Cambridge Open Studios 2012

It's not long now until Cambridge Open Studios starts again for another year.  My studio is open to the public on the 2nd and 3rd weekends in  July.  I've been busy printing some new paper drypoint and lino prints.  The screen printed tea towels that sold so well at my Christmas show are now available in two more colours and I've expanded my range of coasters, so now there are 20 designs to choose from.  As usual I have all my published cards for sale with prices starting at £1.20, plus a lovely selection of wrapping paper and stationery items

I look forward to seeing you at my studio where you are welcome to browse, ask questions, have a go at making a drypoint or even commission something.  The studio has disabled access and there is plenty of parking.

Cambridge Contemporary Crafts

I have a new exhibition taking place at Cambridge Contemporary Crafts next month.  It's a lovely little gallery tucked around the corner from King's Parade, so if you are in the area, do call in and have a look around.  It starts on 6th June and runs until 1st July.

Emma Quay

 
It was announced on Friday that my good friend Emma Quay had won the 2012 Australian Book Industry Association Award: Book of the Year for Younger Children. This is a big deal in Australia and is very well deserved. It was for 'Rudie Nudie', a book she wrote and illustrated.  It's not available in the UK at the moment but many of her other books are, so look out for them.

May Product Release

Here are two new designs of mine published by Phoenix Trading this month.  The Parrot Tulips make a lovely little 'thank you' gift card and compliment the existing two designs in a similar style.  They are 83 x 110mm, on matt textured board with added glitter.

The Beach Huts are just in time for summer, assuming it does arrive!  I love the way they are die-cut so that the roofs pop up above the sky line.  These are also on matt board and measure 210 x 90mm.

10 Years

This month marks 10 years of working freelance for publisher Phoenix Trading.  The Congratulations Champagne image was the first design of mine that they published way back in 2002.  The design has since been modified and published again in 2010 as a money wallet.

They are a great company to work for and I hope I can continue to produce new and exciting designs for them for many more years to come.

New Purchase

I was very excited to receive delivery of this painting this week.  It's by the very talented artist Louise Rawlings.  It's mixed media (mainly acrylic and gouache) on a boxed canvas and 395x295mm, so quite small considering all the detail.  I really like the inclusion of her English Setter, Alfie.

Louise also works freelance for Phoenix Trading, as well as other publishers.  You can see more of her work on her facebook page.

Springtime

I've been busy this month working on a couple of advent calendar designs.  They are taking ages and won't be published until August, so watch this space later in the year to see how Springtime for me is full of festive imagery.