Instagram snaps...May 2014

Well, May certainly has been a busy one for me, how about you?

And its most definitely gone in the blink of an eye!

Heres what I've been up to...

The biggy was a trip to NYC for the annual Surtex show, pheweee..what a week!
And sooooo good.

We always have pancakes at the Cupping Rooms in Soho whenever we go, I'm very demanding!

Ooh and a new bowl purchase to add to the shelf of dreams, from Anthropologie of course.

My monthly read..so far so good, 'Fangirl' by Rainbow Rowell.

If you follow my instagram feed, you'd have seen that the lovely @RosieHarbottle nominated me to take part in the '10 things I love' challenge, and here they are...

1. Laughter 

2. My kitchen and everything that goes on in it 

3. Lazy weekend mornings 

4. The Lake District 

5. Blue skies with not a cloud in sight 

6. Pancakes 

7. Dunking chocolate biscuits in hot tea 

8. Scarves 

9. The change of seasons 

10. Classic 80's films (Labyrinth...David Bowie...say no more!)

Trying to eat healthy on the 5:2 diet has created some very colourful meals with all that lovely fruit and veg, and this ones no exception...strawberries, kiwi, mango, blueberries, greek yoghurt and dried fruit with honey and seeds, nom nom nom.

It was our fluffy ones 4th birthday this month, and although he tried to pretend he wasn't interested in his birthday bone, theres no fooling us!

Oh and a bit of nostalgia..fish and chip snacks, mmmm.. and there still as good as I remember.

Anyway, hope you all had a good month.

Follow me here

x x x

Etsy shop find... a chat with Ellen Giggenbach!

I'm very excited to share this with you today... a designer whose work and career I've followed for many years and absolutely love! 

 Ellen Giggenbach is this months etsy shop owner and I'm sure you're all familiar with her work. She creates the most beautiful hand crafted paper cut artwork in the most stunning of happy colour palettes, so read on and enjoy getting to know her a little better.

Here goes...

Get that cuppa!

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

Although I am originally from Germany, I have been blessed to live in New Zealand most of my life. I grew up in an environment that was very crafty, my Mum and Dad loved to wood work, sew and paint. There was a definite European folk art influence in our home. My sister and I loved to sew our own clothes too, our creations stood out as we where sent the latest "Burda" sewing patterns from Germany and at that time New Zealand was still somewhat behind when it came to fashion!

During my teens, my father, who was a volcanologist was invited to work for the United Nations in Vienna for 3 years. it was there that I began my studies in graphic design. On returning back to New Zealand I completed a 3 year Graphic Design course and was awarded a Diploma with Distinction.

I worked for one year as a graphic designer at an advertising agency but preferred the freedom and limitless possibilities that come from being self employed. After several years freelancing for ad agencies I formed my own clothing business which I ran successfully with my husband for some years. I down sized my career while my children where very young, and for the last few years I have steadily built up my business, thanks to the wonders of the internet.

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

 I am very visual so rather than words, I love to look at images in my favourite interior magazines such as Elle Decoration, Inside Out Magazine and Living Etc.  

3. Do you have a particular design hero/heroes, and what inspires you to create your art?

I remember at school, we where given an art assignment, whereby we had to study a famous artist, it was then that I discovered Matisse and his wonderful paper cuts, I never looked back!

Now a days, my love of mid century design and illustration feeds my creativity. I really like the way it doesn't take itself so seriously! 

4. Tell us about a typical day for you...

Being self employed and a mum, I have to compartmentalise my day.

As soon as the kids have left for school I wizz about and do my house work chores,

I also go walking on the beach or in the bush most mornings with girl friends.

I then spend an hour or so on the computer answering emails etc. I then work on my paper cuts till 4 pm when the kids return,

The rest of the day is spent being a mum again!

5. Your beautiful art works are created by hand cutting painted papers and then assembled...can you give us an insight into this creative process?

I regularly spend a day painting sheet after sheet of paper in an endless variety of colour shades.

I keep adding paint to the pot each time changing the colour slightly, finally ending up with sludgy brown, that's when I stop! (don't get me wrong, dull colours look great next to bright!)

I then cut out simple shapes using a scalpel, I assemble these , glue them down and finally scan them in to my computer where I add detail.

6. What is your favourite item for sale in your etsy shop? And your most popular item?

My favourite item is probably my hot air balloon, it took quite a while to figure out! However my most popular item is my pretty heart paper craft featuring 2 little love birds.

7. What are your top three blogs?

Print & Pattern, to see what others are up to,

Bloesem, for its fresh, clean European style

The Design files, an Australian blog featuring quirky interiors.

8. What art do you have on your walls?

I have to admit it's mainly my own work. We have a 1950's house so my style fits well. I can also change the art regularly. Sometimes it helps to see it on the wall, not just on the screen!

9. Some of your pieces use elements of vintage fabrics..and in your styling shots you use an array of beautiful ceramic pieces...do you have a love of vintage generally, and a particular period?

Hunting through second hand shops is one of my favourite past times, I'm finding it harder and harder to find mid century treasures, which is probably a good thing, as our house is filling up fast!

10. Complete the following sentence...

    'My happy place is...'around the dinner table with my 2 boys and husband, they are growing up so fast, who knows how longer we will share this treasured time together......... 

11. Whats next for you? Any exciting plans you can share with us?

I am always contemplating going down the retail path, I opened a one week pop up shop last week, it was so successful that I am planning another one later in the year. I will add bags to the range this time.

You can follow Ellen here...

http://www.ellengiggenbach.com/

http://www.ellengiggenbach.blogspot.co.nz/

http://www.pinterest.com/EllenGiggenbach/

https://www.facebook.com/EllenGiggenbachArt

https://www.etsy.com/shop/EllenGiggenbach

(all of the images used in this post are taken from Ellens etsy shop and all copyright belongs to Ellen Giggenbach)

Thank you Ellen for taking some time out to be part of the etsy interviews!

x x x

Colour crush...

Well, I'm back from across the pond, and we had an amazing little stint in NYC.
Paper & Cloth exhibited the SS15 collection alongside lots of lovely, talented guys and gals at Surtex, and it  all looked bloomin' fantastic!
The show seems to get bigger and better every year.
I was able to meet some lovely ladies I've got to know through this wonderful thing called the internet and various social media sites, so was really happy to be able to put faces to all the names.
If you got the chance to go, exhibitor or visitor, I hope you had a great time too.

So, with today being a bank holiday here in the UK, and the weather is looking good so far... (everything crossed it stays that way) what better post to start back with after my mini blog holiday...
a colour crush, mmmmm!
And a very happy shiny colour crush post it is too...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

(clockwise from top left)

x x x

Paper & Cloth at Surtex...

Well, thats it...however many months of hard graft is all done and dusted, 

all towards Surtex in New York! 

The show runs from 18th - 20th May and we'll be showing our yummy SS15 collections.

Heres a little sneaky peek at one of our eflyers for the show.

Head on over to the Paper & Cloth blog for more info...

See you there!

And see you back here in blog land next week.

(image above copyright of Paper and Cloth Design Studio)

x x x

Mini colour crush...

Popping in with a mini colour crush post today, and it features a print from the V&A that has been used on this womenswear one piece and can be found at www.graniph.com 
Goooorgeous yummy colours!

x x x

This and That...

How lovely are both of these rooms...

One for a little one, and one for a big one!

Little...

Big...

x x x

Hello May...

Well, it's here already, May!

How is time going this fast??

It'll be a busy one for me this month...building up to a trip over the pond for Surtex, busy, busy. busy.

All good stuff though.

But first of all, looking forward to a well earned rest with a bank holiday right around the corner, yay!

Happy May everyone x

(photo above taken by me for use on loveprintstudio blog)

x x x

Instagram snaps...April 2014

Here's a little peek into my instagram world for April...

Plenty of time spent in the kitchen...

hot cross bun bread and butter pudding comes highly recommended, utterly yummy!

a ridiculously huge pink easter cake for a lovely dinner with the folks

and just to balance out all that naughtiness, some super healthy meals being nibbled lately,
(obsessed with stir drys at the moment, blame the 5:2)

a very little, yet glamorous fluffy assistant helps me out in the kitchen...

my lemon obsession continues with this beautiful spring daffodil bouquet...

my plan to run away with Mr Timberlake didn't quite go as hoped, 

however his concert was AMAZING!

a handy daily reminder that I can't do everything...

(desktop design courtesy of design love fest blog)

my book this month; Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, read in about a week, really nice, easy read,  thats difficult to put down...

and my first lunch al fresco style for 2014, sooo ready for summer now!

So..hope you all had a fabulous April, lets see what happens in May shall we.

Another couple of bank holiday weekends...

A little trip across the pond for me with the lovely Jen of Paper & Cloth, see you at Surtex,

and hopefully lots of other lovely things!

x x x

Etsy shop finds...a chat with Faye Bradley!

I'm having a chat with Faye Bradley for this months etsy shop post...

Faye has recently graduated from Falmouth University and enjoys creating characters and writing stories for children. 

She has art prints, cards, cushions and bags for sale in her shop so be sure to check them out.

Heres a little gander into her world....

Grab that cuppa!

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

Since a young age I have always been very creative, 

I would draw lots of little people and cut them out and make up stories about them, 

my Barbies didn’t even get a look in! 

It wasn’t until I embarked on an Art Foundation Course after my A levels that I discovered what illustration was and that I could make a career from it.

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

Mike Perry – Over and Over a catalogue of hand drawn patterns. 

Mike Perry is great, this book is especially good to flick through to leave me feeling inspired. 

George Orwell – Down and Out in Paris and London. 

I have just finished this book and it is such a good read, the perfect example of a modern classic.

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

I am a fan of simple Scandinavian style design. 

I am also inspired by the painter Egon Shiele, his mark making is so bold and full of energy.

For me, inspiration comes from a variety of places, 

I am obsessed with the detail and the diagrammatic layout found in old charts.

4. Tell us about a typical day for you...

Every day is quite different which is what I love about illustrating. 

My day usually starts on the computer, emailing and processing any orders that I may have on Etsy. 

After that, I usually begin drawing or painting for my current project. 

Later on in the day I will take a break to get some fresh air by walking the dogs or going for a run. 

It is important to have time out when you are self employed but sometimes it is difficult to tear yourself away!

5. Can you give us an insight into your creative process?

I find my inspiration can come from anywhere – looking for old paper to create collages with, colour palettes or a refreshing walk can allow lots of ideas to spring up.

When approaching a brief I usually begin with lots of tiny, very messy little drawings to get ideas from my mind on to paper. 

These will go on to be developed (quite a lot) before the final idea is finished.

6. What art do you have on your wall?

An amazing drawing of a brain that my boyfriend did, 

he used just a fine black pen and it is incredibly detailed.

7. What are your top three blogs?

thebeetleshack.com– a wonderful lifestyle blog by a lovely Australian lady called Emily about her young family.

pikaland.com – a delight of lovely images, interviews and more!

Wholelarderlove.com – I real wholesome blog. 

8. Why do you like being an illustrator/designer? (in 10 words or less)

Every day is different!

9. What is your favourite piece for sale in your etsy shop, and why?

I think it has to be my ‘Wonderful Whales of the World’ print. 

I created the image when I was still at university and was fascinated by Whales. 

They are so interesting to draw with all their lovely barnacles. 

It has now become my best seller!

You can follow Faye on Facebook

and click here to visit her illustration website

(all images above copyright of Faye Bradley)

Thanks for taking some time out with us Faye!

x x x

A mini colour crush...

Some of the most popular reads on this blog are the regular colour crush posts, so I thought I'd start doing some mini versions alongside the usual ones.
Sometimes you just come across photographs, illustrations, prints, etc... that feature colour palettes deserving of a post all to themselves...

And this first ones a corker, featuring the artwork of Lulie Wallace.

She uses some stunning colour combinations in her work and this is just one of my favourites.

Hope you like the addition of these mini posts.. and don't worry, 

the usual colour crushes will still be popping up as normal.

x x x

Three lovely 'lemony' things...

Oops..
Have you spotted it yet?
Yep...
Another post with a shade of yellow in it!
I'm seriously obsessed.
Hopefully you're currently sharing my passion, otherwise, skip past this post, sorry.

Anyway, three lovely things of the lemon variety coming your way today...

1 | Custard tart

2 | Lemon cake

3 | Citrus and marzipan bakewell tart

x x x

Favourite easter pins...

Happy Friday all! 

And it's a good one, yay!

I've gathered together a few of my favourite Easter 'eggy' pins...

And if anyone's interested, I have a pinterest board called 'good egg' if you share my love of that little oval thing all dressed up to the nines and want to follow.
Hope you all have a glorious, sunshine filled extended weekend, enjoy!

1 | Gold leaf and wash tape eggs..too beautiful

2 | DIY easter eggs...love these!

3 | Confetti dipped easter eggs...gorgeous colours

4 | Hand painted easter egg balloons..great for kids

5 | Easter party...yes please!

x x x

Colour crush...

I couldn't resist doing a colour crush post during this Easter week,  and in terms of a yummy colour combo for this holiday..what better than a gorgeous candy inspired pinks and aquas selection?

And seriously..how fab are the 'eggs on a shelf'! (6)

And that skirt (2)...enough said (dreamy)

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

(clockwise from top left)

x x x

This and That...

Leading up to the Easter weekend,
I've got a few 'eggy' related posts on their way for you, and first up is this one...

These are two of my current favourite pins, beautiful images and how gorgeous are the colours?

This... DIY watercolour sprayed easter eggs

That... a beautiful living garden

x x x

Inspired by...Urban Road

I came across this website and shop only recently, and it was love at first sight!

Australian based Urban Road sell an extensive collection of original and inspiring art prints, tote bags and cushions that blend with your home decor.

Suzie Atkin, the artist behind Urban Road uses such beautiful colour combinations in her work, it's hard to pick a favourite, so here are a several...

Happy Friday!

(all images copyright of Urban Road and taken from www.urbanroad.com)

x x x

Pinterest picks...lusting for lemon!

I think I'm obsessed with lemon/yellow/ocre/saffron 

(and various other shades/combinations of...) at the moment.

I've done several posts now that feature yellow in some way, shape or form...

There was 'Mellow Yellow', 

a definite yellow and cake themed three lovely things post, 

and then this recent colour crush post with gorgeous rich blues and saffron.

Strangely, when I think about colours I'm loving at the moment, 

yellows don't really feature too highly. 

It's more sugar pastels and neapolitan shades doing it for me lately, but somehow in my subconscious, there it is! 

My happy little world of all things lemon...

Welcome once more...

1 | This glorious meringue topped lemon pie

2 | Beautiful colour combo in outift form

3 | Abstract painting by Britt Bass

4 | Lemon cake

5 | Denim, lemon and aqua..yum!

6 | Fabulous shoes,no?

7 | Ham and eggs..yes please

x x x

Take Four...Spring Florals

Seeing as we're feet first into Spring now, (even though it's pouring with rain as I write this) 

and very quickly heading into Summer, 

I've got a little gathering of some spring florals in todays 'Take Four' post.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

(clockwise from top left)

x x x

Hello April...

I'm a little late saying it, but, it's April!

And so... 2014 continues to fly by...

Stop it!

(image above copyright of louise/loveprintstudio)

x x x

Colour crush...

I'm in today with another colour crush post for you...

Loving these bold, striking, rich blues and yellow tones together.
How stunning is that photograph of the elephants!? Amazing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

(clockwise from top left)

x x x

Instagram snaps...March 2014

Bit of a bigger collection of bits and bobs this month for my instagram snaps...with a very sunny and warm week off thrown into the mix for good measure, happy days!

Here's what I've been up to in March...

...lovely days out with my boys and reliving childhood memories with a day at Stourport

...new books to add to my kitchen bookshelf, highly recommended is the itsu cookbook and the huge range of Good Housekeeping mini books. 

In particular, loving this 'let's do brunch' one!

...finally breaking out my sparkly flats at the slightest hint of some sunshine

...new wardrobe additions with a common theme; gorgeous soft pastels, stripes and bits of sparkle 

(obviously to go with the shoes!)

...loving my new Accessorize necklace with stripe combo, such beautiful colours

...this months Jamie magazine is a treat!

...my new read for the month 'The Never List'

... a serious pile of pancakes for pancake day, oops!

...a few days away in Antwerp and Amsterdam with a lovely gal, how fab is this wall of clogs? 

Beautiful views down the canal and a cheeky little purchase of these dipped mini ceramic vases, which now sit very proudly in the kitchen.

So, mine seemed pretty busy looking back, hope you all had a good month too!

x x x

Spring 2014 at Accessorize...

There are some lovely things happening at Accessorize at the moment..

Their SS14 collection is absolutely beautiful!

If you follow me on instagram you may have already seen it, but this is a little pic of the necklace I bought recently, it was love at first sight!

(photos above taken by me for use on loveprintstudio blog)

And here are some of my favourite pieces from the Accessorize website...

Head over heels in love with all the pastel shades they've launched for Spring, 

it looks amazing in store, 

like a kid in a sweet shop, eeek!

Statement necklaces, cute spring bags, bracelets, beautiful earrings, holiday bangles..what more can a girl ask for?

(images above taken from the Accessorize website)

x x x