Beep ... Initialising ....

Today it is all about robots! For the first time ever I have drawn an image myself and not had to ask my husband to draw it for me! It's very exciting. He did help me modify the hands, though.

Anyway ... this little cutie is going to feature in the centre of a 9 square painted patchwork cushion I'm working on for Semco. The panels will be painted, then sewn up, and the end result should be an extra cool cushion for the little boy (or big boy geek). With any luck this will be published. If not, I'll turn him into a pattern packet and sell it on my website ... because he's too cool not to share!

New Pirate Annie doll

OK ... so it hasn't been all painting and cushions for me this week. I've had this lovely Annie doll under construction for about 2 or 3 weeks now. Every time I'd try to finish her, I'd get interrupted. But yesterday I finally stitched her face, painted her shoes, dressed her and gave her hair. I'm really pleased with her, and she's listed in my Etsy shop Hello Dollies.

The cushion is almost complete ... just need to go back to Spotlight and get more piping (I am 10cm short) so I can sew up the last side. The insert fits well, the colours are working together nicely, and I'm absolutely delighted with the results. I'm going to try painting these 2 on a messenger back next, and perhaps a t-shirt!

Vintage Raggedies

I found some awesome old cards in my baby book recently ... vintage Raggedy Ann & Andy images from the 70's. The inspired me to paint this beautiful panel which will be turned into a big floor cushion tomorrow ... cool! They're quite different to the dolls I make, but when painting a classic, how could I go past the images I remember so well from my childhood :)

Fashion colours - what's hot 2008!

Came across this great blog showing the hottest colours for the next 6 months ... you've gotta see it if you're making fashion items to sell ... very cool.

Click Here

Jam-min'

Today it's been all about jam jars! This is my first draft for a magazine submission, but wait until you see the jars all decked out ... it's going to be super sweet! Now if I could just get my hands on some kiwifruit jam ... maybe I'll make some!

Here's a recipe:

1 large red apple diced
5 kiwi's diced
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp lime juice

Cook all ingredients in the microwave for 10 minutes on high, removing and giving it a little stir every 2-3 minutes. Pour mixture from the microwave safe bowl into a blender and pulse till solid parts are less chunky. (It really depends on how you want your jam) Follow your instincts. Keeping in mind that the jam will thicken after it cools down. Pour the blended mixture back into the microwave bowl and cook for another 2 minutes. Leave it to cool before storing it in a jar.

Bookmarks

I'm right into bookmarks at the moment. I decided that some of my lovely botanical and animal shots would make cool bookmarks, and have a bunch listed in my Etsy shop. This set is one of my favourites ... blue/purple flowers from my beautiful garden. Roll on Spring!