Daunt Books Children's Short Story Competition

This was the fourth year of Daunt Books' Children's Short Story Competition, open to children aged between 4 and 15.  The 13 winners had their stories published in a book, and this year I had the pleasure of designing the cover. Last night Daunt had organised a prize-giving in the beautiful setting of Burgh House in Hampstead.

I really enjoyed reading the stories, which were wide-ranging and quite anarchic. Ideas included three of the Seven Dwarfs on the psychiatrist's (the brilliantly named Miss Think-It-Through) couch, the death of Prince Albert by carnivorous plant, mermaid dreams and a playground mishap.

I enjoyed the challenge of representing each story on the cover. Daunt did a beautiful job with the printing, and I think the finished book looks great. Hurrah for 2016's winners!

Bits and bobs round up!

I found some people sketches from a project that didn't happen for me, and I liked them so I'm giving them some colour love! I've had a few projects with people in them lately, and all practise is good...

And a moonlight serenade!

Palazzo d'Accursio

This is my friend Ella and me, checking out the art in Bologna's Palazzo d'Accursio in the centre of the town. Well, it's based on that - not very representational perhaps! Apart from the bit where Ella's a croc and I'm a cat, of course.

Bits and Bobs!

A gif from the fairy godmothers!

Harping on

Flower screen printing

I spent the morning at Bainbridge Studios in south London making this print. It went well in terms of the colours and the registration, AND I managed not to rub my hair on the screen for once, so no hairy prints! Spring flowers - an invocation I hope - it's pretty gross outside today. 

Bzzzz bzzzzzz!

 Some Spring flowers! Come onnnnn, Spring! 

Screen printing ideas

I did some screen printing on Monday, trying to get away from my standard palette of dark orange, black and red - which always seems to be the colours I print for cats, of which I've printed many...

This was a mixed success - I overprinted the pink on the green, and sadly it wasn't as translucent as I'd meant, which meant I ended up with too much pink and a weird balance. BUT it was enthusiasm-firing, and I'm going back next week for another shot. 

I want to do something with quite a lot of the dark dark brown.

Perhaps skunks in tutus, or perhaps not...!

Treehouse