Jo Want

Sunshine in new places!

2012-02-01T21:00:00.000Z

Phew! January has been a busy little month hasn't it? I'm not sure when February decided to sneak up so quickly either but here we are and I have some more exciting sunshine news for you all...

I am massively happy to introduce you to my two shiny new stockists; Embrace Arts who are based in Leicester and Midas Arts who you can find in lovely Lincoln. Before I launch into all the detail I'd just like to say a massive thank you to John at Embrace Arts and the lovely Dee at Midas for giving me the chance to sell my wares with them... fingers crossed the sunshine is going down well in both locations!

So 'Tell me more!" I here you say... well ok then...

"Midas is a lovely little shop that has been based in Lincoln and run by Dee Barnes since 1999. The emphasis and ethos of the Midas shop is to exhibit well designed and beautifully made, contemporary craft and design pieces. A keen collector herself, Dee has a strong sense of colour, form and saleability and it is this individual style that makes Midas unique amongst other independent shops within the area. Dee now makes non precious jewellery that is sold throughout the UK and abroad. Dee feels that being both a maker and a retailer gives her a greater understanding of what the public desires whilst seeking out designer makers for Midas that are not normally found on the high street.

Midas displays the work of up to fifty makers at any one time, including: jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, mixed media, cards and gifts, creating a range which is constantly changing. Recent graduates' works are comfortably displayed beside pieces from established designers."

You can find out more about Dee, her jewellery and Midas at www.midasarts.co.uk

"Embrace Arts is the University of Leicester’s multi-use inclusive arts centre, with a history of promotion and encouragement of engagement in the arts by people with disabilities. Open to all, its award-winning building houses a 120-seater performance area, three studios, and an exhibition gallery.

It has a diverse programme of performance and learning activity throughout the year, covering a wide range of art forms, primarily classical music, jazz, dance, comedy, theatre, live art, children’s theatre, crafts, the written word and visual arts. It is located 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre on Lancaster Road, at the edge of the main University of Leicester campus.

Championed by Lord Attenborough, it is one of only two purpose-built spaces in the East Midlands for the promotion of arts and disability. It fosters inclusive arts practice for artists, audiences and participants across all its performing and visual arts programming, both within the venue and in its outreach activities, which currently engages more than 45,000 people annually."

You can find out even more about Embrace Arts by popping over to www.embracearts.co.uk

So fancy a day trip or two? Well I think I've just given you two great places to head to... so get your road maps, thermos and picnic at the ready and get going... Toodlepip for now!

I'm in a book! A real book!

2012-01-29T19:48:00.002Z

I'm currently dancing around the house because today I found out that the doodle that was selected to be in the official 'What I Wore Today: Doodle Yourself into a Style Icon' book is now published and available to buy on Amazon... How exciting is that?!?!

You can pre-order the book through Amazon but if you don't have the pennies you can also click on the 'Look Inside' link to preview lots of the lovely pages. If you look closely you may even spot my doodle!

Needless to say I've already ordered my copy as I can't contain my excitement! I'm so so pleased, proud and happy to have one of my very own drawings published in a book that people can buy! If any of you lovelies do end up purchasing the book too I'd love to hear what you think!

You can keep up to date with all of the fabulous 'What I Wore Today' shenanigans at the following places...

What I Wore Today Flickr group

What I Wore Today Blog

What I Wore Today Facebook

New arrival at Sunshine Towers...

2012-01-28T08:33:00.001Z

As much as I'd love to tell you all that the new arrival is a lil' Kitty or Shiba Inu pupski... I'm afraid I'd be telling porkies BUT it is still rather exciting! Especially for any of you who have been to Sunshine Towers since I moved in and had to try and get comfortable on the teeny tiny sofa, one of the the 'throne' or even the floor or a garden chair... it's very exciting!

So you may remember the living room at Sunshine Towers looking like this...

Don't get me wrong I LOVE my 'thrones' and the little leather sofa I have but it wasn't really a comfortable environment for snuggling up and watching films or even just having a cuppa of tea in your slippers. So in the name of all things comfy may I introduce you to the new love in my life ...

"I shall call him Squishy and he shall be mine!"

Needless to say I think the next couple of weeks anything and everything I need to do at home will be happening on the sofa... except washing the pots which could get messy...

Two wheel love ♥

2012-01-20T20:42:00.001Z

This is my beautiful bicycle, she is called Pi and I love her so very much!

I wanted to show her off now she is donning the beautiful basket my fabulous old team bought me before Crimblemas! I think it suites her don't you? Heehee!

New home for my shiny new iPhone...

2012-01-19T21:33:00.000Z

...Everyone meet Brian!

A wonderful way to recycle & a fab Christmas present!

2012-01-13T20:36:00.006Z

If you hadn't gathered by the title of this post I just wanted to take the time to shout about a present I got for Christmas this year because I think it's just brilliant!

Imagine you're having a clear out of your ever growing collection of arty crafty creative wares and you come across some old paint brushed, maybe from school art classes, maybe from college days or just because you love painting so and have hordes of materials...

Now imagine taking that old and used paintbrush and turning it into something you can wear and carry all of those memories with you! Great idea yes? Well I thought so and when I found out more about ZincWhite and their quirky wares, I feel in love with what they have to offer.

Head on over to ZincWhite.co.uk to check out there products, "Where discarded objects become desirable again."

The most exciting thing about the recycled paintbrush necklaces are that some were actually artist's paintbrushes donated to ZincWhite. On the pack for my lovely little red brush necklace (featured at the start of this post) was the following information about said paintbrush:

"This paintbrush was kindly donated by Ian McGenn. The artst Ian McGenn is from Leeds and he broke his neck playing rugby for his school when only 16 years old. He paints with acrylics, holding the paintbrush in his mouth and his naturally delicate style suits close up art work of flowers which are his favourite subject."

How amazing is that? Not only is it a great creative idea but for it to have come from such a talented fellow creative in the first place is just brilliant! You can see more of Ian McGenns work at Mouth & Foot Painting Artists here: www.mfpa.co.uk.

So if you're looking for something a bit unique, very creative and want to give back to your paintbrushes, pencils or other unloved items head over to ZincWhite and check it out!

Sunshine wellies to fight January blues!

2012-01-08T14:35:00.000Z

Before Christmas I invested in some new wellibobs, I'd been hankering after these beauties for a long time - I mean sunshine yellow wellies! What could be more perfect to tackle the snow, rain and puddles of winter?

With the dreary weather we've been having lately they have been out and about a lot so far this year and to celebrate both the wellies and the arrival of 2012 I thought it was about time I started my 'What I wore today' drawings again - It's been a while *slapped wrists*

My aim is to complete one a month so I will have a lovely collection of 12 by the end of the year and to provide a nice snapshot of my year in drawings! So without further adieu here's the first 'What I wore today' for January 2012...

...keep your eyes peeled next month for February's!

B'Bye 2011, Hello 2012!

2012-01-01T21:07:00.003Z

It's safe to say that 2011 was a jam packed year filled with ups, downs, ins, outs, sunshine, smiles and plenty of adventures! I am massively proud of everything I've accomplished this year, particularly with Hello Sunshine and my mission to make Sunshine Towers into a home.

There's still plenty more to do for the shiny new year but before I let you in on my mini mission for 2012 I thought I'd share a snippet of some of my favourite bits from the past year…

Reading from left to right, top to bottom here's my top 12…
*cue cheesychart countdown music*

:: Finally completing 4 beautiful photo albums from my travels.. 3 years late! ::

:: FOOD! Eating out, cooking at home, Al fresco, picnics and more... ::

:: One of my sunshine caricatures in ink on my friends arm! Woop! ::

:: My present to me that was the beautiful Hello Sunshine ring by Alys Power ::

:: SUNSHINE TOWERS! Having my own space to start & build a lovely home ::

:: Trips to the seaside! Brighton, Hunstanton and Cae Du to name a few! ::

:: Spending time in the spring preving on blossom and planning my tattoo ::

:: The head over heels, soggy, laugh till to wee fun that is zorbing! ::

:: Adventures on my bike and in the sunshine - many a mile smiling! ::

:: The moustache = weddings, fancy dress, movember and more. I ♥ facial hair ::

:: One of my 'What I Wore today' drawings being chosen for a WIWT book! YAY! ::

:: Releasing my 'Time for Tea' jewellery range & celebrating new stockists! ::

There are so many more moments, adventures, events and occasions I could pick out and waffle on about but I hope this gives you an inkling of what Hello Sunshine land has been like in 2011...

I can't finish the subject of 2011 though without mentioning that it has been the first and most wonderful year I have spent with my teeny tiny perfect niece, Alexis Jenna. AKA Lil' Lexie, AJ & Lexie Loo! She's been a constant ray of sunshine and it's safe to say this is one proud Aunty Jojo right here! I'm VERY excited about spending 2012 and beyond with this beautiful little cheeky face...

For 2012 I don't have any resolutions as such but I do have plenty of mini missions.. So to kick of 2012 as I mean to go on, here's a sneaky peek at some of my many things I intend to nail this shiny new year!

*Re-design & update www.hello-sunshine.co.uk - she needs a facelift!
*Finish pimping & decorating the kitchen at Sunshine Towers ready for cooking & baking adventures
*Plan & run off to as many new cities as possible - UK & lands afar!
*Expand the Hello Sunshine collection with a shiny new range
*Paint & put finishing touches to the bathroom at Sunshine Towers
*Start my blossom tattoo designs… and maybe the ink side too
*Enter at least 3 fun runs between 5-10km
*Read at least 10 new books this year
*Infiltrate at least 10 new shops/galleries with Hello Sunshine Jewellery
*Explore more of Nottingham on my bike... with picnics in hand (well.. basket)

Phew! I think that's enough for now but how about you? How have you reflected on the past year? Has it inspired you to take on more challenges or made you take a step back and plan some time to chill out more? However you decide to face 2012, I hope it's with a smile and a sunny outlook!

Happy New Year to all of you lovely folk and as always, thanks for reading my ramblings!

Last bit of Sunshine this year...

2011-12-30T09:39:00.004Z

I know I've been a little quiet over Christmas but as you may have gathered from my last post I've been taking a much needed mini break and enjoying time with my family, friends and generally doing a lot of jolliday type things... including a lot of eating! Yum!

Anywho, I'll be back in full swing soon enough with lots of exciting sunshine plans for 2013 but until then here's a quick update to show off some of the commissions & projects I was busy doodling this Christmas...

Dom & Lizzie : Wedding Sunshine

James & Julie : Sunshine

My Mama & Grandad ♥ Sunshine

My Nanna & Grandad ♥ Sunshine

I'm not 100% sure when I'll be blogging again but it shall be very soon in the shiny new year! I will just take his opportunity though to thank you all for what has been a fantastic year for Hello Sunshine and I would like to wish you all a VERY happy, shiny and adventure filled new year! Huzzah! ✭

Wonderful Winter Walks

2011-12-24T13:07:00.001Z

A wee while ago, just before Christmas, my folks and me went for a wonder around Wollaton Park in Nottingham. It was my Mummy's birthday and to celebrate we went for a mahoosive yummy breakfast at The Wollaton Pub & Kitchen (amazing pub!) and followed it with a walk in the beautiful sunshine.

Wollaton Park is a brilliant nearby treasure in Nottingham and since I can remember we've always headed there for walks, adventures round the lake, many a bike ride and trips around the hall but this particular Sunday we discovered something new!

I've always known that Wollaton Hall had an Industrial Museum in the courtyard area of the grounds but for years now it hasn't ever been open when I've ventured that way but this time it was! Steam was pouring from a huge Traction engine as we walked up the hill in the sunshine and as we wondered through the yard several jolly engineers were wondering around in Santa hats keeping a small selection of steam engine parts running.

The volunteers who help run the 'Sunday Steaming' events at Wollaton Hall are trying to get the museum open more often and I really hope they do! It was brilliant wondering round learning about and taking in all of the history that's on our doorstep! We learnt about the mine shaft and mining industry, spoke to a very talented metal smith who still creates beautiful metalwork for many a people and places in Nottingham and we even saw a miniature working model of Goose fair in the 1800s!

So if you're stuck for something to do over the chilly winter season and fancy some fresh air and maybe a history lesson or two check out the 'Sunday Steaming' sessions and head over to Wolly Park!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-22T15:17:00.003Z

Goodbye Sunshine. Hello Christmas!

2011-12-06T21:41:00.001Z

As the amazingly beautiful picture above suggests, last Friday marked the end of an irreplaceable mini-era when I had to say goodbye to my Design team in Boots.com and pack up my desk to move upstairs. Yes! I have a brand new job as assistant brand manager in the Christmas team at Boots and although I'm not going far from where my old team sit, it was an emotional day *sniff*

To give you a teeny tiny inkling about just how amazing and lovely the people I work with are, I thought I'd share a few of my 'Goodbye gifts' with you. I can honestly say, I feel like the luckiest lady in the world after everything my team gave me last week and I seriously can't thank them all enough!

I was over the moon and nearly popped when I unwrapped the following pretties:

some beautiful red kitchen scales....

a shiny new bike basket....

and a drop dead gorgeous Rob Ryan tea towel...

Not only did I unwrap those beauties I also got lots of lovely smelling things, pretty make up, my favourite wine, strawberry laces and a lot of handy health and beauty products! I was amazed to say the least but not as amazed as when I opened the most amazing hand made card I've ever seen - yep the one at the beginning of this post was drawn especially for moi!

I spend a lot of time doodling sunshine caricatures and cards for people because it makes me happy to know my drawings can make someone smile so much. But to have one that's drawn for me, of me... well needless to say I nearly broke my face smiling so much when I received it!

Although I have moved to a perfect sounding job over in the Christmas brand team, I have had to leave behind the most amazing group of people I've ever worked with. I'm mahoosively pleased I can still pop downstairs to see them whenever I can though... I just hope that the feeling is mutual as I think I maybe be seeing everyone a lot when they thought they were rid of me!

Thank you to everyone at Boots.com, especially the Customer Experience and Design team!

Craft. Design. Contemporary.

2011-12-06T20:21:00.001Z

So who's knocking about Nottingham this weekend? Come and join lots of talented beans selling their wares at another spectacular treasure filled festive Saturday and Sunday at the Nottingham Contemporary.

Craft. Design. Contemporary Christmas Market

Saturday 10th Dec : 10am - 6pm

Sunday 11th Dec : 11am - 5pm

A fond farewell to Movember...

2011-11-30T19:57:00.001Z

This last month has been full of facial hair and funny faces, needless to say I've loved it! You can't go into a shop or walk down the street or through the office without seeing a moustache! It's brilliant and when so much money is being raised for such a fantastic cause it becomes an amazing thing!

I know a lot of top blokes who have sprouted some weird and wonderful shaped facial hair for this month and I salut them whole heartedly. Today I joined the cause I donned a fake moustache for the day in the office in response to a couple of guys who didn't fancy partaking in Movember but were happy to sponsor a lady to...

With my love for facial hair I was delighted to take part and am proud to say I raised £40 for the great cause but man did it make for a sweaty, itchy and uncomfortable top lip for the day! I have a lot of respect for the Mo Bro's out there putting up with it for a whole month! Well worth it and I think you'll agree... we all looked pretty smart in the office today...

I must admit I shall miss the amount of facial hair that has surrounded me for the month but my love shall not be shaved away with many a moustache today. It just means I have to find other means of fulfilling the need to see moustaches from day-to-day...

...starting maybe with this rather lovley set of mugs from Peter Briegger. What do you think?

Sunshine in Edinburgh!

2011-11-26T17:08:00.001Z

I am very excited and over the moon to be able to tell you all that you can now buy Hello Sunshine up in the beautiful city of Edinburgh!

You can find a selection of jewellery at the wonderful Red Door Gallery on Victoria Street now! YAY!

Be sure to pop along to their blog and facebook page to keep up to date with this lovely gallery and it's creative adventures... Better still why not take a trip up to Edinburgh and see for your self!

Winter Craft Fair : Sheffield

2011-11-17T18:57:00.001Z

Anyone up North this weekend? Why not pop into the Sheffield Student Union, start your Crimblemas shopping and say "hello!"

Let the Magic begin...

2011-11-09T20:09:00.002Z

An exquisite & eclectic mix of all things festive, in the beautiful Georgian country house setting of East Bridgford Hill.

Enjoy mulled wine and Christmas music while you shop for original, vintage and handmade gifts by talented local designers and find a mouth watering array of festive food and drink from passionate regional producers.

All the ingredients for the perfect Christmas!

Tickets are £5 per person and include a glass of mulled wine, free parking, fun demonstrations to give fresh inspiration for festive entertaining, gourmet tastings and exquisite shopping!

Pre-booking is essential. Buy your tickets here: www.fabulousfairs.co.uk and keep up to date with the event on their Facebook page! Hope to see you there!

Perving on pretties...

2011-11-03T20:41:00.000Z

It's been a while since I pulled together a mini wish list of all of the pretty things I've been drooling over so what the hey... here's some treasures for you to perv on to! ENJOY!

1. Sunshine yellow wellies : Hunter

2. Fairisle earmuffs : New Look

3. Moustache Mug : Urban Outfitters

4. 'Our Adventure' cushine : Rob Ryan

5. Hazlebee tshirt design : HazleBee

6. Daffodil yellow satchel : Retro Satchels.com

7. Wicket bike basket : Halfords

8. Topiary Balls : eBay

9. Red kitchen scales : Dotcom giftshop

Let the festive funtimes begin!

2011-11-01T20:13:00.001Z

Next Sunday to be precise... Come along to the wonderful Staunton Arms in the Vale of Belvoir for their Christmas Fayre! Mulled wine, Turkey & Stuffing cobs, live music and plenty of treasures to browse all in the comfort of a heated Marquee in a beautiful country village setting! PERFECT!

Hope to see you there ready to start a bit of festive shopping and enjoy a glass of mulled vino!

Wedding stationary with a smile!

2011-10-30T09:03:00.001Z

I have now done a few wedding stationary commissions since starting Hello Sunshine and as much as I love helping people create something to be part of their big day, making stationary is hard work and very time consuming. It's sometimes hard to maintain that warm fuzzy feeling when you're cutting the same template of card for the 300th time.

But... I can honestly say that it's ALWAYS worth it and this time round I can 100% say that with every piece of card I cut, every sheet I glued and every fold I made, I had a smile on my face!

Adam and Lindsey are getting hitched next year and the design they chose for the front of their invites was one of my sunshine caricatures but with a cheeky sense of humour and some extra fun added!

Below is that illustration and I hope you can see why I have been smiling throughout creating such a wonderful commission for my friends....

I just hope the future Bride and Groom are as happy as I am with the finished invites!

So who's joining me for a beer this Saturday?

2011-10-24T18:32:00.001+01:00

Curiosity.Haus Indie Market

Live at Bunker Hill

Saturday 29th October : 12 - 5pm

"As well as the usual eclectic mix of Craft, Design, Art and Vintage wares, the event is coinciding with the pub’s very own beer festival! There will be live music, food, an array of real ales and tricks and treats for customers!

Most importantly, we will have a host of handmade wares from local designer makers, vintage clothes, accessories, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and homewares as well as cakes ...phew! So come along and fill your boots, it's going to be a great day!

As well as a great selection of independent designers, we will have the Oxfam Vintage Boutique with

their Autumn Winter collections and Live music brought to you by Notts about Music!"

To keep up to date with this AWESOME event and for more information please check out the Curiosity.Haus website, their Facebook page and Twitter!

Cheeky Crimblemas Cards...

2011-10-20T21:30:00.000+01:00

Here's a peek at a few of this years Christmas cards to come from the world of Hello Sunshine. In previous years I've had a horrible habit of making soooo many versions of so many cards and then being left with a squillion to put on sale in the new year!

This year I've narrowed it down to 8 designs so far featuring 4 characters. They may look familiar but have always proved popular so I thought I'd give them a bit of a 'refurb' and another chance to shine this festive season. I'll be sure to share the final cards and prices with you as the weeks go buy but for now here's a peek at the rough beginnings...

Lovely dates for your diary!

2011-10-16T18:50:00.002+01:00

Just a quick one to share a few exciting dates for some fantabulous events that will be happening in and around Nottingham over the next few months... so get your pencils and diaries (or a scrap of paper) at the ready and take note!

: OCTOBER :

Curiosity.Haus Indie Market

Bunkers Hill

Sat 29th Oct

12-5pm

: NOVEMBER :

Christmas Fayre

The Staunton Arms

Vale of Belvoir

Sun 6th November

12 - 5pm

Magic of Christmas Fair

East Bridgford Hall

Sat 12th November

Tickets: £5

The Eclectic Presents...

Poppy & Pint

Fri 18th November

7pm onwards (get there early for your goody bag!)

Sheffield Union Christmas Craft Fair

Sheffield Student Union

Sat 19th November

Chatsworth Christmas Markets

Chatsworth House

18th - 20th November

: DECEMBER :

Craft in the City

Waterstones Top Floor Gallery

Nottingham

3rd - 4th December

Nottingham Contemporary Christmas fair

Nottingham

10th - 11th December

I'll make sure you guys are the first to know as I get more information about each event as they approach but until now, write it down and start saving those pennies...

A special piece of sunshine just for me...

2011-10-14T20:36:00.000+01:00

I have been hankering after a certain piece of silver from the talented Alys Power for a long time now! It got to the point when I broke - I couldn't carry on seeing Alys & her treasures at the fairs I did and carry on denying myself! So I decided that as soon as I'd made enough pennies from my own sales that would treat myself!

So after some hard work and selling in Hello Sunshine land, I ordered my commission and after a wee while of excitement and anticipation, I got the most wonderful parcel in the post...

Alys Power's work is just amazing! It's inspiring, beautiful, unique and... well I want it all! When I saw a lovely ring from her Wordsmith collection with the words Hello Sunshine letter-pressed onto it, I knew that one day I had to have one in my life!

And now I have one of my very own and I wear it with pride! I just love it... trouble is now I'm starting to think I should 'reward' myself with treats more often! Lets see what else I can add to my wish list...

Indie Market this October anyone?

2011-10-07T18:25:00.000+01:00

Yup you heard it right... the FANTABULOUS Curiosity.Haus are brining us yet another awesome event! Not only will your favourite designers and makers be selling their treasures, it also ties in with a BEER FESTIVAL!

Curiosity.Haus Indie Market

Live at Bunker Hill

Saturday 29th October : 12 - 5pm

their Autumn Winter collections and Live music brought to you by Notts about Music!"

To keep up to date with this awesome event and for more information please check out the Curiosity.Haus website, their Facebook page and Twitter!

The sunshine is back!

2011-10-02T12:29:00.001+01:00

It's been a wee while hasn't it? I hope you haven't missed the tales from hello Sunshine land too much! I have been poorly and had one or two things to sort out over the past couple of weeks but I'm much better now and back on it!

So to start the ball rolling, and to celebrate this bonus week of wonderful sunshine we've had, I thought I'd share a bit or commissioned sunshine with you all! My very good friends Sarah and Colli have recently moved into a new house with their beautiful bambino Beth and two cats, Ralph and Colonel Jenkins.

As a house warming present I created a special family portrait sunshine for them to hang in their new home...

As ever it was a pleasure to do, I'm massively chuffed with how its turned out and the doodled peoples here seem to love it just as much!

YAY for SUNSHINE!

Sleep, sleep and more sleep...

2011-09-20T09:31:00.001+01:00

I have been a tad run down lately and as much as I try to hide it and plough on with a smile on my face I'm afraid to say I've finally had to give in...

So from my bed, I just wanted to let you all know that if it's a bit quiet on the Hello Sunshine front for the next week or so it's because I'm getting some much needed rest and time out. This way I'll hopefully be fighting fit to tackle my to do list for the exciting festive season that's slowly creeping up on us!

Over the past 24 hours I've had 18 hours sleep and could probably do the same today! So without further adieu I shall bid you all a mini farewell and delve back into my cuddly duvet. Don't worry though as I'm sure the sunshine won't be gone for long...

Hello Sunshine at From the Wilde!

2011-09-19T18:14:00.002+01:00

I am delighted and very excited to be able to announce that you can now buy Hello Sunshine jewellery at From the Wilde. This site is jam packed full of so many high quality, unique, quirky and fabulously made treasures and I am over the moon that my work was accepted to sit alongside such beauties!

If you haven't been along yet you must! Head on over to From the Wilde and bask is all of the wonderfulness... not forgetting to take a peek at Hello Sunshine jewellery while you're there of course!

Mini Sunshine Towers project...

2011-09-11T20:09:00.001+01:00

A few months ago you may remember my mini mission to pimp up a couple of old bar stools which went rather well (you can see the results here) Seeing as I counted them a success, when I was given these two old mirrors last month I set myself the challenge of pimping them up too!

I love my little house and as most people probably have, I have a never ending list of things I want/need to do - most being BIG projects! But being able to tick off even just the smallest of things from this list makes me feel massively proud and gets me even more excited about the next project I want to tackle, which is yet to be confirmed.

Anywho, as I'm feeling mighty chuffed with myself I thought I would share the results with you all this fine blustery weekend. So without further adieu here are my shiny new pimped up mirrors...

Thank you!

2011-09-10T14:36:00.000+01:00

I just wanted to drop by quickly to say a BIG MAHOOSIVE Thank you to everyone who managed to make it along to the first Eclectic Presents evening at the Poppy & Pint.

It was a GREAT success and the atmosphere was incredible from the off! We even had people queuing out of the door in anticipation for their goody bag! Hi-5 to the lucky first 50 who managed to get their mitts on one and for everyone who missed out this time... get a wriggle on next time and make sure you're there before 7pm.

Special thanks have to go to the lovely Vicky Matthews and Alys Power who both did an awesome job of hosting such a fantastic event! Hi-5 ladies and thank you so much for letting me be part of it!

Now... here's some exciting news for you... the next one will be on Friday November 18th... and you know what that means... CHRISTMAS! So get that date saved in your diaries and make sure you're first through the door!

Until then though, here are a few photo's from last night... apologies for the dodgy lighting but hopefully I'll be able to provide you with more fab ones soon as there was an official photographer doing the rounds... exciting!

Fancy a pint and some crafty treasures this Friday?

2011-09-04T12:24:00.000+01:00

Well you're in luck! Yup it's this Friday 9th September that the fantabulous The Eclectic Presents are hosting their Shopping Extravaganza at the Poppy and Pint in Lady Bay, West Bridgford

So take a gander at this little invitation, pop along to the lovely blog and check out all of the mega talented beans that will be selling there wares at the extravaganza!

As well as their blog you can find out more and keep up to date through their Facebook page!

Hope to see lots of your smiling happy faces there!

Brighton Bank Jollies!

2011-09-02T18:48:00.004+01:00

I thought I'd drop by to share some mini jolliday snaps from my break in Brighton. The weather was glorious, the fish n chips perfection and the sea and sky as blue as ever! Needless to say good times were had... even if the sea did sneak up on my whilst paddling and soak my pants through!

Here are some holiday snaps for you... if you haven't been to Brighton before I recommend you sort it out and go and enjoy this wonderful place!

I ♥ Brighton

Where can you buy Hello Sunshine?

2011-08-26T09:50:00.003+01:00

Did you know that you can purchase you very own piece of sunshine from the following treasure filled places? No you didn't know? Well I'm jolly glad I shared this with you then!

: Curisoity.Haus : Wow Thank You : Brighton POD : Design Circus :

: Harley Gallery : Craft & Design Centre : Atomic : Folksy :

: New Walk Museum Gift Shop : Itch Gallery : The Tokenhouse : Etsy :

Keep your eye on my blog and facebook page for the latest news of new places to buy Hello Sunshine goodies from, whether it be shops, galleries or exciting events...

Sharing sunshine with others...

2011-08-25T12:43:00.003+01:00

I recently completed another mini sunshine commission. This time for the lovely Nina and her 'ladybird' :) It made my week as she was so excited about my drawing so I thought I'd stop by to share it with you too...

Here's wishing you all a lovely bank jolliday weekend and I'll see you on the other side when I'm back from Brighton! Wooooo!

Have you got this lovely event in your diaries?

2011-08-21T16:56:00.004+01:00

Friday 9th September

7pm - 10pm

The Poppy & Pint

Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay

Nottingham

"...We are bringing together the most wonderful local designer makers, craftspeople and businesses to showcase their beautiful wares! there will be goodie bags, live acoustic music, cupcakes, pampering, a raffle for Breakthrough Breast Cancer (prizes donated by the sellers) wine & nibbles and of course lots of lovely things to buy....heaven!..."

EXCITING SUNSHINE NEWS!

2011-08-12T19:18:00.003+01:00

Sorry for shouting at you all in the title there but I'm so excited I think I may pop any momento!

I got a very exciting email today from Gemma Correll who is the talented bean responsible for that awesome flickr group and blog 'What I wore today.... in drawings'.

Now I've been slightly addicted to doodling for this flickr group since I found out about it a couple of years ago, some of you may remember some of my endless blog posts so you can imagine how excited I was when I saw the poster below and found out that they were going to make a book of 16 chosen what I wore today drawings!

So way back in June I submitted some of my favourite drawings that I had done over the months and at the time seeing all of the FABULOUS entries I didn't really believe I stood a chance... seriously go look at the Flickr Pool - there are some damn right amazing ones!

Anywho today I recieved an email from the lovely Gemma requesting a copy of my doodle that was chosen! EeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEeeeeeeeeee! That's the closest I can get to typing the kind of noise I made when I read it as well as jumping up out of my chair! :)

Anywho...without too much more exciting waffle, here is the 'chosen one' amongst the group shot of the other's chosen to be in the book....

Hopefully more information about the book will be available in the coming weeks and rest assured you will be the first to know as I'll be straight on here to jig about with excitment and waffle at you some more! In the mean time why not keep up to date with the facebook page?

Oh and If you are wondering this is what I wore back in May 201o when I went to Iceland and we went to watch the whales in Reykjavik... Amazing!

3 days to go...

2011-08-09T18:35:00.004+01:00

Hello Sunshine now available at 2 shiny new places!

2011-08-01T21:16:00.003+01:00

Yup your heard it right... you can now purchase you're very own piece of sunshine at the following two fabulous online shops...

Brighton POD

A shopping portal dedicated to promoting the work of Britain’s most talented independent designers and craftspeople – Brighton POD is the fast, simple and ethical alternative to shopping in our franchise-choked high streets.

You can view some of my work alongside some other mighty talented beans on Brighton POD's website at: http://www.brightonpod.com. I'll be slowly adding more as time goes on so keep your eye on the site for newbies!

Curiosity.Haus

Curiosity.haus is a house for Contemporary Craft and Design. Curiosity.haus have an ‘online craft fair‘ and run indie-markets in Nottingham, with an aim to showcase the talent of local and national designers and encourage promotion of independent and quality handmade goods.

You can now view my work along side some other top notch designers on the Curiosity.Haus webiste at: http://curiosityhaus.co.uk/shop/

Swapshops = Awesome!

2011-07-31T19:57:00.004+01:00

One of the best perks of moving in crafty circles and meeting like minded arty folk has to be the joy of swapping treasures! If you love somebodies work and they happen to love what you do just as much there's nothing better than a good ol' swapsie! I have met some awesome people since setting up Hello Sunshine, one of them being the lovely Katrine (Katie) Brosnan who does the most wonderful quirky and fun prints and illustrations.

I have a thing about facial hair (if you hadn't already guessed!) I mean who doesn't love a good handle bar moustache? So when I saw one of Katie's prints at the Secret Garden Craft fair in Sherwood last month I knew it had to be in my life.

It just so happened Katie had been eyeing up some sunshine so I was massively excited that in return for one of my birdie necklaces and brooches I finally got my sticky mitts on said amazing moustache print which now hangs proudly at the top of my stairs in Sunshine Towers.

I thought it would only be fair to share this awesomeness with you... so please bask in all of it's glory! BIG Thank you's to the lovely Katie!

Pop next Saturday in your diary...

2011-07-31T17:11:00.005+01:00

Nottingham Contemporary Craft Market

Saturday 6 August, 11am - 6pm

The very first craft market features twenty two designer makers from around the East Midlands, from recent graduates to established designers. A whole range of items will be for sale, including jewellery, ceramics, illustration and textiles.

Prices start at £2.

Featured Designer Makers

Alys Power

Andrew Tanner

Corrina Rothwell

Debbie Bryan

Emily Smart

Emma Britton

Glynn and Carol Parry

Hannah Lobley

Hannah Stevens

Helen Shere

Jason Holroyd

Jo Want

Joe Bright

Kate Broughton

Kay van-Bellen

Lesley Elliot

Mandy Bensley

Milly Moore

Rhea Clements

Sarah Allen

Sarah Turner

Suet Yi Yip

Nottingham Contemporary, Weekday Cross, Nottingham NG1 2GB

www.nottinghamcontemporary.org

It's finally... Time for tea!

2011-07-28T20:25:00.000+01:00

It's here! It's here! I can finally share my new range of jewellery with you! So please say a big 'Hello' to all the shiny new teapots and teacups that feature in 'Time for Tea' by Hello Sunshine.

This mini-range will start to creep into my Etsy & Folksy shops very soon but if you can't wait and want to get your hands on a piece tea themed sunshine right now please get in touch via my website: www.hello-sunshine.co.uk. In the mean time why not have a closer gander...

Necklaces: from £20.00

Brooches: from £10.00

Studs: from £6.00

Danglies: from £12.00

A little bit of commissioned sunshine...

2011-07-22T18:07:00.001+01:00

Recently I was asked to create a 'Sunshine' picture for a friend who wanted to treat her bestie to a special 18th birthday present. As I must have said a squillion times before I love doing these illustrations for people and I hope that the birthday girl loves it just as much!

Alex & Beth : 2011

A couple of dates for your diary....

2011-07-20T19:00:00.001+01:00

Summer Fete at the Staunton Arms

The Staunton Arms Country Freehouse

Vale of Belvoir

Saturday 30th of July

12 - 5pm

Lots of craft Stalls, a tasty BBQ, beverage and a free bouncy castle for the little ones!

Check out the Staunton Arms facebook page for more info and up to date news

******************************************

Nottingham Contemporary Craft Market

Nottingham Contemporary

Lace Market

Nottingham

Saturday 6th of August

11 - 6pm

Lots of treasures by a whole load of talented artists, designers and makers!

Check out the Nottingham Contemporary facebook page for more info and up to date news

******************************************

25 days to go..

2011-07-18T09:21:00.002+01:00

..until I'll be rolling down some hills in a massive squishy ball! Woooo! Yup I'm going Zorbing finally, it's been on my to do list since the 'sport' (!?!) came out and in 25 days James and me will be travelling to Loughborough to partake in some mega fun times!

Have any of you guys been before? I'm thinking I'll have to try the 'water' roll as well as a 'normal' roll... something strangly exciting abut the idea of feeling like you're in a washing machine...

Time for tea? Why yes I believe it nearly is!

2011-07-12T21:42:00.003+01:00

I have been going a bit cross eyed tonight after spending all day on the iMac at work to then coming home and spending all evening on trusty Mr Macleton, who is my Macbook to any of you who haven't met yet...

It has all been for a good cause though because now I can share a sneaky peek of my new 'Time for Tea' range of laser cut treasures! Yay! 'Time for Tea' is a new mini range of necklaces, brooches, earrings and lapel pins to support my larger 'Tweetness & Light' birdie range of jewellery. Some pieces have been tried and tested in the past and due to spiffing feedback have made the cut and others are shiny brand new!

So with out further waffling... here's a cheeky peek at some of the newbies....

There's still some work to be done but keep your eyes peeled for the unveiling of the new full range over the next few weeks! As ever, if you see anything you take a fancy to please get in touch via my website www.hello-sunshine.co.uk or my facebook page!

A smile to bring sunshine to any day...

2011-07-09T18:42:00.003+01:00

My little niece Lexie and her smile : too cute not to share!

Happy Saturday everyone!

Can you keep a secret?

2011-06-18T13:36:00.003+01:00

There's only one week to go before the Sherwood Arts Week Secret Garden Craft Fair!

Saturday June 25th 11am – 6pm

The Secret Garden Craft Fair

The United Reformed Church, 1 Edwards Lane, Sherwood

So get it in your diary and get your pennies ready for a fabulous day! The fair kicks off next Saturday 25th June at 11am until 6pm. There will be live music, cream teas and cake, a BBQ, Pimms and beer as well as a chance to browse some fantastic treasures at the stalls of many local talented folk!

For more information about this fabulous event and details about Sherwood Arts week pop along to the SAW blog or the SAW 2011 website!

Hope to see lots of you friendly and familiar faces there for a pimms and some fun!

The Big Smoke!

2011-06-16T19:26:00.003+01:00

Here I am on this beautifully sunny evening and I finally have some snaps from my fun filled weekend in London to share with you! Woop!

I have to admit I am not a city person at heart, my true love has to be by the sea, or even better... mountains by the sea! Anyhow this weekend I became slightly smitten with London *gasp* I was staying with a very good friend in the most amazingly wonderful old house in Brixton, which was stacked with amazing furniture, had a beautiful a roll top bath, was full of nik naks (not the corn snacks!), visited by a friendly neighbour cat and had an awesome toasty red Aga in the quirky little kitchen! Amazing!

I have never been to Brixton before but I loved everything about it! The up and coming Village area was bustling full of life and market stalls in the day and just a lively and full of things to do and see in the evening too! Such a fantastic atmosphere with the BEST sour dough pizza's from Franco Manca, some tasty red wine and some very naughty but nice crepes at Brick Box (I think that was the name!) We also experienced some brilliant live music at the Hootananny pub, where we saw the fantastically mesmerizing Lewis Floyd Henry who had everyone laughing and dancing along with his quirky music. He was followed by an awesome MC who kept the crowd going until Aruba Red came on stage who were equally as brilliant to see live!

Another place I had never been to that we ventured out to this weekend is Hampstead Heath. It's so BIG! We went with the intention of having a bit of a swim and a paddle in the lovely ladies pond there but somehow we walked round most of the heath, missed the pond and ended up in the Brew House at the top of the park near Kenwood House! The sun was out and the walk was beautiful so nothing to complain about but we are all still baffled as to how we missed that darn pond! Next time it won't escape us...

You can't go to London without doing something touristy so when it rained on Sunday we hopped on down to the Natural History Museum which was great fun! I think I could go every time I visit London and never get bored! It was a lot of fun wondering round and taking in all of the exhibits and playing with all of the interactive displays! After the museum, in the evening we went to the most amazing South Indian restaurant in Peckham - another new venture for me! The restaurant, Ganapati is such an amazing little place, the food is to die for and like no other Indian food I have ever tasted! I can't recommend the place enough and I am ever so grateful for Becky having got herself the job down there as I can't imagine having never tasted such amazing food! To top off the awesome day and dribblicious food we headed to the Peckhamplex cinema to watch Kung Fu Panda 2. One word = AWESOME!

Monday came round all too fast and as we packed our bags and thought about what we could do before getting the train back I couldn't help but feel like I had been away for a week! We had crammed so much in and hardly any of it felt like that kind of stuff you would do in London. I saw it all in a new light and am already planning when I can get down there again. You don't need a lot of money to have a good time and there are so many pretty parks and tranquille escapes if you venture off the trodden path. I guess it goes the same for anywhere you travel in the world but I can honestly say I never expected to be that pleasantly surprised by so many things in The Big Smoke. We finished our London break off with a wonder round the 'Out of this world: Science Fiction but not as you know it' exhibition at the British Library, which was brilliant in a very nerdy way! Perfect end to an amazing weekend away!

So I have waffled for a fair bit now so I'll leave you be to take in all of my blurb and some of the pretty pictures. I hope I have inspired some of you to visit some of the places I've talked about... or maybe you have already been and love them already? Either way I'm already excited about visiting London again this year... now where's my diary and the train timetables....

A smile to start the working week...

2011-06-14T20:35:00.003+01:00

... So I had the most amazingly exciting, fantabulous, fun and awesome time down in London with some dear friends this weekend and today was my 'Monday' back in the office.

As I'm sure you all know heading back to work is never easy when you've had a brilliant time away from it but I survived the day and although I haven't got round to sorting out any funtime photos from the weekend to share with you on here I thought I'd share a lovely drawing with you instead...

Swan in Wellies Card - Spike Milligan

It made me smile when I received it as a card for my birthday and it will no doubt end up on my 'door of cool cards' very soon!

Happy 'not-really-Monday-but-feels-like-it' Day!

Summer Sunshine...

2011-06-09T18:38:00.004+01:00

A quick post to say 'Hello' share a few pretty pictures and wish you all bon voyage until next week! I'm off to the big smoke that is London for a long weekend with some good friends and hopefully plenty of sunshine!

I've been enjoying the sunshine a lot just lately (when it stays to play!) I hope you have been too!

Sunday at Sunshine Towers... 3 months on!

2011-06-05T13:50:00.007+01:00

Yup it's nearly 3 months since I moved into Sunshine Towers and as I sit here full of yummy Sunday Roast (& a cheeky bit of Creme Brulee pudding) I can't quite believe it's been that long!

It's whizzed past so fast but man has it been fun! As I potter around the place it is starting to feel much more homely and I am so happy, chuffed and beyond grateful to have such a wonderful place of my own.

There are still a lot of mini projects I have and I'm sure this will grow in line with the months that roll on by while I'm here too. These will include splashing a bit of colour around the bathroom, some storage and shelving pimping, garden rummaging, kitchen sprucing and a cuddly rug... to name but a few!

For now though, I'll share a few more pictures of how the place looks now and at the same time I can show off some of my newest treasures that I received for my birthday back in May...enjoy!

:Pretties from top to bottom:

: 'Hello Sunshine' wooden plaque : Thank you to Cat and to Kim & Phil :

: 'The Loo' sign - just in case you get lost : Thank you to Carly :

: Awesome Chalk board & Chalks : Thank you to Cat & Camilla :

: Spotty Teapot : Thank you to my marvellous Duckypoos, Laura :

: The 'Thrones' 2 vintage Parlour chairs : Thanks to my Geek ♥ :

: Beautiful white wicket picnic basket : Again thanks to my awesome Geek :

Oooo and on a slightly related link and just because they deserve a mention... I finally found a new cozy home for my Ugly Doll collection! Not that I have many but I love them and each one has a special memory so now they take pride of place on the futon guarding the spare room/studio for me while I'm out and about... Say 'Hello!'

:From left to right:

'Ugly Dog' New York trip 2009

'OX' Present from Miss Amy B

'Big Toe' Vancouver Island, Canada

'Deer Ugly' Parnell, New Zealand

It wouldn't be fair for me to introduce you to these adorable Ugly fellas without included the big guy who takes the prime spot on my bed. He's bigger than my little niece (and most small children I'd imagine!) but he's a massive softy.... meet Abima...

Before I carried away and introduce you to any more of my toys I shall wish you a happy, relaxed and sunshine filled Sunday afternoon and bid you farewell until my next update! Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)

My drawing on SKIN!

2011-06-01T18:17:00.004+01:00

I can't tell you how excited, amazed and honoured I am to be able to tell you that a most excellent friend of mine has had a drawing of mine tattooed on his arm! Woop!

The drawing in question is one of my 'Sunshine caricatures' that I have been drawing for a few years now. I drew one of my very good old school friend Becky for Christmas one year and this was Adam's chosen tattoo art! Woop!

I'm over the moon they liked my drawings so much and before I get carried away with more excitment and waffle you all to death I shall pipe down and show you some pictures...

Some of you may remember seeing my Sunshine caricatures before and may even recognise the names Adam & Becky from a couple of other blog posts as they now have a collection of my Sunshine portraits as well as Adam's shiney new tattoo!

It always means so much to me to know people like me work so this has go to be the ultimate compliment! I'm over the moon and hope that I can make lots more people this happy with my drawings! Power to the pencil and all that happy jazz! Woop!

Birthday belatedness!

2011-05-30T14:04:00.005+01:00

Ok so it's over a month ago now that I celebrated my birthday and as I looked through all the wonderful cards I received I thought why not share a few with you all? I thought it would make a nice light hearted post to welcome the weekend and some pretty pictures to boot.

There were definitely a few themes this year... many cards being cheeky...

...and others being colourful, creative and just down right BEAUTIFUL!

I was a very lucky lady this year and received some beautiful gifts as well as cards thanks to my awesome friends and family. I am on a mission over the next week to give Sunshine Towers a mini-late-spring clean and in the process aim to take a few pictures to share some of the wonderful birthday treats I was given with you... so watch this space!

Sherwood Arts week is fast approaching!

2011-05-30T13:23:00.003+01:00

Will you be there too?

Lots of funtimes to be had at Sherwood Arts week 2011, "a week long event showcasing artists & creativity within the local community. Organised by volunteers, artists & local businesses, art will be displayed in shop windows as well as temporary galleries dotted around Sherwood."

For more information check out the Shewood Arts Week blog. I hope to see lots of you at the Secret Garden fair in a few weeks too! I need to get a making... chop chop now!

Geek Love

2011-05-22T19:38:00.005+01:00

Everyone loves a geek! I'm guilty of it and I bloomin' love the amount of geek themed treasures that are around! I've been meaning to share my love with you all for a long time so go forth and have a geeky perv at some of these beauties...

Geek Dog Tag

Uniquities Collectables

Firefox necklace

Watch the video & make your own : Becky Stern

Geek glasses

Cherryloco

Geek in Binary Tshirt

Thread Yourself

Circuit board clock

TECOART

If these tickled your fancy head on over to the CRAFT: 'Geeky Jewelry' article and indulge in some more geek loving!

Wonderful wedding moments...

2011-05-19T18:25:00.004+01:00

As nearly a whole month has passed and I still haven't shared any photo's with you I thought I had better pull my finger out!

For those of you who remember last month I was bridesmaid for a very good old school friend of mine :) I won't gush on too much about how lovely the day was and how amazing the beautiful bride looked as you will see in the photo's to follow. I will say that I have never been happier for Mel and I wish her and Karl a long, bright, colourful and fun future together!

Now... without further waffles here are some photo's for you to enjoy...

Oooo I do have one last wedding themed thing to share with you before I sign off for the eve! As well as a fancy muffin tin (everyone loves muffins!), my wedding present to the happy couple was a personalised sunshine to commemorate their big day and now it is safely in their hands I can also share this with you....

*raises cuppa tea*

"To the happy couple!"

Hello Sunshine at Curiosity.Haus design fair this weekend!

2011-05-16T15:04:00.003+01:00

Yup you heard it right, I'll be selling my wares this Saturday at The Orange Tree with lots of other lovely talented designers & makers who will be part of the Curiosity.Haus contemporary craft & design fair.

So why not pop along this Saturday 21st May between 11am - 5pm and pick up some treasures...maybe while you have a cheeky beverage and scrummy food too...

You'll also be the first people to see my new 'Time for Tea' range! Yay!

Find out more about the event & Curiosity.Haus through their facebook page.

Wow! Thank you!

2011-05-12T19:53:00.000+01:00

Just a flying post to let you lovely people know that you can now purchase your very own piece of sunshine online through this lovely little site called Wow! Thank you. Very exciting!

Go on pop on over to www.wowthankyou.co.uk and have a nosey....

So head on over to see what all the fuss is about - I guarantee you'll end up wanting to spend pennies on lots of pretty things while you're there!

Fancy a brew?

2011-05-09T18:31:00.004+01:00

I love my tea but working on my latest range of jewellery seems to leaves me gasping more than ever...

I'll be sure to bring you more updates over the next week or so and you'll definitely be the first to know when the new 'Time for Tea' range is available to pur-chase!

Until then, I'm going to have to contain my excitement about sharing my new work. So with good ol' Mr Scruff to keep me going I better get on with it... but first... I do believe it's time to pop the kettle on!

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

2011-05-05T12:33:00.006+01:00

Just another quick post to share some seaside goodness with you from the Norfolk coast! So even if you haven't made it to see the sea over the bank holiday... here is a lil' bit from the beaches at Hunstanton & Heacham just for you...

Hello May!

2011-05-03T15:07:00.004+01:00

...and hello mini adventures & day trips! I thought I'd drop in to say hello and share some of my sunny shenanigans from the May bank holiday weekend!

On Saturday I received my fabulous 'Cool Cat Tote' from my talented friend Amy Blackwell and as I'm sure anyone would I took him out for a spin on my bike down to the farmers market at the University Highfields park - beautiful sunshine, fresh eggs, yummy cheese, savoury muffins and a bike ride! Perfect!

Sunday was 'Wants on tour' day! My folks, sister, niece and I went out to Wollaton Hall and Park for the day and again, accompanied by the fabulous sunshine the place was just beautiful! The sky was an unbelievable blue and with the blossoming trees and green grass you just can't help but smile while you're walking round. Finishing off with an ice cream too - what more can you ask for on a Sunday?

Bank Holiday Monday was another winning day in the sunshine and although my summer dress and I had to wrestle with the wind, we made it for a massively yummy brunch at the Warsaw Diner in Nottingham to celebrate a friends birthday. After that James and I took a mini drive down to check out the Beetroot Tree Gallery in Draycott. A lovely little gallery and shop in a beautiful village setting, serving the most tasty tomato and butter-bean soup ever! I can recommend a visit if you're in the area - even if it's just for the soup at the café. A little birdie told also told me that the Hot Chocolates are pretty awesome too!

Following our mini road trip we got back to a house filled with the delightful smell of roast pork! I'm still dribbling thinking about it again. James made the best roast potatoes and then with a load of apple sauce and stuffing we crammed some tasty bread rolls with the melt in your mouth pork and had a feast! What a way to end an bank holiday!

The adventures haven't ended either! I'm still off work until next Monday and today my friend Sarah took me to Shipley Country Park for a stroll and a scone! I've never been to Shipley Park before and it's pretty much on my doorstep. It's a lovely park and you can ramble for hours before you hit the 'ramblers café there... or you can take a short stroll round the lake and hit the café sooner depending how you feel...

The last few days have made me realise how many beautiful places I live near in Nottingham and it doesn't take much to take advantage of them. I guess the sunshine always helps when you have the time to explore.

I have chosen to use my days away from the office as a jolly good chance to explore some cheap, cheerful and local places and as it's looking unlikely that funds will allow for a holiday abroad this year I have even more reason to make the most of what's on our doorstep!

Fingers crossed the sunshine stays with us this week as we have plans to visit the seaside for fish 'n chips by the sea and an ice cream on the beach! I'm rather excited about seeing the sea again! :)

Mini Projects about the house...

2011-04-29T16:17:00.009+01:00

To say I am currently on my jollies from my day job I have been busier than ever but in a great way! After an Easter weekend of my friends wedding, catch ups, giggles, tears & funtimes in the sun I have thrown myself full pelt into some personal projects... one I am 3 years late in finishing!

In a couple of days it will be 3 years since I returned from my traveling adventures abroad *sob* I spent around 8 amazingly exciting months visiting some awesome places including SE Asia, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and South America. It was an incredible time and I have so many wonderful memories... not to mention a bazillion photographs to go with them!

Since I returned I have been meaning to put together some photo albums of my adventures and only now can I say... 'It's DONE!' I have turned 4 sketchbooks, some black paper and over 700 photos into 4 albums of memories, funtimes and adventures! As much as I'd LOVE to share every page with you I'll limit myself to a few of my favourite pictures and a the above 'trophy picture' of the finished albums...

Ko Phi Phi - Thailand

Dunk Island - Australia

Machu Picchu - Peru

The Remarkables, Queenstown - New Zealand

Beachcomber Island - Fiji

Singapore Zoo - Singapore

Another mini project of mine... was the renovation of some old wooden bar stools that were left behind in my kitchen when I moved into Sunshine Towers. They were a bit worse for wear, covered in splodges of paint and in need of some TLC. So, over the week I have sanded them down, cleaned them up and spray painted them a lovely red colour to match the ever-growing red theme in my kitchen! I must admit I think they look pretty darn good too... and SHINY!

I have a few other projects under-go at the momento but being as one is a mini surprise for a friend I shall keep it under wraps until it has been delivered! I will also have some wedding snaps from last weekend to share with you too - you can see the beautiful bride, and my slinky bridesmaid outfit complete with this badboy of a necklace which I was proud to wear on the special day...

Tatty Devine Moustache Necklace

Anywho... I hope you have all had a lovely extra bank holiday today. I must admit I couldn't help sneaking a peek at the wedding (and THAT dress) earlier today but I have to say the only way I have shared in the celebrations is with this most excellent 'Posh' fish finger sarnie.... NOM!

Enjoy the weekend!

Sunshine Towers: 1 month on...

2011-04-25T10:05:00.005+01:00

As promised here are a few pictures of Sunshine Towers for you! Another chance to have a nosey round and see what else I have been upto between my mini blog updates... ENJOY!

**The Front Room**

**The Kitchen**

**The Boudoir **

**The Studio/Spare Room**

**About the house**

A peek of new sunshine...

2011-04-22T19:26:00.001+01:00

I have a couple of weeks off from my day job now (YAY!) and am starting to plan new work to launch within the next month or two! Very exciting!

The range will be called 'Time for Tea' and will incorporate some familiar designs as well as some fresh & fun newbies!

Watch this space for more updates and sunshine!

Easter Cards & Tea parties!

2011-04-18T19:42:00.007+01:00

I'm not 100% sure where the weeks are flying to right now but here I am again with another mini update! Last week I gave you a peek into what I would be up to with my group of rainbows on Friday so as promised... the before photo...

...and the afters!

You should have seen the rainbows' faces light up when I showed them what they would be making! Although these practice cards aren't nearly as perfect as I would want them to be at any other time, I thought my 5 min show, make and tell went pretty well with 15 little faces watching!

I was so proud of them all too - they made some cracking little cards (pun intended! teehee) and it was nice to see them enjoy it all.

I also got given a name last week. All the leaders and helpers at Rainbows have the names of flowers and I can now re-introduce myself to you all as 'Sunny Sunflower'. I couldn't have picked a more fitting name if I tried and I am over the moon :)

On Saturday one of my oldest and loveliest friends gets married and I am lucky enough to be one of her ladies in pink (bridesmaids). You may remember me me showing you the slinky pink dress I'll be squeezing into?

To celebrate a few of us organised a 'Bride to be tea party' at Sunshine Towers and I thought I'd share a few fun and foody photos with you! We had so many tasty cakes & nibbles and it was great to dress the place in bunting and balloons! As you can see it was a tasty and fun affair!

This week though I have to be good after a weekend of indulging in all that tastiness! I am now back to my cycling and running and armed with some mahoosive stretchy pants I will get into that dress on Saturday!

Oh no... I just spied some left over cake...

Quick commissions catch up...

2011-04-11T21:25:00.007+01:00

It's been a busy few weeks at Sunshine Towers and I feel rather guilty for having not shared any of my crafty adventures with you for a while so here's a little update for you.

50th Birthday's a go-go! I have done two very different invitation designs for two 50th birthday parties just lately, both of which I am looking forward to muchos!

Val's 5oth Birthday Gothic Masquerade Rock Party Invitations

Fun, Fancy & costumes involved!

Geoff's 50th Birthday Dinner celebrations

Classic, smart & simple

On theme with the fantabulous weather we've been having too it only seems right to share my most recent Sunshine commission with you too...

Meet Karen, Jamie & Harvey the pooch!

And on another weather related note... Rainbows! I help out as many Friday's as I can with a local Girlguide Rainbows group. It's lots of fun and the girls are fab! I am designated crafter so when I do go you can bet your socks there will be crayons, glue & mess... and I love it! Last time it was Mother's Day cards and this week it's Easter cards so tonight I have been busy cutting and superglueing some cards with little egg windows in preparation.

I can't wait to get there on Friday and finish making them up with the Rainbows... I'll be sure to post some 'after' pictures... here's a hint of what you can expect to see more of...

Last time I was there I also handed over a poster I was asked to create to advertise our group so maybe there will be some new faces this week!

I hope you all have a lovely sunny week! I promise not to be gone too long next time and maybe I'll even treat you to some updated pictures from Sunshine Towers too! Until then... don't forget your sun cream, enjoy the weather and beautiful blossom!

A weekend of Shoes, Days Trips & Farm Animals...

2011-04-03T19:55:00.010+01:00

As you may guess from the post title it's been a busy weekend for me and has involved not one... but two mini day trip adventures! You know me... I LOVE adventures!

Yesterday my lovely friend and I took a trip out to Sleaford to visit The Hub. I stock some of my work at their little craft shop so it was nice to see my work on show and have a wonder round the fab building and a nosey at some of the current exhibitions.

This is where the shoes come in....'A Personal Collection of Vivienne Westwood Shoes' speaks for itself really and WOW! What a collection! So many insanely creative and imaginative shoes in one place! If you love shoes (and lets be honest who doesn't?) then this is a must see exhibition.

The collection 'spans the entirety of the designer's high fashion career, from the 70's onwards, and showcases some of the most innovative & iconic examples of Vivenne Westwood's work'. The fashion photography supporting the glorious glass cabinets of shoes is in itself worth a look.... stunning!

I was intrigued with the some of the designs not to mention the infamous Naomi Campbell wobblers and the oh so beautiful must have Anglomania for Melissa Lady Dragon shoes! I just need to decide which colour to start saving my pennies for now...

As well as the amazing shoes there was a cracking photography exhibition, 'Peacocks & Pinstripes - A snapshot of masculine style' and a brilliant installation piece by Suzi McLaughlin called 'How does your garden Grow?'

Along with a farmers market in Sleaford & the beautiful old brick buildings and stables surrounding The Hub I must say it was a jolly good day out - topped with a pub lunch, excellent company and a cold cider! Saturday was a winner!

And Sunday has been AWESOME too! This year is my little sisters first ever Mother's Day and to celebrate we took our Mummy and Little Lexie (and Daddy Want too!) to White Post Farm for the day!

It bought back sooooo many memories from trips with our grandparents and trips with Brownies! So much fun and so many animals to look at and feed along the way. All with a picnic lunch included and some silly face-in-a-hole photographs - Perfect day trip with the family! The only thing that could have made it better was if I had been able to get my face painted as a tiger... just like I did many moons ago...

Well, before I get carried away I shall bid you all good night! I hope you all had a lovely weekend & Mother's Day too! x

House Warming Wishes...

2011-03-30T16:17:00.001+01:00

I can't help myself!

I keep spying pretties all over the place...

Everyone needs a welcome mat don't they?

This will be mine one day!

Dotcomgiftshop

Beautiful wall sticker that would look ace in my Kitchen!

Wall Glamour

Huge handmade trophy Stag head

Perfect for over that imaginary fireplace I have!

Zeus Label

Just ring for a glass of cold lemonade in the summer...

Makes sense to have one in the garden doesn't it?

Cox & Cox

I think this would make a darn good place to hang pretty tea towels!

Melody Maison

The theme in my kitchen is turning out to be red.

What better way to compliment it?!?

Dotcomgiftshop

It's a good moto for life so why not?

Cox & Cox

Tea always tastes so much better in a little cup & saucer!

May as well extend my cup & saucer collection with this beauty.

Dotcomgiftshop

He's yellow, he's called James & he cleans!

It combines 3 of my favourite things! I NEED him!

(James is my geek / other half by the way)

Henry Hoovers

Ok so it's more practical than 'pretty'....

...but it's also necessary and may as well look smart!

DIYTools.co.uk

And the winner is....drum roll....

2011-03-28T12:16:00.006+01:00

Helen Sarah Vaughan! CONGRATULATIONS! If you can send your postage details to me at bonjour[at]hello-sunshine.co.uk, I'll send out your lil' piece of sunshine by the end of the week!

A BIG Thank you to everyone who entered via my blog and through my facebook page! I'm so chuffed it went down well with you guys and I hope thinking about the sunshine helped brighten your week too!

I'll definitely be doing another giveaway in the future - muchos fun! Thank you again!

Tick Tock... have you entered my giveaway yet?

2011-03-27T12:03:00.002+01:00

It's not too late! You have until midnight TONIGHT to leave your comment on my last blog post or via my facebook page for your chance to win this cheeky lil' fella..... Good Luck!

My very first Blog Giveaway!

2011-03-22T20:19:00.003Z

Everyone loves free stuff! Win your very own piece of Sunshine!

This cute lil' vintage inspired wooden Teapot brooch complete with cheeky black acrylic Mouse could be yours for FREE!

In keeping with the fabulous weather this week, just leave a comment on my blog or on my facebook page telling me what it is you like best of all about the sunshine! BBQs? Smiles? Wearing floaty dresses? Cold beers in the garden... anything you like... I want to know!

At midnight on Sunday 27th March I will randomly select a winner and first thing Monday morning I'll spill the beans and surprise one lucky person! Simple huh? So what are you waiting for?

Spread the word, get involved & most of all GOOD LUCK!

Welcome to Sunshine Towers...

2011-03-22T19:21:00.001Z

Finally I can share some pictures of my new home with you! Here are a few sneeky peeks into my little 'work in progress' castle! When I say castle I mean my cute little 2 bed house in Beeston!

As you will see I'm still a long way off making it into my home but it's getting there and rooms are starting to take shape.....

The Living room is a bit bare but the huge window which lets in all the lovely light makes it a nice place to sit even with minimal clutter.

The Living Room

The kitchen is a bit rough around the edges but will hopefully have a mini breakfast bar at far the end and with a new lick of paint will look yummy soon enough...

The Kitchen

The back spare room will have a desk & futon joining it soon to complete my studio come guest room space.... This will be where I spend most of my free time I imagine and look forward to all the Hello Sunshine treasures I'll cook up in here!

My studio / spare room

The bathroom is nearly all brand new so besides getting new towels and a bit of storage it's all set really. Oh and maybe a blind or curtain would be a good idea too! Eep!

Bathroom

Once I get my new bed frame and a few more bits of furniture so that my telebox has a home and I have a bit more storage this will be my chamber. My new mattress is amazingly comfortable so it's no surprise it's my fave room at the momento!

Bedroom

I have two very wild & unruly gardens at the front and back at the moment. These will be tamed and tidied ready for the BBQ season (YAY!) and in the future I would LOVE to look into growing my own veg but one step at a time for now...

Front Garden

Back Garden

So there you have it, the grand tour of Sunshine Towers as it is today! It's all very exciting and I can't wait to share more of the progress with you but for now I'll have to wish you farewell as it's time for tea and sandwiches! Nom!

Folksy feature & Craft Candy Fair!

2011-03-19T12:11:00.007Z

On this beautifully sunny day I thought I'd take 5 mins from my pottering & basking to share a couple of small, exciting bits of news from Hello Sunshine.

This week I have been featured on Folksy's buying pages twice! Woop! The products that were showcased were the cheeky little 'Love Letter' wooden lapel pin and the lovely 'Tweet Talk' necklace. It was a lovely surprise to see & helped with the ol' sales lately too!

The other thing I am excited about is next weeks Craft Candy Spring Fair! Next Saturday, on the 26th March, the fair will kick off at 10am and will run through until 4pm.

Why not hop on the train and pop in the say 'Hi' and pick up something special for your Mum in time for Mother's Day on 3rd April. Lets hope the sunshine is there too!

Right... now back to the sunshine! Enjoy this lovely sunny weekend everyone!

House Warming Wishes...

2011-03-15T15:06:00.012Z

I can't help myself!

I keep spying pretties all over the place...

Everyone needs a welcome mat don't they?

This will be mine one day!

Dotcomgiftshop

Beautiful wall sticker that would look ace in my Kitchen!

Wall Glamour

Huge handmade trophy Stag head

Perfect for over that imaginary fireplace I have!

Zeus Label

Just ring for a glass of cold lemonade in the summer...

Makes sense to have one in the garden doesn't it?

Cox & Cox

I think this would make a darn good place to hang pretty tea towels!

Melody Maison

The theme in my kitchen is turning out to be red.

What better way to compliment it?!?

Dotcomgiftshop

It's a good moto for life so why not?

Cox & Cox

Tea always tastes so much better in a little cup & saucer!

May as well extend my cup & saucer collection with this beauty.

Dotcomgiftshop

He's yellow, he's called James & he cleans!

It combines 3 of my favourite things! I NEED him!

(James is my geek / other half by the way)

Henry Hoovers

Ok so it's more practical than 'pretty'....

...but it's also necessary and may as well look smart!

DIYTools.co.uk

Bye Bye Bridgford...

2011-03-15T09:14:00.006Z

As off Monday 14th March I have been a Beestonite again! For the last 15 months I have had a great time sharing a house with 2 very good friends and a charming cat in West Bridgford.

It's been full of food, tea, chats, inappropriate jokes, wine & many more good times! It feels like a whirlwind of a time as it's sped by and I am sad to move out but it will be hard to forget these faces and the memories we've made....

I will miss Karl, Mickey & Rocky (the charming cat) very much and to mark the good times we shared and create a nice present for the lads, I have doodled a Burleigh Road Sunshine :)

Thanks for an awesome time guys - gonna miss you long time!

Best Family ever. Fact.

2011-03-15T08:44:00.004Z

I have been a poorly bunny since coming back from Centre Parcs last week, which has meant moving, unpacking and generally doing anything came to a bit of a stand still, which in turn has resulted in a frustrated and sulky face on my part.

Thankfully though, I have the BESTEST family in the world! My parents have been amazing and have helped me no end over the weekend and while I've been off work in my sulking, useless state. And the smiles & laughs from little Lexie when I saw my sister made everything a squillion times better! I can't gush about how much they mean to me enough!

As you may remember I had started a Family portrait Sunshine project a while ago and before I went on my jollies I finally finished it. This weekend as a mini Thank you, I surprised Mum, Dad, Squidge (Jennie) & mini Squidge (Lexie) with the framed finished picture :)

The Want family... perfect in every way! Love you lots!

Have you got yours?

2011-03-14T14:05:00.003Z

I'll be sporting the fantabulous Edmund Blackadder Vivienne Westwood Red Nose Day T-shirt this week.... which one will you be strutting your stuff in? Or maybe you're supporting Comic Relief in another way? Either way have fun doing something funny for money this year!

Moving home followed by a mini jolliday!

2011-03-04T18:09:00.003Z

A superfast blogpost to bid you all toodlepip....

I am moving house this weekend and setting up my own little sunshine castle t'other side of the river in Nottingham, YAY! Following that mini adventure, I am then off to dwell in Sherwood Forest at Centre Parcs for a week so between tonight and my return on Monday 14th I'm afraid all will be pretty quiet in Hello Sunshine land....

But fear not, I shall be back soon with muchos to tell I'm sure! Toodlepip.... for now!

Teddies, Pooches & Pink!

2011-03-03T22:04:00.006Z

Just a wee post to share some lovelies with you, these namely being my niece, some of my favourite teddies, a cute guilty purchase & some exciting pink wedding pretties!

The day Lexie met Abima and the rest of my Ugly Doll gang... I love my niece and I love my Ugly Doll collection so when they met last week I couldn't resist capturing the moment, especially the look of bemusement on Lil' Lexie's face. She did take a shining to Big Toe and his little ears though!

Pooches! I just couldn't resist Gemma Correll wonderful little Boston Teaparty pocket mirror when I saw it in her lovely Etsy shop!

Now be honest... you want one too don't you? And it came all wrapped up with this cheeky chappy stuck on the envelope too...

This image is from an old notebook I had at the start of last year for work - we had a de-clutter day in the office this week, hence the unearthing of this beaut of a pad. It made me smile again as much as it did the day I bought it!

And the PINK! You may remember a few posts back seeing the lovely slinky pink bridesmaid dress I'll be squeezing into in a couple of moths time... well the beautiful (slightly pink obsessed) bride to be sent out her beautifully made invitations this week too! So so pretty I wanted to share them with you too!

Ooo and not forgetting this cheeky hen party invite that came recently too! Very exciting! I feel a few pink cocktails and some fun times a brewing!

I'll be back soon with some more exciting news about my house move.... T minus 2 days now! Eep! I had better get a packing & a organising! It only seems 5mins since I moved here...

What I wore in February...

2011-02-21T09:39:00.003Z

Just a couple of doodles to share with you for this month. I have to admit that so far this year my wardrobe hasn't been massively exciting so I'm limiting my WIWT doodles to a couple a month but I promise to keep sharing them with you!

What I wore Today :: 10th Feb

What I wore Today :: 19th February

Chester Mini Adventure

2011-02-20T21:38:00.002Z

This weekend has been a wonderful mini break away from the norm that is usually a whirlwind of a routine in Hello Sunshine land. I was a lucky little bean and got whisked away to the lovely MacDonald's Craxton Wood hotel for a mini luxury break in the beautiful Roman city of Chester, including a trip to the Zoo!

The hotel itself was perfect! Bottle of plonk on arrival, delicious 3-course meal each night, a fill your boots breakfast each morning, as well as passes to the gym & pool facilities - yup that's right we definitely earned our scrummy food indulgences this weekend and made the most of everything!

Chester itself is beautiful and such an inspiring city to walk around considering it's Roman history and architecture. We toddled all the way round the city wall taking in the sights and stunning architecture - I could have spent all day photographing the traditional tudor buildings with all the cute little shops tucked away in the Rows. Well worth the visit and pootle round!

Chester Zoo is fantastic, so many awesome animals and although a little pricey it's worth every penny when you read about all of the conservation programs and work that the zoo is involved in. I think my favourite character of the day had to be the Vulture pictured below - he was definitely the spit of Igor from Count Duckula! Brilliant!

It was a lovely weekend and the only thing I can grumble about is that it's over... next mini adventure please!

A couple of lurverly things!

2011-02-15T19:12:00.005Z

I said I'd share the love and here's a mini peek at what I got up to making for this Valentine's Day...

A card requested for that someone special! 'You're just my type' is an adaptation of my 'Just a note to say...' card which I was asked to create. I love the pun & am pleased that someone asked me to create it - very cute!

The next couple of pictures are of the gifts I gave to my Valentine this year... I was masshoosively excited to find this amazing 'Cheery Cherry Red Recycled Geek pad' from the fun & wacky Fishsticks on Etsy. The perfect gift for the geek you love no?

My other gift this year was one that I spent a lot of time planning & thinking about. I love drawing sunshines for people but when they are for yourself it always seems that lil' bit more tricky! Anywho, I persevered and am over the moon with how my little drawing turned out... may I introduce... Jamesjames & Jojo...

I hope you all had a lovely valentines day! We had a tasty night in with some scrummy food, wine & films whilst cuddled up on the sofa - perfect! I was spoiled with all that food, a mini rose bush (Rosie & the Jim's as I have affectionately named them) & this awesomely naughty yet very creative cupcake book.

I can't wait to try my hand at baking some of the cheeky little cupcakes! Teehee!

One last awesome and lurverly thing to share with you is this mysteriously amazing Edward Munkton card that the postman delivered to me... I have no idea who (my best friend Laura) sent it to me ;) I love the card and I love my duckypoos very much too!

On that squishy note I'll end my babblings but I hope you enjoyed the read & the pictures!

A few pictures to share!

2011-02-13T12:45:00.005Z

For once I remembered to take a few pictures whilst I was at the Curiosity.Haus event yesterday. Granted they are only on my phone which is a bit poo but I have pictures! YAY!

The Orange Tree is a great venue (even if a lil tight) with a cosy atmosphere, lovely crowd and the most yummy food! I had a really good time, met some very talented, friendly fellow makers and had a good ol' chinwag with the people who popped by to browse the goodies on offer.

Anywho... enough of the waffle! With a big Thank you to the wonderful Curiosity.Haus and some snaps of the day I wish you HAPPY SUNDAY!

Anyone in Nottingham this Saturday?

2011-02-09T18:25:00.003Z

Come along to The Orange Tree for the Curiosity.Haus Contemporary Craft & Design Fair!

Valentine's goodies....

2011-02-08T07:31:00.005Z

Just a lil' note to remind you all that you only have a few days left to order from my Folksy & Etsy shops in time for the big day of love! Cards have been selling fast so get in there quick...

Also for those of you out & about in Nottingham this weekend make sure you come down to The Orange Tree on Shakespeare Street near Nottingham Trent Uni for the Curiosity.Haus Contemporary Craft and Design Fair.

I'll be there from 12-5pm selling lots of Hello Sunshine treasures including cards & jewellery by the plenty!

Parcels, Weddings & Fun times!

2011-02-06T14:04:00.011Z

This week has been full of exciting parcels & surprises so here I am to share them with you this rather grey Sunday afternoon... I hope my ramblings brighten your day...

The surprises started at the beginning of my week when I got the most wonderful little parcel all the way from Canada where my awesome friend Charlie lives. When I teared my way into the surprise box I found this beautiful card...

The front of the card : Yummy cake!

The back of the card : The wedding car!

...Charlie & Matt got married a wee while ago now and it was a wonderfully beautiful day up at Lake Ullswater in The Lake District. So when I got their Thank you/Christmas note I got all squishy and emotional as I remembered the day.

With the lovely card was a whole host of surprises too (I'm a lucky lady!) including some luxurious smelling bath salts, a beautifully designed Brighton tin, some Angel Camomile Tea and a pretty little note book made of poo! Yup made of poo! Brilliant! Check out the poopoopaper website and be amazed! :)

Getting that parcel on Tuesday made my week up for me and I was smiling ear to ear but when I got home on Thursday to another mini package I was smiling and dancing around with excitement even more! When I opened it up I was showered in sparklies which only meant one thing... my friend Becky aka Munchy! the beautiful bride who got hitched just before Christmas! This is what I was dancing about...

As well as the pretty sparkles, the card is just awesome and as I have know Becky since old school times when we used to take over the wendy house in my garden, play hide and seek in the dark with everyone and generally get in to mischief after school, this card was just perfect! Here's a closer peek...

On the disc that was in there too were all of the photo's I had picked from Becky & Adam's big day when I had been bridesmaid and we'd had a Christmas adventure in Ely. So I had another squishy moment or five flicking through the pictures from her special day and remembering the fun times! And now I can share some of them with you... I have picked a few of my favs so I hope you like them as much as I do!

*sniff* Ahem, I'm not crying or emotional... honest! Anywho...

As we are talking about weddings I will also share with you the next Bridesmaid dress I shall be donning for my lovely friend Mel in April! Not long now and I am rather excited! I am also trying my best to run and cycle to work as often as I can so I can look as slinky and slim as the model in this picture...

Pink is never my first choice in colour for anything but I must admit I am excited about this dress and the fitting in March as it is beautiful! Now the only thing is to lay off the fattybumbum foods a bit and get those running missions more regular! Eeep!

On that note and now I am thinking about all the food I shouldn't be thinking about, I shall go and distract myself by making more necklaces up - idel hands mean Jo eats more afterall!

I hope I have helped brighten your day with my tales of sunhine? Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Campers & daydreams...

2011-01-29T10:01:00.005Z

Over the past year I have been trying to draw a camper per month and I finally have my 12 campers! I draw them because I cannot YET afford to buy one.. it is my dream to own a Yellow Splitscreen (like this beaut of a pic off a card from Seadragon) and I will continue to doodle the beauties until I can fulfill it!

Ever since I was mini-little and my Grandparents used to take us to Attenborough to feed the ducks in their Orange bay window VW camper I have loved them so I doodle...

This is my collection so far and I plan to develop them into framed colour prints soon and then... well that's still in the thinking pot at the moment. Maybe more cards, pin badges, tea towels, Tshirts, or even and most likely jewellery (I like this idea A LOT!)!

What do you think??? x

Jo Want

Sunshine in new places!

I'm in a book! A real book!

New arrival at Sunshine Towers...

Two wheel love ♥

New home for my shiny new iPhone...

A wonderful way to recycle & a fab Christmas present!

Sunshine wellies to fight January blues!

B'Bye 2011, Hello 2012!

Last bit of Sunshine this year...

Wonderful Winter Walks

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Goodbye Sunshine. Hello Christmas!

Craft. Design. Contemporary.

A fond farewell to Movember...

Sunshine in Edinburgh!

Winter Craft Fair : Sheffield

Let the Magic begin...

Perving on pretties...

Let the festive funtimes begin!

Wedding stationary with a smile!

So who's joining me for a beer this Saturday?

Cheeky Crimblemas Cards...

Lovely dates for your diary!

A special piece of sunshine just for me...

Indie Market this October anyone?

The sunshine is back!

Sleep, sleep and more sleep...

Hello Sunshine at From the Wilde!

Mini Sunshine Towers project...

Thank you!

Fancy a pint and some crafty treasures this Friday?

Brighton Bank Jollies!

Where can you buy Hello Sunshine?

Sharing sunshine with others...

Have you got this lovely event in your diaries?

EXCITING SUNSHINE NEWS!

3 days to go...

Hello Sunshine now available at 2 shiny new places!

Swapshops = Awesome!

Pop next Saturday in your diary...

It's finally... Time for tea!

A little bit of commissioned sunshine...

A couple of dates for your diary....

25 days to go..

Time for tea? Why yes I believe it nearly is!

A smile to bring sunshine to any day...

Can you keep a secret?

The Big Smoke!

A smile to start the working week...

Summer Sunshine...

Sunday at Sunshine Towers... 3 months on!

My drawing on SKIN!

Birthday belatedness!

Sherwood Arts week is fast approaching!

Geek Love

Wonderful wedding moments...

Hello Sunshine at Curiosity.Haus design fair this weekend!

Wow! Thank you!

Fancy a brew?

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

Hello May!

Mini Projects about the house...

Sunshine Towers: 1 month on...

A peek of new sunshine...

Easter Cards & Tea parties!

Quick commissions catch up...

A weekend of Shoes, Days Trips & Farm Animals...

House Warming Wishes...

And the winner is....*drum roll*....

Tick Tock... have you entered my giveaway yet?

My very first Blog Giveaway!

Welcome to Sunshine Towers...

Folksy feature & Craft Candy Fair!

House Warming Wishes...

Bye Bye Bridgford...

Best Family ever. Fact.

Have you got yours?

Moving home followed by a mini jolliday!

Teddies, Pooches & Pink!

And the winner is....drum roll....