Jane Foster

Our very lucky daughter received a Jane Foster cat for her birthday back in April (thank you Auntie Jill!). I hadn't previously come across Jane's work but when I searched to see if she had a website I found she does a fabulously bright range of textiles and prints. I love her use of simple colour set against stark white backgrounds (which carries into her home and photography too) and beautiful vintage textiles. She has a blog which shows her work, home and inspirations. It's become a must-check blog for me. She has the most organised, tidy and spacious studio I've ever seen. I'm very jealous. If you saw my teeny tiny studio you'd know why. I'll blog some photos of my studio one day soon so you can see for yourselves.

I love the photo of all the cats together - brilliant fabrics and the multiples thing in photos always appeals to me. I think we may have to add to the cat soon with a lovely print or cushion.

Boo Vake

Boo Vake is a craft boutique in Perth which features contemporary gifts by artists and makers from the UK.

They've stocked my cards, books and stationery for couple of years now and Arlene contacted me to see if I'd be interested in a little design job. She wanted a design for the shop - a logo of sorts to be used on signs, postcards and business cards for the shop. The brief was pretty loose (one colour, orange or turquoise, simple abstract-ish shape with the shop name on). I came up with a few designs to choose from and Arlene decided on both of the above designs.

I look forward to seeing one of them going into print as the new Boo Vake logo.

Thinking time

Being mum to a very busy 16 month old means that my working pattern has changed hugely. When she's at nursery I print, design, cut, fold, make and package. What I don't seem to have any more are those lovely self-indulgent times sitting at my desk with a cup of tea and lots of time to think, day-dream and generally let my mind wander about my work. I have to stay very busy and very focused now.

As a result I sometimes feel I'm lacking the time to stand back and review what I'm doing, what I need to do next and the general direction my work is travelling.

This is where out walks come in. We're often found meandering around our small town or the surrounding countryside! She gets to see the world from her pushchair and I get to have a little 'thinking and inspiration time'. I think we both enjoy it.

Here are some snaps from todays wanderings. We often walk past the local allotments and how I would love to go in and have a nosy around all those old sheds and green houses but as the sign says - I'm not allowed. Shame.