Surtex 2013 – cakes

Today is the last day of the Surtex show in New York and what better way to celebrate than with cupcakes.

I am a big fan of cupcakes whether that’s making them, eating them or painting them!

They don’t last long in our house so painting them is always more satisfying and longer lasting – not to mention calorie free.

One of my alter-egos would be to become a patisserie chef whipping up dainty delicacies in Paris.

But I am happiest painting them first and eating them second – it’s a good workout of the self-control muscle to see how long you can observe, record and not consume!

All my designs are available to purchase or license through Advocate Art who are on stand 416.

Surtex 2013 – Lollipop Flowers

Surtex continues today and having just seen The Great Gatsby, I’m in the mood for a dress.

This design collection is called Lollipop Flowers.

It’s fresh and Spring-like and makes me want to twirl around in a fancy dress.

All the designs are available for purchase or licence through Advocate Art on stand 416.

Surtex 2013 – Cutlery Drawer

Surtex has opened it’s doors today! Cutlery Drawer was one of my first designs and remains an olde favourite.

I spend a lot of time in the kitchen so I had a vested interest in making it more picturesque!

These designs came about after I found a box of vintage cutlery at a car boot sale.

All the designs are available for purchase or licence at Advocate Art on stand 416.

Surtex 2013 – Christmas designs

Christmas has come early today!

I named this Christmas wrapping design: Bouncing Bauble’s. It makes me smile.

It always foxes me that you have to think of Christmas designs during Spring in production terms. So I worked hard in Dec and Jan while I was still in the festive groove.

I love these Christmas roses, they came out just right and I like the colour palette too – so I’m hoping (fingers crossed) that a buyer will too.

All designs are available for license or sale through Advocate Art on stand 416 at Surtex.

Surtex 2013 – Bright Garden

One of my new design collections at Surtex 2013 is called Bright Garden.

This project began when I saw some beautiful lace and after close inspection drawing it I could see a garden of flowers in each tiny intricate piece of lace.

It was fun to play around with different pens and brushes to make fine lace-like lines.

The Surtex show in New York opens on Sunday 19th May and all the designs are available for licence or purchase through Advocate Art on stand 416.

Surtex 2013 – Collaged Flower

Sunday is the first day of the Surtex show in New York.

Surtex is the biggest exhibition linking designers and manufacturers together to buy or license designs.

I so wish I was actually there but the next best thing is knowing that my agents Advocate Art are –  on stand 416.

And one my designs that are in the portfolio is Collaged Flower.

PG Live – butterflies

Today is the second and last day of the Progressive Greetings Live show (PG Live) where my agents Advocate Art are on stand 107.

I have been butterfly crazy of late and have enjoyed using them to adorn some fun greetings cards.

PG Live – bird cards

Today is the first day of the Progressive Greetings Live show (PG Live) at the Business Design Centre London. This is a specialist trade show focused on greetings cards which is now in it’s fifth year.

 The show attracts buyers from our big home-grown companies such as John Lewis, Selfridges, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Next and Boots, as well as attracting a number of buyers from overseas too.

My agents Advocate Art are on stand 107 with some new designs from me. I’m hoping that these four birds might catch someone’s eye today.

Tropical spring

Earlier this week whilst under the heavy influence of sunshine, I put my Primula paintings to work in a pattern.

Original photograph: Homes and Antiques – Jan 2013 – Tria Giovan/Gap Interiors

What came about looks tropical! Funnily enough this photo was taken in a house in Florida. I’m not suggesting it’s suitability here as a wallpaper because you may need sunglasses in and outside of the house but it’s always fun to mock-up ideas in this way.

Here’s hoping for that sunshine back again this weekend – have a good one !

Euphorbia

This is the time of year to enjoy Euphorbia at it’s best.

And it looks extra special with all this gorgeous sunshine filtering through it.

When it puts out new growth it’s a lovely lime green colour.

I cut some to bring in and paint (beware it has a sticky sap running through it – yuk)

I thought it would die quickly so I kept the composition simple, but days later and it’s still quite happy in a vase.

Euphorbia © Claire Leggett