Handmade Silver Jewellery

I’m excited to introduce my brand new collection of jewellery, handmade in my studio, using recycled silver. Taking inspiration from nature found in my local area, looking out for interesting patterns and textures, I have created a collection of jewellery featuring flowers, plants and leaves, with a delicate and a tactile feel. Each piece is unique, featuring slightly different shapes and finishes.

My silver jewellery will be available to buy in the SoLo Craft Fair Shop from June 2023.  For every piece of jewellery sold, I will donate the cost of planting one tree to UNA Eastbourne’s Mvule Project. One item Sold - One Tree Planted. Read more about the project here.

For jewellery commission enquiries, please fill out the form here.

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50 Things to do with a Stick

‘50 Things to do with a Stick’ is the latest book in Pavilion’s best-selling outdoor and adventure series. It’s the second book I have worked on with author and forest school champion Richard Skrein and ‘Stick’ makes the 7th book that I have illustrated in this series! This one is all about playing with sticks - making both useful and decorative items. A perfect camping companion!

Reviews

‘Mixing woodland wonders with savvy survival skills, this is the modern guide to the age-old art of bushcraft.’ - Countryside magazine 

‘This book is a great gift for all ages and features lots of top tips and skills to learn. Anyone who loves the outdoors would be happy to find this book in their stocking. And you'll be glad of them if you get stuck out in the wild!’ - Caravan magazine

A must-read for anyone with an adventurous spirit, a yen to whittle and chop, and a desire to get out into nature and play with sticks! These 50 achievable ideas for making and playing with sticks – all with beautiful step-by-step illustrations – make a great gift. This is the perfect book for anyone wishing to be more self-sufficient. Find your inner explorer with these battery-free, no-emission ideas!

Chapters include:
Home Sticks: cutlery, coat hooks, brooms, candlesticks
Stick Craft: jewellery, weaving, mobiles, picture frames
Stick Play: catapults, musical sticks, magic wands, story sticks

'50 Things to do in the Wild' Book

I loved illustrating this book, written by Richard Skrein and published by Pavilion Books. The 4th instalment in Pavilion's adventure series, it’s a lovely illustrated guide, with handy tips on wilderness survival skills, bushcraft and lots of inspiration how to connect with nature. Learn how to make arrows, build natural shelters, or how to enjoy forest bathing (inspired by the Japanese tradition of ‘shinrin-yoku’). I particularly enjoyed learning how to read nature, including reading clouds, the sun and tree. Many of these skills can also be done in your garden, local park or backyard for some urban nature connecting!

‘This trusty guide teaches you all the essential skills you need to survive in the wild, from building a shelter to making a fire. Forest school practitioner Richard Skrein shares his expertise and enthusiasm for the outdoors through easy-to-understand instructions, illustrated with captivating drawings by Maria Nilsson. The book is divided into four main chapters reflecting the elemental skill sets:

Earth – this chapter focuses on toolcraft, foraging and natural resources. Learn how to make a bow, arrows and a mallet; identify essential plants and trees and their medicinal properties.
Air – this chapter focuses on shelters, knots, navigation and the sky. Learn the secrets of selecting the perfect wilderness camp; master knots and lashings; and discover how to read nature’s ‘GPS’.
Water – this chapter focuses on finding, drinking and using water, fishing and rafts. Learn how to purify water for drinking; suss out the skills needed to fashion a fishing rod; and make a sail for your handmade raft.
Fire – this chapter focuses on making and using fire and cooking food. Master the art of building a fire, set your own signal fire and build a Swedish fire log.

The book also explains the items you need to ensure your rucksack is kitted out with the best equipment for exploring. With extra tips and a rundown of useful tools, you’ll find everything you need to get out there, have an adventure and survive the great outdoors.’

Order now from all the usual places. Enjoy!

50 Things to See in the Sky

Out now! ‘50 Things to see in the Sky’ is one of my absolute favourites of the books I have illustrated. I frequently use it myself; as reference for stargazing adventures, when camping, on holiday, or when peeking at the sky from my loft in London. It is published by Pavilion and written by the brilliant Sarah Barker. Sarah is an accomplished astrophysicist and award-winning documentary film producer. She has collaborated with NASA, National Geographic, the Science Channel, Animal Planet, and the BBC.

As Sarah writes, 'the sky isn't the limit-the sky has no limit.'"

Enjoy!

A beautifully presented, practical gift guide to 50 sights in the skies above us complete with a glow-in-the dark front cover. Explained with fascinating, easy-to-understand commentary from astrophysicist and science communicator, Sarah Barker, and illustrated throughout with captivating drawings by Maria Nilsson, each guide helps you locate an incredible sight.

The book is divided into three main sections and whether you use the naked eye, a telescope, or fall into a black hole of online research, you ll discover the limitless wonder of the skies from otherworldly phenomena on Earth like sun dogs, to planets, moons, stars, lunar craters and galaxy clusters.

Naked Eye: Learn how navigators travelled in the past by finding the North Star; say hello to our astronauts and learn how to spot the International Space Station; see a red supergiant star (Betelgeuse); and find out more about solar eclipses.

Further Afield: Find out more about the next closest galaxy, Andromeda; learn about the discovery of Saturn s ears (or rings!); spot an alien storm that s as big as the Earth; and track Little Green Men and ice volcanoes.

Far, Far Away: Learn how baby stars are created by the Pillars of Creation; marvel at the Hubble Deep Field; and unearth the brightest things in our universe, quasars.

The book also includes advice on ideal conditions for observing the stars, telescopes and binoculars, and navigating the skies. With extra tips and a rundown of useful tools, you ll find everything you need to get out there and look up!

40 Knots and How to Tie Them

*Out Now* 40 Knots and How to Tie Them - Another lovely book that I illustrated for Pavilion Books. Step by step instructions on 40 fundamental knots and plenty of practical and decorative projects. Great gift idea!

A beautifully presented, practical gift guide to the age-old art of tying knots.

The next title in Pavilion’s exciting new series for adventurers, this book follows on from the success of 50 Things to Do with a Penknife. The book features step-by-step instructions on how to tie 40 fundamental knots, and then shows you how your new skills can be transformed into a selection of practical and decorative projects.

The book is divided in four sections:

Classic Knots – featuring the Reef Bow and the True Lover’s Knot. Knots in this chapter can be used to create a wall hanging.

Camping Knots – featuring the Tent Pole Hitch and the Rope Ladder. Knots in this chapter can be used to create an outdoor mat and a beaded bracelet.

Climbing Knots – featuring the Alpine Butterfly and the Spanish Bowline. Knots in this chapter can be used to make a coaster and a bag.

Maritime Knots – featuring the Anchor Bend and the Dry Fly. Knots in this chapter can be used to make a plant hanger and a hammock.

The detailed instructions are complemented by smart step-by-step illustrations, which highlight the tactile quality of the material in hand. The book also includes an introduction with advice on putting together the knot lover’s ultimate toolbox, alongside explanations of key terms and techniques.

Featuring the ultimate crossover of cool craftsmanship and nifty projects, this book is the perfect gift for creative adventurers.

Art Prints for Drawn Together Art Collective

I have completed a new collection of Moon prints, in collaboration with artist Rebecca Hunter, for Drawn Together Art Collective. The prints are based on the names of the all the full moon of the year. My personal favourite is September's full moon called the Harvest Moon (like the lovely Neil Young song). The collection have proved very popular at markets and craft fairs this autumn, with many customers buying the prints as birthday presents and gifts. We've had customers collect all the birthday moons of their family. It's such a lovely idea, and something we never even considered when we created them. To view the full collection please visit: www.drawntogetherartcollective.com

50 Things to Do with a Penknife

I illustrated a lovely book called "50 Things to Do with a Penknife", written by Matt Collins and published by Pavilion. Lots of lovely projects to try with illustrated step-by-step illustrations.

A beautifully presented, practical gift guide to the age-old art of whittling. There are 50 projects featured in the book, ranging from quick makes to more elaborate projects, and even a chapter on creating things from cork. The 8 main themes are: Quick Things - including a doorstop, a bookmark and a gift-box book; Into The Woods - including a willow whistle, walking stick, fish hook and slingshot; Around The House - including chopsticks, coat and crochet hooks; Cork Creations - including a succulent pot, stamp, and earphones spool; Ornamental Carving - including a boat, a deer and a spinning top; Kitchen Carving - including a carrot flute, apple candle and onion flower; The Natural World - including a bird feeder and instructions to prepare a fish for cooking, a graft an apple tree. The projects cater for a range of skill levels and the instructions are complemented by smart step-by-step illustrations, which highlight the tactile quality of the material in hand. The book also includes an introduction with advice on selecting a penknife, maintaining your blade, choosing your caving material, and carving techniques. Featuring the ultimate crossover of cool craftsmanship and savvy survival-skill projects, this book is the perfect gift for creative adventurers.

Illustration for Toast Travels

‘Swifts” Illustration created for Toast Travel magazine article by Matt Collins.

"When I remember looking up at the incoming swifts racing along the roofs of my May-time commute, I picture them against this light; against these buildings. There may indeed be a proven relationship between the level of sunlight and the pace of the bird’s activity, yet regardless, I remember swifts as silhouettes upon illuminated upper storeys. Their shrieks and screams speeding through streets and darting between buildings display an enjoyment of the city landscape as great as any I’ve witnessed, perhaps greater, even, than our own."

 Words by Matt Collins

Workspace

Head over to the Drawn Together Art Collective website for a blog about my lovely studio.  

New Prints

I have updated the shop with two new prints. The Palm Tree print were inspired to my recent trip to the stunning caribbean island of Saint Lucia. Have a look at this Drawn Together Art Collective blog post for some pictures from the trip. I am currently working on a colourful Carib Hummingbird print to add to the collection. I have also completed a Sun print in the same series at my Moon print.

Palm Tree

Sun

Illustrations for Teater Tre

I did some illustrations for Swedish theatre group Teater Tre last year. The two plays, Frö and Eli & Rio, are currently showing at Teater Tre in Stockholm. Frö is a play for children aged 2-4 years. It’s is a story about the cycle of nature, the course of life and the human fascination with things that grow. Eli & Rio is a fun-filled play about roles and identity issues aimed for children aged between 3-6 years. Both plays have got excellent reviews and they are definitely worth checking out if you are in the Stockholm area.

About Teater Tre

Teater Tre is a Swedish theatre group established in 1979. Since the beginning, our mission is to make quality theatre for children and youth. Besides giving shows on the stage in Stockholm, we tour in Sweden and worldwide. We have previously performed in Uganda, Germany, Austria, Namibia, Japan, the U.S and many other countries. 

Our latest international tour was in Hong Kong, in February 2017, where we performed Good Night Sleep Tight in Cantonese, and also hosted a two day workshop about baby theatre, for Hong Kong based performance artists. 

SoLo Craft Fair

Check out the lovely SoLo Craft Fair's new website. Together with the girls from Drawn Together Art Collective, I have quite a few events coming up this Christmas with SoLo Craft Fair. 

'SoLo Craft Fair runs craft markets with a difference. Popping up in various venues in South London, every event is unique boasting different stall holders, musicians and workshops.'

www.solocraftfair.com

New Prints - Available now

I have added a few new prints to the shop. They are available on in A4 or A3 size on 300gsm acid free textured art paper, printed with archival inks.

Drawn Together Art Collective - Pictures

Here are some images from my recent events with Drawn Together Art Collective. We have a few more markets coming up in the summer and many more planned for the autumn. Head over to the Events page for more details. 

Drawn Together Art Collective at London Artisan

Drawn Together Art Collective stall at SoLo Craft Fair in Catford

Drawn Together Art Collective

Art Exhibitions - Yayoi Kusama and Rana Begum

This week I queued up to see Yayoi Kusama at Victoria Miro. Head down there before the 30th of July to get a glimpse of the pumpkins. My favourite was of course - All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins - absolutely stunning. 

I also really enjoyed the Rana Begum - The Space Between exhibition at the Parasol Unit

Love West Dulwich - Spring Fair

I will be selling my prints at Love West Dulwich Spring Fair with Drawn Together Art Collective on Saturday 14th of May. It was a fantastic day last year and we are hoping for some sunshine this year too! 

Ivy Cities

Caught by the River just posted a lovely review of Matt Collins gardening journal Ivy Cities. I really enjoyed working with Matt to create some illustrations for the cover and seasonal illustrations for the inside. 

Ivy Cities by Matt Collins

‘His relationship with wildlife is respectful and warming. Here is a gentle reminder that there are many, many small worlds out there, which keep on keeping on whether we notice them or not.’  – Caught By The River, 2016

New Prints

On Saturday the 30th of April, I will be selling my prints at SoLo Craft Fair with Drawn Together Art Collective. There will be live music, workshops and lots of lovely craft stalls.  I have some brand new prints available, so if you are in the area come and have a look!

Buy this print in the shop

Available to buy in the shop

Baby in Mind

I recently completed some illustrations for a new app called Baby in Mind by acupuncturist Melanie Hackwell. 

Baby in Mind is a guided meditation intended to help you visualise the creation of a new life using manifesting meditation techniques and helping to remove any negativity or doubt that can occur when experiencing fertility issues.

Crafty Fox, Peckham 2nd April 2016

I am very excited to be selling my prints at Crafty Fox Market with the Drawn Together Art team this weekend at the Bussey Building in Peckham. I have a few new prints available so if you're in the area pop in and have a look.