colourart

Sunshine Award

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:42:00 +0000

I have been awarded this award by the very talented Gabriella Buckingham at Moobaacluck . She paints the most gorgeous pieces of art and wooden decorations. This is a lovely award which I am very happy to accept.

Now for the technical bit…the rules……..

‘The rules for accepting this award are:-

Put the logo on your blog or within your post,

Pass the award on to 12 bloggers,

Link the nominees within your post,

Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog,

Share the love and link to the person from whom you have received this award.’

I award this to these bloggers for their creativity, and because it is a pleasure to sit and escape and read their beautiful blogs.

My nominees include……

Moobaacluck

who nominated me…..and

shhhh…it’s 11 don’t tell. ;-)

Amanda

Bath – A weekend break away!

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:44:00 +0000

Just last weekend my lovely hubby and I went to Bath in celebration of our 10th wedding anniversary. Tin, apparently, well I didn’t get anything tin but I was treated to a weekend break in Bath. We’d never been before, but what a beautiful place, full of architecture, history and great shops. The weather was glorious, not typically British and not like when we got married. The photos I’m sure speak for themselves and it is a place I will definitely be going back too. We enjoyed a lovely meal on Friday night, I had lobster ravioli and have since vowed to have a go at making ravioli myself.

Saturday morning we headed into Bath again, and had a mooch round the shops, not the big High Street, ‘we can find them everywhere’ shops but the small indie shops. After yummy lunch we visited the Roman Baths, and where we were wowed by the history and story behind them.

Roman Baths

Bath Abbey taken from inside the Roman Baths

Off next to have a delicious and very large strawberry ice cream and then off to Victoria Art Gallery to see a large collection of paintings and sculpture done by the Bath Art Society. Some were good, some not so good. I voted for my favourite, a paper art piece using lots of white paper butterflies. Interestingly hubby voted for a paper art piece too so our tastes aren’t so far apart. Although it later become apparent that we weren’t going to agree on a piece of artwork to buy. We agreed to disagree and I’m going to paint my own memory of Bath at a later date.

Royal Crescent

These lions were super and doted around Bath.

Sunday was finished off with a trip to Avebury circle and then home to our two lovely children who were being expertly looked after.

A great adventure and a definite ‘must go back’ place.

I came home to an order too, so it was all good.

Personalised Flowery Childrens Art Work

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:28:00 +0000

If you are looking for a Christening gift, birthday present or new baby gift then look no further. This hand painted canvas is all flowers, pattern and a very happy butterfly, especially for a little girl. It is extra special because the hand painted wooden butterfly gives it a special twist. Some of the flowers are outlined in gold and the name is written in gold also.

This design, Full o’ Flowers can be found here and is part of my collection of hand painted canvas art at www.colourart.co.uk It can be painted in a variety of sizes. In a short time it would be ready and to you within 7-10 days, perfect for a special gift……

….and for those of you who read my blog regularly I have not yet mentioned my new and updated website. Colourart has under gone a transformation, bringing a more contemporary look and a site which is easier to browse around.

I know I say it nearly every time but thank you for reading I’ll be back in touch soon.

Amanda

Childrens Book Illustrations A WIP

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:38:00 +0000

I am on the final stretches of a very exciting project and I’m sure that the recipient of these paintings wont mind me writing a little blog piece about them.

The illustrations are to go with a sweet childrens story about a woodcutter and a squirrel. It has been a pleasure developing the ideas for each page and painting them up. They aren’t quite finished yet but wanted to share as they are nearly there.

There are 14 paintings at the moment and the 15th will be the cover. Each has been developed using CAD and sketches but the final pieces are painted in acrylic onto paper.

I’ll post all the finished pieces when their done.

Thanks for reading, see you soon

Amanda

Handmade Easter Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:50:00 +0000

I have made a couple of Easter Cards this morning for my little ones. Hope they like them. (I’m sure they’ll enjoy the chocolate more however :-)

One for my little girl……

and

one for my young man…

….Happy Easter to you all!

Amanda

Cutey Garden - A Commissioned Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:46:00 +0000

I was recently commissioned to paint an alternative arrangement to one of my current paintings. Originally in a square format, I was asked to paint it in a landscape format instead. So here's the story as to how the painting went.

The Original

CAD layout of new design using Photoshop

Work in Progress

Finished design

So there you go, anything is possible. This one will be off to its recipient very soon. I love painting commission work, it's good to paint some a little different. Please check out some other commission work I have done here and check out www.colourart.co.uk which is full of paintings to have a look at.

Tigerprint Competition Final Design

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:03:00 +0000

Wishing I had more time, but sadly only had a few days to put together a design for a Surface Pattern Design competition with the Tigerprint Blog. This is my entry for the competition.

The brief was to create a design which was for a female for Spring/Summer 2011. There was a colour palette attached to the brief. I thought I'd show you how my entry came about.

It started with a computer generated image of flowers, then I drew and scanned in an image of a swallowtail butterfly.

I put the two together and played around with different colourways until deciding on my final submission.

If you want to check out all the entries have a look here , there are many lovely entries.

Wish me luck

A Hand Painted Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:52:00 +0000

I'm getting into the spirit of Christmas slowly. I have made Christmassy my blog and I have some hand painted decorations to show you including some Gingerbread Men.

They are lovely hanging from a tree to give a more natural primitive style......

.......or you could wrap a parcel with brown paper and ribbon and use one as a gift tag. The tag could then be used on the tree.

I have also painted snowflakes, snowmen and Christmas bauble shapes.

Take a peek at my Colourart Christmas Shop www.colourart.co.uk/Christmas_Shop.htm to see these designs and few more I'll be adding soon.

Amanda

Technorati Tags: Christmas,decorations,tag,gift tag,xmas,hand made,hand painted,gingerbread man,shabby style

More Paintings and a few thank yous

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:13:00 +0000

I've been a quiet blogger, but after being a featured blog on the WAHM site I am inspired to write a new post. So thanks for featuring me WAHM and for giving me the push to write this post.

I exhibited my work at the Designer Baby Show earlier this month and I was pleased with how my nursery canvasses were displayed. I usually have them on a table but this time I hung the paintings so they could be seen as they are meant to be.

The collection included a few new paintings which I would like to share with you.

I love Russian Dolls, and I thought that my collection needed a Russian Doll canvas. Cue another thank you, as Mrs Jelly at Jellybelly-Jellybrain suggested that it would be a good idea to paint a Russian Doll, so I did just that.

www.colourart.co.uk/Russian_Doll_Enlarged_Canvas.htm

Here she is:

I also painted a new version of the Teddy Bear painting which I think is great for new babies especially as its neutral tones mean it could be an ideal gift for a boy or girl. I think it would be great personalised. You can find Teddy Bear here: www.colourart.co.uk/Teddy_Bear_Enlarged_Canvas.htm

If you want an original Christmas present which is can be personalised there is still plenty of time to order in time for Christmas www.colourart.co.uk

Back soon

Amanda

Technorati Tags: nursery art,canvas art,wall art for children,kids wall art,teddy bear art,Russian Doll painting,hand painted

Designer Baby Show is here

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:31:00 +0000

This Sunday I will be exhibiting my nursery paintings collection at the Designer Baby Show in Berkshire. I will have over twenty original nursery paintings exhibiting, where I will be offering a 10% discount. I will also be offering a free mystery gift with online purchases between 16th and 30th November 2009. Please enter 'Designer Baby' in the special instructions at the checkout. Please come and visit us at stand C80 on Sunday and if you can't make it then check out my online store at www.colourart.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you at The Designer Baby Show this Sunday, 15th November 2009

Ballerina Canvas Art

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:34:00 +0000

This design is inspired by the some of the meadows in France, they were stunning, full of flowers and butterflies, and dotted between the sunflower and maise fields. Having travelled 1800 miles through France during the summer we saw a few of the meadows, so what better way to record them than by putting paint to canvas.

Ballerinas in Meadow is my latest design and celebrates dance. I have never painted Ballerinas before so this enhances my existing range. Its available in both of my stores.

Ballerinas in Meadow is available to buy now in my art store Colourart

I hope you enjoy the painting, I will be back soon with more Colourart news.

Yo! Ho! Hand Painted Pirate Canvas

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0000

In honour of National Talk Like a Pirate Day, I wanted to show my hand painted pirate canvas.

Perfect for little boys who'd love life on the ocean. It comes in various sizes and can be personalised with name and date.

He can be found here or for the personalised version here

Cupcake Paintings for National Cupcake Week

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:23:00 +0000

It National Cupcake week - how exciting. Here at Colourart we have made plenty of cupcakes over time, and not just yummy ones to eat. I have painted some too! These two cupcake paintings are available to buy here and here

To celebrate the cupcake or fairy cake why not buy a slimming one to decorate your kitchen, dining room or child's bedroom. They are hand painted, and very gorgeous. The soft sweetie colours make these mouth watering cupcake paintings a lovely gift idea. There are two designs which work well as a pair or on their own. Hand painted onto gallery wrapped artist canvas, these original pieces of artwork wont add to you waistline but they will add a touch of style to your home.

I hope you enjoy National Cupcake week no matter how you chose to celebrate it.

Technorati Tags: cup cake,national cupcake week,hand painted,art,design,acrylic,painting,fairy cake,sweet

Errr WHY??

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:05:00 +0000

Don't ask me what I did at school pleeeassseeee.

I sometimes wonder why I take an interest in my kids school days, although sometimes other than the standard, learnt at birth, phrase of 'I've forgotten' I do get a laugh out of asking.

The conversation with my youngest after her day at school went a little like this:

Me: So tell one good thing that you did at school today.

Little Miss: I held a snake.

Me: O..K

Little Miss: It bit me.

Me: R..i..g..h..t

Little Miss: It was pink and white stripes

Me: of course it was

Little Miss: Oh and I held a lizard too.

Will I ask again? yes probably and will Little Miss tell me.....well probably not, but its always worth asking.

Just for those of you that are still with me.....

Here they are first day back.

Amanda

Buy Unique Art Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:17:00 +0000

I have opened a new store with an online boutique called Zazzle.com I have created a new store of my own www.zazzle.co.uk/colourart where you can buy gifts and accessories made using my own artwork.

I have a small selection of items at the moment, including magnets, cute vests for babies and mousemats.

Here's a taste of what is happening in the new store.

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Please pop over and check it out.

Handmade Teachers Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Both of my kids are moving classes this year, so it was time for them to say goodbye to their teachers. As a special 'thank you' I made each teacher a shopping list clipboard each.

I designed the paper, laminated it, decorated the front and then stuck them to boards I had painted. Finished of with a bulldog clip and a note pad. I hope they liked them.

They also gave them a bookmark from Paperchase and some choccies of course..........

.......and Evans teacher told him she liked GOGO's so he drew her some on the envelope of her card.

Recession Busting Pictures for Children's Spaces

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:58:00 +0000

If you still want to still treat your kids to a new stylish room in this recession then these are just the thing. I have developed these few ideas, watch this space though there are more coming. So to start with. The Jungle Bunch, based on the ever popular Jungle Animals on canvas (see here

for those) they are a printed version which can be framed any way you like. They will come mounted or unmounted and in varying sizes. A bright set of animal designs exclusive to the Colourart and Colourartjunior

Jungle Bunch Monkey

Jungle Bunch Lion

Jungle Bunch Elephant

Jungle Bunch Giraffe

Photo size: 12.5 cm x 12.5cm

Mount size: 23cm x 23cm

Price with mount £4.50

Price without mount £3.00

Other sizes will follow, this is just to start.

Oh and just a final note the frame came from Ikea so at just £11.50 this picture could be brightening up your little ones room.

Keep checking back to www.colourart.co.uk and www.colourartjunior.com as they will added very soon.

Colourart Junior is here

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Finally it is live!!

A new site showcasing all my children's art collection.

www.colourartjunior.com

Its all divided into categories, so whatever your child is into you can find it quickly and easily. So whether it might be fairies....

...or maybe cars...

....it is so easy to find.

I have a new name to....

colourartjunior

......a new logo....

and some new business cards from moo.com

So we're all new and shiny here at Colourart, so keep checking back as new designs will be added soon.

Honest Scrap Award

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Ok, so it's been half term and well now I'm here for a rest as we've had lots of celebrating going on. How come a 7 year old can stretch a birthday right across 3 whole days? Still back to blogging land.

I've been awarded this Honest Scrap award by http://aviyaglass.blogspot.com which is great - thank you. Now what do I have to do.

I must list 10 honest things about myself and put a Logo on my blog (this bit t'is done)

Honest Things List

1. I talk far too much

2. I trained as a textile designer, but left my textile job to be with my kids more.

3. I spend far too much time shopping for things I don't really need, but hey a girl has to shop

4. I'm a dreadful speller, I needed a dictionary just to do this.

5. I need to go on holiday every year.

6. My favourite place in the world is Florence, Italy (so far not been everywhere).

7. If I had a pot of gold it would be for a home in Tuscany.

8. I am big Lily Allen fan.

9. I believe in fairies at the bottom of the garden (well why not?)

10. I set up my business as I have a big passion for design.

Now I just have to send this award to 7 other bloggers.

They are:

http://www.heartfelthandmade.com/

http://katianmosaics.blogspot.com/

http://raspberrycupcakewithacherryontop.blogspot.com

http://buffyscharms.blogspot.com/

http://tiptoptoppers.blogspot.com

http://jasmijnpaauwe.blogspot.com/

http://thechildrensjewellerycompany.blogspot.com/

Colourart Junior Collection at The Designer Baby Show

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:03:00 +0000

I am fortunate enough to be showing my paintings at The Designer Baby show in November. This is a very exciting opportunity to show my nursery collection of paintings at this very special event. So to see a great spectrum of designer baby products including my Colourart Junior collection, circle 15th November on your calendar. See you there.

Personalised Childrens Garden Canvas

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Fri, 15 May 2009 08:16:00 +0000

Just completed this commission for a personalised painting, just adds a personal touch, great for a christening or new baby gift. Many more of my paintings can be personalised and I'm happy to do it for no extra charge.

Here are some others to show you.

Kim Smith (SRAJD) Charm Bracelets

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Mon, 11 May 2009 10:15:00 +0000

If you love jewellery and are looking for something special and beautifully handmade then pop over to etsy to find Kim Smiths Charm Bracelets

Kim's shop is filled with the most beautiful handmade charm bracelets in all sorts of juicy colours. The bracelets are made with lots of details, different beads and charms. I have two of my own and have recently commissioned a childrens one for my daughter Shelley.

These bracelets are all about the detail, this one for Shelley has flowers and fairies.

Here are some of my favourites from Kims Etsy store.

Zest for Life - a summery mix of citrus colours

Cherry Blossom - fresh turquoise and pink

Summer Romance - summer berry tones reminiscent of a summers evening

Bracelets come really well packaged, great for giving as a gift although you may want to keep it all for yourself.

Please take a look at Kims shop, there are many more.

Amanda xx

Owl Nursery Canvas for Childrens Room

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:12:00 +0000

I love birds, and there are all sorts of birds in design around at the moment. In homage to gorgeous birds I have had fun designing this little Owl canvas. She's very cute, in soft pastel colours and is looking for a new home. She has been decorated with soft patterns with some silver outlining. She will be available to buy from my on-line store, Colourart very soon, but I just wanted to show her off as soon as I could. **Just a quick update Owl is available to buy now at www.colourartjunior.com **

Handmade Felt Birds For Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Let me introduce my tweet family. I saw some lovely felt birds on Flickr a few weeks ago and wanted to make my own, to give to family at Easter, so...

......I took a few sheets of felt…

.......some buttons……

.........some ribbon………

........a sewing box and sewing machine…..

………and here ……..

are my little family of felt birds.

Happy Easter xx

Technorati Tags: felt,handmade,birds,colourart,sewing,ribbon,easter gift

Nowton Park, bury St Edmunds and Homemade Cakes

noreply@blogger.com (Colourart) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Daffodils out at Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds. We went a few weeks ago and none of them where out. They are now and they are stunning, a sea of yellow lines the walk, so I wanted to share them.

and in a few free moments this weekend, we made some cupcakes and enjoyed decorating them with some great pastel colours.

Yum Yum!!
xx