Do Your Best / Do Your Worst

- my work in collaboration with Sheffield based illustrator George Law.
We completed this project in September 2009 and showed the 11 works for a while in the Forum, Sheffield. Initially compelled by a desire to share and challenge each others' approach to working, we started simply by outlining a set form of a shield for every piece, with two corners to work on each.

Having a skeletal form meant we really flourished artistically...if Geo had already finished his corners on a piece, in my quarters I inherently responded. The whole process came to form a visual conversation. I was so pleased with the result and how well we worked together.
Nothing more motivating than needing to do you best for someone else!

Oh crikey... Bird seed fabric by Alexander Henry.


I think this print has been around for a few years, but having only just stumbled upon it, I debated whether or not I should share it because its so delightful. I've had such a hard time getting hold of a more than a few yards, therefore I don't really need the competition...but it would be selfish to withold the knowledge!

The Alexander Henry website says "Each Spring and Fall, we introduce a new collection of illustrative, fashion prints, exploring a wide range of seasonal themes inspired by art history, haute couture and the culture at large". This print is so strong compared with others by the company - it seems so familiar and full of 1950's retro novelty. I was torn between the three varieties but surely the yellow is the classic - I'm making curtains from it, but it would be good for anything!

O-check
fly-up cards / christmas card tree

Speaking of giving cards to make people happy...

Christmas stationary 2009
~ A print of festive symbols, handpainted and repeated for cards, tags, and an advent calendar design.

 
I couldn't recommend home-making an advent calendar more!...for being able to pick the treats (this one included a sweet whistle and crackling chocolate!).
The calendar needed to be posted so I made it to fold in half, the tape holding both sides together is by o-check and it is so 70's. It jazzes up many presents wrapped simply in brown paper...

Christmas

I've received more homemade Christmas cards this year than ever before. Its lovely to see a proud return to recycling old cards, cut-and-stick & glitter glue...Long gone is the impersonal card set - its great that the old fashioned values of giving handwritten personal cards are still relevant.

Since 2008 I've designed my own festive illustrations for christmas cards, inspired mostly by exquisite victorian christmas cards found, and traditional festive imagery drawn from memory.