font-tastic

I love typography and different lettering styles, so here's a little round up of some font-tabulous styles that are currently floating my boat.

From top to bottom: Amarelinha, Transitore,  Polygraph and Transmogrifier. All from MyFonts

50s Pattern

I bought this  book a little while ago and have been meaning to blog about it's gorgeousness, so on this beautiful sunny (where we are anyway) morning I've selected a few lovelies for you. Hopefully a bit of inspiration too...

Lovin' the texture in the one above.

Cute birdies. Every self-respecting pattern ought to have a bird in it!

a good week

Well, I've been a little absent from blog-land lately due to other distractions but it's been a good week as Little Paper Gallery was a Featured Seller on the Folksy home page and I also took part in an interview on the Folksy blog. This resulted in a small flurry of sales, new interest and being featured on various other blogs. So all in all, Hurrah!

the frame tutorial

I have been trying to pin down my friend Lenny for ages to give me a tutorial on making picture frames and finally managed to on Saturday. Lenny is one the most creative and enthusiastic people I know so you should really pop over to his blog and check out his prolific making of 'things'. They are too diverse to mention here but here's a sneak peek...

But onto frames..

I have wanted to make my own frames for a long time and especially since Lenny made me some last year for my birthday out of reclaimed wood and greenhouse glass.

And so, on Saturday we both had a window of time, he cut and fiddled about while and I watched and learnt. First we chose a straight piece of wood...

Measure twice and cut once. And then a few more times.

Put in a 'thingy' to hold it together while the glue dries. Cut some glass to fit, add some contrasting beading, et voila!

Some refreshments from the children. Very nicely presented I thought - Lenny has a girl.

We loved this bit - a keyhole to hang it up by. Awesome!

Many thanks Lenny, much obliged. Now, can I come round and borrow your shed? (And I'm secretly hoping I can have that frame too : ))

Ahoy!

Look out! Especially if you want to use this telescope..

I've been FOFFED!

 

Well hey diddly do, I've been Found on Folksy!

return of the seagulls

This little chap was inspired by a trip to a secret location on the Essex coast during last week's holiday. The location has to remain secret as it's my brother's favourite unspoilt spot and he would be none too pleased if I blabbed the name!

hedgerow 2

Finished the second of my hedgerow illustrations after a week's break in London. We had much fun but it's nice to be back. This illustration works with the other one so they can hang side by side.

Like this...

hedgerow 1

First of the hedgerow illustrations to be reproduced as prints.

little bits of lovliness

I happened to come across these rubber stamps by Jolyon Yates on the stylistic gallery website. Apart from the beautiful stamps you can create with them, what makes them so gorgeous is the way the wooden handle has been cut from 'repurposed beech'.

Check out more of Jolyon's work here.

hedgerows

I feel as though I've been absent from my little blog for a while so thought I'd update with a couple of recent photos. The hedgerows are at their best at this time of year, full of honeysuckle and wonderful grasses. They get cut right back in June otherwise you wouldn't be able to drive down the tiny lanes (yes they are that narrow in Guernsey in places) so now is the time to enjoy them and gather material for my illustrations.

from the wilde

"An eclectic collection of some of the most exciting and contemporary designer makers, artists and illustrators from the UK and carefully chosen international artists. These collections are for people with a love of the city, country and the coast, for all of us who aren’t lucky enough to live there but are lucky enough to own a piece "From the Wilde"..."

And you can now get Little Paper Gallery cards from there too! 

blog interview

Pop on over to Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics where you can see not only Charlotte's lovely work but also a little interview with me!

coveting covers

I saw this series of Penguin books recently in the local bookshop and was instantly drawn to the fantastic cover designs. Who cares what they're about, they'd just look great on the bookshelf. (Incase your're wondering they're actually a collection of food writing, from poems to recipes.) Packaging really does sell a product, I did it this morning when I opted for the more expensive Clipper Green tea because the packet is so pretty! See here in my earlier post.

hand drawn competition

My entries for the latest Tigerprint competition - Hand Drawn. You can see the other entries here.

Wish me luck!

bold florals

New bold floral illustrations as Summer is just around the corner. Woooah, they're bright!

pink and turquoise

Another lovely colour combo put together from selected Folksy picks. Must have been all that warm weather over Easter that's making me feel so summery!

From the top...1. Coin Purse by Hortensia Designs - check out the lovely lining too  2. Cushion by Anna Keren Designs  3. Lavender Puppy by The Whistling Cowgirl  4. Pocket Mirror by Kikichoo  5.  Rose Petal necklace by The Blue Starfish  6. Felt Brooch by Made by Lolly

new stockist

My cards will soon be available to buy from the Down to Earth gallery in Shropshire. They have a lovely online gift shop selling lots of beautiful art cards and prints so pop on over for a browse.

wood store project

From this...

to this! I'd like to say I played a bigger part in this than suggesting 'we' make one and choosing the colour.

But I can't. Clever other half even slated the roof. Top marks!