I'm rubbish at blogging

How have I managed to not write anything new on here for over a month? Oh well, guess that means I've been busy. I got a big box order from a lovely lady in the USA and at the same time got called in to work to help make 50 little critters out of Fimo. Timing!

Managed to get it all done though and I'm really pleased that she wanted 5 different coloured boxes because they look fab together.

The printed paper is proving a hit - had two more custom box orders already and sold a frame. I think these will look really good on the craft fair stall too.

Gone Tunnelling

I was just getting into my printing flow last week when I got called into work. Not that I'm complaining, it's fun work and it's nice to earn money, but I felt like I'd only just got going and had to stop again.

It was a build for an animated CD promo. They needed a faked perspective tunnel and this is what we came up with.

View of the unfinished inside.

Anyway after playing with cardboard again for a few days I've finally got back to my printing. I've been trying out some new colours and getting more big sheets done ready to cover more frames and hopefully some little boxes by the end of the week. I ran out of room to finish printing this piece! I really do need a bigger house!

Nanny Pattern

I've actually been productive today - makes a change! I got all my photos taken of my new cards and made a new frame. Two sets of cards are already on etsy and the others plus the frame will be up by the end of the week.

As you may have noticed this pattern I carefully carved out of lino for 3 days and am now printing with has been on our website since the very beginning. It's even our avatar picture.
It was the first pattern I came up with for Storeyshop and was inspired by the inside cover of a cookery book that belonged to my Nan. So it's called 'Nanny', well at least to me. I did think about calling it that on etsy but it doesn't have a very glamorous ring to it! Most people who name things on etsy seem to give them very evocative, beautiful names and 'Nanny' doesn't really fit in with that! I guess if it becomes popular then maybe I'll start calling it that anyway - there is a reason at least!

Stationery Central

I've been waiting for ink to dry today - I haven't been watching it though : ) Since I couldn't take any pictures of my new cards and get them up on etsy I thought I'd crack on with some stationery. I've done compliment slips, business cards for me and Hel and little tags to go on the packages we send out. A little bit rough round the edges but I reckon that's what makes them so nice!

I had another great find at my Grammy's house today too - look at this little beauty! I've no idea what I need a typewriter for but I'm sure I can find a use for it. It's just too lovely to be left in a cupboard - the top is even green - my fave colour!

Photos!

So why is it that colours never look right in photographs? I've tried lots of things but this is the closest I can get to the real colours of my new card sets and I had to take it on my windowsill. Not exactly an etsy friendly picture!
The card on the right is actually a lovely magenta colour called amethyst - imagine a rich purpley/pink. The card on the left is a bright but deep tealy green.


Close up of the printed pattern - the watercolour paper gives the print a nice texture. It does mean I have to push on the back of the linocut with a spoon for ages though! So glamorous!

The linocut - yes it took me nearly 3 days to cut this out so I hope it doesn't start cracking too soon. I love the pattern but don't think I can put myself through cutting out another one the same. Guess that means all these prints are limited edition!

Production line

I've been trying to get a printing production line going - I managed to cut out our logo and cut up some paper and got myself all sorted with an inking area and a printing area and a drying area but then I ran out of room. My dining room table just isn't big enough! The logo looks good though and the four cards I managed to get done look quite professional too. 4 a day isn't a good hit rate though is it, I shall have to speed up a tad - or find myself a free workforce from somewhere!

Finished!!

It took me two days but I think it's been worth it. Couldn't resist a trial run and even using acrylic paint mixed with printing medium rather than proper printing ink I think it looks pretty lovely! Getting the registration right is tricky but I think the variety adds to its charm!
Now - what to do with it.... The red would have been good for valentines cards but I'm a little late for that. Maybe some subtler shades for Mothers day.... : )