My beautiful & brave nanny passed away peacefully on January 15th, aged 86. She was surrounded by all of her loving family.
Growing up I spent practically every weekend and summer with my nanny.
She was stern at times - the kind of seriousness that earned respect, but at the very same time she was always a lot of fun to be around.

Even though she suffered excruciating amounts of pain due to various ailments she would never ever grumble, forever insistent on making sure everyone else was ok. She was without a doubt the kindest woman i've ever known and I loved her so very dearly.

Nanny had a great sense of humour, was a brilliant cook, fantastic knitter, keen bowler and so, so much more.
She always put others before herself and her family meant the world to her, each and every one of her grandchildren and her great grandchildren were put on pedestals.
Always happiest when busy, she never could sit still, a trait which I too now share gladly.

My nanny was a huge inspiration to me, I am blessed to have so many memories of the times we shared together and I will never ever forget her, nor all the things she taught me and her plain goodness.
I miss her so much but am grateful to now find solace when I see her kindness, warm nature and good humour shining through and reflected in my mum, aunt and uncle.

As she got older she hated having her photograph taken, so here is one I think she wouldn't mind me sharing as you can hardly see her.
It was taken at Halloween, just so you know I didn't grow up only eating food hanging from string.

Friday Friends

I've been thinking about all the wonderful shops who sell my work and i'd like for them to get some recognition, so i'm starting my very own 'Friday Friends' where i'll be sharing all my lovely stockists with you.
Telling you about them is my small way of thanking them for all of their support, because really without them and their constant faith in me and my work I wouldn't be able to make a living from what I love doing.
And…. as if that wasn't enough i'm also going to be running a competition for these Friday posts so you better keep reading, it'll be worth it!

My first shout out goes to Nannie Innez in Austin, Texas. I've always wanted to go to Austin - ever since I first laid eyes on a sticker which pleaded with me to 'Keep Austin Weird'
Nannie Innez is the stunning creation of Deeyn Rhodes & Lonzo Jackson.
The very lovely Deeyn came to visit me a while ago to interview me about my work.
I was amazed at how at ease she made me feel - i'm naturally quite shy and a bit awkward around people I don't know but I really opened up to Deeyn and as she quizzed me about my work I found myself learning and realising things i'd never considered before.
You can read my interview on their beautiful website here
Deeyn & Lonzo set out to create 'a warm & welcoming retail environment' I believe their success is evident from the images on their website, I can't imagine what it must be like to witness it first hand (i've started saving up already)
I love the colours they've chosen and how they've married those with geometric shapes - the design of the store really seems to reflect the carefully selected objects within it, especially the magnificent Donna Wilson pouffes & cushions.
I think in short Deeyn & Lonzo have created a space which reflects their personalities - warm, welcoming and beaming with brightness. Thanks to you both for letting me be a part of what you've forged.

And now for the competition part!!
I'll be giving away a free print to the first person to visit Nannie Innez and have their photo taken in the store - you'll find it at
2210 S. First St.
Unit M,
Austin,
Texas TX 78704.
They're open Tues - Sat 11-6 & Sunday 1-5.
Please email me at reapwhatisew@gmail.com, you have until midnight on Friday 18th January to get your image over to me, oh and don't forget to send me your address along with your image.

You see, I told you I was happy! This is another design for a card.

Over Christmas I spent a lot of time relaxing which led to me getting quite a few ideas for new cards. Here's the first offering which I hope to print next week.
I won't necessarily execute it in these colours as I tend to leave that til last minute when i'm in front of the print bed.

New Year New Start

A lot of people don't seem to find the start of the year a happy time, but I really do.
I find myself filled with optimism and excitement, I genuinely cannot wait to see what the year ahead has in store.
This illustration is for an exciting new project I should be able to tell you more about soon. For all of you who have the January blues, chin up, I bet things will get better and surely there must be something to look forward to.