New Spring/Summer Designs 2010

Repeat Pattern Designs.........

I have been busy thinking/creating/designing some new designs for my paintings and cards as I am really bored of the old designs now!
I have decided to create 6 new, fresh designs (based on Cornwall, and the summer) to add to my collection.
I will get these printed up as 15cm square cards, and mount/frame the paintings (originals and prints) to sell.

My thoughts for designs are as follows.... Cornish sealife, Cornish birds, Mackerel, Lobster, Beach Huts, Ice Creams, Cornish Hedgerow, Blackberry picking, Bucket and Spade.....etc.



I have started on the Beach Huts initially (although I usually get going on more than one!) and I am enjoying the process of repeat pattern once more! It's been a little while since I created a new repeat.
Firstly I create an illustration that I want to go in the design, whether it is one drawing repeated over and over, or like here, lots of different shapes and sizes - to make it slightly quirky!

Then I copy the outline of the images (in a random formation) onto a perfect square.....dividing it into 4 (a,b,c,d). Then I cut the square into 4 (very carefully) and move the pieces to a new edge (using the amazing repositionable Bostik fast glue!) and draw another image etc. so eventually the finished piece will always repeat....eg. I put a, below c, and fit b, and d, where the illustration joins. It's complicated to explain - and it was complicated to learn but it's really quite simple once you get the hang of it! Almost like a jigsaw.

I learnt this process in my very last term of uni so had about 4 weeks to get the hang of it - then I self taught myself the rest! And that's the reason I haven't progressed to the technical side of repeat....I was never taught. BUT, I love doing repeats by hand - as it means each repeat is individual, with alot of hard work and patience going into each one!

The next stage for my Beach Huts is to trace them through to a decent piece of paper (using a light box) moving the template over everytime I get to the edge....(this can take AGES!) then I have a repeat pattern on a lovely piece of paper....ready for paint and ink. Phew.

I will pop the final design (colour and detail) on here once it's complete! I want to use really bright colours, just like the Beach Huts are painted.....

Lobsters next.......

Sets of buttons for sale.....

I have been busy completing sets of buttons, that I hope to sell.

These are all sets of 6, each button slightly different, but with plently of care and attention in each one!

Sailing Boat Buttons.

Stripes and Birds Buttons.

Owl Buttons.

Round and Floral Buttons.

Birds, Hearts and Stripes Buttons.


I am also planning on setting up an Etsy account soon as I have so much handmade 'stock' now, it seems silly not to! (watch this space!)

Wooden Heart

Yesterday Tom and I went to his nans with scones, jam and cream (mmmm!)

As a Christmas pressie for his nan, Tom had promised to cut up some wood for her....so as it was such a beautiful (but very cold!) day we spent the afternoon out in the garden. Tom chopped a HUGE pile of wood with his chainsaw, while I collected the wood in a wheelbarrow and took it up to the shed! I soon got warm, outdoors work is actual 'proper' work!!

I also helped Betty set up a new chicken house as the chickens aren't laying much at the moment.

I spotted a really lovely piece of wood, with a heart in it! Very pretty!

(For some reason these are uploading sideways....hhmmmm)

Name Cards - Experimenting.

I feel like I am on a million creative roads at the moment!

I am creating buttons, making wedding name cards, creating new designs for cards AND I am planning a little Name Plaque for kids idea.....my head is buzzing with new ideas. I wish I could just stick to one, and get something finished before starting something new, but I guess that's just the way it goes!

I have an order for boat buttons, and I am making bird buttons for another shop too!

I have been busy experimenting with Name Cards, for the girl who wants me to design her some.....here are the first few ideas....

(Pastel Green is the colour of the bridesmaids dresses, their flowers will be Lilies, and they are beach themed as they are getting married by the beach.)

These are samples, and I have more to get on with until I am content that I have done enough!
I'm off to the beach to get inspiration along with pebbles, seashells and little bits of driftwood/glass to see if I can get a little more creative, and think outside the box!

I LOVE writing in the calligraphy style....so satisfying!

Buttons

I have been really getting into my button making - this all started when I needed to come up with a 'homemade pressie' idea for a friend. We didn't want to spend lots of money on each other but equally wanted to give a gift....so I went out and bought my old favourite Fimo!

As a child I used to spend hours creating tiny little things out of fimo, and it's actually still as enjoyable to do now! It's just been a while.....
I made my friend an assortment of shapes; hearts, stripes, birds, squares etc. and it got me thinking!

I then made some little car buttons for my sister when she passed her driving test, they were pretty tricky to do!
I sell my cards in Sarah's Shop http://www.sarahs-shop.co.uk/ in Cornwall, and she has a lovely nautical theme going on.

So I decided to use that as inspiration to create 'Nautical Buttons!'

These are my first attempt.....I hope to improve these and make more!