sugarloop

Scenes from the Garden

2012-01-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

Hello August!

2011-07-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's not quite August yet but I did spy two of my prints in the August 2011 issue of Your Home & Garden. Exciting! Once again, thanks so much for the local support.

Wonderful Waterlilies

2011-07-08T03:07:00.000-07:00

Presenting a new giclee print! Waterlilies:

Inspired by the very beautiful Auckland's Wintergardens:

Yay June!

2011-07-04T02:26:00.000-07:00

Many thanks for your continuing support, Fiona (from the wonderful team at Your Home & Garden magazine.) A little print of mine was on the June cover. Can you spot it?

Every now and then...

2011-04-20T01:18:00.000-07:00

...I come across a place which transports me to another place and time. Photos taken from an inspiring cafe called, Little & Friday.

In the studio...

2011-02-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

A cat's life...

...and working on new designs (a rare opportunity nowadays!)...while our cat Sheba finds a good place to nap.

Speaking of Spring...

2010-10-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out Jamie Durie's, "The Outdoor Room" magazine? I can't stop flicking back to this summery image:

Spring Colour

2010-10-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

While the folk from the northern hemisphere are enjoying the Autumn hues, on the other hand, we are experiencing a burst of Spring colour. A couple of my prints are currently featured in the November 2010 issue of NZ's Your Home & Garden magazine and I'm truly loving the bright colour palette on the page (Thanks ever so much for including me, NZYHG!).

Heart on your sleeve...

2010-08-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

I'm so chuffed that I was able to help a fellow etsyian with her tattoo! I'm ever so flattered ...thanks Crystal :)

(note: If you are interested in using any of my designs as a tattoo...please do contact me first :)

'Speaking of birds...

2010-08-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've just added two new bird art prints in the shoppe (signed open edition). These designs started life off as gocco prints but since a few folks have requested re-prints, I've made them available in giclée and, in new colourways...et voilà:

More from the vault...

2010-08-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

Came across these beautiful vintage bird illustrations from a very old (I can't find the date of publication but I suspect it was from the 60s) "Modern Girl's Annual" book of stories/activities:

It's in there somewhere...

2010-08-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

After launching a freshly (is that even a word?) installed Picasa, I discovered a treasury of photos which have been lost in the forest of my hard drive! Here's a couple which I was meant to post a year ago today (my green Owl & Pussycat is in there somewhere...with special thanks to Mixt):

Weekend Inspiration

2010-05-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

I can't stop flipping through the pages of this book. The pages are so beautiful with the stark contrast of solid white ink (screenprinted!) artwork against a neutral background. It's wonderfully tactile with the use of velvety screenprint ink on lightly textured kraft paper. Most importantly, the subject is so heartwarming - displaying relationships between mother and offspring...

I Heart You

2010-05-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy being a mum that I've neglected to update my blog. I promise I will have more updates soon. *Sigh* If only I could have 48 hour days and the stamina to match. Although my tiredness indeed goes out the window when I am given a beautifully handmade Mother's Day card ...thanks (my wonderful!) Nina :)

Harvest Hues

2010-03-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

Livin La Vida LoFi

2010-03-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

I'm hopelessly addicted to Hipstamatic - an iPhone app which produces old school style snapshots (swoon!)

Distracted

2010-01-25T00:44:00.000-08:00

I didn't mean to take such a long break from my blog...ahem... you see, I have been happily distracted by our small veggie patch. I've never successfully grown anything in the past before but coming across "the no dig" and "the square foot" gardening methods have finally given me the confidence to don gardening gloves...and, so far so good! For weeks now, I haven't had to buy those expensive packets of salad leaves. At last count, I've harvested snowpeas (from bean plants which I thought looked dead!); cherry tomatoes, strawberries, silverbeet, endive, and peppers/capsicums. The herbs are growing like the clappers (as Jamie Oliver would say!) and next month, I'm looking foward to harvesting courgettes and watermelon.

I now believe that if there is one skill you need to learn - how to grow your own food - is it...and nowadays, having "no space" is no excuse.

Some useful (and inspiring) links:
Square Foot Gardening
No Dig Garden
The Modern Gardener
You Grow Girl
Jamie at Home
[Edit: 1 April]
More links that I find very useful since they're pertinent to my side of the planet:
Gardenate - What to plant and when to plant (UK, Australia & New Zealand)
NZ Gardener - the magazine's editor is our national garden guru!

'Tis The Season...

2009-12-17T00:22:00.000-08:00

...of green and red...
or, fuchsia and lime...

Art in Person

2009-12-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to let you know that if you would like to see some of my giclee and gocco prints in person, please make your merry way over to:

Mixt Art+Design (Kingsland, New Zealand)

Open Space Gallery (Beacon, NY)

Red Door Gallery (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Wall Candy

2009-11-14T19:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you Katie for including me in your artwall (what a great idea too!)...more wall art goodness here...

A spring in my step...

2009-09-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

(I would dearly love to know the name of the above flowers/tree...anyone?)

Birdwatching...

2009-08-26T02:28:00.000-07:00

'So thrilled that I was able to take a snapshot of this blackbird (a regular visitor to our backyard.)

Mixt & Match

2009-07-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

Having bought this July issue of NZ's "Your Home & Garden" magazine by mistake wasn't such a waste after all! I was merrily flicking through it when I spied one of my prints (surprise!). Thanks and a big "Ahoy!" to the lovely folks at Mixt - a great little shop here in Auckland selling - a well curated collection of - mid-century furniture and, local art & crafts.

Beautiful!

2009-07-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

I've walked past this street art so many times and today, I've managed to take a photo:

Pottering around...

2009-06-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, you find inspiration right under your nose...a vintage vase (thrifted for $2 by my mum/mom) inspired me to come up with this owl print.

It's about time...

2009-06-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

...I've posted an update. Sorry I've been in some sort of mini-hibernation but here I am just wanting to let you know about a secret project I've been working on. Holly (decor8) and Ez (creaturecomforts) kindly invited me to design a wallpaper (the downloadable desktop kind, that is.) for Kindred. The theme was "Summer - The Five Senses" which was quite a challenge to work on in the middle of winter! It's such an honour to rub shoulders with artists I've always admired - I feel so humbled by it all. Anyway, along with each wallpaper design, there is a short interview with each artist. Mmmm...okay so I sounded like a wide-eyed tourist guide but it just showed how enamoured I was with my inspiration. Enjoy!

myspace

2009-04-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

I'm such a big fan of Holly's decor8 blog and so it was indeed such an honour to take part in her "How Much For This Room?" series. I took the opportunity as an incentive to decorate our balcony...moving the outside in, so to speak. I'm a big fan of "multi-use" objects so here you'll find a bed table and stool doubling as outdoor tables! I also dusted off my sewing machine and made an outdoor screen/curtain to add privacy, shade and a bit of colour. Handprinted cushions on the seats reflected its yellow hue. To add texture and comfort, I pulled out a once-forgotten flokati rug and laid it out picnic-rug like amongst it all. I really wanted to prove that you don't need a big budget to refresh a space (and make it usable!)

see more here...

By the way, we moved into this house almost a year ago. Prior to that, we owned (and renovated) a wee old cottage...

I spy, she spy...

2009-03-05T02:25:00.000-08:00

I truly can't decide which is more exciting:

...spotting your work in a magazine
or
...someone from afar spotting your work in a magazine, letting you know about it and then, graciously giving up her own copy to send to you (I can't thank you enough, Marianne ;-)

Australian Home Beautiful, March 2009 (click on the images to zoom):

What's on my inspiration board?

2009-02-27T00:38:00.000-08:00

Citrus Bird and leaf branch motifs on white cardstock and Kraft paper. The stamps were hand carved by me. I'm hoping to find the time to experiment a bit more - maybe even come up with a collage of some sort. Well, we'll see...

Happy Weekend to you all!

Red and Green (Thumb)

2009-02-17T02:31:00.000-08:00

It was touch and go for a while...we didn't think our two tomato plants would survive (they had to contend with: getting too much sun, hot weather with 100% humidity (yikes!) and the usual bugs!)...but lo' and behold, our first tomato harvest (sure it's nearly fall ...but hey!):

Shop Update

2009-02-01T01:52:00.000-08:00

Can you tell that I've been busy this weekend? I've managed to design a couple of smaller A5 (approx 6 x 8 inches) art prints...

Tropical Bird and Foliage 2 (continuing on from this series):
"Lotus wing" birds in red:

...and finally, I dusted off my button maker and came up with this magnet set featuring birds and the four seasons:

In other news, crafters & vintage sellers have been granted temporary relief from testing and certification for the CPSIA. Fingers crossed that there will be thoughtful and fair implementation...

Close to my heart...

2009-01-29T00:43:00.001-08:00

...and helping to spread the word:

(Words courtesy of chichiboulie.etsy.com)

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Birds and Beads

2009-01-18T03:18:00.000-08:00

I've just added two new art prints to the shop. They feature birds and beads (how's that for a combination?). Anyway, I've also digitally incorporated my own hand painted watercolor textures - to create a collage effect:

Still here

2009-01-14T01:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the big chasm in my posts. I hope you all had a the happiest of Holidays. As for me, well...I'm (hopelessly!) being distracted by this:

'Shop update soon...

Merry Mobile

2008-12-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for the kind words/comments regarding my previous post - most importantly, I should also thank the wonderful owners of Mixt (a fabulous shop located in Kingsland). Besides stocking a wide range of my prints, they also sell mouth watering mid-century furniture and lovely handmade goods from all over NZ...if you're in Auckland, be sure to drop by and check it out.

Anyway, here's another good use for Kikkerland's photo mobile (this one hangs above our dining table!):

Your Home & Garden

2008-11-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

If it wasn't for Kielz's comment, I wouldn't have known that this little art print appeared in the current issue of NZ's Your Home & Garden...so, thank you!

A balancing act

2008-11-16T02:23:00.000-08:00

Working from home while taking care of a two year old (who swings from terrific to terrible in a millisecond!) indeed requires a fine art of balance:

(above: graphite birds)

Fluttering

2008-11-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

Nesting Season

2008-10-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of weeks now, I've been observing several native birds collecting leaves and flowers from a tree we have in our backyard. The tree itself is quite tall and have hundreds of tiny jasmine-scented flowers (which look like buttered popcorn from a short distance!). Would anybody know what type of tree this is (?):

Anyway, getting back to those birds - I could just imagine how sweet smelling and pretty their nests are :)

(Edit 31 Oct: Aaaah...the tree mystery has been solved - it's a Native Australian Frangipani.! Thanks ever so much for your help, Georgia and bloom.

Mostly Mustard

2008-10-18T02:11:00.000-07:00

A new print featuring "Leaftail" Birds - a species which exists... only in my imagination :)

Note: ...and, because I'm a typical Libran (i.e. indecisive!), I'm also offering this print in a favourite shade of mushroom.

Back at work...

2008-10-09T02:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to let you know that I'm back at work! Here's a sneak peek of what is on my noticeboard (admittedly, I wish it could be a bit more curated as these lovelies). So what's up there, at the moment? Images of vintage (i.e. mid-century) matchbooks and stamps; A bear gocco print by Matte Stephens; beautiful fashion illustration by Liselotte Watkins; a fabric postcard by a talented etsy screenprinter, Kalla and; a little collage/drawing by Dawbis. Actually, I have two desks...one for computer work and the other (as shown above) for "hands on" jobs like sketching/cutting/screenprinting/etc. The bird artworks are by the fabulous Amy Ruppel (front) and etsy's Aline Yamada (framed).

On a break...

2008-09-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

My little shoppe and I are taking a short break... as of today. We're off to sunny Australia to visit family and friends and to celebrate my daughter's 2nd birthday (ack! 'Time flies, as they say!). You are most welcome to place orders (and I should be able to answer any queries) but I won't be able to ship until I get back (definitely by 7th of October!) - sorry for the inconvenience. In the meantime, I'll leave you with a couple of snappy shots from a little country park which visited during the weekend:

Going green...

2008-09-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

This little guy is now also available in green - in a limited edition of 100 ...

Print and Pattern

2008-09-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly incorporating "patterns in repeat" into my designs. I have loads of them which I've designed in the past - 'just sitting in my computer waiting to see the light of day. Here's my first attempt in marrying pattern and print (so to speak!). Oh, I also thought that it was high-time that I included frangipani/plumeria? I grew up in Sydney and got quite used to the sight of them. Nowadays, I don't see so many here in sub-tropical Auckland. I really do miss their amazing scent.
Anyway, have a great weekend...and, 'fingers crossed that you'll like this new direction...

My workspace #1

2008-09-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

On the shelf: Japanese/craft books, Johnathon Adler vases and lasercut letters (waiting to be painted...white)

In praise of shadows...

2008-08-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

Negative Gearing...

2008-08-25T03:35:00.000-07:00

In an endless quest to achieve a kind of "printed wallpaper design effect" with my artwork, I'm venturing into reverse blocking :)

Hooked on Loop

2008-08-22T17:55:00.001-07:00

I'm actually very fond of crocheting (3D roses, in particular as seen above!). Although unfortunately, nowadays I don't have much time to indulge. Anyway, as a little tribute, I thought I'd design a "crocheted tree" - 'one for all you doiley lovers out there:

A little red...

2008-08-15T02:29:00.000-07:00

...owl - to brighten up your weekend :). Have a good one!

Neutrals...

2008-08-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

A big fan...

2008-08-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

The Fantail (also known here in NZ as, Piwakawaka ) is possibly my all-time favourite bird. It seems that I'm not alone because a couple of years ago, it actually won the prestigious title of, Bird of the Year! What really fascinates me is its boundless energy vs. its superminiscule size. So here I am paying tribute to the humble, wiggly, little fantail...in chartreuse, no less:

Toggle

2008-08-02T02:27:00.000-07:00

There are times when you don't want to be overwhelmed ...even though

Speaking of Bright....

2008-07-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

Cold and rainy weather really does inspire me to use orange with a vengeance!

Bright

2008-07-06T16:02:00.001-07:00

"Compostion" by my 1 1/2 year old daughter :)

Starburst Birds Print

2008-06-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

Just letting you know that I have a new gocco print available. It's been a while since I've worked with the gocco and it was genuinely lovely to rediscover it's charming unpredictability and "lo-tech-ness", once again.

Edit: I forgot to mention that this particular print was inspired by mid-century modernism (although, it's no secret that I'm a big fan of that era's design aesthetic!)

The colours of...

2008-06-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

... Queenstown (where we travelled for our impromptu mini-break...I loved the cold weather - strange but true):

seeing red:

black veins:
clear blue:
slate:

Shhhh

2008-06-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hello...yes, I'm still around :)
I'm just quickly checking-in to say that I'm away until the 15th June....my family and I are on an impromptu break from everything! I really shouldn't be connected to any form of technology at all but I just had to quickly borrow the hotel's computer to let you know that I won't be away for long and that there will be a mini gocco print update when I get back. Take care and I will catch up with you later ...

If...

2008-05-13T02:39:00.000-07:00

...this book doesn't inspire you to wield some sort of sharp cutting tool, I don't know what will:

Oh, I really love these:

Contrast vs Neutral

2008-05-09T03:51:00.000-07:00

Just a few scenes taken from our local playground (where Nina and I have been spending a lot of time lately!):

Seeing Spots

2008-05-03T06:29:00.001-07:00

Yes, once again, sorry for the lull in my posts. I find it hard enough to keep up with the laundry, nowadays so please bear with me. Anyway, I thought I'd post my current Etsy favourites - think of it as a mini Treasury (since I've resigned myself to the fact that I will never be able to get a spot in the real thing!):

Etsy
Buy Handmade
sugarloop

Weekend Productivity

2008-04-21T02:37:00.000-07:00

Winter may be fast approaching but it hasn't stopped me from starting a herb garden (crazy, I know but it's worth the effort considering the ridiculous prices they are charging out there for the smallest of sprigs!). Besides, I'm hoping that the consistently warm, sunny Autumn/Fall weather we've been having here in Auckland is a sign of an upcoming milder winter (fingers crossed).

Speaking of winter, the lovely earthy tones of the season has inspired me to come up with Chocolate Brown giclee print. 'Hope you're all having a great start to the week.

'Getting there...

2008-04-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

Well I didn't anticipate that I would be away from blogging for this long! I also didn't expect that connecting back onto the internet would be such a big drama in this day and age. Anyway, now I'm back. The studio is half organized - there are still many more boxes to unpack (ugh!) but I'm getting there. Here's a little peek - I'm so happy to be able to look out and see a bit of greenery:

Big Move

2008-03-22T03:31:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that there will be a week (or so) delay in shipping your etsy orders from here onwards. You see, we're due to move next week and (yikes!) there is so much packing to do (including everything in my studio!) so I'm going to have to focus on that (oh, and not to mention the inevitable unpacking I have to do after the move). In the meantime, your are most welcome to place orders - but the next shipping date will be first thing Tuesday morning on the 1st of April. I'm so sorry for this delay.

I won't be entirely away from my computer during this time, though. I will still be available to answer questions about previous orders. Plus, I'll continue to update this blog and visit all my daily reads :)

Anyway, I hope you're all having a Happy Easter:

Owl and the Pussycat

2008-03-18T04:22:00.000-07:00

This is my take on Edward Lear's quirky, "The Owl and the Pussycat". With an impending house move (ten more days to go!), I have been working on some bits and pieces for my daughter's new bedroom. I originally came up with the pistachio green colour (or should that be pea green?) version of the print...:

..then, while flicking through a local cooking mag, I came across this wonderful article with a beautiful photo of ice blocks/ice pops by a talented NZ photographer, Kieran Scott :

I loved the brightness and the freshness of the colours so I experimented with a couple of shades:

I was so pleased with the colour scheme that I decided to make all three available in the shop.

Note: I've also (intentionally!) included an "off-registered print" effect...a hat-tip to another great inspiration, the wonderful French poster designers/screenprinters, Lefor-Openo.

Which Gocco?

2008-03-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd pass on this brilliant article regarding the Gocco. People often ask me for advice and I was about to start an essay on the topic but luckily...I googled:

"How To Choose a Gocco?" by Gloria

'Hope it helps :)

A Tribute To Flo

2008-03-12T03:19:00.000-07:00

Can you tell that I'm paying a tribute to Florence Broadhurst...and her...wonderful-ness..?

Dropping by

2008-03-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

I've been catching up on a bit of reading - which explains my silence. It's been a while since I've come across a book which I couldn't down. This book about Florence Broadhurst is utterly captivating - her life was certainly as colourful as her wallpaper. Amazing!

Anyway, I'm aiming to have a mini shop update by the middle of the week. Oh, by the way, I haven't given up on the gocco! I'm in the middle of moving my studio so everything is in storage (sigh). If all goes to plan, I should have new gocco screenprints by mid-April.

More Trees Please

2008-02-27T19:17:00.001-08:00

Awww, thank you for all the lovely comments about my new prints (I'm now inspired to come up with more designs!). Anyway, here's another little print ready to fly:

Galloping Along!

2008-02-24T03:03:00.001-08:00

As you can see, I'm on a roll this weekend. Here's another print that has been posted up in the shop. The design has been kicking around in the background for sometime now. I was inspired by the wooden horses of Sweden called, the Dala. I love their shape and the bright and intricate designs painted on them.

Digital Discovery

2008-02-23T18:30:00.000-08:00

I've just updated the shop this weekend. I'm quite excited about the new world that a digital pen and an pigment ink printer have opened up to me. I can now offer more colorway than ever before. In addition, I'll be able to update the shop much more often. I am working towards offering bigger A3 sized prints too. What really impressed me about the technology is that the resulting prints have not lost the hand drawn quality which is evident in my gocco prints. In fact, the intensity of the colours and the coverage of the pigment inks would make you think that I've actually screenprinted them! Also, you'll notice there is a print based on this painting.

Sneak Peek

2008-02-22T23:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much design*sponge for picking our humble home to be part of their sneak peeks! Although we live in an old 'workman's cottage', it's actually located right near the centre of town so it was our aim to make the place a haven from the hustle and bustle. Of course it's not always as tidy - afterall, I do have a toddler and a pet cat *wink*. The sad news is that we won't be living here for long. We're about to move into a new home with more (badly needed!) office and studio space...but it will be lovely (yet poignant) to be able to look back through the photos online...

Scenes from Summer

2008-02-12T02:07:00.000-08:00

These photos will give you and idea of why I've been away from my computer! More updates soon. 'Hope you're all well.

divine

more trees please

don't fence me in

a hill with a view

Nina with Dad

Blue!

2007-12-17T05:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry my posts have been so sparse, lately. There's a lot going on in our little household at the moment (and that's not including the Holiday rush!). We did however manage to visit the zoo - as you can gather from today's photo (we've decided to join the "Friends of the Zoo" membership so we can come and go as often as we like). Anyway, I will post a much more detailed update soon!

The Shiny Squirrel

2007-12-06T03:11:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to blog about this special orange bird print (small edition of 20 - each numbered and signed) available now over at The Shiny Squirrel. What a wonderful site it is too - it's so humbling to be in the company of many supertalented designers and artists (I'm loving Lily Moon's beautiful prints.)

Thank You!

2007-12-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to include a handmade (instead of my usual laserprinted stickers) "thank you" card with each order. I used to blockprint many years ago but in those days, I carved tough lino which resulted in many accidental and painful cuts in my fingers (or is it because I am clumsy?). Anyway, it was such a revelation to discover soft block or eraser carving - it's so much more easier to work with. You can find more useful info here (via Geninne's wonderful blog). I shall never look back!

I am officially addicted to the technique and material. I love the unpolished lines, textures and movement the gouging and chiselling creates...so expect to see more of it in my art prints next year ;)

Bright Lights

2007-12-01T03:45:00.001-08:00

Scenes from a street a block away from our house - a sure sign that the Holiday Season has begun (note that even our Sky Tower is dressed in red and green!).

Bambi!

2007-11-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

'Just playing around with the settings in my camera...

New Print

2007-11-22T04:15:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time between posts but I'm still here. 'Just dropping by for a quick post to let you know that I have a new print (featuring a rooster) in my shop. Turquoise is my favourite colour at the moment and the print above was done in metallic/pearlized ink.

Seeing Red

2007-10-31T02:44:00.000-07:00

A while ago, a PR firm contacted me for permission to use one of my prints in a publication called Red (sponsored by Target, I believe) and today, I was able to see what the article actually looked like (thanks to flickr!). It's awesome to be in great company: John W Golden & tinymeat to name but a few!

Yellow Owl Hunting

2007-10-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to tell you about this little guy making an appearance in the November issue of Australia's Real Living Magazine! It took me a while to post about it because hey, us New Zealanders seem to always miss out on such fine publications. Thanks to the lovely (and devastatingly talented!) Erin and, my dear friend Trix for sending me a copy of the mag all the way from Australia! I must say, the real highlight was being able to take a sneak peek at Victoria's gorgeous home. I was so envious that she was able to pull such an eclectic mix of furniture and decor together and yet she made it look effortless, serene, uncluttered and unified. Sigh.

Second Time Around

2007-10-24T14:38:00.001-07:00

I have received many requests for a second run of this print and I thought it was a great opportunity to use a wintery, shade of green:

(...limited second edition of 100 and it's in the shop now :)

Oh, by the way have you noticed any changes to my blog? Well, it's as good as a holiday, as they say!

'Still Here!

2007-10-19T03:41:00.001-07:00

I know it has been a long time between posts but I'm just quickly checking-in to say hello and that yes, I'm still here! 'Hoping to update the shop this weekend but it just depends on how I go with organising the multiple piles of stuff in our household - toys, packaging, art supplies, newspapers, magazines, laundry and more laundry...some days, I feel so swamped - literally and figuratively!

Pink in Progress

2007-10-04T03:59:00.000-07:00

This little ink drawing ...
...was transformed into this new print...
...I also took some snapshots so you can get a better idea of the colour (a metallic pearl dusky rose) - although my camera, as per usual, is way-out-of-whack in the exposure department (must.read.manual):

...available here...enjoy!

Signs of Spring

2007-09-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

I don't usually have a green thumb but during springtime, human instinct take over and I get the urge to well...um...plant things. A good friend (hi Row!) brought my attention to the wonderful "Jamie At Home" series - in particular, one episode where he suggested planting strawberries in a hanging basket. It's a brilliant ploy, really - keep the bugs and dirt off the fruit and have a decorative plant, at the same time! We now have three planters ready to bear fruit and hopefully, it should look like this by summertime (cross fingers - including the green thumb!).

Prints Ahoy!

2007-09-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

Finally, here's a long overdue update! My obsession with vintage Scandanavian textiles continues! This print was inspired by this book and particularly, this page:

I just love the use of "negative" space in the blocks of colour. So I thought I'd start small and came up with an A5 sized print based on this little guy. I am pleasantly surprised with the retro feel I have achieved. Also, since I was registering each colour manually, I ended up with each bird having its own unique expression:

I like this design so much that I'm thinking of running a turquoise and red edition...so we'll see...

Stopping by...

2007-09-08T02:28:00.001-07:00

...just to say hi! I'm tired but somehow I need to muster up the energy to continue printing the rest of the Metallic Gold Birds edition ...oh but first I must cut up more Fabriano paper which I somehow find quite soothing (crazy, I know). Anyway, more detailed update soon. Have a great weekend!

Well, If You're In The Area...

2007-08-29T05:24:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to announce that my prints are now available at The Red Door Gallery in Edinburgh, Scotland...and just in time for the Edinburgh Festival, too. So if you're in the vicinity, please drop by and pay them a visit - there are many beautiful things to behold! By the way, I have read somewhere that the city's population actually doubles is size during the festival season...amazing!

A Digital Collage

2007-08-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

Have a great start to the week!

Golden Metallic Sand

2007-08-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

Nina and I were able to sneak off to the beach and leave the chaotic DIY'ness far behind (hee). I took this snapshot and I just fell in love with the end result - everything looks so metallic.

Alelale

2007-08-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

I bought "Kicia Cat" from a talented Etsy seller called, Alelale. It was intended for my daughter Nina but it seems that someone else (i.e. our cat Sheba!) wants it for a friend. Anyway, watch out for Alelale's softies - they are well made and full of character.

Do or DIY

2007-08-21T15:53:00.001-07:00

We're in the midst of renovating our very 80s country pine kitchen and once it's done, I can unpack the rest of my kitchenware. Here's a sneak peek...

Mid-century ramekin bowls by Martin Boyd. I have more of these in my collection and I just love all the colours used:

Linen placemats with crocheted edging and resin condiment bowl & spoons:

Well, I better get back to packing up the kitchenware because tonight the old cupboards and benchtop will be pulled off the wall!

Branches and Bird Print

2007-08-19T19:52:00.001-07:00

My obsession with nature continues! I have a new print up on etsy - pebbles decorated with branches and a bird printed on smooth and velvety cotton Fabriano printmaking paper:

When it rains it certainly pours around here since I have another print lined up with an equestrian motif ...so stay tuned!

Yes, These Are Real!

2007-08-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

It was such a nice day that we decided at the last minute to visit the local zoo. I loved these flamingoes - flamingo pink is such a beautiful colour!

P is for Phaelenopsis

2007-08-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

Possibly my all-time favourite plant. I just love everything about it - especially the awkward balance between the gnarled roots, heavy leaves, the thin stem and the delicate flowers. I've also posted a photo of our "keys, mobile/cell phones and wallets station" after I cleared out the area (although it won't be neat for long - it gradually becomes a magnet for miscellaneous stuff, I tell you!).

Anyway, 'just wishing you all a happy weekend. I am working on a print and hopefully, I can finish and post about it early next week. I'm also excited about sourcing fabulous Fabriano paper. I had to hand-cut it individually but I have kept the watermark and the deckled edges, as much as possible. It really is such lovely paper - 'so fine and velvety and I can't wait to print on it!

Birds and Blooms!

2007-08-04T04:10:00.000-07:00

Why is it that I seem to post about new prints at the end of the working week - when everybody is just about ready to shut down their computers and plan for the weekend? Hmmm, I sometimes wonder if anybody ever gets to read my TGIF posts.

Anyway, yes, there's a new green print up on etsy! I have been wanting to incorporate flowers in my designs for a while now but also, I still wanted to sneak in my beloved pebbly shapes...so voila!:

I have used medium textured archival quality paper for this print (which is actually my all time favourite and it's what I usually use for many of my prints) because ironically, I really like the woodblock printing effect it achieves.

Anyway, have a great weekend!

A Sweet Escape

2007-07-29T04:19:00.000-07:00

It has been a while between posts...and no, unfortunately I haven't made it all the way to Hawaii. If you squint hard, you'll see signs of winter in this photo - which was actually taken at a local shopping strip.

I didn't really intend to take a blogging break but I've been such a busy (and tired!) mama nowadays - chasing after my little daughter who is now quite mobile! I can't take my eyes off her for a minute so my internet and printing time has dwindled, to say the least.

And by the way, as the title of this post suggests, I got to check out Gwen Stefani's wonderful world tour, last week. What a woman...and what a show - the music, the costumes, the colours, the dancers - it was truly such a feast!

Anyway, I am trying to get a print design off the ground and hopefully, I can post about it this week! In the meantime, I wanted to say a big thank you for all your support via etsy ...and for all the lovely messages and feedback about my work. There's nothing more inspiring than kind words, I tell you!

Bigger Than A Breadbox

2007-07-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

...okay, maybe not quite...but it is bigger than my usual prints! This one was printed on A4 or 8x11 in. sized paper. The pattern designs on the "pebbles" were inpired by a couple of images from the current issue of an Australian interior/lifestyle magazine called, InsideOut. It featured a French home which cleverly incorporated several bold wallpaper patterns in close proximity to each other! 'Sounds garish but I think it worked beautifully (click on the images to enlarge):

Hello Sunshine!

2007-07-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

It has been raining heavily for the past couple of weeks so it was such a treat to see the sun peek through the clouds, finally! Even though I had to run some errands in town, I still managed to get a glimpse of the blue skies...

Luxury

2007-07-11T00:39:00.000-07:00

I've managed to squeeze a luxurious half-an-hour (i.e. while my daughter catnapped!) of painting and drawing today. I stumbled upon old watercolour paints and coloured pencils while I was cleaning up and I just had to sit down and play :)

It's Everywhere

2007-07-09T04:33:00.000-07:00

'Just goes to show that you should always keep your eyes open for inspiration no matter where you are. I noticed these amazing trees in our local supermarket parking lot, of all places! They had no leaves...only berries (Berry Trees?)! I am going to incorporate it into one of my prints, one of these days. Anyway, here's a shot of one of them - 'the best I could do with my little point-and-shoot at dusk: