An Anniversary Commission

Here's a lovely commission I was asked to work on recently. Alex, Libby and Harry the dog!

I was super happy to be asked to do this by Libby, as I've known both her and Alex for a while - and it meant a lot to me to be able to do something to help them celebrate their first anniversary as a couple. It was also lovely to draw Harry, as he was a very good dog, whom I had the pleasure of meeting several times.



Bonus picture of me a good few years back, petting Harry:


I really enjoy creating pieces like these - there's nothing better than taking a load of reference, ideas, little personal ideas.. and crafting them into a final piece. Also, I love drawing good dogs! 

If you're reading this thinking it's something you'd love too, please don't hesitate to get in touch using the contact link at the top of the page. 

Dr. Kitty

This is definitely a contender for the my most favourite piece to create ever! It was commissioned as gift for the subject, Kitty. I was asked if I could draw her as a mermaid, but also told that she wants to be a doctor, and asked if it would be possible to combine those things. Of course it would! I loved the whimsy of the mermaid and underwater scene, mixed with the aspirations of such a cool young lady. 



It was such a fun commission to work on - I spent lots of time looking at underwater creatures, and thinking what kind of books a mermaid doctor might be reading for her work. I loved drawing her hair and the shells and decorations.
It was challenging to work with 'traditional' art supplies. I inked and coloured by hand, which after working almost exclusively digitally on previous commissions and my own work, was a bit of a shock. There's no margin for error, so I did have a few scrunched up first attempts at this one!

 As always, I'm available to work on more pieces like this, just get in touch using the contact link at the top of the page! And please leave a comment if you enjoy my posts, it's always nice to get some feedback! 

Twin Mermaids & Hoops.

Here's a little update on some pieces I've made recently! While I have been focused on commissions and applying for new jobs, I've still been finding time to do some of my personal work.. which then kind of led to more commissioned pieces! 

Sewing allows me to switch off and really relax in the evening or on a day off. Maybe it's the repetitive action of sewing, as I find the same thing with weaving or cutting lino. Once the piece is sketched and the parts cut out I can kind of zone out during the making. 


The pair of mermaids above are the first one I ever made (on the right), and then an encore of that one, as I wanted to send a 'twin' to a lovely friend as part of a craft exchange. (She sent me the most amazing Gamegirl cross-stitch in return. If you spy on my Instagram I posted a picture of the whole wonderful parcel!)


The pair of mermaids in hoops, pictured above as works in progress, and below as finished pieces, are the most recent mermaids I've made. I started the pink one as an experiment, but then I was asked to make another as a pair of commissions, and both went off to new homes this week. I think these work well as hoop pieces. If you'd like one please use the contact link at the top of my blog to get in touch about commissions!


Below are some shell brooches I made this week. I had the idea to make some smaller and simpler pieces to offer for sale in my store. They'll be going up on my Etsy soon!
I'm really glad I splashed out on the glitter fabric and metallic faux leather - they're both super fun to work with, and I love how shiny everything is!


I'm hoping to share a few of the commissioned illustrations I've been working on soon. Other than that I'm holding a little competition on my facebook. There's an original illustration up for grabs, visit my page to find out more.