it's a darker, cooler + cozier time

i love the change of seasons and how it effects the environment, our moods and preferences; warm comforting foods, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, gingerbread lattes and mulled wine (yes mugs!), big soft scarves and thick jumpers... mmm makes me want to snuggle into my big duvet.

this picture was taken in london just outside of the tate museum. i remember walking around, wrapped up in a scarf, woolly hat and gloves as it was the end of december and it was cold!! there's something about being snug in layers of winter gear and having a hot cuppa with the icy wind on your face, it just makes things feel right. wonderful memories to warm the heart.. awww! enjoy this month's calendar :)

going back this christmas

i've always been attracted to the 40s, with the uber gentlemen and feminine style, the swing, jazz and blues music, big bands and dance halls, films about chivalry, war, love, honour and family... yes i am an old romantic. if i could chose to live in a period, i would pick the 40s. of course it wasn't always glamour, music and fun; it was post world war and people were putting their lives back together, with the loss of loved ones but also there is a sense of joy in surviving.

this is where i drew inspiration for the new festive range... classic christmas gifts. things that were treasured and loved dearly, with the simple purpose of bringing joy to their little owners. here's a little glimpse of one of the designs - we always like men in uniforms! the set of 4 designs are currently in print so will let you know when they're ready, yay :)

creativity is not an island

being creative is a funny thing really. you realise that your imagination runs a different course and you see things slightly different from others who are less creatively inclined. it's hard not to get frustrated at people who think more logically or have no specific design input, just whether they like it or not. i think that gets me the most ha

this year i've realised there aren't that many people i respect or trust the creative judgement of. it's a difficult position to be in, especially when i'm designing + creating things. i'm limited by my own creativity. it's good if you know what you like + have the confidence in your work (though too much could be mistaken as arrogance!) i'm definitely the sort that needs to talk things out + brainstorm to refine ideas, concepts + of course improve my own abilities. i'm a team player!

so i totally recommend seeking out like-minded people + getting involved with creative communities to keep yourself inspired + stimulated.

come fly away

i was just reminded of what a wonderful song this is -



no matter what mood you're in, it certainly picks you up and makes you want to let go of things weighing you down to the point you're so light that you will literally fly and float away.

i've been procrastinating a bit, ok a lot. there are things i know i need to do, yet i simply don't do them. so i've set myself a goal for the week: finish the new christmas range... now i've told you all, so i have to do it!

when sleep is not a friend... turn to the drawing board

being sleep deprived is a funny thing. your mind + body don't seem to communicate anymore, so when you are suppose to be alert and focused i.e. at work, you just zone out and when you're lying in bed needing to be catching those zzz's, thoughts are going through your head at the speed of light. thank God for coffee and other stimulants. though these eye stickers are pretty awesome... a little freaky, but could potentially come in handy ha

well a good thing about having the extra time is more time to work at the new mm christmas range! yes, that is what is happening right now. i'm loving the new concept (which you will hear and see more about soon) but at the same time there comes additional frustrations of not translating the vision i've conjured up in my head onto paper. it's going to take some time, but hopefully not too long as christmas is fast approaching!!!

start making those lists and checking it twice :)