Friday 29 August 2014

Etsy shop find...a chat with Lesley Grainger!

Well, its that time again...
Grab that cuppa, a few biscuits and get yourself comfy!
This month we're getting to know Lesley Grainger, the artist behind the etsy shop.
Originally from England, where she studied art, but now living in sunny California, Lesley creates whimsical and unique designs inspired by her children, colour and nature.
I first noticed Lesley's work during my University days so its a pleasure to include her work here on the blog, enjoy!


1. Can you tell us a bit about you and your background... 



I began as a self taught graphic designer, then I decided to do a degree in Illlustration. 
I studied in Yorkshire, England where I'm originally from. 
Once I graduated I did a lot of magazine illustration and freelance design. 
I also went through a phase of selling hand-painted glass. 
In 2008 I ventured into licensing art. 
I launched my website in October 2008 and my business grew from there. 
My first really exciting job was having children's wall art for Target in 2010. 
I exhibited at Surtex for the first time in 2011. 
I'm still licensing but I am also selling some of my own pieces in my etsy shop. 
Currently I'm also enjoying painting abstracts. 
I don't want to just do one thing, I like to create all kinds of art.



2. What books/ magazines are currently on your coffee table?

A couple of my favorites are Uppercase Magazine, Print & Pattern, Moyo, Creative Lettering.
I want to read the 'The Big Leap'



3. Who is your design hero and what inspires you?

I just can't get enought of abstract, it inspires my soul.
I admire so many different artists for different reasons.
From children's books to abstract.
I also appreciate the works of Klee and Chagal, they've been an inspiration to my painting. I also love European style illustration.



4. Where do you work? 
Describe your studio/work area...

I work from home, I have a studio in my house, it's a room with lots of light and space. 
I work on a mac and wacom tablet. 
I acutally paint in my garage, it's always a big mess but my husband doesn't mind at all. 
I do have a dream studio in mind that I would like to have one of these days.



5. What art do you have on your wall?

All of my abstracts, they're everywhere. 
My son has my Target Stores wall art.



6. In three words, describe your work...

Happy, colorful and intuitive.



7. What makes you laugh?

I love Melissa McCarthy, she's hilarious. 
British comedy and humour. 
Also my husband and kids, we're always messing around. 



8. What's your guilty pleasure?

Any type of chocolate, especially English.



9. What are your top three blogs?





10. Whats the most popular item for sale in your shop and also your favourite item?

My shop hasn't been going that long, people love the fabrics. 
My favorite is Pretty Poppies Print.



You can follow Lesley here...

pinterest | facebook | twitter | website

(all images above are copyright of Lesley Grainger and are taken from Lesleys website or etsy shop)

Thank you Lesley for sharing a little bit of your world with us!

x x x
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Wednesday 27 August 2014

Mini colour crush...

I'm popping in with a mini colour crush today.
I couldn't resist doing one after seeing the absolutely gorgeous paintings by Erin Fitzhugh Gregory.
The colours she uses in all of her works are stunning.
Don't believe me, take a looksie..yum!


(Image above copyright of Erin Fitzhugh Gregory)

x x x

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Friday 22 August 2014

Three lovely things...

Ooh nice things, nice things!
I can see an obsession beginning...midi skirts, uh oh..
I seem to have been pinning an abundance of them lately, and this one's particularly lovely in a gorgeous floral print and gorgeous colours, not much more you need, right?

And look at those nails...

Happy Friday!


2 | Nails

x x x

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Wednesday 20 August 2014

Colour crush...

Seeing lots of yummy yellow tones recently when out on the old shopping trips, 
and there have been many! 
Bit unusual I guess, for the time of year, with stores launching their autumn/winter collections...but gorgeous nonetheless, and a nice pace change to see some fresher colours for fall, so here goes with a colour crush...
How beautiful is it paired with grey and peachy tones in that top right image, yum!


1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

(clockwise from top left)

x x x

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Monday 18 August 2014

An ode to the pancake!

Well, another New York trip is all over.
There was a lot of walking, (my feet and knees hurt...a lot!)
a lot of eating (of course, right?)
and a lot of laughing (as always),
happy days I say!

My love of pancakes is always reignited after a New York trip. 
Although to be totally honest, it never goes out, ha! 
My pancake heaven is always found at 'The Cupping Rooms' in Soho.
Seriously..
the yummiest...
ever!

So in an ode to the pancake, here's a few good ones to try soon...


Blueberry muffin and buttermilk pancakes cake - averie cooks


 Good old fashioned pancakes - kitch me


Blueberry pancake bake - oh sweet basil


Ten minute mango pancakes - deliciously ella


The single pancake - Joy the Baker


Blueberry pancake french toast bake - rachel schultz

x x x
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Wednesday 6 August 2014

Paper & Cloth at Printsource!

Paper & Cloth are off again...
New York here we come!
Hope to see you there


(image above copyright of Paper and Cloth Ltd)

x x x

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Monday 4 August 2014

Happy Monday...

Ooh it feels like a mood board kinda Monday...



x x x
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Friday 1 August 2014

Hello August...

Hello to you August!
Don't go so quick as the last lot will you?


(image above copyright of louise/ loveprintstudio blog)

This month brings with it another trip across the pond for Printsource with the lovely Paper & Cloth, hope to see you there!

Ooh ooh, and lets not forget a bank holiday here in the UK, happy dance time!

Have a good one everyone.

x x x
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