My last email I wrote:
What is on my mind?
I have been wanting to write and illustrate a children's book. Honestly, it has been on my bucket list for years. I have started the process a hundred times (well, actually maybe not hundred, about three). But every time I stop loving the idea. I get halfway through the illustrations and loose interest in the theme.
A couple years ago I did a 100 designs challenge, and I shared the whole process with you. I am feeling like something similar might be brewing to help me start and finish a book? I have always had this belief, that when you write and illustrate a book, it all must be kept a secret until the book launch. But does this have to be the case? Could you follow me on the journey instead? Help me with ideas, and then celebrate with me at the end? Let me know what you think.
Here is my plan:
I am going to illustrate/write this children's book! And I am going to share it with you all the way through. The book will be based around our loved sea creatures we have all around the world. I am hoping to choose some very colorful creatures, some little, some large and some unusual. I made the announcement on my socials the other day, and I had a lot of great ideas given to me for the creatures I will choose. Then I sat down on my own and fall into a rabbit hole with all the millions of choices I have!!!! I am getting super excited about it.
Have I set any rules or a ridged plan for this process? Not really. They will all be sea creatures. I decided no plants or coral for this book. They all must be saltwater animals. I have no timeline, but I am hoping to share with you progress on a weekly basis. I won't write the words/story until the end. I think that bit will be left to be a surprise.
But I have already had a little setback!!!! On my social post I mentioned that I had resurfaced/prepped my art boards for this. I wanted a clean, fresh surface to start this project on. But, I made a huge booboo! I went to stretch my first paper onto them today and as I was taping them on, the water soaked into the new dry paint and it started to rub off! I must have used the wrong type of paint, or the original paint effected it. Needless to say, I had to abort the newly painted boards and decide to be happy with my old green ones. They are a little old and daggy, but they will do the job at hand!
Watch this space for progress and sneaky peaks! Let me know if there are any sea creatures you would love to see!!!!
New Products!!!!!
There’s something special about the moment you pause a story—marking your place before returning to it later. That’s exactly what inspired me to create these bookmarks.
Each one features my original artwork, painted here in Tasmania and inspired by the landscapes, flora, and animals that I see every day. They’re like a tiny piece of art you can keep close—tucked into your favourite book, journal, or planner.
Printed on beautiful, high-quality 350gsm card, these bookmarks feel sturdy and luxe while still being lightweight enough to travel with you. Each design is double-sided, so no matter how it sits in your book, there’s always something lovely to look at.
Every bookmark is finished with a tassel (in a randomly selected colour), adding a playful touch and making it easy to find your place—whether you’re halfway through a novel or dreaming up your next idea.
Proudly designed by me and printed in Australia, these bookmarks are a thoughtful little gift—for a reader, a dreamer, or yourself.
Details:
Size: 140mm x 45mm
Printed on premium 350gsm cardstock
Double-sided design featuring my original artwork
Includes tassel (random colour)
Printed in Australia
A small piece of art, made to travel through your stories with you.
Next Markets:
I will be attending the Salamanca Market on these days this April, I hope you pop by if you can! Please note Anzac Day lands on a Saturday this year, so out of respect for our Anzacs, Salamanca Market will be on the Sunday that weekend instead of the usual Saturday.
Retail Partner: Bunch Oatlands
Last time we went through Oatlands, we stopped at a beautiful little cafe for lunch. We ordered a handful of the most delicious gourmet toasties and had a picnic outside in the sun. It was an exciting surprise when I received an order from them recently. You can now find a selection of my magnets, wrapping paper and tags there. Pop in next time you're driving through to say hello and try their mouthwatering toasties!
