Back from VW Summer Trails

I'm back! We've been away in our VW Bus nearly every weekend for a while now, including some weekends like Busfest in sunny Malvern. I've blogged some lovely piccies I've come across that sum up the sunny, relaxed VDub scene, as well as another peep at some recent card purchases :)

Here are two of my favourite stalls I've discovered on the trail too (not to mention a red double decker pizza bus my little boy was totally excited to have his tea in ; )

www.tessclothing.co.uk
www.inspiredkarma.com

 Two lovely cards form Next

Hotchpotch goodness :)

 Ah that VW freedom (image via Pinterest, photographer unknown)

Image from Busfest (what a sweet bus!)

Peek into the past

I'm now the proud owner of a greetings card collection from 70's :) I thought I'd post a few of my favourites. It's interesting how much sweeter the illustrations are, and how most of the cards are not heavily gender specific. Even cards just for boys had pink on and cute animals... the way it should be really :)

moustache mania

Anyone else noticing the rise of the humble moustache? I've seen quite a few moustache inspired designs on Pinterest knocking around, from quirky jewelry to t-shirts and cards. You know you've picked up on a trend when M&S launch a moustache related card. Hmm whether it's the effect of 'Movember' or David Beckhams latest cookie duster, it looks like the 'tash is 'hair to stay' (boom boom)...

 E-Card origin umknown / can't trace

Fantastic plastic rings by bijouxanciens

 Typography moustache author unknown (sorry!)

 Moustache Straws by the brilliant LittleRetreats on Etsy

 Close up of Moustache IPhone case by Society 6

 Cute Movember nails YouTube

 http://calligraphi.ca/

Necklace from http://shop.heroineclothing.com/

Seaside Type

Ah my poor neglected blog : ( I've been too busy with work, renovating the house and the start of the VW camper season. I can't believe a month has skipped by.

We visited Whitby and Robin Hoods bay recently in our camper van, and I couldn't help but notice the amount of typography around this quirky seaside town. We had a fantastic time with loads of ice-cream and fish and chips, a boat ride out to sea and an open top bus ride - proper retro fun stuff ; )

Jubilee fever

Just back from London having pounded the aisles at the fabulous PG Live, I've succumbed, finally, to Jubilee excitement :) We've got two street parties to go to (one our own!), bunting to put up and cakes to bake. Our tiny village opens it's new jubilee toilets, dubbed Jubiloo, on the same weekend, we have calves in the field at the back of the house, and we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel on the house renovations. I've put together some of my favourite Jubilee designs, hope you like them too :)

Tea towel by To Dry For

Tea Towel by Victoria Eggs 

Tea Cosy by Ulster Weavers

Mugs by Emiloumakes on Etsy

Artists and Illustrator profile

I thought I'd share with you two of my latest discoveries. First is Disney illustrator Mary Blair. I can't believe I've only just discovered her and her work. She looks like a pretty fab lady doesn't she? Her work and use of colour are amazing, and you can see how this style has influenced contemporary illustrators.

Also artist Karla Gerard has caught my eye. Her work is a riot of colour and swirling shapes. A real celebration of life, nature and shape! Her work reminds also has a textile quality about it. Enjoy!

Crafty stuff

Wow where's the time gone? I've been away from my blog for too long, very unhealthy for a blog addict like myself. Busy with unbloggable work and the near completion of the living area of the house (only skirting, blinds, curtains and lights to install - oh and new rug and cushions) I can only share my latest inspirational discoveries on Pinterest. I shouldn't say 'only', as there's some just gorgeous stuff on there.

I'm currently still inspired by hand paint and craft influenced pieces. Here's some of my faves for you to enjoy :) oh and the new set of gouache paints I've bought will be opened soon...happy days x

www.lougardiner.co.uk

 Creator unknown

 Illustration by Alyssa Nassner www.alyssanassner.com

 www.katiedaisy.net

www.riflepaperco.com

Julie Dodsworth

I've just come across the lovely homely work of Julie Dodsworth. Julie's work is inspired by her canal boat, and she's taken traditional canal boat styling and given it a fresh twist by limiting the colour palette. It's a lovely design success story. Julie says the 'the designs are a celebration of true living English industrial heritage and a reflection of the many things I love' You can catch her story on her website:
www.juliedodsworth.co.uk

Expect to see her products popping up in gift stores near you :)

hand paint textile inspired florals

So here's a start with my pact to do some creative experiments with media of the non mac variety :) I've been in Kendal today looking at clothes and shoes, and felt inspired to do some hand painted floral patterns that you might find on fabric. There's something refreshing about knowing once you've committed brush to paper there's no key command to undo what you've done. I don't think fashion surface designers need worry though ; ) Roll on printing, painting and pyrography...

Pyrography Artist Lauren Grey

I've recently bought a pyrography kit as part of a pact with myself to do some creative projects off the mac this summer, namely with paints, prints and pyrography. Googling around the net on the subject I came across the work of Lauren Grey of the Haunted Holllow Blogspot. I only seem to come across artists who's work I absolutely love about once every three to five years, and finding Laurens work was one such occasion. As you can see her work stunning. I think an Etsy purchase is on the cards...

Lauren Grey: www.thehauntedhollowtree.blogspot.co.uk