Valentine's Picks
It's that time of year again, where the glitter, red and gold comes out and the roses, bears and chocolates seem to be bought in bagfuls.
Wether you love it or loathe it, I truly believe Valentine's Day is for everyone, not just for couples. Love is not just boy meets girl/boy meets boy/girl meets girl - it's friends who stay with you till midnight because you're scared of your new flat, or that guy friend who always has your back. Or, as was my case, it's your Grandad who still writes you 'secret admirer' Valentine's cards even after 21 years of doing so.
It's that time of year again, where the glitter, red and gold comes out and the roses, bears and chocolates seem to be bought in bagfuls.
Wether you love it or loathe it, I truly believe Valentine's Day is for everyone, not just for couples. Love is not just boy meets girl/boy meets boy/girl meets girl - it's friends who stay with you till midnight because you're scared of your new flat, or that guy friend who always has your back. Or, as was my case, it's your Grandad who still writes you 'secret admirer' Valentine's cards even after 21 years of doing so.
So however you want to express your love to whomever you desire, here are my favourite Valentine's cards on Etsy and Notonthehighstreet who are doing it so much better than the high street.
![It doesn't have to be the obvious mush. Sometimes it's the honest feelings, and this is something that myself and my husband say to each other often. [Card and image by Old English Co.]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/566ee97c841aba23ce15e814/1517916452399-LDAZ5740NAYIMVFVA174/original_you-re-my-anchor-day-card.jpg)
It doesn't have to be the obvious mush. Sometimes it's the honest feelings, and this is something that myself and my husband say to each other often. [Card and image by Old English Co.]
![And if you literally can't deal with any level of mush, then this is the ideal card for emotion introverts. [Card and image from Darwin Designs.]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/566ee97c841aba23ce15e814/1517916535744-F0Y1FUPDD2L356FD1EMA/original_you-ll-do-valentine-s-card.jpg)
And if you literally can't deal with any level of mush, then this is the ideal card for emotion introverts. [Card and image from Darwin Designs.]
![Forget words, and just send some gorgeous art. I love that this design can literally be used for anything - and those colour combinations?! Dreamy. [Card and image from BBIllustration.]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/566ee97c841aba23ce15e814/1517916980473-8768KNSBWXFY0IMXJ9QG/il_570xN.1139034052_e07o.jpg)
Forget words, and just send some gorgeous art. I love that this design can literally be used for anything - and those colour combinations?! Dreamy. [Card and image from BBIllustration.]
![And if you really like something traditional, then this card has everything you need. [Card and image from Constance and Clay.]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/566ee97c841aba23ce15e814/1517917084954-QCT735INXJE48MIED0U2/il_570xN.1457288767_hs6r.jpg)
And if you really like something traditional, then this card has everything you need. [Card and image from Constance and Clay.]
![And finally an essential Galentine's card [Card and image from Veronica Dearly.]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/566ee97c841aba23ce15e814/1517917283096-EZ4O3Q9VOULNLTTCHAOQ/il_570xN.988143951_frpg.jpg)
And finally an essential Galentine's card [Card and image from Veronica Dearly.]
I've been working on a new Valentine's Collection which I'm really excited to say is now available through Etsy, Notonthehighstreet and in my shop; For every kind of love and every kind of celebration.
Practising Gratitude
Happy Thanksgiving to all my wonderful US clients / readers / customers!
It may not be a holiday that we celebrate here in the UK, but from my years of watching US sitcoms and shows I've always loved the tradition (and forgive me if this is not a tradition!) of sitting around the table and stating what you're thankful for.
It's so important to take a moment, even if it is just once a year, to show gratitude for what you have rather than constantly thinking of what you don't have.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my wonderful US clients / readers / customers!
It may not be a holiday that we celebrate here in the UK, but from my years of watching US sitcoms and shows I've always loved the tradition (and forgive me if this is not a tradition!) of sitting around the table and stating what you're thankful for.
It's so important to take a moment, even if it is just once a year, to show gratitude for what you have rather than constantly thinking of what you don't have.
It's quite easy to forget all those wonderful little things that make up the the small joys in our day to day lives, especially when the world around us can be chaotic, un-predictable and (especially this year) disappointing. Whether it's personal life or work life, your laser beam focus on what you haven't done, or what you haven't achieved or are lacking can easily over look the other great things that are clearly around you and which, to others, may be what they feel are lacking.
“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
So here is my compact (but not complete) list of things I'm really grateful for - the small and the big stuff...
My home studio - you are warm, you are cosy, and I don't have to pay separate rent for you
- The Nottingham creative community - in particular the wonderful Nottingham Etsy Team where I feel like I've met my tribe and have a reason to leave the house.
- Spotify ... you have enabled my golden oldie and tacky music habit which has got me through many a deadline.
- My husband - Truly, no other human I'd want to spend this short time on earth with. We created a lovely little phenomena who I can't wait to meet in March - I hope she has your dark hair and un-fazed personality, but not your beard.
- Our daughter - you kicking me in the bladder right now tells me that you're alive and nothing makes me happier. Keep kicking little one.
- My family - extended and blood - who have been my cheerleader and my shoulder to cry on in what's been a year of lows and highs.
- Chocolate malted milks. Whoever thought to whack chocolate on malted milks needs a statue, or a national day. Or both.
- The bin man who actually puts my bins back for me - you don't have to do this, you are a lovely human.
- My neighbour who is always signing for my parcels - you saved me so much time trying to find a car park space at the depot.
- CBT - Thank you for helping me to get my life back. I owe you, and the NHS, so much.
- Yes, the NHS. Always the NHS.
So what are you grateful for today? Feel free to share with me in the comments below, or write it down and keep it safe for a day when things feel like they're really not going your way.
P.S I'm really enjoying this roll I seem to be on with writing posts! Do you want to read more or less? Drop me a line, or tweet @deborahpanesar to me know.
All Hallows Eve Style
I love Halloween.
All that weird and wonderful stuff - it's my absolute favourite. And I love seeing people in costumes not taking themselves too seriously. It's all got that magical element to it, like Christmas, where once (or twice) a year you can lend yourself to believing in the afterlife, the paranormal and the unexplained.
It's also that time of year when you get to see some amazingly creative clothes, jewellery and baking ideas! My Pinterest and Instagram has been completely Halloween themed for about 2 weeks now, so I thought I would share with you some of my favourite finds for the season:
Image source: Mindpirates
I love Halloween.
All that weird and wonderful stuff - it's my absolute favourite. And I love seeing people in costumes not taking themselves too seriously. It's all got that magical element to it, like Christmas, where once (or twice) a year you can lend yourself to believing in the afterlife, the paranormal and the unexplained.
It's also that time of year when you get to see some amazingly creative clothes, jewellery and baking ideas! My Pinterest and Instagram has been completely Halloween themed for about 2 weeks now, so I thought I would share with you some of my favourite finds for the season:
How are you spending your Halloween this year?
Deborah x
Illustrators for Mental Health
It's World Mental Health Day, and in celebration of a cause that's quite close to my heart I wanted to share something that combines two aspects of my life; illustration and mental health.
Here are some of my favourite illustrators bringing to life how it feels some days to live with a mental health illness:
©Annie Dornan Smith.
Purchase Illustrated Affirmation print via anniedornansmithdesign.co.uk
It's World Mental Health Day, and in celebration of a cause that's quite close to my heart I wanted to share something that combines two aspects of my life; illustration and mental health.
Here are some of my favourite illustrators bringing to life how it feels some days to live with a mental health illness:
Gemma Correll
Image by Gemma Correll
Fellow graduate from Norwich University of the Arts, Gemma Correll is a British illustrator, writer and comic artist living and working in California. She creates humorous and accurate depictions of what it's like to live with clinical anxiety and depression, and has even written a book entitled The Worriers Guide to Life documenting her candid and hilarious depictions of overthinking in an anxiety riddled world.
“The illustrations were all inspired by my own anxieties and neuroticisms ... I suffer from clinical anxiety and depression and I find that the best way to deal with it is to find humour in it.
I honestly think that humour can be a saviour at times of distress or, if you just live with a constant level of anxiety and depression like I do. ”
Emily Coxhead
©Emily Coxhead
This notebook is the first thing I ever came across from Emily Coxhead, photographer, illustrator and designer based in Chorley, UK. Her work is a fuel injection of positivity and warmth, particularly her creation The Happy Newspaper which she funded through Kickstarter.
“I wanted to create something that celebrated people, their kindness and recognised the magic in people we walk past and know nothing about, the ‘everyday heroes’. I realised there are so many people going through difficult times, from tiny things to humongous, life-changing things. I thought if I could help in a small way through my letters, scribbled notes and silly little drawings, I could maybe make a few people smile and remind them that things will get better.
The simple idea was: there should be a newspaper that does the opposite of all the current newspapers, one that celebrates what’s good in the world and is cool and colourful to look at.”
María Sanoja
©María Sanoja
Brooklyn based artist María Sanoja was mindlessly walking down a street, over-thinking, when she bumped into this exact a-frame. What happened from that moment on was a project that would reveal the amazing contrast between our everyday surroundings and truly the analogue that runs through our minds.
“I was overthinking, as usual, when I bumped into this blackboard outside a café that I pass by every day. I realized that I’m often so absorbed in my own thoughts that I miss the simple, beautiful things that surround me. My overthinking often keeps me from being present.
For 100 days, I will make an effort to be here and now. I will get out of my own head to see what I have been missing. Each day, I will draw something that I notice around me, and I will pair it with whatever it is that I’m overthinking, in an attempt to be more aware and learn to let go.”
Marissa Betley
Artist Marissa Betley's incredible 1 in 4 project is another 100 day illustrated project to help raise awareness of mental health issues which occur, as the project's name so aptly describes, to 1 in 4 adults in their lifetime. The artist interviewed a range of people with varying disorders that include depression and schizophrenia, describing on her website, "these people are our family members, our friends, our co-workers and our neighbours. Love and support makes all the difference."
“Each story has been unique and I have been incredibly inspired by the constant thread of courageousness and bravery showcased by everyone I have interviewed ... It’s not easy to open up about these things, so I am very grateful to all who have contributed in the name of helping others.
What has been most shocking to me is the more I talk about mental health, it seems everyone can relate to the topic, yet so few are talking about it.
”
Siobhan Gallagher
©Siobhan Gallagher
New York based illustrator and designer Siobhan Gallagher, uses her amazing Instagram account (@siogallagher) to share her illustrations that try to de-myth the 'polished' look of the Instagram life, a world we all think is real but is truly not reality.
“We’re imperfect, scared, anxious and depressed – but we’re willing to share and relate to others ... Some social media accounts are so curated and polished to make it seem like people are living perfect lives with perfectly posed experiences and bodies, and that’s just not interesting ... I’d rather share my interior life through drawing, because those thoughts are more real and relatable.”
Autumnal Style
We've been so lucky to have 20 degree days this September, and even that brief week of balmy nights that took me back to a lovely thundery July. However there is also that faint little nip in the air in the morning, and the nights are starting to draw in closer. I feel like I want to start hibernating, to gather all my warm things and build a fort.
We've been so lucky to have 20 degree days this September, and even that brief week of balmy nights that took me back to a lovely thundery July. However there is also that faint little nip in the air in the morning, and the nights are starting to draw in closer. I feel like I want to start hibernating, to gather all my warm things and build a fort.
I've created a treasury this month to reflect this turn in the season, filled with inspirational products from inspirational Etsy sellers from all over the world that inspire that feeling of cosiness that only Autumn can give.
What are you coveting this autumn?
Deborah x
Nottingham Etsy Craft Party (Photos + Video)
Last month saw the Nottingham Etsy team's busiest meet up as we hosted a tie-dye event for the annual Etsy Craft Party!
On a rare and beautifully sunny day in Beeston, our team members came to fold, clamp, peg and tie their belongings to make beautiful tie-dye creations! With 4 different tie-dye colours to choose from, we dyed everything from pretty dresses to bed sheets, t-shirts to trainers!
Last month saw the Nottingham Etsy team's busiest meet up as we hosted a tie-dye event for the annual Etsy Craft Party!
On a rare and beautifully sunny day in Beeston, our team members came to fold, clamp, peg and tie their belongings to make beautiful tie-dye creations! With 4 different tie-dye colours to choose from, we dyed everything from pretty dresses to bed sheets, t-shirts to trainers!
It was incredible seeing everyones creations unfold, with so much imagination used in each piece!
A huge thanks goes out to all of our members who came along, as well as the other fellow Nottingham Etsy team leaders Rachel Ward, Becky Kennedy, Michaela Bere, Katherine Jaiteh and Amy Phipps of which the event wouldn't have been possible!
Special thanks as well to Daniel Hughes for photographing the event, and Avnish Panesar for creating an amazing promo video which you can watch below.
Our next team event is next week on the 14th July, and will be a two part seminar on how to create a blog for your craft business! It will be hosted by blogger Mike Aspinall of The Crafty Gentleman and held at Rough Trade on Broad Street, Nottingham.
If you would like to book, tickets are available through our Facebook Event page but are limited so be sure to book in advance.
Deborah x
Top Pin Picks - Wall Art
There's something really satisfying about seeing illustration being translated onto different forms and surfaces; textiles, pottery, metal and wood are some of the surfaces that you will find illustrative work on today. But, when it's transformed by size, then it becomes something more exciting!
There's something really satisfying about seeing illustration being translated onto different forms and surfaces; textiles, pottery, metal and wood are some of the surfaces that you will find illustrative work on today. But, when it's transformed by size, then it becomes something more exciting!
I've always loved creating wall murals for clients, and theres been something quite thrilling about people seeing your process and being able to interact with it, a crucial (yet forgotten) element that sometimes gets lost in your studio whilst you polish up your work before anyone can even see it.
So, I wanted to share my top 5 picks from my Wall Art & Murals Pinterest board; a collection of some of the most inspirational wall art ideas and artists around at the moment, and hopefully an inspiration for you should you wish to take on your own personal wall mural!
Ever taken on your own wall art project? Leave a link in the comments below!
Have a great Monday!
Deborah