Mapping the Thames

This weekend has been an extremely busy one, not least because I've had confirmation of a really exciting commission!

I don't want to say too much about what it's for until I've made a bit more progress, but I've been asked to produce an illustrated map of the River Thames.

Now, I have ALWAYS wanted to draw maps. When I was at school I wanted to be a cartographer. The fact that maps can be both attractive and functional interests me and the detail really appeals to my love of intricacy.

So, when I got asked to submit a small sample for consideration, I jumped at the chance.

This is just an example of a tiny section of the map and it's going to be changed slightly, but you get the idea.

I decided to use watercolours because I love the way they highlight the texture of the paper (and they're so fun to paint with)!

I had a go at painting Windsor Castle, using some of the same techniques as I use in my doodles.

I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed doing these paintings and I'm so excited about getting stuck into this project.

It's the first time in a while that my drawing board has actually looked like there's some drawing going on! Today I've been sketching out the curves of the river, which is definitely easier said than done.

I've invested in some new Winsor & Newton watercolours as I used my old school set for these paintings and thought it was about time I get a 'grown up' set! I felt like a child in a sweet shop buying these!

Back to the drawing board now!

If you'd like to follow this project as it progresses, please follow my blog using one of the buttons on the right and pop over to my Facebook page where I'll be posting regular updates.

I'm sharing this post on the following blogs:  Handmade Harbour and Paint Party Friday.

My first work in print!

This week has been very exciting for various reasons and I've been working on a few lovely commissions. Unfortunately, I can't share any of it with you just yet, so I thought I'd show you this piece which has been featured in Doodle Arts Magazine.

It's a Filipino publication, but you can view a free digital version of their teaser magazine Doodle Arts Collection online.

My doodle and a short bio was featured in the 'Spotted' section on page 44 so go and have a nosy if you want to find out a little more about me!

This piece is meant to look like a landscape, with the sea at the bottom, land in the middle and sky at the top.

As always, I had great fun drawing it! I love the way the white windmill stands out so much against the brown.

Here's the drawing in progress!

...and here it is in the magazine.

See you next week peeps!

I'm sharing this post on the following blogs:  Handmade Harbour, Manon Popje's Illustrations, Nifty Thrifty Things, Be Different Act Normal and Tatertots and Jello.

Playing around with Crafty What Nots

We're back, relaxed and refreshed from a week in sunny Kos and not looking forward to work in the morning!

Luckily, I had something lovely to look forward to, as I received an exciting package from Jennysis Crafts. Jenny very kindly sent a number of us crafty bloggers a 'Crafty What Nots' box to review in anticipation of her fantastic new venture - a craft box subscription service.

The box actually arrived in the post the day before I went on holiday, but I knew I didn't have enough time to start, so, tempted though I was to have a sneaky peek, I left it waiting for me to come back!

I was really excited to open up the box as I had no idea what would be inside, the only clue I had was it's name 'Floral Pavilion'.

After carefully opening the tissue paper and removing the contents of various little personalised envelopes, this is what I found. For a slim box, there's a lot in there!

I thought it would be fun to make a little stop-motion video of me opening the box.

Tucked in a little envelope were the instructions for making a paper handbag, so eager to get going, I made a start.

The instructions have photos too and are very simple to understand. First step - making a net to fold the handbag.

It was easy to fold and assemble after scoring the lines.

 Here's what it looked like before the flap and handle was added.

I added a ribbon from my stash and decorated it with the cut out flowers and buttons provided.

I'm pleased with the final result and it's now sitting pride of place in my craft corner!

After making the handbag, I had a little play with the other bits and bobs included in the box. I love the stamp!

If you would like to get your mitts on a box similar to this, take a look at Jenny's blog post about Crafty What Nots and buy one for £12.50 plus P&P. She also offers a three or six month subscription for a discounted rate. I was very happy with the contents of my box; the packaging, extra little touches and obvious care which has gone into putting these packs together makes it well worth it!

I'll leave you with some of my holiday snaps!

I didn't notice the bee in this one until looking at the photo now!

The best part of the holiday was learning to sail - so much fun!

I'm sharing this post on the following blogs:  Handmade Harbour, Manon Popje's Illustrations and Be Different Act Normal.

On my holidays, but left a little something...

No proper post from me today because, fingers crossed, I'm sunning myself on a nice Greek beach as we speak!

If you've popped by my blog for some arty entertainment and are now disappointed by the lack of creativity on offer, never fear!

Head over to Etsy where for a mere £1.75 you can get your mitts on a PDF version of this doodle to print off and do with as you wish! Colour it in, cut it out, make it into découpage...the possibilities are endless. If you do do (can I say two do's?) something amazing, or even half amazing, I'd love you to send me a pic!

See you next Sunday folks :)