new work: digital mixed media collage print
inspired by my time spent living in New Zealand, some of my favourite things - the tui bird, mountains, lakes and amazing night sky. 
over 30 different layers of texture and images have been put together to create this mountain and lake landscape. 
the mountain range was made up of recycled security envelope lining, then layers of photographs such as pacific island carving and tree bark, vintage and modern illustration and washes of watercolour added.

I've been working on something new for the past couple of weeks with kaleidoscopic photography and more silhouettes - this time bugs! Bugs and beetles creep me out, especially when they decided to run across your top at a dinner party like last week! But, they are pretty amazing when you take a closer look. So I thought I'd combine some of the kaleidoscope images of rocks, geodes and crystals I'd been putting together with some cut out shapes. Who knew bugs could be so pretty. Prints are available from my etsy and hard to find stores and I'm busy working on more creepy crawly bling bugs.

It's here - Pantone colour of the year for 2016 - and there are two! For the first time Pantone has selected two colours blended together, each a soft pastel - Rose Quartz pink and Serenity blue. According to its announcement the international color authority chose the two hues to represent society’s increasing acceptance of gender equality and fluidity. Whatever the reason we think they're really pretty! Can't wait to start designing with them. Read more on the Pantone website.

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GET the look 

There are plenty of ways to incorporate 2016s colours of rose quarts and serenity into your wedding, from actual rocks on your reception tables to pretty pink and blue bridesmaid dresses. Here are a few wedding stationery ideas from our current ranges - brought on trend for 2016 by simply selecting cherub and cornflower from i do it yourself's colour palette options... 

From the top: soft spot invitation, tiffany twirl invitation, fiesta invitation, tropical nights invitation,  fabulous flamingo invitation and paper crane invitation.

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FREE download

This months FREE download is now available from the i do it yourself website in our FREEBIE section. These cute DIY labels can be used for just about anything - favours, decorations, place settings, just get creative! In our version of 2016s hottest shades inspired by rose quartz and serenity.

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HAIR and beauty

The ombre hair trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down and when you've got this gorgeousness going on you can see why. So how about incorporating pantones 2016 colours to your hair!? Daring, yes, but very pretty you have to admit.

Wow! I guess when you step back and take a look at it like this I have been a busy little bee! Lots of fun and colourful new nursery art prints all part of the rainbow bright range. I'm working on adding some more Aussie birds and animals too so watch this space. All available from creative monsoon and please get in touch if you'd like something custom such as your child name adding to a print.

Today is International Day of the Girl, a day dedicated to raising awareness about issues concerning gender inequality around the world. It's also the launch of ‪#‎makeforgood‬, an initiative from etsy Australia with Plan International to change the world for girls. I've created a special edition print just for the event and will be donating 50% of sales to the Because I am a Girl campaign. "Every cloud has a silver lining" is available from my etsy shop as a 10x8" print will real hand painted glitter. 

Time to get fabulous! Throw an amazing summer wedding with a pink peacock theme. Bright colours, tropical motifs, just perfect for a bridal shower or party too. Check out some of our flamingo wedding ideas below...

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Set sail on your big day and have a nautical theme. Mix anchors with roses for an elegant sea side statement.
Credits: White rose and navy striped boutonniere via pinterest; flowers displayed on a chalkboard sketched with an anchor at a gorgeous nautical wedding via Green Wedding Shoes, pic by George Weiss III; Anchors Away wedding invitation by 'i do it yourself; a seaside wedding shot by VUE photography.  Navy bridesmaid dresses and white rose bouquets via Style Me Pretty pic by Jen Huang Photography; nautical wedding cake with anchors via Brides.com; navy velvet cake! via wedbook; anchor chalkboard from etsy. 

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PRINTABLE stationery 

Get set for a nautical wedding this beautiful invitation suite. Featuring a pretty anchor sketched onto a chalkboard and decorated with white roses. The chalk effect is all part of the file no special paper needed. Available from the idoityourself shop. 

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DIY project : rope wrapped vases

Add a little nautical to your nuptials with this easy project from Bayside Bride.

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Real wedding

Be inspired by Francois and Lauren's yacht club wedding...

Photography by VO Photographers, Hartford, Connecticut

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STEAL that style 

If you loved the look of Francois and Lauren's yacht club wedding, here's how to get it...
1. Lauren and Francois choose a keepsake map with added longitude and latitude co ordinated from i do it yourself. 2. Custom lace mermaid gown with organza skirt from US$2,100 from Dream Dresses by PMN 3. Maritime bunting US$38 from Aisling Dezines. 4. Wooden sailboat centrepiece US$19.99 from Nautical Beach Decor. 5. White rose cake shot by Kate Preftakes Photography. 6. Big white rose bouquet via Maven Bride. 

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FREE download

Nautical themed weddings never go out of date. Who doesn't love that preppy combination of navy and white? If you are planning a nautical wedding head over to the 'i do' it yourself website and download these cut free anchor cup cake topper in navy blue, black and white. Great for birthday parties, gift tags and more too! Ahoy and enjoy!

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