kitty stitch

Nice cup of tea

2011-12-05T12:37:00.003Z

Hooray, I am very pleased today, as istock have accepted my very first animation!

I did the Adobe Flash animation course a while ago, and recently I have needed to use my flash skills again for an E-learning client illustration project. I really enjoy using it but getting anything past the tough inspectors at istock is always tricky, so this is cause for celebration.....cup of tea anyone!?

Designs for quilt makers

2011-10-14T18:31:00.003+01:00

During the past few months I have been designing for a new client, Makower Uk who make fabrics for the quilting market. Its been steep learning curve!! It is very different to making quick and quirky ideas for the fashion market. Everything needs to be a lot more considered and well rendered. Saying that they were very pleased with the first batch of designs we did, with an afternoon tea theme. Now the samples are going to be printed up in Korea, and the boss has promised me a quilt made up in my range! If that does happen I will post a picture for sure!

New Website

2011-10-12T20:10:00.003+01:00

Moonfruit is a great place to build a website. I've just spent some time making a new site as my old one (......which was lovely and my brother Anthony helped me make it), was a load of hassle to Ant if I wanted to upload new designs! Moonfruit is very easy to use, and has some great features such as a slide show, and various user friendly gadgets to help make the site look pretty ok. So have a peek and see what you think. I will hang on to my old site for now too.....oh dear hoarding again!

Gardening illustration

2011-09-30T08:32:00.004+01:00

Here's my latest illustration for the istock collection. It sits alongside my nature garden illo (above). I try to put a new vector file in each month, just to keep my hand in. It is also a good way to make new client contacts. I hope to be spending some time in the garden this weekend, and with the Indian summer we are finally having ....that seems possible! Its wonderful, we can't moan about the weather this week!

catherine moran desgin

2011-09-29T12:25:00.007+01:00

I have got totally side tracked today, I started out so well, designing a new group of baby boys wear, then I ended up thinking about my website, and should I re-new, catherinemoran.co.uk!

I had the renewal notice from the guys in cyberspace and I thought, well isn't there a better newer way to show my work.... I suppose I think my website needs badly updating! So I created a new flickr account, and uploaded some of my kitty stitch handmade items...... I now intend to upload some more of my work in different sections.... illustration, graphics with examples plus my textile design...... its all very well, but is it professional enough? I doubt it!

Ipod robot

2011-09-06T20:57:00.003+01:00

Found my robot design in the shops today, this crazy robot started life as a sketch and found his way onto a little boys t-shirt in Boots Mini club range. They have really simplified him, but that is often the way to save on production costs. Think he looks cute though!

Traditional desktop

2011-02-22T18:38:00.004Z

Here is my latest istock illustration. Thought I should draw some traditional desktop items rather than virtual ones. I try to add an illustration to my portfolio each month.

Most of my time though, is spent on designing textiles for the collection in London, and I find illustration a good way to take a break from that. Istock has been brilliant as a way to gain contacts and get my work seen by more people. This week is half term so I doubt much work will be done at all with the girls to entertain!

Valentine diners club

2011-02-17T12:14:00.008Z

Spent a lovely afternoon at the De La Warr Pavillion in Bexhill, where the Moving Portrait Exhibition is on. A wonderful time and the light was soft and orange. I loved this massive sculpture out the front, it reminded me of a hip bone! There was a Tracy Emin exhibit too, I find her work honest and alarming at once. Very interesting and a beautiful evening was had at the Valentine Diners Club....sounds very 1930s , delicious food.

New Head!

2011-02-04T14:10:00.005Z

I've been thinking about a new colour and header for my blog for a while now. SO ta dar...here it is, and here is the old one too, just to see how very different it is now. I wanted a more hand drawn feel to it. Now I have to go to my other online places and change my logos....this is such a Friday kind of job...at the end of a long week!

Hey my monster is in Boots!

2011-01-21T13:23:00.007Z

Out doing a shop report today, just to get some inspiration, I bumped into a friend of mine..."I recognize you monster!".....this monster started life in my studio as a little sketch, and now here he is in Boots....The Mini club Boys Collection.

The first picture is my original design, then you can see how they have made him into pajamas and slipper socks. Very pleased with the results and they have the models wearing him on the banner too. Grin. Maybe I shouldn't go and work on the til's at Tesco after all?....

Its a bit late but Happy 2011!

2011-01-13T14:39:00.004Z

Gosh, my last post was ages ago...sorry blogland! I guess Christmas and New Year celebrations took up my time.

I've been doing some textile design agency work so far this month. I found some silk in my fabric box and decided to do some freehand silk painting.......its such a joy after looking at a computer and using the Wacom tablet.

These are aimed at young girl and baby girl market.....now in the hands of my agent. All designs copyright Catherine Moran 2011 and my sugar cube.

Autumn turns to winter

2010-11-18T13:21:00.004Z

Having a photographer in the family has great advantages, I just bought my brothers cast off camera, and am loving the quality of photographs. It will take me some time to get used to this Canon 40D, a proper DSLR, and worlds away from a compact Ixus. Still, practice makes perfect and I just need to get out there and shoot away.Eventually I would like to add some of the results to my istock illustrations.

Laras Embroidery

2010-11-03T14:36:00.003Z

Ive just been looking at my good friend Lara Sparks Embroidery website. Im really impressed! (I can just hear her now saying ok dont sound so surprized!!) But really, do have a look. I love the section on her embroidery courses, with photos on how her students have enjoyed their day with her. Well done Lara, your work is always an inspiration to me.

Mothercare

2010-10-10T13:00:00.005+01:00

Thanks to everyone who mailed me to say they had seen my design in mothercare! I went in there to see it for myself, and am really pleased with the final product. They have a great boys wear collection at the moment.

Have you seen this design!?

2010-09-16T10:54:00.005+01:00

As a textile designer, one of the main highlights is finding my designs in the shops! The green design is my original which the buyer now has the copyright to. ... I found a photo the orange stripey design on my agents mood board, so it is being sold somewhere in the shops, but I just dont know where!

If anyone out there has seen this little boys top for sale on the high street, could you let me know where, as I would love to see it for myself......many thanks!

In the mean time these photos will be a record of my design being some where out there.

Etsy shop

2010-08-30T16:01:00.003+01:00

Over the summer hols its nice to do a bit of knitting, as its a portable way to create. These are little key- ring birdys. I've just been listing them in my etsy shop so do have a look.

I still havent mangaged to get any prints in there yet, so that will be my next mission.

KTWO Products

2010-07-14T12:57:00.003+01:00

The lovely team at KTWO Products sent me an insurance document file today in the post. I have been working with them for a while now, and it is always a real treat to see my illustrations in the context of a finished product. Have a peek at their website they have some lovely things with beautiful design work. Thanks KTWO!

Foxy Love

2010-05-24T17:55:00.010+01:00

This is my latest istock file. I made the fox as a wolf originally (top image) for one of my textile designs, but my agent said he was too scary for kids wear! So I've turned him into a loving Mr Fox ... not really for kids wear now, just for anyone who wants to download the image! I will do something else with Mr Wolf too, as I like him, even if no one else does.

Animation course

2010-05-11T18:38:00.004+01:00

Last week I went on a flash course. I LOVE using it! Have started making little animations using my illustrations. I want to upload some flash animations to my istock portfolio. Its a great way to show potential clients what I have to offer in the way of graphics. The above is my frog animation, I haven't worked out how to show you the clip as yet, but the frog manages to catch the buzzing fly!

Happy Easter

2010-03-31T15:17:00.002+01:00

My first teach!

2010-03-11T14:30:00.003Z

Since I finished the teaching course (PTTLS) in December, I've not actually applied myself in a search for a teaching post, however, I was asked to teach a group of locals a watercolour class. With none of the students having any past experience, I decided to opt for a simple flower painting on white ground.
I was really surprised at how scared alot of the students were to begin the painting. They watched my demo (above) with awe and fear!! However, many were soon involved in the task and found themselves absorbed in the painting process. I really enjoyed the experience, and now want to find a local place to start up a course.

Spring time at Etsy

2010-01-15T10:19:00.003Z

At last the snow has virtually all melted away! With so many school closure days its wonderful to get back into the swing of work at last. I have started the year with some new springtime items for sale in my etsy shop .

I am also working on some spring/summer designs for my agent 'My Sugar Cube' in London. Rory used to trade as Anne Davison Design but now has a new name. He specializes in children's wear and has a great team of designers, myself being a freelance one.

Teaching others

2009-11-27T09:36:00.004Z

Hello friends, I've been very slack with posts this month! I am on a teaching course this term, which started in September. The course is designed for people who have been working in industry for years, and want to teach their skill to others. I have always wanted to teach either on foundation or degree, or even adults in an adult education centre. I had to present a teaching session to my peers on the course, so I taught them blanket stitch. These are the sample brooches I made to inspire my students, I think I should stock up my etsy shop while I'm at it!

Mothercare robot commission

2009-11-04T17:25:00.008Z

I spotted two more of my designs on the mothercare website today. This drawing is my original rapper robot, you can see how the client has changed it if you click on this link. I really like what they have done with him! (image copyright is with mothercare)

Christmas card commission

2009-10-28T12:48:00.006Z

Hey my Christmas card designs are now on the Photobox website. Here is the promo email and my love birds are there in the middle "tweet tweet"!

Mr Fox

2009-10-15T17:56:00.002+01:00

Sadly Mr Fox never sleeps in our garden like he used to. Still, he can often be seen roaming the streets of our village, and quite often wakes me up in the night with his screams! This fox brooch was the first in my Lea Stein collection. He just caught my eye, very beautiful.

There are alot of foxes about in the shops at the moment, especially on younger boys wear. I think owls are on the way out, they have had a great deal of exposure of late...so bye bye owl and welcome fox.

Angel

2009-09-27T16:35:00.006+01:00

Christmas card commission

2009-09-17T10:56:00.004+01:00

Over the past few weeks I have been working on a Christmas card commission. The final designs will be available to purchase on the Photobox web site, I will post a link once they are up. Here is a preview of two of the cards. The Russian doll I thought would be a lovely 'Baby's first Christmas' The love trees have now gone from summer in the previous post to winter, the leaves have fallen and a pair of robins celebrate love at Christmas time.

Tree love

2009-09-09T18:50:00.003+01:00

I've had a tree illustration idea for a while, based on two trees growing side by side, and as a consequence grow in mirror image of each other. I love that idea, mother nature can be a romantic too! I going to print and frame this for a friend for who has just got married. Their initials are carved into the tree. When I get a moment this could be another print for my etsy shop, I could personalize it for you with your special dates and names. What do you think?

The Country life

2009-08-21T10:40:00.004+01:00

I've spent the past week with my girls in a beautiful country cottage. Long walks in the woods every day, and swims in the river. Its been wonderful. I'm logging onto kitty stitch from afar, and have just been checking my istock too. This two hands, one heart design has been downloaded. It's nice when that happens.

Next week I will be working on a new commission I have for Christmas card designs, so I need to start thinking of ideas. . .

Holidays

2009-08-05T18:51:00.001+01:00

Mothercare boys wear

2009-07-31T15:12:00.005+01:00

Mothercare have some of my print designs in stock now! Well, Ive seen some on the web site, so I will go into the shop to check it out over the weekend. Its always exciting when you see your work actually in the shop on a garment, its not too often that happens..so I'm pleased.

Butterfly hair clips

2009-07-30T19:56:00.002+01:00

Today I took some hair clips in to Cheeky Monkeys, in the same range as the brooches, but for those mummy's who prefer a clip to a pin! (safety first!)

In stock at Cheeky monkey

2009-07-28T18:01:00.005+01:00

I took a poster down to the Cheeky Monkey shop today for the children's hairdressing I will be starting there soon. I also took some brooches, mounted onto some of my print design off cuts, to make use of the paper, and handmade purses. Michelle really likes them so will be stocking them at the shop. Great news for kitty stitch. I better get busy making some more!

Rubys Owl

2009-07-27T19:58:00.003+01:00

Had to share this clay owl that Ruby made at school in the summer term. Isn't it beautiful? I think so, and I'm sure my Grandma Evelyn would have loved it to sit with her collection of owls. I have a few of the collection at my house and I'm sure my Mum and cousins have one or two still around.

Work in progress

2009-07-25T14:54:00.006+01:00

I've been working on some 'kitty stitch' handmade items, to sell down at Cheeky Monkeys shop while I'm doing haircuts, and to put in my etsy shop. It's been pretty impossible to get much done now that the girls are on the summer holidays...still, with hand-made pieces you can stitch on the go!

Cheeky cuts

2009-07-20T17:13:00.003+01:00

Today I cycled into town and found some cute fabric to make into a hairdressing cape...in preparation for my Cheeky monkey mops. Here's the finished result modelled by Ruby, with Louisa ready to spray her hair down!
I wish I could be one of those designers who photograph their work as they go along and give a simple step by step guide 'how to make a hairdressing cape for children'....sadly I am a fairly 'make it up as I go along' kind of designer...so you just get to see the end result!!

Kitty Cuts!

2009-07-17T21:22:00.004+01:00

Well I bet you never knew I'm a hairdresser as well as a designer (no end to my talents eh?!) I'm going to be cutting children's hair in our local children's shop, which is situated just next to the beach in lovely little Rottingdean. Here's the flyer I designed today, which I will be giving out around the village. Cheeky Monkeys is a local children's shop that stocks locally made and handmade clothing and toys. Michelle the owner is so enthusiastic and always wants to support local products and designers. I will hopefully be selling a few kitty stitch handmade items from there too...its the perfect location for a designer/hairdresser!

Sports day

2009-07-15T11:13:00.005+01:00

It's such a busy time of year for mums ... so many school events to attend and remember. My girls have their sports day this week, I usually embarrass them and enter the mums race! Ive just had this sports illustration accepted for my istock collection. .. so lets hope it gets some downloads. I'm working on halloween designs for the rest of this week, so its all ghosts, bats and pumpkins....ready for my agents trip to New york...if only I could go along!

Coffee Love

2009-07-07T16:15:00.003+01:00

I've been working on another istock illustration; 'coffee love'. Coffee for me is a luxury that I may have once a day or sometimes not even that once. Even though I can't drink it all the time, when I do, its a delicious treat to savour, especially a cappuccino! When we were little my Mum used to take a flask of coffee on family picnics, so coffee in a flask always reminds me of those times and makes me feel extra happy...hence coffee love!

Coastal Grasses

2009-07-03T22:19:00.004+01:00

I've been collecting some grasses on my walk back home up the coastal path. This grasses illustration has been submitted to istock. With all the hot weather we've been having its been difficult to stay in my studio all day, so I've been out sketching the sea and drawing found objects. It feels a bit like being an art student again.

Goodbye New York

2009-07-01T11:25:00.007+01:00

I made a decision recently to stop sending designs to my New York agent, and to work with a London based textile design agent : My SugarCube, (previously Anne Davison design) I haven't been to NY for so long now, maybe one day I will go to visit again and take my girls to show them around. I received a box full of designs back from NY, some are embroideries which I can recylce into made objects, like cushions or purses. The paper designs I could re-work...or maybe cut up and make into cards.

Troika vase

2009-06-22T15:00:00.006+01:00

This cylinder vase is a 1960s, very early Troika piece. Made in St Ives, Cornwall. I love the unusual glaze, it's a combination of the textured and smooth....contrast always makes a good design.

Thank you to Robin

2009-06-18T21:37:00.003+01:00

Blogging for a creative soul such as myself, can be positive in so many ways. One of the best things has been meeting fellow artists out there. Robin Zingone has been a great inspiration to me, and she was such a help recently when I needed some advice over copyright and such like. So thank you Robin! Go and see her delicious work it will bring a smile to your face.

Commission work

2009-06-16T06:40:00.003+01:00

Istock has some great clients and I've just been commissioned by one for an illustration! The client likes my kitchen utensils, so I will be working on a set of icons in this style, which will be used for a product they are promoting. How exciting!

Animal magic

2009-06-15T14:32:00.004+01:00

Just had to post these, my 7 yr old made this set of animals the other day, such sweet smiley shapes. Children can be the best inspiration!

More poppies

2009-06-13T16:58:00.005+01:00

Interview Moi?

2009-06-11T12:35:00.004+01:00

Well, there's a turn up, someone wanted to interview me! Its a website called whohub . They have zillions of other artists and creative types on there, I thought it may be worth doing, you never know John Rocha may read it and commission me to design his next textile collection!!

By the sea

2009-06-10T13:40:00.007+01:00

Living by the sea is wonderful and its changing colours are so beautiful. To capture those colours would be a great thing to do. Yesterday the sea was inky blue with aquamarine edges, you know when its cloudy but for a moment the sun comes out and makes a little light patch. Today the sea is just merging in with the sky, all grey! I recently saw work by an artist called Maff Robinson in the Brighton open studios. He has spent hours painting the sea from the beach and his work is stunning, have a look on this link.

Mr Fox

2009-06-08T15:04:00.006+01:00

Round our way we have very bold fox who we often see in our garden. I love this old photo of my grandad holding a fox in his arms...it looks like he was very tame. I'm working on some baby boys wear at the moment and am using Mr Fox as inspiration.

Poppies

2009-06-07T20:38:00.003+01:00

Red poppies are stunning, one of my favourite flowers. This time of year we have plenty growing along the coast path brightening up my days. I painted these when I was doing my degree.

Hand stitching

2009-06-06T18:32:00.005+01:00

I've been doing some hand embroidery this week; a gold bling purse for a special birthday girl, and then a cosy for my ipod, which has been rattling about in my bag for months since I lost the last one I made.

Nature garden

2009-06-03T19:36:00.002+01:00

This is my latest istock submission awaiting approval: 'Nature garden'. I'm using it for birthday cards too. Tomorrow I will be starting the first group for fall 2010, as Ive had lots of reference sent through from my agent. Wish me luck!

Drawing

2009-06-01T11:46:00.002+01:00

Wedding day print

2009-05-23T17:13:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I went to a dear friends wedding. She has beautiful red hair and this print above I customised for her. She was actually wearing a silk lime green dress and shocking pink accessories on the day, so my colour palette was quite fitting for her! This print is one of a series that I'm working on at the moment, to sell in my etsy shop.

Kitchen ceramics

2009-05-20T15:18:00.003+01:00

This beauty is an oven dish by Meakin. I love the delicate linear quality contrasting the simple bold design.

Knitted cuties

2009-05-19T09:51:00.004+01:00

My lovely cousin is often sending me useful things in the post that she knows I will recycle and re-use, like yarns and fabrics. The latest arrival to my joy, was this book: 'Have you any wool' by Jan Messent. It's fab and will be used for inspiration for my next lot of knitted cuties. 'Mr Owl' recently sold from my etsy shop , and 'knitted kitty' went to a little girl for a birthday pressie, so I need to re-stock. Thank you Angela!

2009-05-14T09:48:00.003+01:00

Polly Dunbar the writer and illustrator, gave a talk about her work for the Brighton festival last week. I found her totally inspiring and eloquent. I've always wanted to illustrate children's books, but so far my only published illustrations were for an anthropological study of hill tribe people. Polly draws her ideas in a sketch book, scans them into the computer to tidy them up and then re prints them onto water colour paper to finish off. Her work has a wonderful spontenaety and charm about it....and a great sense of humour.

My new boy

2009-05-14T09:40:00.001+01:00

Its puppy love!

Pup Pip

2009-05-12T14:31:00.003+01:00

We finally got a puppy from the RSPCA! Pip is a lurcher terrier cross and is very beautiful ...but hard work, and I'm cleaning up mess lots of times a day! Still, he seems to inspire me and gives me plenty of breaks from the computer. Lovely boyXX

Pirate Barney

2009-05-11T08:25:00.004+01:00

I appliqued some scrap denim and made some textured wording in photoshop to iron on to this little t-shirt for a special three year olds birthday last weekend. Not sure if it will pass the test of time ...but he was pleased with it so that's what counts!

Paper cut inspiration

2009-05-06T18:03:00.007+01:00

I'm designing Christmas cards at the moment to go to the NewYork Surtex show. Here's a peek inside a beautiful book of vintage paper cuts which is really inspiring me.

Mr Fox

2009-04-27T12:46:00.002+01:00

Meet Mr Fox, made by the talented Rachel, who always has something in her house to inspire me! Mr Fox was made using 2 found gloves, fantastic recycling ...and so cute!

Stone birdie

2009-04-21T10:37:00.003+01:00

I love stones and these were found on the beach down in Devon, stripey stones are the best!

Stipey Monster

2009-04-20T09:34:00.006+01:00

This is one of my stripy monster designs that sold in the USA about a year ago (copyright with the buyer). I wonder if he made it onto a boys t-shirt somewhere?

Lucky me!

2009-04-16T18:59:00.002+01:00

Finding a four leaf clover is pretty rare, maybe once in a lifetime?... so when I found one on a lovely day trip to the meandering river this week I felt pretty lucky all round!

Still life

2009-04-15T10:37:00.006+01:00

After a wonderfully sunny and restful Easter break I am inspired and ready to design! Whilst browsing art gallerys I came across some beautiful still life paintings by Vanessa Bowman.(top image) Her work reminds me of some of my favourite still life paintings, by Winnifred Nicholson and of course the master himself Picasso.

Print and pattern mention!

2009-04-09T15:13:00.002+01:00

Oh my goodness how excited am I!?? Just had a browse through print & pattern and found my easter bunny card on bowies etsy favourites!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for that : )

Easter Holidays

2009-04-07T09:13:00.003+01:00

It hardly seems a minute ago that it was half term, and now the Easter holidays are upon us. For me this means not much will get done in the way of design, although hanging out with children will bring flashes of inspiration to be put into my sketch book. This polar bear drawing is to remind me of those poor polar bears running out of ice at this time of year.

Natural remedies

2009-04-05T17:33:00.002+01:00

'Natural remedies' is the theme for my lastest istock illustration, all of which I use myself when needed!

Easter Cards

2009-03-24T11:20:00.003Z

I took the morning off 'proper work' to list my new easter cards in my online shops. Thats the joy of being freelance, so I hope it pays off. Still, I enjoyed myself, now back to my designs. I'm working on summer for 2010, some girls wear, using embroidery and mixed media.

Owl stand

2009-03-19T09:35:00.002Z

As owls are my favourite I was pleased to find this one in our cottage at the weekend. My Gran had the exact same one in her kitchen, I'm sure of it!

Blissful break

2009-03-18T12:11:00.008Z

Well the weekend away lived up to all expectations. The view from my room was of the Cobb (a harbour wall made famous in novels by Cornish writer Daphne du Maurier and in John Fowles French Lieutenants Woman) and little harbour dotted with fishing boats. Lyme is full of charity shops to browse around and the beach makes for perfect walking and sketching. There are plenty of craft places too all very inspiring!

Hen weekend!

2009-03-13T09:36:00.004Z

I'm off for two nights away to sunny Lyme Regis. I will be taking my sketch book and water colours, and having a nice restful time. There may be a drink or two as it is a hen weekend, but I don't think it will be the kind we have here in Brighton with devils ears and strippers!

The bride to be is Lara who was recently featured in Sew hip magazine, she was spotted by print and pattern and featured on there last week..... Well done Lara!!! that's 2 reasons to celebrate.

Folksy shop

2009-03-12T11:32:00.004Z

Well after a little cyber convo with Tara I have now opened up a kitty stitch shop at folksy!! Yeay, lets hear it for this side of the pond! Gosh, I really should be doing my proper textile designs and Ive got totally side tracked with banners and listings. Now I really must get back to work. It is nice to have a little shop and if I want it to work I know I will have to put more effort into it. However at the moment I'm putting effort into designs so I really must get on!

Paisley egg cup

2009-03-10T09:33:00.004Z

This has to be my favourite egg cup in our house, I don't use it often for fear of breaking it with my butter fingers! Its just a perfect example of the 1950s style that I love.

new owl

2009-03-09T09:42:00.001Z

Ive been busy doing textile designs so have been unable to post. Im working on girls wear, a mono chrome group. Just thought I'd share this gorgeous owl, I found her in a friends house. If you look inside her there is a baby owl too. Very sweet.

Blog award!

2009-02-26T11:07:00.002Z

Hey great news, the lovely Tara of Aquamarine has nominated me for an award! I'm so happy! Ive got a reader! I now have to tell my 5 favourite blogs that they are getting this award to paste onto their blogs.

Here are my chosen five:

1.Sketch & Jones : Diana is an illustrator, maker, designer, who has loads of talent and is also always nice enough to leave me a comment or two!

2. Richard Baird : Graphic design blog: I have a secret desire to be a graphic designer and Richard has always been very helpful in answering any graphics related questions, especially when I started up istock. His blog is full of info for the budding graphic artist.

3. Skinny la minx : Fabulous Heathers' was the first blog I ever followed and I love her work, I'm sure you all know how talented she is and a great inspiration.

4. Robin Zingone: Robins illustrations a bright and beautiful and she always shares the love with her readers, her style is a joy to the eye!

5. Manilla Made: Helen's blog is beautiful and always features ethical and recycled designs which is the way to go!

How exciting!

2009-02-26T10:25:00.002Z

Friends and family

2009-02-18T08:55:00.004Z

This is my latest istock accepted drawing. Its always nice to get accepted, and this one was rejected at first, they wanted me to tidy up my lines. I don't mind the rejection as long as I can improve it and have it accepted the next time.... its worth it!

The girls are off school for half term this week, so I may be short of posts, its been so wonderful though, the sun is actually shining and we have the first signs of spring! Walks on the beach with the kids, hanging out with friends and family... I will be inspired for next week when all is back to normal.

Mothers day cards

2009-02-15T17:05:00.004Z

Here are a couple of new card designs, both for Mothers day and with a spring flower theme. Ive been trying out different card weights, the 290gsm is a bit thick, and 160gsm is too thin, I'm thinking 210gsm. The Epson Matte Heavy weight gives a lovely sharp print, but is no good for cards, better for prints...which I am looking forward to working on more and listing on etsy.

Jolene

2009-02-13T10:36:00.006Z

Just thought I'd post this purse that I made for Rachel, since shes seen it now Christmas is long gone. This is dedicated to her little doggie Jolene, who she hopes is 'with pup' after a rather public love affair in the park with a local Shitzu! Im waiting in anticipation to find out the result of this union!

Chinese dress

2009-02-11T10:46:00.004Z

I'm working on some new prints this week. I want to get start selling quality prints as well as cards in my etsy shop. The Epson Archival paper arrived on Monday, so I can't wait to try it out and see the results. This is one of the drawings I'm working on and have scanned into illustrator to add colour and detail. I will post the results when I have a group of 4 done.

Happy February!

2009-02-08T19:01:00.003Z

Hooray, I sold 2 cards on etsy! This makes me very happy, ok so its not much, but its something! When I started this blog a year ago my designs were mainly sold via an agent, so I remained anonymous, like most textile designers. By selling my own designs I get to keep the copy right. There are growing ways to sell online, which is one big reason why the design market is changing. Yes I want to be independent... say yes to small business! Ok Im getting a bit carried away, Ill talk to you when I have my first wholesale order!

kitty joins cafe

2009-02-06T12:24:00.004Z

Today Ive been looking into starting up a cafe press shop. It seems quite a good idea for me. So far Ive just set up a basic shop so go and take a peek!! Its quite exciting to see your design on so many products. I believe I will have to upgrade to a premium shop, as y0u are limited to how many designs you can sell in the basic. I need to do a lot more planning for a premium shop, and get a whole range of designs that will sit well together. I think it will be worth the fee, its about $5 a month if you pay it in one hit for the year. Has anyone tried cafe press before?

Online friends

2009-02-04T19:14:00.003Z

Theres nothing quite like a little love from some online friends to cheer you up at the end of a long day!! Ok so the snow has thawed down south but our roofers arrived today and found lots of rotting joists that they didn't know were rotting!! More expense there then! Still its nice to log on and find some comments on my blog ...yeay.. and a write up over at sooziebee! Thank you! Its so inspiring to see fresh water colours, and when I saw how well Karen Fulkner does on etsy with hers , I thought good on you girl! I'm inspired to get my water colours out, and in response today here's one of my pieces from my art college days!

New Etsy friend

2009-02-03T10:34:00.005Z

Whilst browsing esty at the weekend I came across a fellow textile artist and Brit, who also has an etsy shop. She is sooziebee and she is very kindly sending me one of her lovely cards just for being her 100th favourite! Heres one of her water colour designs. You can see more if you look at her blog. As for me, no more sales to report on etsy, but I did sell a card on Photobox, but the royalty is pants to be frank!!! 5%. Still, I suppose if I sell a few it is better than nothing!

Surprize card sales

2009-01-30T14:00:00.002Z

Ive had a few cards listed on Photobox since December and was pleased to discover today that I have actually had some royalties! Ok so its not enough to get too excited about, but it means that I can continue to upload cards onto that site and hope for some more sales.

Wise words

2009-01-27T11:58:00.002Z

I drew this little owl while waiting outside my daughters ballet class, now here he is ready to upload onto istock. I want to do some more in this style too, so will be drawing more decorative birds and animals.

Office chat

2009-01-26T10:36:00.005Z

As I don't work in an office maybe this little team of people are my imaginary colleagues!! Thought I would go for a more hand drawn look for this istock upload, so lets see if they approve it. Illustrator is so clever, as Ive managed to get exactly the same lines as the drawing I scanned in. (with a little help and advice from the lovely fellow istockers in the forums over there!)

Kitty stitch

2009-01-23T09:27:00.006Z

Last night I knitted 'kitty' to join owl in my etsy shop. Louisa is a Chinese Monkey, so I made her a cute monkey and now Ruby would like a snake... that's her Chinese sign. Yesterday I was looking into ways to direct people to my shop and flickr is a good way to network on line. So now I have my account set up, I will post my designs and handmade things there. Although strictly speaking flickr is just about sharing photos, many designers like to showcase their work. Its a great place to get inspired online.

Owl tweetie

2009-01-21T11:14:00.003Z

Knitted owl is my latest addition to kittystitch my etsy shop. I knitted him a few months ago and now Ive made him into a keyring, so I hope somebody likes him enough to buy him now!

Beautiful tile

2009-01-20T10:02:00.003Z

I first saw this tile in a reclaimed fireplace warehouse .....but it was a bit too expensive and it was one of a pair. I love turquoise and love the design. My hubby, however decided to buy them for me and came home with them a few days later. Thank you!

New butterfly brooch

2009-01-19T11:02:00.006Z

Ive just listed a new brooch in my etsy shop, made using vintage scraps and trims, I think this butterfly looks pretty sweet. The book I photographed it on, is one I found at the Brighton station market, inside are hand painted Japanese illustrations. Its one of my favourite things. If anyone knows much about this type of book please email me, or leave a comment as I would love to know more about it. : ) The old phtographs are of my great great aunts.

Kitchen things

2009-01-17T10:03:00.004Z

Here are my latest istock drawings. I love kitchen stuff and tend to take photos of unusual spoons, cooking utensils and bowls when I go over to friends houses! (yes I'm weird right!) A friend of mine made me a gorgeous oven glove for Christmas, I will post a photo soon.

Brooches and sew it begins

2009-01-11T16:03:00.006Z

Well my little bag full of vintage scraps and beads, which has been following me about all Christmas has finally come out this weekend and resulted in the beginings of my brooch making project! I made a butterfly for one of my friends at Chirstmas and this set of brooches are in the same style. I love using scraps of old lace and trims like this. Heres Ruby looking gorgeous modelling it for me!

Happy new year

2009-01-07T09:38:00.005Z

Well the new school term has now begun and I find myself with 9-3 every day to design! However, with the credit crunch declining into recession it may not be the greatest of times to find myself in this position. I am currently working on my istock portfolio, and have been organizing that into sections with new banners. Istock has been a great way to learn a new skill (illustrator) and meet other designers on line. Who knows what 2009 will bring ..I aim to have more skills under my belt, and also to continue with my kitty stitch blog. I also want to make more of my etsy shop so I will be adding things to that too. Life as a freelance textile designer is not very stable at the moment to say the least. But I think its important for me to keep up with the fashion industry and to keep my hand in while we ride these turbulant times.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T09:24:00.006Z

Well I guess this will be my last blog before Christmas now. This design sold last year so may be in the shops somewhere in the USA now. (copyright to the buyer) We are off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz at the theatre today, then to my Dads for a family Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone...see you in the new yearxx

Lara Sparks embroidery

2008-12-18T13:53:00.003Z

My dear friend Lara; a very talented embroidery designer, has just launched her own website. She made this sweet cushion for my studio door! Go and have a peek at her gorgeous work.

The water signs

2008-12-17T13:12:00.002Z

These are the next 3 star signs for my istock collection....the water signs. Pisces was the first one I drew using the mermaid plate I uploaded the other day for reference.