Let's frame it!

Keeping with the same theme of 'paper-craft', these are another gift idea of mine. The frames are light-weight MDF, and decorated in much the same way as the letters.

Handmade Cards for any Occasion!

Card-making has always been a hobby of mine since I was a child. My Mother always encouraged us to write thank-you letters or make our own cards as she believes they mean so much more than the bought variety. Hand made cards show you really care because of the time and thought spent on each and every one. I've tried to instill this in my own kids and we often have 'card-making' days when the Irish weather is at its worst! They really enjoy it and it's an amazingly creative way to eat-up the hours.

What's in a Name?

Well the school holidays are here and I'm finding my time completely absorbed with activities with the kids and keeping on top of my garden and greenhouse. My talented husband has been occupied every weekend since May, building a tree-house for the kids - it looks amazing and is very nearly ready for me to add the finishing, girly touches. Given the shortage of hours in the day I've felt it necessary to extend the deadline for the completion of my second book to October, or my sanity would be in tatters!
I've thoroughly enjoyed each of the eleven illustrations I've completed so far, but have been hesitant to start on the last nine as they are all night-time scenes - something I have absolutely no experience doing. I guess the only thing for it is to take the plunge, and see what happens!

I've had a few artistic deviations (to take my mind off the remaining illustrations) in the form of personalized 'frames'.

 I first tried my hand at these when I was decorating the nursery for my first child. We knew we were having a girl, and had chosen a name, so I bought Wooden letters and decided to decorate them for a shelf in her nursery. I had found a fabulous art/craft shop near where we lived, and I was like a kid in a sweet shop! I had already collected quite a stockpile of decorative papers via the internet, and I have a few friends and family members ardently collecting used wrapping paper, cards and gift bags for me to recycle. It's an all-absorbing creative out-let, and one I love. So simple too!

What people are saying about ' The Adventures of Gertie '

" The Adventures of Gertie was one of the most endearing, creative and fun children's books that I've read in a long time. It is full of adorable, playful and wonderful illustrations (also done by the author). My four year old loved it. I plan on taking it into his preschool class so the teacher can read it to all of the children and they can also enjoy it. " (goodreads.com)

" A charming kids story full of bright colors and rhyming words. Easy to understand and with "situations" that kids would actually relate to and find themselves in. I cannot wait to show this to my nieces and I'm sure it will quickly become one their favorites." (goodreads.com)

New Year, New Plans

Well Happy New Year to you all! I woke this morning to two very exuberant children, one very sore head, and the realization that I had not won the lottery last night! Having recovered somewhat after a delicious breakfast and coffee you could stand a spoon in, I decided to start the year as I mean to continue - productive and creative!
I'll be sitting down later to set-out and prioritize my projects for the first 6 months of the year. I dare-say it shall be a very long list and the challenge will be to stick to the plan, the pleasure will be in the of ticking boxes (my most favourite thing to do!).
I recall I've verbally agreed to two painting commissions - one for auction for a charity fundraiser and two for prizes at a club event. I believe both coercion and alcohol were used in the negotiations, and shamefully my ego succumbed to both. Getting these particular projects completed in January will be important to me as I'm itching to get started on illustrations for my second book, my most anticipated project of this year.
So today may be a hang-over induced write-off (a good run would surely sort that out? Or not.) But my plans are clear and my eagerness growing.  

The Advenures of Gertie

This is my first foray into childrens literature/illustration, inspired by my two book-loving children. Introducing "Gertie"! The little girl who lives for adventure and fun. Come and join her, on four exciting trips into Gertie's world. Rhyming words and vibrant colourful illustrations will have even the littlest "would-be-readers" enraptured.
Even the youngest children love to know that they can do the things that other kids can do. These stories show young children how a little girl, named Gertie, can do many things. It is an encouragement to young children to do the same things. Helping in the kitchen, a trip to the seaside, playing in the garden, interacting with the world around them. The illustrations will have your youngsters moving and discovering in no time. This book brings to life stories that will help open your children’s eyes to the beauty in the world around them. Sharing it will be something to treasure, watching as they learn and discover the world will be what you get out of these endearing tales. The stories will be easy for them to memorize and repeat along with you, full of humor and silliness, the easy rhyming phrases and the poetic verse make it simple to remember and perfectly capture the atmosphere of the stories. Your children will think they are reading which will encourage them to read more.

The book includes four exciting trips into Gertie's world:

Dirty Gertie from number 30 - A little girl who likes to get dirty. Outdoors is where she loves to be whatever the weather.

Coming Soon!!