nephew filled weekend!

We're off to see our four little nephews this weekend!

I've just created this quick teddy bear version of them all!

I'm cannot wait to see them!!

I hope you've all got a nice weekend planned! Relax and enjoy!

Happy Birthday....

Here's me and my Mum hanging about together many moons ago!

My mum= a much loved inspiration.

and I'm home to cook her a Moroccan feast for her birthday tea!

top tip...

This picture book 'Zoom' by Istvan Banyai is great....a brilliant concept,

nothing is what it first seems!

Here's a quote from Istvan's website:

"Just when you think you know where you are, guess again. Nothing is as it seems, but hang on tight as this tilt-a-whirl goes zooming by."

Available to purchase here

my first book illustrations....

I was so so delighted to received the samples through from Buster Books

last week for Girls World!

I've always wanted to get into a bit of book illustration so I was delighted when I heard from the Buster Books team regarding the Girls World project!

Its just the kind of book that I would loved when I was a youngster

and was a real pleasure to illustrate!

For Girls World, me and two other artists have illustrated numerous pages that the reader/doodler can complete and colour in themselves.

The book isn't released until February 3rd, so look out for a blog post in early

Feb for a peak of what's inside!

It is available to pre-order here.

Flower post!

I've had some lovely post today....some beautiful orchids from Bunches.co.uk!

Much appreciated..really cheering up my office!

See here to order

New Etsy shop from Nikkipea

a new Etsy shop has emerged over the weekend! Cotton-baked by Lulu from the super designer Nicola Pearson! There's already three great characters for sale with more to be added!

They look great...so cute and fun!

Here's Nigel!....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Nikkipea?ref=seller_info

Click here to see more of Nikki's artwork on her blog.

a new blog tip for the new year

Describing herself as a vintage nutcase, Lucille's blog makes a fabulous read....

full of all things surrounding 1950s fashion, from shoppings finds to make up tips!

Its my recommended blog read for the new year!

Watch out for her cute little dog Inka too!

http://callmelucille.blogspot.com/

new year....

.....2011 has arrived!

And its sounds a little annoying I know! but I feel so lucky to

feel so blessed and positive going into this year!

Lots to be happy about and to look forward to this year!

I have 7 weddings for a start!

My brother, sister in law and some of my best friends are getting married

(not to each other!)

...I'm going to be bridesmaid twice and I really cannot wait!!

I have lots of exciting plans buzzing about in my head work wise as

well as new projects lined up! I will certainly keep you posted!

I really hope you've all got something to look forward to in the year ahead

and you have a superb 2011!!

On the 12th day of christmas....

...the tree is down and the holidays are over!

I've had such a lovely break, it kicked off with an evening of mulled wine and chips in the very festive market square in Nottingham...see above pic. The eating and drinking continued

for my whole break....my stomach has certainly expanded!

Its been so great to potter about between a few midland cities and catch up with lots of friends and family...I love christmas!

We had very good news amongst friends and family too....my sister in law got engaged and my friend Rebecca gave birth to a very beautiful little one called Matilda!

And I've been treated....my clever mum made me these mittens! So I'm ready for more snow!

My husband found a very handsome sewing machine for me for christmas!

Purely for show....I'll be sticking to my electric for practicality!

And! Santa did read my blog! ;) I got this great Donna Wilson cat plate in my stocking too!

Now for 2011! I have a feeling in bones! Its going to be a good 'un!