Handmade Three Seagulls Lino Print.

This lino print was created with this week's Illustration Friday topic of 'Wings' in mind. 

The main part of the image is a hand pulled lino print. The background has then been added digitally. Below is an image showing the carved lino that was used to create the print and one of the original prints. 

The beauty of lino printing is that once you have carved the lino the hard work is done. Then you get to have some fun and print from it as many times as you like giving you the freedom to experiment with different colours/papers, techniques etc. I'm definitely not finished playing with this plate yet!

Pocket Wren Discount for Facebook Users!

To celebrate the opening of Pocket Wren on my Facebook page I am currently offering a 15% discount across my store exclusively to Facebook customers.

To get your discount simply follow the link below.

Pocket Wren on Facebook

Happy shopping!

Illustration Friday 'Myth'

Here is my entry for this week's Illustration Friday topic of 'Myth'.

These three mermaids started life as a drawing in my sketchbook. I inked and coloured them using Adobe Illustrator.

New project: Handmade Badges and Brooches.

Here's a sneak preview of my latest project for Pocket Wren. I am experimenting with shrink plastic to create handmade badges to eventually sell in my Etsy store. 

The badges are created by either drawing or tracing an image from my sketchbook onto the plastic using a Sharpie permanent marker. The original images are considerably larger than the finished product as they shrink down during the heating process. They are then coloured using a combination of markers and coloured pencils. After cutting round them, I heat them in the oven and flatten them whilst they are still warm and pliable.

I intend to seal them with a varnish coating and fix either a brooch pin or magnet to the back.

I've still got some playing around to do with them to get them perfect for my shop but hopefully they should be on sale soon. I'll keep you posted!

Illustration Friday 'Ocean'

I really wanted to create something brand new for this weeks Illustration Friday topic of 'Ocean' but I just haven't managed to fit it in. I have lots of ocean themed images in my archives so I've dug this one out instead. 

It was originally created for a children's magic painting book. I'm not quite sure what a dog and a cat are doing in a boat in the middle of the ocean but they seem to be having a nice time. Maybe the cat is hoping to do some fishing?

Pocket Wren featured in Etsy Treasury.

Can you spot my Long Tailed Tit illustration featured in this cheery Etsy treasury?

Free printable Valentines love bunting!

Here, as promised, is my free Valentine's Day gift to you. I have created some love themed bunting for you to print and make. 

Use the links below to download these templates then follow my simple instructions to create your own bunting.

Bunting 1

Bunting 2

Now you have your templates simply print off as many as you require.

To make your bunting:

♥  score along the middle of each flag and fold them in half

♥ cut around the dotted lines

♥ open up your flag and cover with glue

♥ place your string or ribbon inside the flag along the fold 

♥ press the flag closed

♥ repeat this process until your bunting is the required length 

Happy making!

Valentine's arrives at Pocket Wren!

With Valentine's Day looming I thought I'd better get something ready to go in my Etsy shop!

So with love and romance in mind I created these personalised couples love hearts. The original idea came from a reworking of my own wedding invitation which I designed myself. It was based around the multiple heart logo in these images, so they have an extra special meaning to me. 

These pieces have gone on sale in my shop Pocket Wren today.

Personalised Love Hearts

I'm hoping to get some more love themed items in my store soon and maybe even some freebies to go here on my Blog too! So keep an eye out if you fancy some romance in your lives!

Edge

Here is my entry for this weeks Illustration Friday topic 'Edge'.

I've not had time to create something new this week, so I've cheated a bit and dug out this old illustration featuring a man hanging off the edge of a crescent moon.