Janet Bell

time flies

2011-11-03T14:11:00.006Z

A few things I've been doing since February.......

New fabric designs

Llandudno (with people)

Rafferty

Llanddwyn Cottages

I won't be updating this very much anymore but you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Raffy

2011-02-27T13:05:00.002Z

We are still here.... time just flies.....Raffy is 9 1/2 weeks old now and such a joy. He smiles for hours after waking in the morning and while I top and tail him, we dance to the Jungle book and it seems like he tries to sing along. Then we have the golden hour about 9 at night before the last feed and sleep for 10pm Sleep is getting better, slowly, he slept for 6 whole hours straight last night but I'm not counting my chickens just yet. I adore him, my little treasure.

One day I will start to paint again, but for now I am just enjoying being his Mummy xxx

hello world

2010-12-31T13:44:00.002Z

Happy new year friends xxxx

A star is born

2010-12-27T13:03:00.002Z

He is here....Rafferty Joseph McArdell, 7lb 15 1/2 oz was born at 2.15 on 23rd December and brought home on Christmas day. He is perfect, we are all doing well and enjoying every single second......

Happy, happy Christmas xxxx

Magical........

2010-12-22T17:28:00.002Z

I have been housebound since last Thursday but made it out today. This is our back garden and I think it looks gorgeous (click to enlarge). Do you remember sitting here in the Summer Kelly?

Lots of love to all my readers and thanks for hanging in there with us this year. Warmest wishes this Christmas, hope its magic! xxx

Huuuggee hello

2010-12-16T10:42:00.007Z

For such a long time now I have wanted to blog about a very special friend and talented jeweller, Kriket Broadhurst.

She lives just around the corner from me here in Beaumaris and she landed here not long after I opened the gallery.

She makes and fires her own ceramic beads which I find fascinating and love going into her studio to see and play with her latest firings and wonder what beautiful creations she will turn them into. Her work has always been incredibly popular in our gallery as it suits young and old. I am a big fan of her new all silver collections, they look great on, dressed up or down, and are very affordable. So take a closer look here and here.

She also has a very lovely blog with some interesting tips for jewellers, and an etsy shop. The pieces below are all on our website.

I am just about hanging in there..... counting down the days, watching favorite films, baking, going to Christmas parties, wrapping presents, waddling down the road for coffee and cake with friends, loving The Apprentice, organising rotas for January, trying to write a staff/work manual for new staff, trying to tear myself away from the gallery and let hubby take control, spending way too much money online because of boredom, packing bags, still loving every kick.....but not every wriggle down as head is engaging, realising I can sleep better without a million cushions surrounding me making me sweat, making wreaths for the front door, struggling to decide on a name, only 6 sleeps to go!

Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, and just in case I don't make it back before, wishing all you gorgeous lovely readers a very merry Christmas xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Betty Flo got married

2010-11-23T11:28:00.006Z

Well ladies....friends. Thank you thank you thank you, each and every one for leaving such heart felt comments. It made me realise I had definitely done the right thing in sharing our news. Hubby and I have read them over and over again as it really warms my heart.

I didn't mean for it to be so long between posts but we have all had a horrible bug which found me in hospital overnight as so dehydrated. Hubby then got it, then Mum and it was a nasty one. I had to stay away from hubby for a few days while he mended but we are all good now. It seems most of our town had it too. But we had a very positive experience in hospital and met the most wonderful consultant who I have been waiting and longing to meet which has given me a new found confidence for our forthcoming arrival.

I just wanted to share some photos of Betty Flo's first wedding. We had a wedding list at the gallery a few weeks back and as the lovely couple are surfers I thought they might like to use Betty Flo as the wedding car. Along with a beautiful white VW beetle it made quite a lovely convoy. Since then I have had 2 requests to use her next year so we shall see.

This Saturday she is coming out of storage again as we have a Victorian themed event in town with a Christmassy feel too.You may remember we have it every year in Beaumaris where the town dresses up in Victorian costume, there are processions, choirs, punch and judy, craft fairs, an antique fair, fairground rides, apple bobbing, snow machines and much more. This year we are doing face painting in Betty Flo parked up outside the gallery.....could be fun. I will try to remember to take photos. If you are over our way its definitely worth a visit. We serve mulled wine and stollen all day, its a lovely way to get in the mood for Christmas. If you're not already.

I have a freshly baked carrot cake waiting to be eaten that is pulling me away, and I have to leave some things to say in my next anyway. I swear by this recipe, tried and tested many times. Its so big though that I have to do the rounds to neighbours and friends with a slice while it is fresh and at its best. It's from the wonderful Falling Cloudberries book and everyone LOVES it.

Carrot Cake recipe:

4 eggs, lightly beaten

250g caster sugar

185ml sunflower oil

300g plain flour

3/4 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp ground cinnamon

400g carrots, peeled and grated

55g chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting:

180g butter, softened

250g icing sugar

180g cream cheese

3 drops vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 180oC/350oF/Gas4. Grease and flour a 24 cm springform tin or bundt pan. Whisk eggs and sugar until creamy, then whisk in the oil. Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon. Add this to the eggs and whisk. Add the carrots and walnuts and mix together. Scrape into tin and bake for an hour.

Once the cake has cooled; For the icing whip the butter and icing sugar together until its stiff. Beat in the cream cheese and vanilla. Spread over the cake. And decorate with walnut halves.

Its the best I have ever tasted. I could happily sink my head into the bowl of topping its so good.

What a pretty sight, hope all is well with you lovely lot, I am also about to plan our Christmas windows to do tomorrow so bye for now.

bumpity bump

2010-11-06T10:53:00.004Z

Well Hello all, or anyone at all?....who knows if anyone still checks into this space anymore.

I wouldn't blame you one little bit. Bloggers are no fun when they're not consistent are they? Well I don't know, it lifts my heart when I suddenly find someone has blogged again after a long absence and I understand that lives have to be lived, people have a LOT going on. I saw a good friend yesterday who reminded me I'd not blogged since June and I had a long think about and decided its about time I share (thanks Ali x)

Well, to explain my long absence, I have been looking after and nurturing a very large belly filled with a very wriggly and blooming baby. Yes, I am 7 1/2 months pregnant and due to give us all a wonderful Christmas present this year.

I have been frightened to write it here for so many reasons but I have come to the conclusion that it is something to rejoice in, celebrate and share with people who I know care a great deal and can send us as many well wishes and thoughts and prayers.

I kept it quiet from as many people as possible until it was so obvious that I hadn't just been indulging on cake and fish and chips all Summer.

The gallery fortunately just goes from strength to strength and was incredibly busy this Summer keeping me focused and occupied. I have one final commission to do pre baby and am starting to wind down.

Its been a rollercoaster of emotions and a long long pregnancy but I can see the end in sight. Fear is my main enemy and positivity the one I need to be best friends with.

We have been looked after and have a plan and I am as confident as any woman can be that I will be holding my beautiful baby by Christmas Day.

It is quite poignant that my due date is exactly 1 year and 9 months after the birth of our little girl last year. We have brought that date forward slightly but still, it seems quite fated to me.

I need and want to celebrate every single kick I get and every last day I have until they arrive.

So for now that's all I feel I can say, I've come out of hiding and feel good about it.

I am just about to go and move Betty Flo (our camper van) to a good spot overlooking the sea where the firework display will take place this evening. We are going to bring flasks of hot chocolate and mulled wine down there so if you happen to be in the vicinity do come and say hello. We can offer you a warm drink. x

Thanks for listening, if you are still there, do leave a comment, just so I know it's worth me popping back.xxx

Lovely Lavender

2010-06-02T16:24:00.002Z

On Friday we went to Chelsea flower show, it was hot, busy but pretty amazing. Above is the Provence garden which I had seen on telly during the week and was dying to see. There were at least 3 people deep trying to see each garden though so we didn't stay as long as we thought. I am almost embarrassed to say we travelled there on the Orient express. It was a surprise birthday treat from hubby. The food and service was pretty special and the grandeur of it all.
Then back to open the gallery for a very very busy weekend. And the highlight of my weekend was meeting a fellow blogger....in.....the.......flesh. And what a pretty darn special little family they were to meet. They were on their way to Ireland and took a slight detour to come and see us. We sat in our garden under a parasol, drinking beer and getting to know one another in the Sun. I felt like we had known them for years. Thanks for stopping by Kelly, we must do it again soon. Thanks for sharing your wee one too.

Today is glorious, and I am itching to get out there and enjoy the sun but we are struggling to close the doors today.
As much as I would like to I just can't turn away a lovely customer.
Hope everyone is sipping Pimms this evening
xxx

Poppy's puddle

2010-05-19T11:02:00.002Z

I asked the wonderful Mandy at Belle and Boo to create an image in memory of our daughter. It is called Poppy's puddle.

Mandy is the most amazing person and artist, she has lifted my heart like I couldn't describe. Her blog is a favourite of many.

It makes me happy, it makes me sad, but it is beyond perfect. When I was small I was often found in a puddle just after my Mum had dressed me in a pretty little dress, so I would have taught her to splash till her little hearts content.

The prints are available in the Belle and boo shop, here and here.

I find great comfort knowing this image will adorn little girls and boys bedrooms across the land.

Thank you Mandy, and thank you Poppy xxxxx

Polperro

2010-04-29T10:56:00.005Z

I just finished this commission of Polperro in Cornwall for a lovely couple.

Polperro is one of the strangest, most delightful places I have ever been to in Cornwall. It had an almost magical feel to it, I can't describe it. Its made up of higgledy piggledy houses which of course I love but it seems such a creative little hub. It seems like the locals really really care about their village. There are no big corporate companies there so far, and that the way they like it.

This photo made me smile, lovely hubby was taking photos of our new placemats to go on the website but if you look closer you can see his funny little feet in the picture. I say funny little feet because I always tell him his toes are so straight you could use them instead of a spirit level.

Then someone recently told him he had the most perfect feet they had ever seen. DOH!!!! Oh, he LOVED that!!!

If you happen to be in Brighton, I have some originals and prints in the Yellow house Art open house as part of the Brighton festival. Over 243 venues are showing the work of over 1000 artists, amazing. Just wish I could go down to see some great art and craft.

Hoping for good weather this bank holiday weekend. Have a great one.....x

VW heaven

2010-04-09T14:05:00.006Z

I promised colour....here it is.

We bought her on Boxing day, in the snow. She is 31 years old, likes the sunshine and her name is Betty Flo. She is a beauty is she not????

We had our first real outing in her yesterday. Of course, she broke down, on the top of a mountain in Waunfawr looking out over the Llyn Peninsula, Caernarfon castle, The rivals and even out to Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey, so who cares. Its exactly where I would have chosen to stop to admire the view. Just not necessarily blocking a single track lane miles from civilisation....whoops. But after some good advice on bump starting while in 2nd gear rolling down the hill she decided to have a go again. We got so many waves, thumbs up and beeps it was so exciting. We stalled....ooohhhh, about 40 times on most junctions and roundabouts, and when you have your name plastered on the side its not perhaps the best, but smile politely and 99% of the time people will cheer you on. Only one irate, impatient lady gave us a not so friendly hoot.

My shoulders are aching, a small blister on my left hand but I got out at the end of the day and can honestly say it was one of the best days of my life. So there you go, some colour is back.

(Looking out to sea over to Snowdonia)

She is parked up on the Green in Beaumaris, overlooking the sea and mountains. I have had morning coffee sat in her twice this week, a staff meeting and if it is nice tonight I might just treat the hubby to fish and chips and a game of cards.

All is good xxx

(Anna and Kriket)

2010-03-10T19:31:00.004Z

For those that are still there and reading and being patient with me thank you. Thank you for so many well wishes, and concerns, we are ok...ish. I want to write, I try believe me, and then I delete...and delete again. I feel positive and alive some days, most days even, I can smile, and laugh, and enjoy life, but there are still a lot of tears and sadness.

I feel awkward, this blog used to be filled with joy and colour, becaue thats what my life was, and then it was turned upside down, and turned black for a while, and i don't really know what this blog should be anymore. I have drafted so many posts and prssed delete time and time again. I don't know what to say, how much to share.

That's it really, so take tiny steps with me, and we can perhaps find our space in a colourful world again.

Of course life has to go on, and it has but there is always a Christmas, and a Mothers day and birthdays to get through.

This month is becoming a bit more dificult, its the month she was born and it sometimes feels like yesterday, it would have been my dear little sweet Poppy's 1st birthday. It should have been such a celebration, we will celebrate, and buy her flowers and mourn, and send a balloon up for her. We should have been baking cakes and buying tutu's.

The bright blue skies of the last few weeks help, I walk a lot more now than I ever did, and breathe in fresh air, and look again, and delight at the snowdrops carpeting the forest behind us and wish she was with me so much. But I feel lucky to be alive, and experience another Spring, it is a beautiful month....full of hope, and I feel alive but still I miss her desperately. I am fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country, surrounded by sea and Mountains, and every day I gasp at the beautiful light over the sea and the changing view. I have a job I love, a gallery that I can stock full of beautiful pieces of jewellery, ceramics, art and crafts. I have a husband who loves me unconditionally and is my absolute soulmate. I have a lot.

Poppy was a clever little thing, she has taught me about love. Deep, deep love.

The pain in my heart is incredible it physically hurts but I can also sometimes now think of her and smile through the tears, because she has taught me to love and appreciate life. My beautiful, clever little girl xxxx

A little hello

2009-11-23T12:01:00.003Z

Hello

I have been overwhelmed by the well wishes and touching comments that have been made regarding my previous post. Just thank you so much for taking the time to write a few words. I have read them all over and over again, and they have helped me, particular thanks to Shropshire Suz and Kari......touched me deep inside. We are on the mend, tiny steps though but life is returning to some kind of normal.

Things making me happy this week

1. Bowls of beautiful buttons sitting on the counter in the gallery (above)

2. A weekend spent with friends and lots of smiles and laughter

3. Chicken broth

4. Evenings spent on the sofa snuggling with hubby

5. Planning a trip to Paris next week (an early Christmas present)

6. Painting again!!!!!

Lots and lots of love to each and every person who reads this little old blog of mine. xxx

2009-10-19T08:55:00.003Z

This is going to be very very difficult. I have drafted this post many many times and couldn't bring myself to post it. I feel I owe an explanation for my complete absence. Our little girl Poppy was born on 30th March on her due date but devastatingly only brightened this world for 7 short hours. She was simply beautiful. She died of an infection quite unexpectedly. A complete shock to all. Words cannot possibly describe the last six months so I am not even going to try. What I can say is that we are finally seeing light at the end of a dark tunnel and finding simple pleasures in life again. I am not going to say anymore as tears are flowing and this is very hard. Maybe I will be back here one day, but right now we still need the comfort, safety and continual support of our most amazing family and friends who have been just incredible and got us through this past six months.

With love xx

2009-03-06T10:59:00.003Z

It surpisingly snowed here on Wednesday night, so we jumped in the car at 5pm and headed into the heart of Snowdonia....beautiful and unexpected. I feel very lucky to live by the sea but be 25 minutes from stunning mountains. You must visit sometime. x

Mussels for dinner

2009-03-03T16:37:00.003Z

New painting and original available to buy in the gallery 30x30 inches.
Not liking this miserable weather all of a sudden!!!

p.s thanks for the sewing machine advice, I bought a simple Janome one, think it will do the job, looking forward to getting started

I'm a mug

2009-02-28T16:46:00.010Z

Hello all,
So I have some mugs out, I'm kind of shy to say that my designs were picked by Dunoon to grace their mugs. I don't like to blow my own trumpet, even though its my job and I have to promote myself. I just do what I do and love my job. To think that other people like what I do enough to want to buy something fills me with absolute joy.

Anyway, back to the mugs, it all started about 6 months ago when they approached me, I was of course thrilled but couldn't quite visualise them. They have done a great job, I just wanted to point out that the bottom mug in the picture has the harbour by night scene (shown below) on one side, and the harbour by day(also shown below) when you hold the mug the other side. When the 2 images are together they create one picture.

They are fine bone china and come in a box and if anyone is interested they are available to buy here .

I did the two paintings in late 2007 as I had an idea for a childrens book in mind. The prints are here and the cards are here. They are still some of my favourites.

The place doesn't exist, only in my head, I wanted to create a harbour where lots of fun things might happen, conversations with the seagulls and the boats. It is something I am still working on, mainly in my head but would love to tackle one day. The hubby is also a very talented illustrator/animator/computer person so it would be a project we would like to do together perhaps. I think its the kind of thing I will have fun planning at those 2, 4 and 6 o clock in the morning feeding times that are fast approaching.

It is also a coincidence that the mugs come out this week as the image below also appeared here. Lucy over at Attic 24 so deserves her success this week being featured in not one but two magazines and to see they used my card with her crochet bunting was a thrill. She has a truly delightful blog that inspires many and her nature and honesty is so welcome in this blogging world. Her blog is always a riot of colour and a joy to read. We had a customer in the gallery today actually ask "have you seen Attic 24 today?" My poor husband didn't have a clue what she was talking about but then proceeded to phone me at home and asked " have you heard of Attic 24", well of course I have I replied.

So, there you go Lucy, fame in Anglesey too, people are talking about you!!!

(below is one of her delightful crochet brooches)

We share a love of colour. Although I sometimes feel I want to live in a cool calm grown up world of whites blue and greys , I am a big kid at heart and my heart leaps at bursts of colour, I guess you can probably tell from my painting.

Wow, this is one of my longest blogs to date. I am now off to search the net for a sewing machine. I want a cheapy cheap one, nothing fancy, I just want to have a play with some applique bits and bobs. Got a few little projects in mind. However I would like it to be able to do machine embroidery to. I have bought and sold and bought and sold so many sewing machines since leaving college 12 years ago which is why I don't want to spend a lot. I quite fancy this red one . I'm sure I am just being seduced by the colour and the fact it has been in tonnes of magazines recently. Any advice would be so much appreciated, if its rubbish, then tell me.
So, hope you are all having a great weekend, byeeeeee.........

Sunny Slapton

2009-02-16T17:20:00.003Z

This is the whole painting finished. Click to enlarge. It is 76x100cm. The original will be in Baxters gallery in Dartmouth next week and limited editions on my website next week too. Back soon x

People at Slapton Sands

2009-02-12T19:09:00.005Z

Part of a very large painting, 30x40 inches to be exact. This is my first attempt at people in a painting. Had lots of fun with it, making up little life stories for them in my head. Practice makes perfect! When its finished this will be available as a limited edition print. Part of my new Devon collection....coming soon! Babies in bellies having hiccups is an odd sensation! x

2009-02-07T12:51:00.004Z

We seem to be the only place in the UK without snow, every day has seemed nearer to Spring for us this week. So while bloggers all over are posting beautifully white snowy images I am going all out with colour.
My nesting instinct has completely taken over. With just seven weeks left I suddenly want to redecorate everywhere. I am not crazy enough to attempt any of this myself so painters and decorators are arriving first thing Monday morning. It all started when I found this website and had an urge to tackle the most uninspiring room in the house, the Utility room. The thing is we both have to walk through it every day to our office and studios so I would like to feel inspired by it. With the help of the amazing deckchair fabrics above and a little turquoise paint lets hope it will become a room of its own and not just a walkway. Before and after photos will follow.

The other room we are tackling is the living room. Admittedly, no surprise to you all I LOVE colour but I have always wanted one room in the house to be Swedish, French inspired. Pale greys, whites, sage, charcoal, blue etc etc. THIS is my very favourite shop and inspiration for the room. Owned by a former stylist from London, with incredible taste and style. To start with the walls are being painted grey and I am spending the rest of the day looking for a white fire surround. I am so excited to see the end result. I will share, I promise.

So thats that for today, any tips for suppliers of fire surrounds would be gratefully received.

Enjoy the rest of the snow this weekend, wish I could go sledging!!

2009-01-30T13:36:00.004Z

A few things I like today, this birdcage mobile from Couverture, it has to be one of my very favourite shops for its eclectic mix of goods that you just don't see everywhere else.

This fun cushion by famillesummerbelle. They also have some very affordable prints which could look great in kids rooms. check out their website...and blog

and this video which my hubby just skyped to me is superb!!

Happy friday.....

Delivery

2009-01-24T11:44:00.005Z

I'm sitting in the gallery this morning admiring this painting just in by Julia Ogden. It perfectly captures for me the essence of this time of year and also is nicely themed for Valentines day, nudge nudge all you husbands out there.

There are some really tiny pieces by her too. I love the characters in her work. It is something I have never tackled myself so have great repect for those that do. I have often been asked why there are no people in my paintings and I have once or twice experimented. Just recently adding a couple in a boat who commissioned the painting and then someone elses dog sitting on the beach. I was pleased with how they worked out so maybe its something I can work on a little more in the small hours of the night soon, when its just me and baby and my thoughts and a sketchbook beside me.

I still don't quite know how work and baby is going to pan out but I guess I will just take each day as it comes and see what I can squeeze in between feeds.

Thanks to the lovely Lucy this week for featuring one of my cards, which you can buy online now here. And if you are in the States, don't be afraid to ask be for shipping costs, its not going to be a lot!

And finally, another new artist into the gallery is Priscilla Jones, whose textiles pieces are delighting all. Below is one of my faves. You can browse or buy them here.T

So, this evening I am taking my Grandmother for her Christmas present to see Strictly Come dancing Live!!! She has a bit of a crush on Brendon Cole.....ewwwww!

Happy weekend all xx

Dawn

2009-01-10T14:27:00.000Z

From the end of the pier

Happy weekend all.

Mousehole at night

2009-01-09T11:10:00.002Z

Hi Jo, Happy New year! Here is the painting Mousehole at night, just finished. The sky is actually a little darker than this shows, but I had to use a flash. Hope you like! Speak to you Monday x

2009-01-08T12:38:00.003Z

Happy new year one and all...boy its cold! It looks so beautiful out there. I am especially in love with these images from the amazing Smosch. So inspiring. It has made me determined this year to invest in a good camera and actually read the instruction manual this time. And then get out and experiment. I guess I will be having some time away from work this year so want to try to learn something new. Alongside changing nappies that is.

My other favourite blog of the moment is Saipua, exquisite arrangements and colours. It makes me want to be a florist again. A childhood dream I had before wanting to be an air stewardess, then a hairdresser, then a fashion designer, then a cake decorator. I'm pleased with what I turned out to be and I will be adding the title of Mum in just 11 weeks time.

So I am having a painting frenzy for the next 8 weeks, or for as long as my back can take it and then its feet up time.
The image at the top by the way is a painting by me from 2005, quite different to where its gone of late. I am revisiting this style at the moment, an urge needing to be realised over the next few months when I get some painting time again. I find that time stops me from experimenting enough. Time is money sadly so I am going to embace the next few months and see what comes out!
Bye for now!

2008-12-24T11:06:00.002Z

A Winter Wonderland Wedding on Saturday, you just wouldn't believe the effort that had gone into the making and planning. Amy...it was magical!!
Hope you all have a magical Christmas, mine starts at 2pm today celebrating Danish style. Looking forward to the singing and dancing round the Christmas tree later tonight.
Will be back in the new year with bump news but for now I want to thank you all for all the amazing comments and well wishes. I wish I had more hours in the day to respond to each one but I sadly don't. Happy, happy Christmas xxx

nearly perfect

2008-12-14T18:36:00.004Z

Picture the scene.....a rare day off, a lazy morning with papers and my favourite breakfast of frenh bread with cheese and jam and coffee, a wrapped up walk along a rugged piece of Anglesey coastline, a stop off at the local farm shop for a nice piece of lamb and some veggies for dinner tonight, a tree to decorate and a glass of mulled wine. The making of a perfect day..... A box of presents opened and just about to be wrapped and dammit dammit dammit, no bloody sellotape!!!!! What to do?

I took the photo above on Thursday when Sean and I had a sudden urge to get in the car and find the snow on the mountains. We drove into the heart of Snowdonia and found that glass like lake above just under Snowdon and then the perfect place for a hot chocolate before driving home. And it felt like our little secret, noone knew. I love impromtu moments like that. And it reminded me of this favourite Rob Ryan print/card that we have in the gallery

Back to it, have a good week x

Kens jugs

2008-12-05T17:02:00.002Z

Looking at these in the gallery made me happy today. New delivery from Ken Eardley. Hopefully on the gallery website early next week. Depends how much I can sweet talk hubby,as he is the web person. Going home now for Friday night homemade pizza mmmmmm!

Hope its a good weekend for you xx

Oh Christmas tree

2008-12-03T13:49:00.003Z

Having fun decorating, but working really hard to finish some paintings before Christmas.

Have you got your trees yet? think we will go this weekend. How exciting! Starting to feel more Christmassy now as there is snow on the mountains across the water. Its beautiful. Will try and capture it for you this week.

I'm sampling every known mince pie to man at the moment...for my own personal research of course. Wouldn't want to be feeding the little one in my belly just any old thing you know!

Happy December all xxx

Its live and ready

2008-11-20T20:19:00.006Z

www.janetbellgallery.com

The brand spanking new gallery website is here. There is a little selection of goodies below to be found there. We were eager to get it live this week, but there are lots of other artists still to go on including beautiful ceramics by Karin Eriksson, paper cut out pictures from Helen Musselwhite, gorgeous knitted pieces from Nicky Thomson and lots lots more. So hop on over and take look but keep coming back as more will be added daily. Perfect time for Christmas shopping.
For those living outside the UK please see the section on deliveries,
so put the kettle on, your feet up and I hope you enjoy!

Lavender bods from The Black Rabbit

Set of 4 Laser cut cards from Rob Ryan

Fun and funky 80's felt necklace by Lynsey
Walters

Gorgeous pair of limited edition prints from Julia
Ogden

I'll be starting up a shop blog too so will link to that soon. So now i am off to put MY feet up and to enjoy a long weekend with a special friend. xx

It's coming....

2008-11-16T12:20:00.002Z

I am in the middle of setting up a new gallery blog so will link to that later this week. The gallery is one year old this week so we will be launching the website to celebrate this. how exciting!!!

Just in time for Christmas shopping, be sure to pop back xxx

2008-10-07T10:15:00.004Z

Hello all

So here are the final two cross stitch kits available now to buy. The gallery website is still not quite ready, these things always take much longer than planned. If you are keen to buy one I think they will make a great Christmas gift just drop me an email and you can pay through paypal. They cost £25. The two other designs are also available, just scroll down this page to see them too.

Edit Sorry for lack of information, The kit contains 14 count Zweigart Aida, pre sorted stranded cottons, needle,stitch diagram and instructions. The finished size of the design is 26x26cm and finally it uses full cross stitches and a few back stitches. I hope this helps.

The slow pace round here lately is due to a small bump I am now sporting on my front which is due in March next year.......... Thrilled..........I am enjoying

this book recommended by Loobylu.

Still....lots happening, new stock being ordered for Christmas, a few days in my beloved Cornwall planned mainly for hubby to cash in his birthday present of a days cookery course at Rick Steins school. A trip to Brighton also for the wonderful MADE craft fair. Hen nights, weddings, special birthdays and then Christmas all at snails pace. Hello Autumn!!!!

p.s I love soup!

2008-09-16T11:52:00.007Z

Two things keeping me very entertained today in between packing my suitcase.

The new Emiliana Torrini album

and this has had me in stitches all morning, clearly too much time on my hands. Try it!

Is Summer here?

2008-09-13T10:33:00.004Z

Today is the first Sunny day we have had in weeks and weeks and it feels a bit like Summer...yes really! We had just given up on our Summer and next week we are going for a week to a villa in an Andalucian village called Colmenar in the Malaga mountains, lots of eating, reading, swimming, playing games and falling asleep to the sound of goat bells in the SUN. Pure bliss and more than needed. I have tried using a fake tan so I feel a little betere with less clothes on but I now look like an oompa loompa. I have to face facts that I was not meant to be brown...or orange even and that pale IS interesting! Thank you all for the lovely comments about the cross stitch kits in the last post, I will let you know as soon as I know anything more.
Hope everyone else sees some Sun this weekend. Bye for now x

stitching

2008-09-05T14:14:00.005Z

I'll start with the very exciting news. The wonderful Kate at Bothy threads has created 4 cross stitch kits from my paintings. Here are 2 of them. It is such a thrill to see my work in this tactile form. They will be widely available very soon but are just in the final packaging stages. More details when I know them. Oh, and they will also be available on the brand new gallery website which is coming along very nicely and will be launched in about a month.

So what happened to August? Sorry for lack of posts. Thank you all for the comments and emails and sorry I haven't had the energy to reply.
The gallery was crazy busy for the last 6 weeks and since I haven't been very well for nearly a month now my fantastic family chipped in and did a superb job of running it resulting in an amazing month. Thank you thank you thank you to them. I am starting to feel normal again now (!) and contemplating entering the studio again. Sorry to all the people who are waiting for commissions. I have had many many emails asking about available originals. Right now I will have to point you in the direction of Baxters gallery, Dartmouth, Serena Hall Gallery, Southwold and Avalon Art in Marazion who all have just a few paintings available. I have no originals in my gallery or in the studio due to the busy Summer season but hard work is on the cards to amend that soon so please be patient.

I shall be back soon with more news but that is me for today. xxx

2008-08-01T13:10:00.002Z

My orchid is blooming, the secret is pay it no attention and don't water it.

New in the gallery

2008-07-24T18:47:00.006Z

Pheweeeeee, Summer is here! It is hot hot hot!!! The smell of bbq's is drifting in through my studio windows and the sound of seagulls clearing up after a busy day of tourists is making me smile.
Long may it last. As promised just a few things in the gallery this week. More over the weekend.

New painting in this week from Julia Ogden entitled Meadowsweet.

I love the new tea towels Poppy Treffry has brought out. They are literally flying out the door.

Pretty flipping excited to be getting some jewellery from Lynsey Walters in a couple of weeks, certain to raise a smile.

If anyone is interested, we do do mail order you know :)

And finally, great news, a lovely lady called Kriket has moved into the mezzanine level of the old chapel where my gallery is, she is selling her own jewellery and work by other jewellers. If there are any jewellers out there wishing to display work , the please contact her through her website here. It is so good to have the place full and buzzing creatively. Come visit us this Summer! I'll buy you a scone!

Blue skies

2008-07-22T18:46:00.002Z

Wishing I was going to Cornwall this Summer walking that path over to St Michaels mount

I am doing a swap with the very talented Gennine , patiently waiting for my birdies to fly over from Mexico. I love the blog world for these opportunities, to share work with other wonderful and creative people and allowing friendships to begin.

2008-07-18T12:26:00.002Z

Where has Summer gone? Dark skies and rain here, makes for more dramatic paintings from me though. We have doubled the size of the gallery this week and its suddenly got really busy. Schools break up today, so no more painting for the next 6 weeks. I am turning into a gallery assistant from tomorrow. I want to share with you some of the stunning things we sell now by so many talented artists from the UK. Will share in the next few days. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Rome Outdoors

2008-07-15T10:00:00.004Z

Rome was, hot, beautiful, tiring, touristy, dusty, loud, entertaining, green, sun drenched, spectacular and surprising.

The Trevi fountain floored me as did the white baroque architecture against a cloudless blue sky but who can enjoy the Sistine Chapel with 500 hot people in the same room as you?

I had a love hate relationship with Rome, not to be done again in the month of July but we walked and saw and ate and laughed so I loved it for that.

Sailing by

2008-07-05T14:05:00.003Z

Please forgive my absence. So much going on, doubling the size of gallery, working with several companies on some exciting projects, trying to create a website but changing my mind every day, and off to Rome on Monday for our one year wedding anniversary.

Where does time go????????

2008-06-09T16:25:00.003Z

I love how my Blyton books echo my Popang photo frame, and thats me....hello! and my treasured Cathy Miles bird. Amy Ruppel is having an online sale today, there are still some left.

2008-06-08T10:29:00.004Z

I have enjoyed June so far, a little bit of calm was needed. I am enjoying looking and living in the house and making decorating decisions. I am loving eating outdoors nearly every day. I am enjoying the flowers coming to life in a garden we have not ever seen through Summer yet. I am enjoying putting together a new website for the gallery showcasing the wonderful work of the 20 artists and designers I am now selling. So it is calmer but still lots to do. But mostly I am enjoying the cloudless bright blue sky hanging over my head and the peace and quiet today.

Jewellery above by Becky Crow and flower brooch by Abbot and Ellwood

2008-05-17T13:57:00.003Z

I am happy with this pair titled 'a good day beachcombing'. You can see a well worn easel. I am working on the very last two paintings now for the show which will make 25. A signing session of some exclusive limited edition prints for the show is happening in the morning. We are publishing 7 in total. They will be available only through myself and Baxters gallery. A small edition of 25 of each will be available. More on that soon. I made the most of hubby being away and had a wonderful dinner with an old friend in a pub high up on a hill overlooking the sea last night. Lovely fish stew and berry pavlova. I am especially excited at the moment about going to see the wonderful Feist next Thursday night in the Palace Theatre, Manchester. I will leave you with this that makes me very happy indeed. Actually this one makes me happier, the video is magical, you can't not like it. Bear with it though, it may sound strange at the beginning.

2008-05-16T14:34:00.003Z

Another finished and available from Baxters, Devon.

I'm grumpy today because hubby has jetted off to Cannes film festival without me. He will be working, and having meetings but even so, he packed lots of pairs of shorts, and his tuxedo so I imagine there will be a bit of red carpet action, star spotting, chmpagne drinking and watching films on the beach in the sun! Next year I am going!!!! x

Chez Amy

2008-05-15T18:58:00.005Z

This week has been hectic, I had a long long

drive on Tuesday (nearly 12 hours) to deliver the 19 paintings ready for the show opening next Friday. But I broke the journey up with an overnight stay in the best B&B I have ever stayed in, great company, great magazines by the bed, Clinique products, soft and fluffy towels, and a gentle wake up call. Its called Sion and Amy's house and it is THE most delightful place to stay. They have amazing taste in everything and wonderfully hospitable. They just so happen to also be our great friends. It was like waking up in a beautiful Summer Sky. The sun is still shining and busy is good xxx

2008-05-11T10:08:00.003Z

How to start a Sunday, breakfast outside and playing cards in the Sun (note to self, eat outside more often). Finishing paintings for the Devon show. This one is very big, 30x40 inches. Also available as a limited edition print with a edition size of just 20. Available from Baxters Gallery, Dartmouth.

Hope everyone is having a sunny and happy weekend!

2008-05-09T14:20:00.000Z

Lost.....for......words!!!! Photo take from Daily Mail website, full story here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=563975&in_page_id=1766&ito=1490

Happy days

2008-05-08T10:41:00.004Z

I was just a little bit excited when the postman arrived today. This little fisherman came to live with us by the sea! The manos shop is open. Thank you ladies. This sunshine is making everyone smile....happy days!

a corner of my studio

2008-04-30T11:03:00.002Z

Works in progress.

For the past few months I have been working towards my two woman show at Baxters in Dartmouth. So I have been painting Devon and the more I paint it the more I love the place. I have two weeks left so I may be a little quiet as long hours are now required. The show starts on Friday 24th May and myself and Sasha Harding will both be there on the evening. I will hopefully post more details soon but if anyone has any enquiries please email me or contact the gallery directly. The gallery website will have images up there before the show. I am honoured to be showing alongside Sasha, she has been a favourite artist of mine for quite some time now. More soon.

something to smile at this weekend

2008-04-27T13:36:00.002Z

I have to respond to Camillas links with this one which made me laugh sooooo much last night. Yes, I watch Britains got talent, yes.......I need a life! Hope you are having a dryer weekend than us here in blighty!

evening light

2008-04-26T10:41:00.013Z

Rockpool 1

Rockpool 2

Dunes 1

Dunes 2

High tide 1

High tide 2

Golden sky 1

Golden sky 2

I've been doing these small paintings over the last few weeks in the evenings. They are all from my recent trip to Devon of some of the beaches we visited. Some new colours have emerged when the light is different in the studio and I am really pleased with the results. They are for sale in my gallery at the moment at £90 the pair. I had a bit of trouble displaying them on this page as a pair. They are 8x8 inches each. If anyone is interested please send me an email. Thanks for looking.

2008-04-20T20:03:00.003Z

Last Wednesday was my birthday so I was surprised with a day and night over to Dublin. We live just half an hour from Holyhead port now so got the Seacat over in just two hours. We arrived, we froze on an open top bus trip, we warmed up with a guinness then had a wonderful birthday meal. We saw the book of Kells in trinity college and we wowed at the Long room there. We woke up in a lovely room, I opened some surprise presents ,we shopped, we walked in the sun, we held hands, we ate fantastic vegetarian food, we smelled all the Jo Malone perfumes intensively, we drank more guinness, we got on the ferry home.....and the best bit on my birthday night......we watched Juno on the ferry and were the only two people in the whole cinema, our own private showing. We came home to pretty flowers and our lovely new house. I love birthdays!!!!

p.s Thank you so much to all the commenters and well wishes in our new house and blue kitchen. Jamjar, the clock comes from Laura Ashley a few years ago but is made by Newgate.

feeling blue?

2008-04-08T21:25:00.006Z

I'm back...for today, Easter came and went and a house move came and went since last time I was here. We moved to our very own house and we are incredibly happy. It is a wonderful feeling to settle knowing that in six months time we will not be packing up again. So this is move number 24 in my 31(nearly 32) years and the last for a very very long time. We got the keys two weeks ago. I spent a week of evenings last week painting the kitchen, it was lovely teal colour and one reason i fell in love with our new house but ever since seeing this 2 years ago , I have dreamt of a blue kitchen. The next few months I think will be house related as this blog is a great personal diary and way of documenting our progress.

My favourite things in the kitchen are the orange and yellow plastic containers on the top shelf in the last photo. They belonged to my Grandma (Dads Mum not mormor) and last weekend she gave them to me after one too many hints. They are Danish and she bought them in 1975 when my Mum and Dad lived in Denmark and they went to visit. She has used them every day since 1975. Thats 33 years!! It makes me wonder how many things we have now that we will still be using daily in 33 years time and how much of a throw away society we are. Time to think about that.

Goodnight x

p.s thank you for the lovely comments recently, I am sorry for not taking the time to reply individually, i appreciate you stopping by and hope to catch up soon.

just saying hello

2008-03-17T12:24:00.003Z

I wasn't swept away in thr storms, just so busy, painting every hour of every day at the moment. We are also due to complete on our new house this week so starting to pack also. Getting very excited by the Karin and Camilla collaboration. So many exciting things going on around. I happened to spend an hour catching up on a long list of blogs last night.
Back soon I promise x

2008-03-01T08:04:00.003Z

Computer playing up, but just enough time to tell you I'm off to Devon now until Wednesday.
Its a work trip and leaving poor Sean behind to run the gallery. I have two man show there in a few months so need to do a lot of sketching and planning. A lot of paintings to do.
Above is the latest creation from the wonderful Syko. She is in the middle of making me lots of houses and boats to sell in my gallery, I can't wait to see them.
Have a great weekend everyone, I now have a six hour drive ahead of me. I shall return with some good photos.

Sunday hours

2008-02-24T15:33:00.004Z

Its a Sunday, and I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself because as much as I would like to be out for a long walk on a beach somewhere on this beautiful Island, I am painting busily for show after show. A lovely local couple came in and bought 2 pieces from me this morning for their little boys' newly decorated bedroom. They then phoned later to invite us both along for a walk, sadly I couldn't shut up shop but the thought was lovely. The people here are so friendly and welcoming, so hopefully next time. I love being part of a community, it makes me feel very settled and secure, a feeling I have never had before really. Back to it, hope you are all having a fun Sunday (said through gritted teeth) ;) x

Liverpool

2008-02-22T09:55:00.002Z

This was one of the finished paintings for the new gallery in Liverpool, it opens 29th February. I will give more details when I know them.

It was nice to paint older bulidings, not something I'm used to.

Coffee and cake

2008-02-18T18:46:00.002Z

Its a new week, and a new painting featuring my favourite Orla mug and more cakes!!!!

We just got back from a very inspiring walk along the beach. I was looking for a few nice pebbles to display some jewellery on in my new cabinet. The light was spectacular, we both glowed orange. I always forget my camera though. What is it with this weather?? We've had blue skies nearly every day of February. Global warming?!?!?!

Having fun

2008-02-17T13:53:00.003Z

I've got some exhibitions coming up, first in Sarah Wiseman gallery at the end of March and then in May a rather large two man show in Baxters, Dartmouth. More on that soon.

So I'm really enjoying doing some still life work. I am painting things I love, fairy cakes, my vases, bowls, seasides and spots!

It feels very me!

Ok, I'm off to a wonderful treasure trove of a shop looking for a nice little cabinet to display some jewellery I am getting in the gallery. Bye for now....x

2008-02-11T20:17:00.000Z

I am very excited that these little fellas will be joining me in my gallery around Easter time. From the wonderful Abbot and Ellwood based in my beloved St Ives. I love love love their Sculptures. Take a look here I have loved their work for a very long time when I first saw their work at Chelsea craft fair many years ago which is now Origin. I'm going to have a special little shelf made, so I'll show you when they are in situ.

Its half term this week so there are lots of nice people and children to talk to every day, fun but exhausting!

colour

2008-02-09T09:17:00.000Z

I am enjoying playing with colour. I have a lot of deadlines at the moment but I wanted and needed to step back for a week to experiment a little. I am liking the direction. I went to the Spring fair trade show in Birmingham on Wednesday. There was lots to seduce you, it was hard but I had to remain focused and I only want to sell what I love and would buy myself. It would be easy to stock things you know would sell but without my heart being in it I had to say no. I found Nicky Thompson knitwear that I will definitely stock next Winter, so it was a success.

2008-01-29T19:27:00.000Z

We had a blue sky last week, its a quiet week this week......

2008-01-28T18:13:00.000Z

The photo below from yesterday was taken standing at the end of the pier in this painting I did recently. An inspiring view in every direction.
I just rediscovered the work of Virginia Graham, it makes me smile! i particularly enjoyed looking at her drawings.

midday sky

2008-01-27T22:02:00.000Z

This view never ceases to amaze me.

I might attempt to paint it this week.

A wintry train journey

2008-01-25T18:35:00.000Z

Some white links for the end of Winter white week,

Wendy Jung ceramics

and some flickr faves here, this and this

Hope you all have a good weekend, I will be painting all weekend, I have to finish my Liverpool paintings x

p.s Thank you for the camera advice, I'll have a play around.

2008-01-24T17:44:00.000Z

I'm loving all the White around for Shari's Winter white week.
I like the work of Helen Musselwhite a lot. She also has an etsy shop.
I like to decorate with White, then add colour.
On my wish list is a new camera. Or maybe I should read the instructions of the one I've got to find out why every photo I take is blurry. Any ideas or recommendations? x

January by the sea

2008-01-23T17:22:00.000Z

Joining in on Shari's Winter White week, some beautiful images over there.

Go see!

virtual shopping

2008-01-22T15:14:00.000Z

I love how in a couple of hours the web takes you from one place to another, here was last nights journey.
I started somehow on Flickr and found an image of a shop in Paris called Puree Jambon, there I found the dolls of Heather Louise, here is her fabulous website. She had a show last year at Puree Jambon in Paris, I particularly love her Marie Antoinette dolls

Heather Louise also has a blog here.
You can buy her work from this great shop in Amsterdam called Eggmercantile.
And they have a blog.

They also sell these postcards by Camilla, and the trays of Ibride, which I have loved since the days I worked in Habitat and we stocked them.

You have to go and look at the Ibride site, its beautiful.
Eggmercantile also stock lots of other great stuff from LZC and cute ceramics from Helbak.
And finally I found someones work I had never seen before, the talented Sam Buxton,

how have I ever missed that?

So a couple of hours soon disappeared and I didn't spend any money! x

2008-01-20T19:24:00.000Z

Things that warm my heart today on dark and wet Sunday.

Rob Ryans new Valentine piece, the words make me feel all fuzzy.

Sitting playing Monopoly for 5 hours with great friends, lots of laughs and lots of tea and Nigellas flourless chocolate brownies from Nigella express.

.......and not feeling guilty about any of it!

Falmouth, Cornwall

2008-01-17T19:09:00.000Z

One project.......a range of cards.

Kathleen Hills

2008-01-17T19:00:00.000Z

I will continue with book week when I have more time. Juggling lots and lots of different projects at the moment.....AND LOVING IT!

So a quick lovely link to the wonderful work of Kathleen Hills.

Green and blue

2008-01-14T18:28:00.000Z

Notable books on these shelves

Lullaby Supermarket Yoshitomo Nara

Craft Galleries guide

The Winter book Tove Jansson

Jimmy Corrigan the smartest kid on earth

Beetle boy Laurence David and Delphine Durand (she is my favourite illustrator of Chiildrens books) The house that Jill built and The Snoops are just wonderful

Bob and co Delphine Durand

A day in St Ives Sue Lewington (more on her another day, amazing amazing sketchbooks!!!!)

White

2008-01-14T16:39:00.001Z

Each day this week I will show you a shelf of my books and link to the ones i think you might be interested in. I have linked them either to Magma or Amazon.

A childrens garden of verses, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith
Gallery Catalogue of Rachael Howard
Flea market style Emily Calmers
Speed to the West (I love this book of vintage travel posters)
Gate of Eden Ethan Coen
Under Milk Wood (Classic Dylan Thomas and one of the only things I remember from English/drama class)
Slash with a knife Yoshitomo Nara
This is for you Rob Ryan(everyone should own this beautiful book) I just found this interview with him on the Magma site.
The Principles of Uncertainty Maria Kalman
Sometimes I think, sometimes I am Sara Fanelli (her latest book)
This is London M Sasek (I would love them all in this series)
Pictures and Words Roanne Bell and Mark Sinclair, (diverse collection of illustrators)

Tomorrow Green x

Capital of Culture 2008

2008-01-11T10:21:00.000Z

On friday I took a trip to Liverpool, the capital of culture.

I have to do some paintings, drawings of Liverpool for a new gallery opening there. So come along for a day out with me won't you?

I arrived at lunchtime so I headed straight to the cafe in The Tate at the Albert Dock for a bite to eat.

A German installation artist Tobias Rehberger was commissioned to turn the cafe into a multicoloured three dimensional piece of art. I was impressed, The photo above made me laugh!

Whilst at the Tate I managed to catch the last few days of The Turner prize. The place was packed out with an amazing cross section of people. I don't go and see this kind of art often enough. I like that it challenges me to think beyond the everyday art I see in commercial galleries. I found it hard that I was on my own with noone to discuss what i was seeing with. I decided to this year try to keep more up to date with what is going on in this other Art World. I really enjoyed the film Waiting by Zharina Bhimji.

'Waiting, made in a factory used to process Sisal, has an abstraction that hovers somewhere between film and painting. The washed-out colour of the hair-like material, the light, and the interior of the factory create a saturated monochrome that, combined with the film’s soundtrack, becomes immersive. Recorded on a 35mm film and then transferred to high-definition video ,every nuance of the building is captured.'

Here is more about the shortlisted artists.

So I walked around the docks, took lots of photos, did some sketching. the Albert Docks is where the new gallery is going to be so this was a good starting point.

Next I walked towards the city to take in some of the biildings there.

I was astounded by the amount of building work going on. Everywhere you looed there were cranes, diggers and huge new buildings being built and old ones being bulldozed. It is going to be very difficult to paint this skyline when it will probably look very different some time soon.

So I headed towards the The Bluecoat. It is one of the best outlets in the country for contemporary craft. Here are some of the artists they have on permanent display there!!!! I got a little bit excited.

I'll save some more for another day as I think this is turning into a marathon post. By the time I came out of there, the sun was setting, I had a little Donna Wilson softie in my bag and I was very happy.

The photos below are my favourites of the day, the sky was stunning.

See you all next week for Book shelf week x

Shopfront

2008-01-09T16:16:00.000Z

I think this is one of the best Shopfronts I have ever seen. The new Urban outfitters in Stockholm is in a converted cinema! I like the fact they haven't tried to change it.

I was given and I have bought a lot of very inspiring books recently so I have decided to have a book week next week, starting Monday. i think you can tell a lot from someones bookshelf so here is a sneak peek of part of mine.

It's that time of year again

2008-01-08T15:23:00.000Z

Ahhhh, lovely thoughts of a holiday that seems so long ago amidst the mountain of paperwork I put off throughout December and the dreaded...................Tax return!!!!

I found Bengt&Lotta in Stockholm

To all the self employed people out there, I am feeling the pain too. I am halfway there and my tips to you are light some candles, spread out on a large table and put some nice music on, then pour yourself a very large glass of wine, then another until you can't focus and have to start again tomorrow ;)

My very nice music today comes courtesy of Camera Obscura, I just rediscovered their 2006 album 'Lets get out of this country'.

It makes me very happy indeed!

Back tomorrow x

Home!! (Sigh)

2008-01-07T20:12:00.000Z

We are back from our trip to Scandinavia. I prayed for snow and boy did we get it. I fell in love with Stockholm but I do not think I have ever been as cold in my life. Thermals were bought and extra socks worn. We ventured out just one evening after we got back to our hotel because of the cold. We walked for hours during the day and it took so long to thaw out so we played cards and yahtzee on the bed instead. I liked playing with the lights as you can see.

I have never been anywhere more friendly as Sweden....or expensive.

More photos tomorrow as I sort them out.

Happy New year to you all, I feel this is going to be an exciting one.

Things I am excited about today:
3191 evenings.....and THE BOOK later on the year, whoopee!
Camilla is guest blogger over at Design sponge (my two favourite blogs in one).
Karin updating her etsy shop with her pebbles and more.

Finally finding the music of Simone White after seeing the Audi adverts.

It looks like Tim Burton has done it again with Sweeney Todd.
My Christmas present from hubby coming back from the framers!!!!

I have been doing some drawing and collage recently. I really feel I need to do something for me in these cold dark evenings. I love painting each day but I don't seem to have time to experiment as much as I would like to, so this Winter I will be opening my own etsy shop for tiny originals and prints....coming soon.

Up, up and away

2007-12-23T16:52:00.000Z

Blimey, has it really been that long, I have all good intentions you know but time is just disappearing in front of my very eyes! The month has flown by, it has been a very successful month, the gallery has been very well received and I couldn't be happier!

But my days are very long, long gone are the days when I paint uninterrupted for hours, I now have lovely customers to distract me, which I love but I now paint long after the gallery has closed at 5. I have had just 2 proper days off this last month and the so I am sooooooooo looking forward to this Christmas break which starts tomorrow at 2.30 until January 6th. woohoo!!

We are heading off to Denmark this Christmas to spend time and to celebrate my Mothers 60th birthday and then me and hubby are going to Stockholm for 3 nights. THIS I cannot wait for, some time alone to enjoy, strolling hand in hand through a new city, talking, making plans for the coming year and generally spending some quality time together which has definitely been lacking here of late. I am also hoping to go and visit Karin in her studio and so many little shops I always read about on her blog.

I have not had my usual time Christmas shopping trips out this year so I have bought many gifts from Blogger friends and Etsy. I will be doing this every year now and supporting handmade. I can honestly say that the work of Kajsa of Syko fame never fails to brings a smile to my face. I am the proud owner of quite a few bits and pieces of hers and honestly the quality and finishing is excellent and the small details really delighful. There are a few lucky girls in my family this year. She is also a kind and wonderful person too which makes it all the better buying from her.

Before I go, I have to share with you the work of John Button who I have fairly recently discovered. I purchased a piece of his which I am yet to frame but will share with you once it is. I have much admiration for his work and I simply could quite easily live with one of his paintings on every wall. He is an English artist living in Stockholm, and he is clearly inspired by that special Scandinavian light. Go and see his work at his website. What makes it all the better is he is a very nice man too. Here is my favourite piece of his.

So I am now going to spend the next few hours reading blogs, something I have not done for such a long time and catch up on all your goings on. Thank you to all who have read my blog this year and been so patient with my erratic posting, I miss this space but something has had to give these past few months. To the readers who have emailed encouraging some words for you my new years resolution is to do at least one post every week....so there...its in print now.

Thank you for staying with me and being so patient, I will be back in the New Year...I promise.

Merry Christmas everybody and a very Happy New Year xxx

Where to start?

2007-11-30T21:52:00.000Z

Hello folks....

What a month....its just flown by. Its been such a long time since I posted that I nearly didn't, but the lovely Kajsa encouraged me to so I will start with small steps again. So we are in and settled and the gallery is open. Here are just a few photos from the gallery and studio. We are really happy here. I have been made to feel very welcome so far by the community. The local people are just so friendly, it is a very special place. The response has been slightly overwhelming. It is lovely to have people point to their houses in the paintings. The opening was exhausting but so much fun. The town hosted a Victorian evening with Ice rink, snow machines and roasted chestnuts, I slightly overdid it with the mulled wine (first of the season) but hey ho I thought I deserved it.

I'd just like to point out my lovely Mum made the stars for the window which are also for sale, they are great for on the tree, I will try my best to get a better photo of them for you.

I am finding it a little hard to paint and be on show and chat but I'm sure I can get used to it. I had a film crew in from S4C yesterday filming me paint so I had to brush up on my Welsh speaking skills. I studied Welsh in school but that was 13 years ago so I may just go to a local class for a refresher.
So, hwyl i ti a diolch yn fawr iawn i'r pobl o Biwmaris. xx

2007-11-06T12:35:00.000Z

Things are going well with the move and opening. I will post photos when I get some. This is a new painting of Penmon lighthouse just 5 miles from where we will be moving to.

I am enjoing the new Sigur Ros album. I also received their New film in the post today so very much looking forward to seeing that tonight. I bought the edition that came with a 116 page booklet. I'm so glad I did it is magical. You can find it here

This is one of my favourite music videos.

so there you go!

Back soon.

On the move

2007-10-23T08:53:00.000Z

I didn't mean to have a blogging break, Life just took over.

BIG NEWS here.

We are on the move to the seaside. Beautiful Beaumaris in Anglesey to be precise, where the houses are all different colours and the views are some of the best in the UK. Anglesey is an Island off the North Wales coast.

Bigger news!

I am opening a studio/gallery there in a converted chapel. My studio will be open to the public where my work and some others will be on sale in the other half of the space. I am pretty excited right now, frantically placing orders for everything from tissue paper and bags to shop counters. I am planning to open late November so watch this space to follow the progress. I apologise in advance if the posts are a bit erratic but bear with me I will do my best.

That is it for today I'm afraid, so much to do, so little time.

Three little links these made me smile.

Camillas kokeshi made me gasp

This is coming to live with me
Back soon x

I love you Mr Ryan

2007-10-03T16:02:00.000Z

I have to interrupt my blogging schedule to tell you about what the wonderful postman delivered this morning. I completely forgot I had ordered this book by the wonderful Mister Rob Ryan, which arrived this morning alongside the tile I bought from his etsy shop a couple of days ago. He is a genius and I just can't wait to sit down later and have a real good look through the book. I first saw his work when he did the Liberty windows a few christmases ago. I ove the bittersweetness of his images. The book is a gem, I particularly like the way the images have shadows, it makes you just want to touch each page. What a star! He has made my day.

See you tomorrow! xxx

Edit: Having read this book rather than flicking I realised it a magical story of love and loneliness and dreams. Everyone should own this book. I wonder if it is autobiographical. I simply love it!

Shopping love

2007-09-27T08:56:00.000Z

Phew, its all over. Exhausted!!!! Thank you to everyone who came along to the studio at the weekend, more than 200 of you in all, thats a lot of talking, and a lot of wine!!! It was a huge success for us both so thanks for the support of the project.

On Tuesday, I drove to Winchester to deliver six new paintings as part of a group show of Marine artists. The show starts tonight at Bell Fine Art. A very apt name for a gallery I'm showing in I thought.

Whilst in Winchester I happened to wander past THE most lovely shop I've seen in a long time.

The Hambledon.

Its huge!!! Over four floors there are room upon room of goodness, from furniture design classics like the Eames rocker, vintage furniture like this lovely Ercol chair, these beautiful French vintage boxes above (how did I not buy them?) to the latest Saltwater, Orla Kiely, Odd Molly and Goat collection in the Womenswear department on the top floor. Sean was happy flicking through the design books and the menswear section, there were also toys, ceramics, great books, beautiful toiletries, I could go on and on. I was like a kid in a sweet shop. The only thing I thought was missing perhaps was some locally made items and a bit more handmade but the interior of the shop was my dream. I wanted to move in! I'm not sure what exactly happened but I just came out with a gift for a friend. I think I was a little overwhelmed and didn't quite know where to start. Perhaps it was all just too much for my senses to take.

Instead next door was an art shop so I went and blew £100 on new pencils, brushes, pens and paint colours instead. What is that all about!?!?!?!?!?

I also managed to find a pair of Ugg boots in size 5 as they seem to have sold out in most places across the country, so thats my feet sorted till February. So a very good day was had in all until we hit a major jam on the way home so we spent 6 hours in the car. Hooray for M&S at service stations now, at least we could get something nice for dinner to be eaten in the car.

I am working on another painting for a Care home, which is 100x180cm, BIG!, I will try to photograph the progression. I have some lovely links saved up which I will get round to tomorrow, until then though Happy Thursday peeps xxx

We are open!

2007-09-22T07:40:00.001Z

Just quickly, before i go....it was a very late one last night hanging the exhibition and getting everything ready, but at 10am(aaagggghhhh in an hour)this morning we will be opening our doors. On show there will be approximately 80 works in total for viewing. Some old, some very old and some brand spanking new works from both of us. Must dash, its going to be a long day. Hope to see you there! There will be wine!!!!!xxx

New work

2007-09-15T08:42:00.000Z

St Ives Harbour, did I ever mention my paintings are big, this is 90x90cm. This is also available as a limited edition print.

Open Studios

2007-09-15T08:20:00.000Z

Once again, for the fourth year running, we are having an Open studio exhibition on the weekend of September 22nd/23rd (next weekend), in our garden studio at 41 Hamilton street, Hoole, Chester.

I think you can click the flyer above to enlarge it .

Come along......... you will find myself and Caroline Dangerfield, serving wine, talking about our work and maybe even doing a little painting. There will be brand new never been seen originals, some older works, works on canvas, prints, Limited editions, framed pieces and cards. It is so much fun to do, a lot of hard work but I love it, we meet the best people. It is worth coming just to admire the garden surrounding the studio, a litle private oasis.

So that is what i have been working on recently, last night we attempted to clean the studio, ready for the public, several spiders later and it looks fairly presentable. We have 1000 flyers to distribute locally this week, so thats my evenings sorted. So I will probably just be posting new works and not many words this week.

Bye for now xx

A very pleasant crescent

2007-09-13T08:22:00.000Z

So we went to Bath, it has quickly become my new favourite city. Fortunately the sun shined for us, so we walked and walked and walked and bathed as the sun set in the rooftop pool in the new Thermae spa, visited the old Roman Baths, But THE most enjoyable bit was walking round this cresecnt and peeking through the windows.....and spending some precious time with my man of course.

Back tomorrow xx

favourite sandals

2007-09-05T10:33:00.000Z

More feet for Shash's feet week

Listening to the Magnolia soundtrack a lot these days, I love Aimee Mann

Trying out recipes from these two cookbooks,

Loving the new Habitat catalogue.

Enjoying my latest edition to my gallery wall, a stitched one at that!

Taking a few days off to celebrate the husbands 30th year. I can't say where we are going as its a surprise for him but back next week xx

Autumns here

2007-09-04T10:12:00.000Z

Gosh, sorry for the absence. It's been busy here again. I spent last weekend signing 550 limited edition prints for an order I had so had to take a small trip to the Coast to the printers.
I thought it was just me that loved photographing feet so I snapped Seans on the beach for Shash's feet week.

I have hardly left the house so took my camera out in the garden and my porch area. I loved the one red leaf on the tree at the bottom of the garden. I should go down there more often. the corn in the field next to us is higher than our heads now but still no corn! Autumn has arrived. Things are changing, leaves are actually falling, damsons are being picked, apples are being stewed and flowers are picked before they reach their end, so I am filling jugs with them.

Still looking for a house, I'm actually thinking of contacting Kirsty and Phil .....seriously!

Back soon. x

Flower heaven

2007-08-23T15:06:00.000Z

'Inspired by hydrangeas'.......I was...........

................ so I painted this. This months Country living had a beautiful article on Hydrangeas. The jewel like colours got me very excited indeed. I might take a little trip to our local garden centre tomorrow to see the colours they have. Very busy painting for Baxters gallery in Devon still. This with two more went today, more to follow. My two favourite magazines these days are Coast and Country Living. the pictures inspire me no end. We are househunting at the moment, looking and dreaming of that Seaview! Back to painting Dartmouth!

Perfect day.

2007-08-20T09:38:00.000Z

I keep meaning to write, really I do, I have so much news that I don't know where to start with it all. I have updated my site, there, I've started! One thing a day maybe, that might make it easier.

Here is the final painting i started last week. The sky was at least 8 different colours and they never felt right. It is currently in Oriel gallery in Barmouth, Wales, and will also be in my shop, in the next couple of days. I added more daisies as I thought they really drew you in to the painting.

I am busy painting new works for Baxters Gallery in Dartmouth ready for the Regatta that is coming up there, so lots of colour and bunting.

We had a well deserved day off yesterday. We drove with friends to the coast. Of course I forgot to take photos, I am so rubbish like that! It was windy and the waves were crashing onto the beach, just how we like it. We went here, here, and hereWe had a lovely Sunday lunch here and then came home to meet some more friends whose birthday it was. As a birthday gift Sean designed site a site for our lovely friend Amy whose cakes are magical, more images to be added soon. They really are spectacular. So a perfect Sunday really, the sea, good food and good friends! (some sun would have been quite nice too I suppose).

Oh and I told you a long time ago that the one thing I do whilst painting is light candles. So I am very excited that I ordered a few new ones this morning from 'Coasts of Cornwall' I can't wait to smell the Raspberry and Vine tomato and also the smell of Cotton sheets. Victoria lives in my beloved Cornwall and has a really lovely blog here.

So I promise I will be back again this week, sharing more. x

taking shape.

2007-08-09T13:42:00.000Z

I thought for fun I would record my painting process. There are more decisions to make with colour than you realize. This is probably my personal favourite colour palette, greys blues and pastels. I am secretly quite happy with this, I think I might go to print with it as a limited edition. It will be on its way to Avalon in Cornwall next week I think.

Oh, and I forgot to say yesterday, I bought these in Cath Kidston last week and I love love love them, I don't think I have worn anything else since, whether they go with my outfit or not! xxx

How does that happen?

2007-08-08T14:47:00.000Z

How does a week just disappear????

In all honesty, I have locked myself in my studio for the last 10 days with the exception of a lovely trip to London last Thursday. I have been coming out for coffee and supplies. I am swamped right now. Galleries are selling out fast as its Summer and quite frankly I am struggling to keep up! it is a great feeling though and I have treated myself to lots of new music to keep me going. But I will. I had to come up for air for a quick post. I just need a half hour break. break.

Here are some photos from my London day out. I met up with a very special lady, enjoyed a spot of lunch at The Bluebird and shopping on the Kings rd, we got told off for taking photos in Designers guild!!!

We talked and talked over cake and coffee mmmmmmmm then we parted and I went off to meet a friend in Spitalfields.

This has to be my favourite area of London, great little cafes and restaurants and shops shops shops and this special shop (below)

Unfortunately most of the market was closed which of course was good for my bank balance. Doesn't that photo of the cafe look like Paris? A lovely dinner with said friend then last train home. I LOVE London, but I also love coming home to my little house in the country surrounded by fields and fresh air and no black snot!!!!!

My Summer!

2007-07-26T21:01:00.001Z

There might just be some more photos over here xx

What I do best....

2007-07-24T09:15:00.000Z

It's been quite a while since I've shown you any work so here is one for now. A lot to do this week, early morning painting, late night painting, meetings, new ideas, colour proofing and less time reading blogs is the order. Bye for now xx

What weather!

2007-07-23T19:41:00.000Z

More lovely pattern and colour from Alhambra. Our necks hurt from gazing up at that ceiling for a long time. Crazily reminded me of egg boxes!

Some areas in the UK are really seriously flooding, Poor Gloucestershire! It hasn't stopped raining here for days. I have been enjoying watching the everchanging skies. I love the array of colours, so many shades of grey. Bu this weather really is making people miserable. We have been really looking forward to today. As a surprise wedding gift to Sean I booked us a hot air balloon flight that actually goes over our house. It was meant to be this evening but alas when we phoned up at lunchtime, surprise surprise it was cancelled! So we have to rebook but with the weather as it is I think we will be safer waiting several weeks. Very disappointed.

I read today about The Couple by Sean Henry, I would like to go up and see that when it is completed later this month. I love it when people go crazy on scale.I reckon it will be amazing!

I found a lovely new blog Freds blog.......a man! How refreshing! A man who appreciates Cath Kidston and colour and makes fairy cakes and everything, who'd have thought it eh! And I bet he can put up shelves too!!!

Until tomorrow xx

Alhambra delights

2007-07-21T18:16:00.000Z

Every inch of this place is magnificent, the detail is unbelievable. Everyone must go here at least once in their lifetime, it will blow you away!

I saw these and thought of Abigails drawing and carvings........more to follow! xx

Cheesy?

2007-07-20T16:57:00.000Z

Here is a sneaky peak of our marquee, I failed with the 200 metres of bunting after 2 machines died on me so about 70 metres ws done in all and it looked so lovely. I will probably be selling some of it on ebay soon, or keep it for the next big party/christening!?! I hope to have some better ones soon, these are just a couple we have seen so far. That last one pretty much sums up my day!

I have hundreds of photos of Alhambra palace in Granada I will post tomorrow, I nearly cried at the beauty of that place.

MUST......WORK........NOW! xxx