Sketch book

I still like to take my sketch book with me when I can, although its usually a camera I use for ref collecting now. But yesterday I went to Kipling Gardens and sketched one of the many lovely trees there.

Gym bag

I've finally got round to finishing Louisas gym bag, not that she needs it until she starts school in September, but its been hanging around unfinished in my studio for ages. Made from a freebie in a magazine and fabric scraps. I think her big sis will want a new one now! (ok I did photoshop the sea front to be a tiny bit closer to my studio than it really is!!)

Jumping for joy

After my lovely girls jumping in the grasses photo, this illustration followed. I'm really enjoying working with illustrator now. Ive had a few downloads on istock, and hope for many more. I guess Ill just have to keep uploading images to get my different styles established. 2008 has been a year of new beginnings on the web, and kitty stitch blog is nearly 6 months old now!

Inspiration

In the words of the song, 'On the radio' by Regina Specktor:

"this is how it works:
you're young until your not,
you love until you don't,
you try until you cant,
you laugh until you cry,
you cry until you laugh,
and every one must breathe
until their dying breath."

Oh it sounds quite abrupt now Ive written it down, but if you listen to the song you will love it I'm sure!

Baby wear

Here's a baby wear design Ive been working on. This one goes to my agent who will be showing it in New york. I was inspired by my kids for this one, collecting insects in the garden and looking forward to a caravan holiday!! (its the small things in life eh!)

Beach scene.

The last bout of hot weather we had seems ages ago now, but when it was here we went down to the beach and I took lots of people shots for my istock portfolio illustrations. This cute couple were on the beach and Ive given them a much more glamorous location! Which do you prefer, the cool dusk or the hot tropical?

Painting

When I went to Brighton Museum last week I noticed this painting, I think its quite lovely, and looks to be 1950s, but was in fact painted in 1946 by Gerald Harrison, its called 'Italian Station Cafe'. I think the girl looks like shes on a secret rendezvous!

Roll up roll up its the etsy sale!!

Decided to have a massive price slash sale over at my etsy shop, its mainly winter stuff, so may appeal to any Australians out there!!??? Ive also reduced my shipping prices as they may have been a bit high. I think some people keep them low and maybe put the cost of item up a bit more, as it puts people off when they see high shipping costs. I suppose I have neglected my little etsy shop but have been re-inpsired after visiting louise cunninghams shop which is just fab, as are her illustrations. Found her via comments on print and pattern today.

Baby repeat

This is the baby pattern I made today, which will hopefully be on my istock soon. It could be used as a background and its in repeat. I have also been doing some baby boys-wear for my textile design agent. So lots of baby themed things this week. We have a new baby in the family too...welcome to the world Amelia Jane! I made this design alot more pink and sent it as a card to her.

The balance of childhood

Heres my latest istock illustration. It represents the fine balance we try to give our kids... enough play, right amount of fresh air, balanced with learning, school and all the ups and downs of childhood.

Textile Designs

This is one of my women's wear prints that sold last year. I have been concentrating on children's wear lately in illustrator, but I did this one in inks on a piece of silk stretched out on a frame. Its a very lovely way to work, pretty relaxing, no sewing machine noise and no eye strain from the computer!

Drawing skills!

Not wanting to leave out my eldest Ruby, here she is with a beautiful drawing of unicorn world, which is a world she made up herself. I love this drawing it reminds me of 'when tiger came to tea'!

The snake sculpture

Just had to do my proud mummy post today. Took my youngest to Brighton museum for the art session there, she made this long snake using these corn shapes. The shapes dissolve when put in water and then you can stick them together. Louisa decided to make the longest ever sculpture!! She didnt want to smile for the photo, as being a sculptor is a serious business!!

The birds and the bees.

This is my istock upload today, I will have to wait to see if it gets approved. I wanted the quick linear drawn effect to give it movement. Its in repeat and I'm getting used to the process a bit more now. Thanks so much to digital arts online! This fantastic article really showed me the best way to put a design into repeat using illustrator. Once its in repeat you can put it in your swatch palette and fill any shape you want with it. This would be great for garment shapes etc.

Organized Colour

Whilst browsing one of my favourite blogs: the wren I was inspired by her lovely natural dye collection. I think its wonderful to have your colour options in view like this. In my little home studio I have my threads on the wall in this wooden shelf that I found in a local charity shop, I just had to get it!! As you can see my threads aren't too well organized...but that's typical of me!!