yippeeeeee....

....so excited to discover that one of my patterns was featured on Rachael Taylor's blog, my funny 'kooky-zu kids' print yay! Thanks so much Rachael!

http://rachaeltaylordesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/module-1-june-showcase-part-4.html

I really love drawing funny little birds and was up last night drawing these, they are patiently waiting to be put into a little print :)

birthdays, colds and craziness!

I haven't meant to neglect my little blog for so many days-it was a crazy week!
My Dad turned 70 yesterday. I still can't believe it. So there was a party, family and friends visiting, it was lovely.

To the kindest man I have ever known, you have always been there for me and believed in me. Happy Birthday Dad!

Harry and I have also had the normal wintry colds, so I will blame that too on my inactive blogging :( but on the mend and looking forward to jumping into Module 2 of the amazing course I am doing (which I have mentioned earlier), the Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design. Yippee! It started yesterday and am so looking forward to being inspired and excited by Rachael, Beth and all my amazing and talented classmates!

a little bigger...

...still getting the hang of this blogging world, so bear with me :) ...here is a bigger piccy of my scenic wallpaper...i think...

a funny little world...

I was intending to post this up last night, however, I turned on my computer, scanner, heater (in my studio) and then the kettle (needed that cup of tea!) then everything went out! Thankfully the ceiling lights didn't. But all the power point outlets were out! Hmmmm, do love vintage, and have a lot of it in my life, but maybe not so keen on vintage electrical wiring! I told you it was a 'nanna house.' Will have to modernise that I think....

Anyway, all good now, obviously.
Have been having so much fun this week with my little kooky-zu 'friends'. Have been creating 'scenes' and some wallpaper for kids' rooms. Having fun with them...here's a peek into this funny little world.....

A home of patterns...

We moved into the home we are in, this February. I love it. I call it the 'nanna house.' It has decorative ceilings, 1940's style light fittings...and lots and lots of patterns! I am in 'pattern heaven' and it was one of my favourite things about the house. The cupboards are lined with 50's / 60's style prints, there are funny little shelves topped with printed lino (I think dating from the '60's), and of course good old lino in the kitchen. Most people would cringe, but I love it. Each pattern is really inspiring: for their styles and colours. Here are some...

Thanks Rachael & Beth!

I am currently doing the most amazing e-course called: The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design. This course is run by 2 inspiring women: Rachael Taylor and Beth Nicholls. Their passion and their generosity is wonderful. I am loving every minute of it! They have truly inspired me to find my creative voice again. I feel sooo excited after only the first module. Can't wait for Module 2! Thank you so much Rachael and Beth!

This was my pattern I submitted for our Pattern Showcase.

Welcome.......and yay!

Hello and welcome to my very first kooky-zu post!
This is very exciting for me. You see, I have had this funny little name in my head (and creative ideas about it), for some time now, but life 'stuff' had kept me occupied and overwhelmed at times and I went on ignoring it. Until the urge just got so strong and the voice in my head so loud that I couldn't ignore it any longer.
All I know is, that when I am drawing these funny little characters, I feel centred and calm.....without really thinking, they appear on the page...I think they have been waiting to be born for a while. I think I had to be still enough for them to come out.

This quote by Carl Jung sums up how I feel perfectly.....

I have been very fortunate in my work life to have travelled and lived overseas as a graphic/pattern designer but now I am most excited to see what journey kooky-zu will take me on......all I know is I am glad I am here. It feels right and it feels happy...and that's got to be a good thing! :)