A new project

I'm giving the old Folksy Friday post a miss today as i would like to give you a little sneak preview of a new project that i'm working on.
Actually I don't really want to say too much at the mo as i don't want to jinx it an' throw a spanner in the works, but i am quite excited about it and for the next few months its going to take up most of my time. So unfortunately I won't be able to do any big illustrations for a while.

Well although I can't give any details away just yet I can share with you my first two images for the project and you can expect to hear more about it all being well, over the next few weeks.




















Happy Friday and hope you're enjoying the sun.

Pleased to meet you. Interview #2 Peris & Corr

1. Please tell us your name, business name and where you are based.
Dyfrig Peris and Jennie Corr aka Peris & Corr based in Nantlle, North Wales.

2. What do you create and how would you describe your style?
We create eco friendly hand screen printed textiles and homewares. All our products are screen printed by hand using water-based inks. We only source organic fabric and all our card and paper is 100% recycled.

I would describe our style as eclectic. We like everything from nature, birds contemporary art, Japanese design, Scandinavian design, 50's/retro/vintage print and pattern.

3. How did you get into making and do you make a living out of your creations?
We both studied Fine art painting and it was a natural progression to work in print and design, As well as designing and printing our own goods we also offer an eco friendly t-shirt printing service which brings in a steadier income!

4. What is your favourite piece of work or a favourite project you've worked on?
Jen's favourite piece of work is the welsh blanket lampshades, Dyfrig's is the Blue Tit tote bag.

5. If you could achieve any business goal with your work no matter how fantastical what would you most like to do?
Our business goal would be to offer a by the meter screen-printing service.

6. Do you have any tips for others who want to set up a creative/crafty business?
I would recommend a book-keeping course.

Quick fire round. Just for fun please pick 1 answer from each of the following. If you don't fancy either just choose the option you most prefer:

1. Bob Dillon or Johnny Cash?
Johny Cash

2. Harry Potter or Chronicles of Narnia?
Harry potter

3. For meat eaters - Lasagne or Moussaka?
Lasagne

4. Knit or sew?
Knit

5. Pen or pencil?
Pencil

6. Cut or paste?
Cut

7. Mug or Cup?
Mug

8. Half full or half empty?
Half full

9. Mac or PC?
Mac

10. Amy Butler or Cath Kidston?
Amy Butler

To find out more about this talented duo take a peek at their site PerisandCorr.com. You will also find them selling their wares on Folksy and Etsy and they're on Facebook and Twitter.

A big thanks to Jen and Dyfrig for taking part.

Easter treasuries

To make a change from the Folksy Friday post today i've instead created two Easter related treasuries.

The first is a Folksy one done via Pinterest, which i just got set up on a couple of weeks ago - yup another social networking/media site to contend with. Still it is fun pinning stuff so i did a bunny themed pin board.
Heres a sneaky peek at my fave from this board. Isn't he gorgeous?

The Etsy treasury was egg themed. There is are so many wonderful Easter egg type goodies on there that i spent ages trawling through to get the best selection and here is my Eggstatic (sorry it had to be done) treasury.
This ones my personal favourite, it makes me smile -

I couldn't resist putting one of my own creations in each treasury ;)
Anyone taking part in this awesome event: http://www.thebigegghunt.co.uk/join-the-hunt it makes me wish i was in London.
Happy Friday

Pleased to meet you. Interview #1 Kate Larsen

I've been itching to interview artists and makers i admire for the blog for a while now so i'm very pleased to have finally got round to doing it and getting such an brilliant artist for my 1st interview. So here is the first of many. Hope you enjoy.

1. Please tell us your name, business name & where you are based.
My name is Kate Larsen, my business is called 'Box of Birds'. I am based just outside London in Kent, UK.

2. What do you create and how would you describe your style?
I work as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. For the graphic design side of my business, I work mainly on packaging design for cosmetics and toiletries. My illustration projects are commissioned for various different uses: magazines, cards, retail etc. I also have a small shop selling prints, cards and accessories. I would describe my style as simple, fun, bright and a little bit odd sometimes.




















3. How did you get into making and do you make a living out of your creations?
I enjoyed drawing, making and designing from a young age and was always encouraged to be creative, I even had sewing classes at school. I studied art and design at school and foundation level, then did a degree in graphic design. I worked for a design agency for three years after graduating, before setting up Box of Birds. I don't make a living from the things I sell in my shop, but hopefully one day I will! They have however lead to commissions and the work I do for myself helps to keep my illustration portfolio fresh.

4. What is your favourite piece of work or a favourite project you’ve worked on?
I designed some wallpapers for Graham and Brown a few years ago which was fantastic. Recently, I worked on some illustrations and the logo for a dog groomers in London called Victoria Bark. I'm a major dog fan and own a whippet, so this was great for me. My favourite item in my shop at the moment is the wooden fox necklaces.

5. If you could achieve any business goal with your work no matter how fantastical what would you most like to do?
To build Box of Birds into a well known home accessories brand.

6. Do you have any tips for others who want to set up a creative crafty business?
Have a very clear idea about what your business is, in terms of its style and what it sells. I think this is important for customers so they know exactly whe

re you are coming from. Do lots of research on what's out there already and offer something different or better. Take great photos of your products: they'll make your online shop look better, get you featured on blogs and ultimately get you more sales. If you want to make money out of a craft business, be realistic about how much time you spend making something and cost of materials versus how much you can sell it for!




















Quick fire round. Just for fun please pick 1 answer from each of the following. If you don’t fancy either just choose the 1 you most prefer:

1. Bob Dillon or Johnny Cash
Bob Dillon

2. Harry Potter or Chronicles of Narnia
Chronicles of Narnia

3. For meat eaters - Lasagne or Moussaka
Lasagne

4. Knit or sew
Sew

5. Pen or pencil

Pencil

6. Cut or paste
Paste

7. Mug or Cup
Mug

8. Half full or half empty

Half full!

9. Mac or PC
Mac!

10. Amy Butler or Cath Kidston
Amy Butler

To find out more check out Kate's site boxofbirds.co.uk or blog. You can also find her on Etsy, Facebook or Twitter on @boxofbirdstweet.

Folksy Friday - Pimp My Stationery

This week has felt like an eternity. I've been doing lots of annoying admin jobs which haven't helped. Which got me thinking, wouldn't having some lovely office bits make the working week that much more bearable and on that note here are some of lovely stationery things:

Gorgeous hand printed 'love & kisses' notebook and super stylish, oak desk tidy.

A very pretty personalised pencil case and a colourful apple memo board.

Lovely 2012 calendar with detachable postcards and cute busy bee to do list

Wouldn't all these lovely things make for an awesome office? Bring on the nine to five, admin here I come!

Eggs and Offers

A new Easter Card which i've called 'Eggies' is now for sale on Etsy and Folksy.

I'm also now including money off vouchers in customers orders to say thanks, which can be used to get money off a further purchase. These will be redeemable in my Etsy shop only at the moment as Folksy do not have a discount facility yet, but i will include a voucher in any orders made from either shop. They'll look a bit like this:

Ring Me - Folksy Friday

I've finally got an engagement ring! So its official. Its a taken 2 months to get the ring sorted but we got there eventually.

Its a white gold art deco style ring with a sapphire and diamonds. Its took so long to get as i had a few problems with the sizing so its been re-sized twice - don't ask.Anyway this has inspired this today's Folksy Friday post a selection of unusual and eye catching sterling silver rings:

Hope you like the selection. Byeeeeeeeee!!

New In Store

Howdy folks. Today i want to share with you these three new card designs that are now for sale on my Etsy and Folksy shops.







































Easter Kids (Easter card)







































Mama Oak (mother's day card)







































Bird House (new home card)

Also i'm now offering bespoke illustration via Etsy and Folksy. This could be a special gift for someone close to your heart or an affordable way to get a piece of very personal art for your home. I'll create a one off, entirely unique illustration of whatever your heart desires, whether its a family portrait or something wild and fantastical. You will receive an high quality A3 print and the high resolution image file in an email which will allow you to reprint the image or use it digitally. To find out more check out the listing.

Folky Friday - Spring green

Its starting to feel like spring is in the air. Yippee that means not long till barbeque season, not that my internal clock revolves around food or anything.
To celebrate the coming of the sun (hopefully), lush green leaves on the blossom heavy trees and sitting on soft, warm grass here are a selection of handmade delights that ooze that spring thing. Just take a look at the 'S' in Folksy on their home page, to me thats the colour of spring.

A zesty little coin purse from MillieMishMash & pretty corsage by Made With Love.

Cute scented bunnies from Pouch followed by a lush felted wool bowl by That Fuzzy Feeling.

Spring pastels garland made by Emma Lamb & Wee Buns Plaque by Leanne Woods.

Gorgeous 'Wild Things' pinafore dress & eye catching art by Teodora Paintings.

Fingers crossed that it will be a sunny, springy weekend.

Oh before you go i have a little request. I've applied for some business funding to help me spread the word about my work and promote my little illustration business.
To secure the funding I need 400 votes. If you like my work I would really appreciate it if you could vote for me & spread the word. To vote visit: www.enterprisenation.com/funding-applications/lucys-happy-place

Thank you :)