.com

Love

Think I need a bigger cupboard... 

Got some really nice responses from the thank you cards I printed, and a commission from a friend! WINNING!

Random bits

Bears eating candyfloss.

Doodles

Little fox doodle

New purchases...

Treated myself to a few Tatty Devine pieces today. Hooray!

Window Shopping

Spotted in the window of Waterstones in Camden. A book of mine that I illustrated last year - Sticker Dolly Dressing Movie Stars. Always nice to see! Think it's because it's Oscar time this weekend...

I really do heart NY

Sigh. This time last year I was in EJ's luncheonette after a snowy and particularly hilarious trip to Central park (insert mini violins and the sound of my heart breaking...). 

Today was very very very boring in comparison.