A little sketch inspired first by our Easter farm visit -
then by this sweet ‘chicken whisperer’, this Diva and this fascinating article.
It seems chickens can definitely talk but did you know they can also sing?!

I love the Easter holidays, they force me to get out from behind my desk and into the the sunshine with my little buddies.
I’m not sure who enjoys it more, me or them. Although I have my suspicions.

Our days have been beautiful, crisp, clear and packed with mini adventures.
We’ve discovered Silkie chickens have wild hairdos
It is possible to sneak up on a peacock.
A pony’s nose is lovely and soft in the palm of your hand, but their teeth are not.
And the most beautiful green field in the entire world is in Collingwood.

Hope your Easter break was full of lovely surprises too.

Handmade Portraits: Sophie Blackall from Etsy on Vimeo.

Whilst checking out some of the squillions of Etsy films on setting up shop, I stumbled upon this one on the work of Sophie Blackall. It’s such a beautiful, gentle film to watch I was genuinely disappointed that it wasn’t longer. I loved finding out more about the way she works – putting down a detailed monochrome layer of chinese ink and then applying colour washes over the top. I think you can buy the Met poster you see her working on here.

Having been thoroughly inspired I found another Sophie short on Youtube. But even better, it belongs to fifteen short films made for the recent ‘Drawn in Brooklyn’ exhibition at the Brooklyn Library. Each on a different acclaimed childrens book artist, how they work and how they feel about their brilliant, culturally rich neighbourhood.

Such a nice way to spend a Friday morning – in Brooklyn, taking in great illustration and great coffee. Maybe one day I’ll make it back there in person.

Images | Still from ‘Handmade Portraits: Sophie Blackall’, Etsy | The Bridge, Edward Kimber on Flickr |

This is a little belated but I had to show you this lovely mention on the highly regarded design site, Australian Infront.
Thank you Kimberley, thank you Zann. Such a buzz.

Man, it’s hard to get that first post out of the way after a blogging hiatus! I’ve been away so much longer than I ever intended – especially given one of my 2012 resolutions was to fatten up this famished blog. Never mind, lets pretend we’re all operating on some ancient, slightly longer calendar… HAPPY NEW YEAR!  : )

Life has been busy busy around here. I’m juggling work on a new online portfolio, printing for my pending Etsy shop and trying to catch the last precious moments of summer between being fried and being soaked.

There’s been a few hiccups, particularly with Gocco supplies. Nehoc have sold out of B5 screens and their inks are dwindling rapidly. I knew Gocco was on it’s way out but I also ‘knew’ that they had supplies for another four years, factoring in panic buying. But apparently panic buying has been completely nuts – which makes complete sense. After all, it’s not just buying in a bit of a hurry, it’s PANIC!!

Like ‘Greased Lightning‘, I ordered inks from Japan, grabbed what screens I could and bought a vault* to keep them in. But after organizing a 24hour armed guard* and cradling a large mug of camomile I realized that the whole thing actually isn’t all that bad. It’ll force me to design very carefully to suit what the Gocco does best and it’ll move me over to other printing methods – which is great because there are so many lovely techniques to try.

Sadly opening my Etsy shop has been a bit delayed but on the bright side printing is now at fever pitch. So thankful that I’m working on a natural subject that makes the most of all of the Gocco happy accidents – loving those dappled leaves.

p.s. Do check out the link, it’s hilarious!

* Truth stretched beyond all recognition  

Search high and low for the strangely absent seller.
Find out the company is in receivership.
Hyperventilate.
Find a brown paper bag.
Ring hands. Pace.
Consider making a look alike.
Remember amateur toymaker status.
Ring hands. Pace…
Email Fiona at Hop Skip Jump (aka the cavalry)!

Bless Fiona, she makes the sweetest special friends (and gorgeous books). And she very kindly sent a little extra fabric so I could make Rosie her own matching travellers bag to carry her Belizean passport, tickets, letter from her new friend ‘Little Rabbit’, photo of Sienna (to help recognize her) and an all important  snack.

The look on the birthday girl’s face when she answered the door was priceless!

The last shots show another birthday pressie, ‘Toot and Puddle’, a gorgeous book about best friends with different loves – One little pig who loves to go on adventures and see the world and one who celebrates staying at home. The illustrations by Hollie Hobby are beautiful and the sentiment just right. Who knows maybe Little Rabbit will decide to come home one day.