Lino Printmaking: A Newcastle Printmaker’s Blog
A Handmade Christmas with a Personal Touch: Teal and Copper for 2023
It’s that time of year again - time for the new Christmas collection.
This time I’ve gone for a gorgeous jewel green with copper print and edging.They’re classy and understated - classics that will last you years and years.
Made from a 10cm plywood base, hand painted and handprinted then finished with twine, these beautiful ornaments are hardwearing and beautiful - perfect for homes with children or pets (Last year one of my customers’ trees was knocked over by their dog and the ornaments were completely unscathed - the tree was a little worse for wear though!).
The New Collection of Abstract Wave Layered Lino Prints in Seasonal Hues
Step into a world where the beauty of Tynemouth Longsands and Whitley Bay Beach comes alive through art, where wavy lines and seasonal colours converge to create captivating and timeless Lino prints. I am thrilled to introduce my latest collection of limited edition Lino prints, inspired by the ever-changing seasons and the rhythmic patterns of the North Sea.
How to Dress A Gorgeous Christmas Tree for the 2022 Festive Period
Decorating the Christmas tree is when I get fully into the Christmas spirit. There have been years when I’ve felt so drained and fed up with work that my husband had bought the tree early because it totally changes me!
Without fail, I always follow the same pattern when decorating the tree (whether it’s the family tree or the one I dress for my launch photos). They are:
Level the tree
Lights
Ornaments
Topper
Introducing the Ultimate Christmas Range
I am so excited to show you my new Christmas range because I know you’re going to love it and it will fit so well with your existing ornaments collection.
It’s clean and luxurious with a combination of white and copper!
Choosing Colour Combinations for Your Home That Will Positively Affect Your Mood on a Daily Basis
Your environment has a huge impact on your day to day mood. If your home is a mess or falling apart then that has psychological implications. They say ‘tidy space, tidy mind.’ Well I am hopeless with house keeping. I love a good clear out but I have a child and two jobs so yes my house is messy and I’m no Mrs Hinch (I’ve only just learned who she is).
So how do I make my home a feel good space? I add colour.
5 Reasons to Buy Original Artwork
When buying things for our homes, budget plays a huge part. Prioritising what to spend money on is a fine balancing act and you need to make sure you are getting the most from your hard earned wages.
Artwork may seem like a frivolous investment but actually it could be more important in your home than you think.
My husband and I invested in original artworks before I worked professionally as and artist and i’m glad I did for the following 5 reasons:
colour
dopamine
atmosphere
durability
detail
The Ultimate Art Lover’s Wedding Gift List - How to get the gifts that you want
You’ve been living together for a while and you already have the perfect toaster (4 slice and it works) and you’re looking for a wedding gift list with a difference. Does this sound like you? Then you’re in the right place.
When you create a wedding list with me, you reserve your favourite limited edition linocut prints or a bespoke commission slot and your wonderful guests club together to buy them. The end result is that you end up with stunning artwork in your home to remind you of your fabulous guests for years to come. Perfect!
How to Commission a Piece of Bespoke Art
A commission, in the art world, is where you employ an artist whose work you love to create you a piece of uniques artwork to your own specifications. It’s an exciting process and results in something totally bespoke that you’ll love for years to come.
I would always say to go with your gut. Who’s artwork do you love? If its someone that you keep coming back to and artwork that you always feel good around then that’s the one!
Dressing The Perfect Christmas Tree
When we had our first flat, all that we could fit in was a short slim line tree from Wilkos. Despite its size, it was perfect for us and it’s still going to this day. It’s the munchkin’s tree (she takes great pride in decorating it) and I use it for all my Christmas lifestyle shoots. So far, it has lasted 13 years and it’s still going strong.
A Guide to Buying Art - The Customer
I’ve known Louisa for a long time and she has been a supporter of my art business from the very beginning. She knows my style and has seen it develop over the last few years. Mum of two gorgeous children and two very well behaved and loving dogs, Louisa lives a busy life juggling family and business as cofounder of The Dog Log with her husband Nathan. She cares about supporting local business, taking care of the environment (and dogs in particular) and living an ethical life.
A Guide To Buying Art - The Interiors Blogger's Tips
This month is a continuation of the Guide To Buying Art but from the perspective of the wonderful Imani - Interiors blogger and colour enthusiast. I first encountered Imani on Instagram and instantly fell in love with her passion for colour and unusual approach to home decor.
A Guide To Buying Art - The Gallery Manager's Tips
In a bid to help you all find that perfect piece of artwork, I’ve been chatting to some people in the know. First up is Trevor Read, Manager at The Aviary in Jesmond, Newcastle.
I came across The Aviary Gallery by accident. My favourite cafe is on Brentwood Avenue and I’d just enjoyed tea and cake there with my husband on a rare day without our child when we walked past The Aviary. It’s always exciting to find a new gallery so we popped in. As it happens we were in there for quite a while, totally absorbed by the art and the decor (you can pretty much buy it all!). The girl on the desk was friendly and we got chatting about my studio. This eventually turned into me making an appointment with the wonderful Trevor Read.
Show Your Home Some Love
Many of us are spending a LOT more time in our homes than we were this time last year so it’s important that it’s a place that we love being in. I must admit that we decorated our home in a rush before our child was born and haven’t really touched it since. There are definitely things I want to change. How about you?
Change Can be Good…One really simple way to make a change is to fill your home with art that makes you smile. So what is your thing? Is it colour, nature, monochrome, metallics? Funnily enough I have something to satisfy each and every one of those desires.
Christmas Gift Guide 2020
This year more than ever before we are watching the budget. Many of you, like me, have pledged to support independent businesses this Christmas. Showing you care for someone isn’t about how much you spend - it’s about taking the time to choose something with that person in mind.
I Love my Customers
I had other ideas for my blog this month but, after holding a competition for my customers and getting such a great response, I had to write about them.
My fab customers had to take a photo of their favourite buys and tag me in them for a chance to win a full set of hand printed notebooks.
Something a Little Special
Buying from the high street is great if you want something cheap and disposable, however, if you want something that much more special then independents is where you need to be. Shopping with a small business comes with that personal touch.
If you like my style but want something bespoke – great! Just get in touch.
In this month’s blog, I’ll be talking you through some of the recent commissions that I have been working on.
Summer Art Vibes!
I don’t know about you, but a bit of sunshine has done me the world of good recently. It’s amazing the difference that some extra vitamin D can make.
I, like me, a colour injection can give you a big boost then these prints and gifts are just what you need. There’s flora and fauna in abundance. Here are a few of my favourites to bring summer to your home whatever the weather.
New Print in the Making
Without doubt, the print that gets the most comments online and at markets is my baby penguin. He’s very cute and there are some great little details to discover.
Well I thought it was time to make him a companion so I’ve been busy sketching, carving and testing until I get it right. Here are a few process pics to whet your appetite…