Print and Pattern

One of my favourite, favourite blogs is Print & Pattern by Bowie Style - http://printpattern.blogspot.com. Dedicated to all things gorgeous in the world of surface pattern design, this blog never fails to inspire me and always reminds me why I became a designer myself. 

Even better you can also buy the "book of the blog" which is packed with gorgeous illustrations and fascinating profiles about talented designers from all over the world. Of course, this gorgeous book is now on my special bookshelf nestled between all the beautifully illustrated children's books which have been purchased "for my little girl".

Miss Clara

"With her nimble fingers Miss Clara works the paper to give birth to tiny characters so graceful that one could think without a doubt they are animated by exquisite magic."


I have been mesmerised by this French artist for a while now and thought it was time to share. I first discovered Miss Clara when I purchased a postcard of her work from my local book shop. I then rushed home and googled her to find a website (which fortunately can be translated to English) http://missclara.free.fr and her blog (which unfortunately, can't) http://lescarnetsdemissclara.blogspot.com. Sadly, the only thing that remains from my French lessons at school is Je m'appelle Deborah, Bonjour and Au revoir, but at least I can gaze upon her amazing artworks... who needs words when something is this beautiful?

Oz Goddess

Lovely to see the final chosen logo design for my client, Courtney, who is embarking on a new business venture with her natural skincare range, Oz Goddess. We have been busy working on packaging and posters but in the meantime, here is the chosen logo. And also, I thought you might find it interesting to see some of the concepts that got away! 

The final logo!

Settle Petal

As a mum of 2 young children, having the opportunity to work on a project specifically for mums and their babies is always close to my heart. So when Jan Murray, local author, private child health nurse and founder of Settle Petal, approached me to design covers for her latest books I jumped at the chance.

Here are the final designs...

Happy New Year

Resolutions. I make the usual "cut down on coffee and chocolate" ones every year, usually broken by New Years Day, but this year I resolve to nurture my blog. It has been very badly neglected thus far, and badly in need of some tender loving care, so here goes... happy new year and here's to 2011 and fellow bloggers everywhere!

So, quite fittingly I thought, I would like my first blog of 2011 to reflect my feelings for the year ahead, and a recent find in a book shop seemed like the perfect place to start. The Secret Lives of Princesses - wow, the most amazing illustrations and slightly alternative and somewhat rebellious princesses all in one book. They even have their own website: http://secretlivesofprincesses.com. Ok, I do kid myself when purchasing these books that they are for my daughter, but everyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for a beautifully illustrated children's book.

So... which princess are you? I see myself as a cross between Princess Somnia (ha, ha, I wish with 2 small children) and Princess Oblivia (mainly because I love her hat, but also because I always seem to be the last one to drop off at Kindy!)

You Sexy Mother in the Community

Well, I have been a bit out of it for the last couple of months with regards to my blog. We had a terrible month with our little girl having to go into hospital with a nasty ankle joint infection, but are now finally getting back on track, and I have lots of new ideas to share!

First of all I would like to share some work I have been doing for You Sexy Mother in the Community, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to provide a community for new mums in particular, through events inspired by the You Sexy Mother books by Jodie Hedley-Ward. The first event will be on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday 26th March 2011. Anyway, I was asked to design some graphics for their Facebook page which should be uploaded any day soon, but here's a sneak peek at what it will look like... all very exciting!

A perfect Sunday treat

Having lived in the heart of the UK for most of my life, a trip to the seaside was always considered a big treat to us as children. However, since moving to the Coast and starting our family here in Australia, a trip to the city has sort of become my new treat. So, yesterday we excitedly packed up our car in anticipation of a day in Brisbane. It was one of those perfect Queensland Winter days, sunny and warm but not blistering, spent drinking lattes, eating ice creams and browsing the craft markets at South Bank (ok, that last one my partner decided to sit out). Which is where I picked up this gorgeous vintagey fabric from a stall called Voodoo Rabbit. I have no idea what to use it for but I loved it for the illustrations which reminded me of favourite dolly dress up books from my childhood. It will probably go into my inspiration box for now, as I can't bear to cut it up. If anyone has any ideas, let me know!