Halloween treat....

I usually like to carve a pumpkin for halloween but this year I had a better idea.....



apparently it's cruel to dress up your kids for your own entertainment but I couldn't resist : )

I also have to tell you about Zaki's, a new Turkish restaurant on Wanstead High Street, where these pics were taken for my sisters' birthday dinner. Definitely worth a visit as it's great food, I can't remember what my dinner was called but it was an amazing dish of turkish stew on top of smoked creamy aubergine (recommended by the waiter and definitely the best choice as it gave everyone else food envy!!).



It's a bit late in the making but I put together this little brag book for Paul's mum in New Zealand. I kept it really simple and plain as I know that's what she'll prefer, I just have to get round to posting it.......

For illustration lovers....

out there the Cartoon Museum in London is hosting a book launch for 'Making Great Illustration',taking place on Tuesday 18th October. There will be a display of artwork from the book along with food and drink on the night. Shame I can't make it but it sounds really good,especially with the line up of artists:

Making Great Illustration is a fascinating look at some of the world’s best illustrators, providing an insight into the creation of illustration from concept to finished work. Featuring exclusive interviews and images of work and studios, this beautiful book provides a rare insight into the unique perspective, approach and artwork of artists not available elsewhere.

Illustrators featured include: Quentin Blake, Rob Ryan, Marian Bantjes, Javier Mariscal, Ronald Searle, Oliver Jeffers, Kitty Crowther, David McKean and many more. They cover all types of illustration: design and advertising, fiction, decorative illustration and merchandising, editorial and political illustration, typograhical, children’s publishing, graphic literature, fashion illustration, topographical illustration and authorial practice.

Section introductions from: The Conran Shop, The Folio Society, Musee Les Arts Decoratifs, New York Times, SAKS 5th Avenue, Candlewick Press USA, First Second (Pan Macmillan), Christian Lacroix, The Times and Adrian Shaughnessy.

Get ready for Halloween.....

Make With Me, in aid of the learning disability charity Mencap, is getting set for Halloween with a host of great ideas to get making with children this year.

Bespoke cake maker Lily Vanilli has donated her devilishly delicious Edible Bones recipe, as well as Sublime Stitching’s Gothic Grandeur spooky pattern. Also check out National Geographic Kids’ Magazine ‘Halloween Make Over Cards’ and top tips on How to carve the perfect Pumpkin, all free to download now at www.makewithme.org.uk.

Lily Vanilli says: “I love Halloween baking, it’s such a great theme to be creative with. I came up with the bone recipe idea when writing my book 'A Zombie ate my Cupcake'. I love Make With Me, it's such a great idea to get people socialising and baking in this way. I hope you have a great time this Halloween baking my scary bones, partying and raising funds for Mencap and people with a learning disability.”




Jenny Hart says: "Embroidery patterns are usually so sweet, but not these! My favourites are the rat and the raven. You could make a Halloween wall hanging to spooky your place up a bit. Stitch words like "Come Into My Lair" with the spider webs and drippy candles to set the right creepy tone for your Halloween home!"

New little addition......

It's been ages since I last did a post and here's why, our new little cute bundle Eloise Anna Adams finally arrived, a week late, last Tuesday in the early hours of the morning.

Here she is meeting her cousin for the first time on her second day in the world.....


Looking adorable (obviously i'm a biased mum already and think she's the cutest thing!) in a new baby outfit, she came out a little bigger than I thought at 8lb 4oz but I still managed to squeeze her into this...


Her new favourite position in the evening, hanging out with daddy.....


It's been just over a week now, so i'm hoping to start cracking on with new work and sharing it all with you. There's also some classes we're hoping to get going in Havering so watch this space.

Kirsten

Better late than never.....

I was going to post some pics ages ago of the vase I got for my birthday, as usual i'm a little late but here it is. The artist has some amazing and affordable pieces so next time you're in Brighton go to the Hummingbird Studios to check her out, Bebe Bird at the Hummingbird Studio.





I've got into making lately and made this cute dolly for the New Zealand Dolly Appeal. The idea being that people make dollies and softies to donate to the little ones whose lives were devastated from the earthquakes. There's lots of good causes to donate to, click here to go to the main site, but I chose New Zealand as my other half is from there. Hopefully it will go to a good home for someone who doesn't mind it coming a bit late!

Kirsten

Kaleidoskope......

The Guild of Silk Painters invite you to......



Taking place at:
Wanstead House, The Green, Wanstead, London E11 2NT

On July 23rd & 24th 2011
10.00 am - 5 .00 pm

Exhibitions * Workshops * Demonstrations * Sales * Competitions * and much more...

www.essexsilkpainters.co.uk

Come, Join Us and Bring Your Friends too, for a wonderful creative day.

Artsmart this week end......

This weekend my old uni, University of the Arts London, launches Artsmart, a two-day celebration of creative endeavour including a market, talks programme and a recruitment fair.

With more than 100 stalls, Artsmart market promises to showcase the very latest in art, design and fashion from the University’s alumni.

To find out more go to: http://www.artsmartlondon.co.uk/

Taking place on Friday to Saturday
At Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground, 16 John Islip Street, London, SW1P 4JU
One day pass £5 (concessions £3.50) Two day pass £9 (concessions £5)
Tickets on the day £6

Graphic arts, Yann Brien