The inspiration: leaf stomata seen under a microscope

I have a brand new collection of paintings out this month. Back to Variegated, the topic of my 2018 solo show - beautiful organic patterns inspired by the microscopic detail of leaves. This time using a colour palette of black, white and soft greys (with a hint of blue/purple). Each work is adorned with little pieces of cut paper as a representation of the leaf stomata.

Stylised and enlarged these microscopic patterns become delicate and fragile looking abstracts reminiscent of decorative lace.​

 

 

A few months ago one of the mums at my child's school asked me what my top art tools were so she could them for her older daughter who was very into art. What was my top must have arty item? And without a doubt it is a notebook. I've kept an art journal since high school and it's something I use every week. As times gone by I've opted for smaller ones so I can carry them around with me. They are perfect for popping in your bag and jotting down any ideas when they come to you, quick sketches out and about.

So when I was thinking the other week about what I could put together that would make a creative but affordable gift idea - an arty notebook. Especially when so many people are still staying home, exploring their creative side more and we maybe can't get to see someone in person, what's a thoughtful gift idea? These seemed perfect.

I've put together three different cover designs each one featuring one my original abstract paintings, plus a great inspirational quote from one of my favorite artists Vincent Van Gogh. And... as they are made to order, there is the added option of personalising the little circle on the front from My Creative Journal to Sarah's Sketchbook or Mary's Art Notes for example - just to make it a little more special for somebody.

 

 

In the past few months I've been continuing to create abstract landscapes pieces suggestive of fields seen from the air, or topographical maps, using the language of lines and dashes I've been building up in my work. Four new paintings have been recently released in this body of work.

 

It seems that when Aussie couples are looking for an international destination wedding for the next little while, it's going to be New Zealand. So it's about time we got round to adding a New Zealand themed invitation to our collection. This one features one of my favourite NZ birds the cheeky tui, and beautiful yellow kowhai flowers. You can find this printable invitation in our etsy shop or via creative monsoon The file is even editable so you can use it for baby showers, birthdays etc too.

Right now in Australia weddings may only continue with a maximum of five people in attendance – the couple, the celebrant and two witnesses (although WA looks to be the first state to relax this announcing up to 10 people may be in attendance from next week). So while it looks like big weddings, and certainly destination weddings, will be off the cards for a while longer, from the archives here is a beautiful little backyard wedding to inspire - all the way from Chile. Photographed by Dario Vargas.
Bride Fran wanted a vintage feel to the day, 'Kind of backyard chic' she says. 'We decorated the tables with hand made burlap corridors, old bottles and mason jars as flower vases filled with rustic white and yellow flowers arranged by my girlfriends and me, and paper doillies as coasters. And to add some playfulness to the atmosphere, my mom and I sewed some colorful bunting banners from scratch.'


Fran and Ben wanted to do something different with their wedding outfits. 'I had an idea of using an old havanna theme for Benjamin, so we bought him a nice buttercream linen suit and elegant panama hat, custom made for his big head! Which actually came from Ecuador.'

'For my dress I wanted lace and a 50's air. So we also bought it on ebay and was custom made, which saved us a lot of money. For my accessories, I made a birdcage veil with one yard of ivory frech veiling, a comb and some thread. The earrings and the matching bracelet were Sarah Coventry found on etsy, as well as the lovely flower pins I used in my hair.'



Fran fell in love with succulents: 'I used them in little pots as favours, which had a card with seating information for each gest. And my DIY bouquet was made with white peonies and some blue-gree succulents.' And with a lovely eco friendly twist Ben and Fran have since planted all the left over succulents on their balcony. 'They are growing quite well.' said Fran.


Ben and Fran chose to use 'i do' it yourself's gum leaf range for their wedding stationery. 'We chose the gum leaf theme for all our stationery, because I thought it really expressed that sense of green and relaxation that we wanted for our wedding.' said Fran 'We used the lovely gum leaf paddle fans as a courtesy for our guest too, since it was a sunny day.'







Instead of a classical wedding cake the couple opted for fun mini cupcakes with bright blue, yellow and white frosting - a real hit with guests, espeicailly the kids. These where placed on cake stands made of old plates bought at a flee market along with the bottles and mason jars. Talented bride Fran even made a pair of beautiful felt love birds as a cake topper. Emulating the groom and bride, with a hat for him and a birdcage veil for her. Too cute!

Mother’s Day is almost here and we want to help you celebrate with a cute card you can print up for mum to celebrate just how special she is.

Download it now from out sister shop creative monsoon's freebie section, under print at home and check out more of our quick and easy Mother's Day printables - great for last minute ideas.

The easter bunny is almost here so lets take a minute to look at some fun free printables and DIY projects to help you celebrate. Great for last minute gift and decoration ideas, these are a few of our favourites...