My latest collage inspired by Jane Austin’s book “Emma” a story set in Regency England.

Emma Woodhouse, is a young, beautiful, witty, and privileged woman, who loves to meddle in matchmaking.

Available for purchase from Cafe Baudelaire and as a greeting card from Mulberry Muse

For Jane Austin fans living in New York from March the 14th at The Morgan Library, an exhibition of the extraordinary life and work of Jane Austin will be on view.

I do not often get time to play with my pencils and paints, digital collage seems to consume my days.

I did however take some time to play yesterday and drew a little bunny rabbit on a heart shaped paper doilie.

I have listed it for sale in Cafe Baudelaire , a little unusual collectors piece :)

I love to find old treasures among  my possessions that were long forgotten.

I came across an old engraving from the village in England that I was born in. A little place called Eaton Socon, I am even listed on the school register along with my parents and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins, at the old village school.

If you would like to know more about Eaton Socon

I also found a lovely old sepia photograph of my Mother and I.

I look a little grumpy:(

This is a picture of myself many years later digitally collaged into one of French Kissed lovely postcards

An indulgent surreal Marie Antoinette, my most recent collage  in the “Tea” collection.

Available in Cafe Baudelaire shop as a print and soon to be released invitation cards, perfect for the spring tea party.

I would never wish to venture a flight in a hot air balloon but I love the romance of the whole idea.

Inspired by a very romantic Valentines day card from my wonderful husband I have been working on a new collage featuring a vintage air  balloon.

The card will remain forever our secret!

Le Ballon from Cafe Baudelaire

I do love this!

A wonderful flight of fantasy from Allies Adornments on etsy

After another visit to the dentist today I was feeling rather black.

I had found a gorgeous french vintage music sheet earlier in the day at my favourite vintage bookshop and inspired by a recent purchase from French Kissed this was the hauntingly dark result Suite Gothique now in Cafe Baudelaire shop.

I have been asked many times to quote a design fee for blogs, web sites and business cards etc.

This is not an easy task, it would seem that most potential clients have no idea of the amount of work involved and flee at the mention of a very reasonable rate.

For example the professional design fee for a blog is usually between $1500-$3000 to get a good design.

If unique graphics are required the time involved is substantial.

I have been in the design industry for over 25 years with vast experience and I am not too happy about working for a few dollars per hour.

It is mystifying that folks will pay plumbers and electricians vast sums for half an hours work but are so reluctant to pay the humble designer.

It is also puzzling that it costs less to buy one of my beautifully designed and printed gift tags than it costs to buy a cup of coffee!

I will crawl back into my Artist’s garret…..

Attic from Warden Abbey

Bragging here I know! My very talented daughter, Tabitha Emma,  has her work featured on Dandelion Day Dreamer blog this week.

For a chance to win one of her delicious prints pop over for a visit and leave a comment:)

Bunnies and Tea in store for Easter

Hard to choose the perfect cup from Tabitha Emma

I heart Cup Cakes from Tabitha Emma

I was excited to read so many lovely comments for the Aceo giveaway so I decided to give away not one aceo but two!

The draw for the winner has taken place , I had all the entry names written onto pieces of paper and put them into a little jug.

The two winners are Kelly Robinson and Nicky Paelini !!!!! An email is on its way to you two lovely ladies:)

Thank  you so much to everyone who participated:)

It took me a while to start blogging as I found it all a bit daunting and I had no real desire to share my life with the world.

However it does not have to be that way and I have found some incredible blogs and made some fabulous friends.

This post from grrrl+dog expresses many of my own thoughts about some blogs in a wonderfully funny way…

“The 10 things I hate about Blogs” Post

This image is available as tags cards and prints from my etsy shops