I can't think of a better way to round off a week and indeed, a month than with a colour crush post.
So, here goes...
(clockwise from top left)
x x x
Friday, 30 October 2015
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
Etsy shop find... a chat with Suzy Ultman!
This months etsy shop interview is with the very lovely Suzy Ultman.
I've admired Suzys work for quite some time so it's great to be able to feature her beautiful work on the blog.
With an amazing sounding childhood, its no wonder she spends her days doodling and designng fantastical worlds filled with intrigue and glorious detail to make you smile!
I won't drop any spoilers but anything involving the Muppets and Snoopy is good in my book.
So, get comfy, and lets get to know the very talented Suzy Ultman...
1. Can you tell us a bit about you and your background...
I was born & raised in central Pennsylvania. As a kid, I spent time collecting stickers, playing board games, dancing jazz-tap-ballet, watching the Muppets, picking berries in the woods, perfecting my Snoopy sketches, adventuring with my sisters, woodworking with my dad, and baking & sewing with my mom.
I loved to draw & create, and in high school, discovered a talent for visual problem solving.
This all led to undergrad and graduate work in graphic design.
I had a healthy career in the field.
Then, I became a Mom, and poured my creativity into motherhood, until a twist of fate brought me to Lilla Rogers doorstep.
About 7 years ago, an artist friend encouraged me to join a studio class taught by Lilla.
I had just moved to Boston, and was in temporary housing with no babysitters.
I found a sitter through an online service, and committed to the course.
At the end of the 8-week class, Lilla encouraged me to draw, draw, draw.
I threw myself into creating my illustration portfolio.
Soon, I was invited to be part of the LRS Agency gang, and I’ve been drawing for a living ever since.
2. How would you describe your art style?
My style is modern nostalgic.
The look is simple and charming with sophisticated whimsy.
3. What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I was lucky enough to meet one of my design heroes, Jonathan Adler.
I was invited to the JA New York studio after working on a small project for the company. Mr. Adler was charismatic, chic & cheeky, colorful, energetic, brilliant, funny, on-fire, larger-than-life and at the same time completely down-to-earth. We talked about design, creative process, taking risks, and maintaining brand integrity.
He was everything I expected and more.
4. Who are your design heroes and how do you stay inspired?
Mary Blair, Charles Shultz, Ed Emberley, Dick Bruna, Fiep Westendorp, Jim Henson, Seymour Chwast, Paul Rand, Ben Shahn, Alexander Girard, Rosemary Taylor (Potter), Jonathan Adler, Marc Jacobs, Yoshitomo Nara.
I surround myself with an assortment of vintage, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Japanese books, ephemera, art, and homewards.
I am attracted to the clean beauty of Scandinavian design, and the rich storytelling of traditional folk art.
I also love the textures and colours used in 1950s/60s cartoon background art.
These collections, along with spending time in nature, traveling, hanging-out with my family, baking, meditating, and smiling keep me inspired.
5. Tell us about a typical day for you…
After the kids are off to school, my workday begins.
I set-up shop in the dining room.
My house has floor to ceiling glass running along this room.
The light is amazing and I can watch the birds at the feeder as I draw.
Since I have a lot of control over my work schedule, I like to keep my days varied, and mix-up the workload -- I balance my days among creative process, production, and administration tasks. I also include play-time in my schedule, where I explore new ideas or create work just for myself. Each day is different!
6. Can you give us an insight into your creative process?
I approach every project, from a fabric collection to a toy design, the same: (1) form a solid concept (2) have fun (3) tell a good story with a lot of detail (4) include the “Suzy-wink”.
Also important to the process are a good cup of coffee, a fun snack, and music.
7. What’s the most popular item for sale in your etsy shop? And your personal favourite?
The most popular item in my shop is my “Blandford Birdies” print. I am very excited about my newest item – the “Vespa Girl” pillow! It is adorable riding along on the sofa.
8. What are your top 5 favourite books from your childhood?
Crictor The Boa Constrictor -- Tomi Ungerer
In The Night Kitchen – Maurice Sendak
Rosie’s Walk – Pat Hutchins
The Happy Lion’s Quest – Louise Fatio
Come Over to My House – Theo Le Sieg
9. What’s the most rewarding thing about being a designer/illustrator?
I get to be myself every day.
10. What's your guilty pleasure?
DONUTS!!! If I’ve had a really productive work week, I treat myself, and the kids of course, to a donut J We have a special bakery in town, known for their peanut butter filled, chocolate iced, bacon topped donuts! I keep it simple though – vanilla cream, yuuuuum.
11. What are your top three blogs?
That's a hard one to narrow down to just three.
I have different blogs for different research -- paper, pattern, home dec, kids, europe trends...
12. What are you working on currently?
And any big plans for the coming year you can share with us?
Hmmm… this is a tough question, because I can’t talk about pending projects. I can tell you that I’m working with exciting new formats, and telling stories with brand new characters!
A big thanks to Suzy for sharing some of her world with us!
You can follow Suzy here...
x x x
Monday, 26 October 2015
Friday, 23 October 2015
Something for the weekend...
How nice does this Raspberry and almond upside down cake look?
This is going straight on the 'to bake' list.
Recipe and directions can be found on the Donna Hay website.
Yum!
(image above from www.donnahay.com)
x x x
Wednesday, 21 October 2015
Mini colour crush...
I adore the colours in this painting, and couldn't resist sharing it as a mini colour crush post.
Created by Leslie Weaver, a self taught artist from the East Coast who's inspired by global cultures, colours, nature and patterns, Leslie fuses expressionism, abstract art and folk art to create her paintings, primarily using acrylic paints.
You can se more her beautiful artwork here...
x x x
Monday, 19 October 2015
Friday, 16 October 2015
Take four...creative ways with succulents
I really do have a new obsession, but I know I'm not alone...
Succulents and cacti!
Yeah!
Here are four lovely ways to display them for your Friday.
Two tone pots (top left)
Painted tins (top right)
Decorated terracotta pots (bottom right)
Geometric faux metal planters (bottom left)
x x x
Wednesday, 14 October 2015
Little spaces...wild world
More inspiration from the spaces of some very lucky little ones today.
A clean and simple look; black and white with pops of grey and dark tangerine.
Minimalist prints with noughts and crosses, spots and raindrop geometrics work so well don't they?!
Super simple, but how nice is the black letter banner and that gorgeous little fabric camera!
x x x
Monday, 12 October 2015
Friday, 9 October 2015
Something for the weekend...
There have been quite a few recipes featured on the blog in the past and having made a few of them again recently, I thought I'd round up some of my favourites that you might want to try over the weekend.
Happy baking!
(clockwise from top left)
x x x
Wednesday, 7 October 2015
Rye soda bread and the best tomato soup ever...
I'm a big fan of Jamie Oliver, and since receiving his new book, Everyday Super Food, I've tried quite a few of the recipes, and I have to say, they don't disappoint.
I've never had much luck with bread and although this was a lot easier and starightforward to make as it misses the proving stage, I was still quite proud of myself for giving it a go, and the results being something that was not only edible (unlike my previous attempts, urgh) but really yummy.
It went particularly well with my 'go to' creamy tomato soup recipe which you can find here
(seriously the best recipe I've tried, and I've tried a few to get a good one!)
Dare I say it, but it's a very nice homemade version of the very well known household brand,
(without all the hidden sugar!)
(without all the hidden sugar!)
I didn't manage to get any decent snaps of the whole loaf as it was quickly nibbled at, mmm, but you can see a quick instagram pic here.
And here are some better ones, look at that crust...
oooh oh so proud, thank you Mr Oliver!
(photos above copyright of louise/loveprintstudio)
x x x
Monday, 5 October 2015
Moodboard Monday...Cool autumn
The weather here in the UK has been glorious recently, considering we're into October now, but although the days are still warm (ish) for the time of year, the evenings are definitely getting colder, and the mornings a little more cool and crisp.
A bit like this moodboard...cool autumn tones.
A beautiful, soft, sugary palette of blues, greys, lilacs and pink, with a light dusting of chalky white.
Happy Monday!
A bit like this moodboard...cool autumn tones.
A beautiful, soft, sugary palette of blues, greys, lilacs and pink, with a light dusting of chalky white.
Happy Monday!
x x x
Friday, 2 October 2015
Wednesday, 30 September 2015
Things that made me happy in September...
I thought with this months little round up, it was probably as good a time as any to see what I've been up to over on instagram.
It's been a busy few months over the summer with birthdays, a work trip to New York, our wedding anniversary, a holiday and lots of book buying (oops!)
Heres a peek...
Enjoying...
Looking forward to...The Rosie Effect
Listened to...
Ella Eyre - Ms Mr - Duran Duran - St. Vincent - Benjamin Clementine - Stereophonics -
Chasing Grace - Echosmith
Feasted on...
these vegan and gluten free oatmeal banana pancakes
this creamy oatmeal with blueberry compote
recipes from Jamie Olivers new book
(the seared golden chicken, mint sauce and spring veg fest comes highly recommended)
this macaroni with broccoli and peas
this strawberry banana oatmeal brûlée
this creamy tomato soup
this creamy oatmeal with blueberry compote
recipes from Jamie Olivers new book
(the seared golden chicken, mint sauce and spring veg fest comes highly recommended)
this macaroni with broccoli and peas
this strawberry banana oatmeal brûlée
this creamy tomato soup
Loving...
Buying...
Francis Quinns' 'Quinntessential Baking'
a new dining table and chairs, ooooooooh so excited!
succulents (yes, more)
Francis Quinns' 'Quinntessential Baking'
a new dining table and chairs, ooooooooh so excited!
succulents (yes, more)
Wanting...
this gorgeous camel coat for the new season
to be little again so it would be acceptable to have this bedding!
this gorgeous camel coat for the new season
to be little again so it would be acceptable to have this bedding!
Crushing on...
Watching...
Imitation Game
The Jones's
The Theory of Everything (amazing!)
Supporting
Jamies Sugar Rush
Imitation Game
The Jones's
The Theory of Everything (amazing!)
Supporting
Jamies Sugar Rush
beautifully styled children's interiors, this one included
Admiring...
this beautiful artwork 'Winter Breakfast' by Yuliya
Admiring...
this beautiful artwork 'Winter Breakfast' by Yuliya
Favourite things that happened...
catching up with a gorgeous gal pal and her even more gorgeous little boy
the boys birthday!
september sunshine
So, that was a round up of my month,
how was yours?
x x x
catching up with a gorgeous gal pal and her even more gorgeous little boy
the boys birthday!
september sunshine
So, that was a round up of my month,
how was yours?
x x x
Monday, 28 September 2015
Etsy interviews round up...
If stats on this little blog are anything to go by, you lovely readers do like a good etsy interview, so incase you've missed any in the past, I thought I'd round up all the fabulous designers that have been featured so far...
Enjoy!
More etsy shop owner interviews to come soon!
x x x
Friday, 25 September 2015
Etsy shop finds...a chat with Rebecca Jones!
Rebecca Jones is a super talented British designer and illustrator based in Melbourne, Australia.
I've been chatting with her this month as part of the etsy interview series, so you lovely readers can get to know her a little better.
Her artwork is absolutely gorgeous and the prints available in her shop would be great in children's rooms. They feature beautiful whimsical animal and girl characters so something for any age group.
Rebecca uses some lovely techniques in her work, typically starting off painting and doodling and finishing her artwork in photoshop.
We're very fortunate that Rebecca has sent over previews of two new prints that will be going in her shop soon; 'I love tea', and 'Its always tea time'.
Ooh I love a good exclusive!
So, very appropriately, get a cuppa, get comfy and read on about the lovely Rebecca Jones...
1. Can you tell us a bit about you and your background...
I grew up in England, and as a child I loved nothing more than being outside in the garden, chasing birds and butterflies.
Both of my grandmothers and my mum were very artistic, always making things.
So I think I knew from a young age that I wanted to do something creative for a living.
I studied for a degree in Textile Design and after graduating, I moved to London.
I worked as a designer for quite a few years, first as an in-house designer for John Lewis and then for a design studio, where I designed lots of embroidery, as well as print.
I moved to Australia in search of a bit of adventure 12 years ago now.
I have worked as a textile designer here ever since.
In the last few years I have become much more interested in illustration, and I started working on my folio to try and get more of this kind of work.
2. What books/ magazines are you currently reading/admiring/perusing?
I have a subscription to Flow magazine,
which is such a beautiful and inspiring magazine to look through,
and I also love to read Frankie magazine.
3. Who are your design heroes and how do you stay inspired?
As much as I love looking on Instagram and Pinterest, to be honest it often leaves me feeling inadequate and stressed!
When I’m in need of inspiration, I like to go for long walks, just being outside helps.
I love to browse some of the lovely little design shops close to my home, go to the art supply shop, or go to visit a gallery.
4. Tell us about a typical day for you...
As soon as I’ve finished school drop off, I grab a coffee from my local cafe on my way home. I’m really not good for anything much before I’ve had a coffee!
Once I’m back home in my studio, I answer a few emails, look at Pinterest for a bit before starting some work.
I don’t feel like I hit my creative stride until about midday, and then school pick up time comes around far too quickly.
Once dinner and the bedtime routine is all done, I normally go back to work in my studio again.
I feel my most creative late at night and I often work until the early hours of the morning. Though I often find myself regretting this decision to stay up so late when I’m struggling to get out of bed in the morning!
5. Can you give us an insight into your creative process?
Once I’ve got an idea of what I want to work on, I might gather a few images from google and then I like to roughly sketch some ideas out on loose bits of paper.
I find sketchbooks too stressful!
It frees me up knowing I can just throw something away if it turns out horribly.
Then I might start drawing or painting depending on my mood.
I mostly use watercolour for painting, and dip pen and ink when I’m drawing.
I tend to paint or draw lots of little things separately and piece it all together in Photoshop.
6. What art do you have on your wall?
I have lots of different things I’ve bought over the years from Etsy - from Blanca Gomez, Matte Stephens and Helen Dardik and many, many others.
I also have some gorgeous screen prints from Lab Partners and Tom Frost.
My husband bought me an original piece by Australian artist Christina Gordon (JamFancy on Etsy) a few years ago that I just adore.
7. What's your guilty pleasure?
Sleeping in way too late on a Sunday, whilst my husband and son are out playing soccer.
8. What are your top three blogs?
I don’t read a huge amount of blogs these days, I find Instagram a bit easier for keeping in touch with things people are doing.
I do still often check The Design Files though, and I still love to look at Posie Gets Cozy, one of the first blogs I ever came across.
I think i’ve been reading her blog for about 10 years now.
9. What makes you laugh?
My son, he’s 7 and still has that crazy innocence and an absolutely infectious laugh.
I also love going to watch comedy shows, Melbourne has a big comedy festival every year that we always try to go to.
Amy Schumer, Ricky Gervais and Demetri Martin are some of my favourites.
10. Who are some of your favourite illustrators/designers and why?
I have so many favourite illustrators, but amongst my favourites are Richard Scarry, Mary Blair, Marc Boutavant, Alain Grée, and a new (to me) favourite is Christian Robinson - I love the simplicity and the joy that just shines through in his drawings.
11. What's your favourite book from your childhood?
I really loved all of my Richard Scarry books, I had quite a lot of those.
12. Whats your favourite item for sale in your etsy shop? And the most popular?
My most popular, though not by much is Cat Lover, my prints actually sell fairly evenly.
I think my favourite is ‘Imagine”, the one with the bear in the terrarium.
You can follow Rebecca here;
And don't forget, her new prints will be available soon!
A big thanks to Rebecca for taking the time out to be part of the etsy interviews!
x x x
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