I've decided to enter the weekly themed textile design competition held by Spoonflower. The theme is 'spoons and flowers'. I like the challenge of an unusual theme and thought I'd give it a go.
I started my inspiration with a teaspoon from a set that my Mum gave me:
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I have made an attempt with the garden in the Spring but the slugs, snails and spiders had other plans for the garden and in the end, I admitted defeat when I got fed up with all the dead plants. This year ended up so busy with work, designing in my spare time and life in general. So, when I ventured out into the garden this week, I was 'pleasantly' surprised by how happily the weeds were taking over.
So screw it, as much as I love flowers and beautiful gardens, I've always secretly known that I don't have 'green fingers' like the rest of my family but I can always pretend that I intended to go for the wild, untamed look.
I know it's not a bed of roses but, I think a chair covered in deep purple flowers and heart shaped leaves is a close second.
And, I make the connection that magical things happen in my garden if I just keep out of it.
Hope you have a magical weekend!
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I like to challenge myself in terms of the design style that I use and so decided to create a World War II post card design. My Dad is a big war airplane enthusiast and specifically the Spitfire, which is a British airplane launched in 1936. So, when my parents visited me earlier in the year, I had to take him to the Duxford Air Museum in Cambridgeshire.
Afterwards we had a lovely afternoon in the beautiful university town of Cambridge.
Chocks away is a term used by British pilots in World War II to indicate that they were ready for take off and therefore required that the blocks placed in front of the airplanes wheels be removed for take off.
Here's to dreams taking off. Chocks away folks!
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I love the look of raindrops, isn't it a great design in nature? A way to add a bit of sparkle to a cobweb:
Or, on Hydrangeas:
It is a wet and cloudy day today. I know it is to be expected, it is England after all but we actually live in the part of the country with the lowest rainfall and most sunshine so, I'm not really complaining but on a day like today, I want to be warm and snug indoors. No such luxuries today.
Hope you have a good day whatever you have to brave today.
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While I am thinking about architecture that inspire, I wanted to share my favourite castle with you. These photo's were taken a couple of years ago when we went to Ireland and then travelled through Wales on our way home. If you ever get to Wales, a visit to Cardiff Castle is well worth a visit. The architecture is very colourful, decorate and unusual and there is an interesting history spanning over 2000 years!
I get a lot of inspiration from architecture and buildings with character and history of which there are plenty of in the UK. For my next design, I was specifically looking at some Georgian architecture and thought it may make an interesting design. I have entered this one as well for the Best of British competition by Tigerprint.
I think that this design would be quite interesting on fabric, a tea towel or maybe some gift wrap.
Today is a lovely quiet day for us. We went to Waitrose for some breakfast, Hubby is writing on his book and I'm designing. Bliss!
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Finally light at the end of the tunnel (for this week anyway).
Have a good weekend!
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I have entered Tigerprint's latest design competition, which is based on the theme of 'Best of British'. I took inspiration from the design that I did when I became a British Citizen but wanted to use warmer colours traditionally associated with the flag and gave the roses a more traditional feel too.
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Autumn is fast approaching so, I'm trying to enjoy the last rays of sunshine. That is in between my day job and working away in my studio. I have to admit that being in my studio wins hands down over being outside, as the weeds in my garden can testify. I don't really mind a change in season, each season has it's own pleasures that I enjoy. Autumn brings a colour palette of bright oranges, reds and yellows with the changing leaves with the opportunity to start to wrap-up warm; Winter means vegetable soups and stews, getting into the Holiday Season, snow, snuggling in front of warm fire places and sleeping with my hot water bottle; Spring equals tulips and wild daffodils on the side of the road and Summer long days of sunshine, barbeques, cold water melon and a holiday. Anyway, back to reality for me, I'm off to work but a change in season to me also means the hope of a change in season in my life, being expectantly excited about what is happening for me...
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I've had a really good Sunday. Started with a church attendance, followed by the great British tradition of a Sunday roast in a pub.
My favourite pub is right by Hockley Woods where I often go for a walk when I want some peace, quiet and time to think (or not).
And, you're always guaranteed to bump into one of these guys:
Tonight, I went on a film-date with Hubby. We saw District 9 and, although not my usual cup of tea, I really enjoyed it. It is a South African sci-fi film. My eyes usually glaze over when I hear sci-fi or alien movie but this one had me on the edge of my seat and it was lovely to hear some South African accents and the odd Afrikaans words (my native language) thrown in. The critics are raving about it and I have to agree, it is great.
Anyway, hope you've had a great weekend.
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