Erica's Attic

just to say....

2011-07-11T20:48:00.000+01:00

I have two new blogs which I'd love for you to check out :0)

www.thebuttonandthebean.blogspot.com

and

www.ottolinedetriste.blogspot.com

xxxx

In which Erica took control of hers and her family's destiny.....

2011-07-09T22:24:00.003+01:00

In which Erica decided to take charge of hers and her family's destiny...

2011-07-09T22:21:00.000+01:00

sketch de jour...

2011-07-05T22:32:00.000+01:00

And PINK SHED is launched!

2011-07-05T12:35:00.000+01:00

and today, I took my first orders! Yay!

The veg patch weeding ballet

2011-07-02T19:04:00.000+01:00

Self promo time...

2011-07-01T19:38:00.000+01:00

I'm in the middle of a massive mailshot campaign to magazines, publishers and advertising agencies. Anyone know of any good advertising agencies that might like my work??? Any help welcome!
Anyway, here's todays 'sketch de jour' of me writing out my envelopes, and yes, I did actually use a dip pen and ink, (but minus the feather and the monicle ;0) x

a late night coffee dash...

2011-06-30T23:38:00.000+01:00

Sketch de jour

2011-06-30T12:44:00.001+01:00

Lately, I've been doing a little sketch everyday.
Here's a bit of a bumber crop dating back the last week or so :0)

Old cars at Silverstone

2011-04-23T19:02:00.002+01:00

Coton Manor Gardens

2011-04-17T18:43:00.000+01:00

In a beautiful corner of Northamptonshire, set on a gentley sloping hill, lies Coton Manor. It's a privately owned house, but is open during the summer months for the public, (the peasants), to enjoy it's stunning gardens and boasts one of the best bluebell woods left in England. I've lost my camera, so we had to make do with my phone camera. These photos don't really do the place justice, so when I find my camera, I plan to revisit!

Three ging on thirty

2011-02-20T17:39:00.002Z

Saturday morning in the Tomlin Household. We had a lovely birthday party for Sienna at Grandma's, then I slammed my finger in the car door and am now the proud owner of an unusable, purple, blue and swollen ring finger. Thank goodness it was my left hand! It's got me thinking about some sort of insurance for my right hand, I'd be stuffed work wise without it....
So, anybody want thier nails, (and the surrounding finger area) painted? Sienna's taking bookings now :0) xxx

Back to Black, (or should that be pink)

2011-02-15T23:40:00.002Z

I turned 36 today! I've been poorly since September last year, but am on the mend and forging ahead with my plans.
Lots of exciting things have happened career wise since my last post, despite being struck down with a shocking virus.
Watch this space for the 'new' news....

Erica xxx

oh, there we go...

2010-11-06T00:02:00.000Z

A New Beginning

2010-11-05T23:51:00.003Z

Well, apologies for being away for so long! So much has happened! For the lovely, lovely girls who posted on my silly story, I must just say that it was just that...a silly story. Nick and I were sat infront of the fire, and I said - "give me a thread for a story". And he said, - "imagine if you had a duff filter for your roll up, imagine what would happen in the factory...". I must just point out that I don't smoke, but I used to, when I was younger....
So, I made up a silly start to a story....I may finish it...or at least continue it....

Anyway, below is my new view. I've moved into an office space. I've, very reluctantly moved OUT of my pink shed. There was no room for me to work in the house anymore...any way, it's late, so I must retire....much to tell xxxx

Hello again...

2010-10-12T19:07:00.001+01:00

I've been a little distracted of late, and not been blogging...obvs.
Hoping to get back into it soon :0)
Erica
x

Balancing Beatrice of Bordeaux

2010-06-17T09:53:00.002+01:00

in the shop!

Spring fresh

2010-05-04T10:43:00.003+01:00

From this...

to this...

Now the long hard winter is eventually over, I decided to move back down the shed. The kitchen table was becoming a little impractical, and I missed having all my little inspirational images and photos pinned up around me. I'm a very 'nesty' sort of girl, and like my creative space to be 'just so', or I'm not 100% happy. Sienna loves to play in the garden while I'm working, and when it's time for her naps, I just come up to the house and do some hoovering or ironing. It's all working out rather well! Sienna doesn't seem to care about the weather, so long as she's well wrapped up and waterproofed, I don't think the outdoor life will do her any harm!

Turning many corners

2010-04-19T23:24:00.004+01:00

What do you you do when faced with not just a cross roads, but a multi level spagetti junction? Whilst lighting the fire tonight with some wood and twigs kindly donated by my lovely neighbour, I felt happy, really happy. The smell of the wood, and the sound of the fire catching and cracking sent me into a complete daze.

Living ones life is probably something that's on all of our minds. Life is so short, we all know that. So, whilst listening to the fire and my music, (quietly so as not to disturb 'the other neighbours while their dogs bark'), I wonder what to do. Neither Nick nor I want to be poor again, we've done that. It was awful, and to think it's romantic and love will conquer all is just a pile of rubbish. Only an idiot would believe that. I think you have to go through the threat of losing your house, your belongings, everything just because you can't pay your bills to realise that life chained to a mortgage and relying on loved ones to help out is just the lowest point ever.

So, what to do? What I'm basically yacking on about is the move to France. We wouldn't have a mortgage, but we would be significantly worse off money wise. Sienna is a concern. Actually, I don't even know why I'm saying that! Here, where she can't play in the back yard, or a huge expanse of land for her to build a tree house, a swing, see lizards, buzzards, deer...outstanding schooling.

So, going back to the spagetti junction analogy. I've got alot to give, creatively. I have many ideas about earning money to support my children's book illustration. That will always be my number one, number one, number one passion. It's just in me...but a few more strings to my bow wouldn't go amiss.

So, I'm back down the shed tomorrow. A repaint, a space just for me...again :0)

Lotsa of love,

Erica
xxx

These oxfords were built for walking....or not.

2010-04-15T22:04:00.001+01:00

I must just share my funny day. On the way back from dropping Munch off at Grandma's , my car exploded. Luckily, Dave the farmer was passing along the same country road. As his landrover was full of other farmers, he couldn't offer me a lift. I gave him my shopping, (I'd popped to the shops), and he kindly dropped it back to my house later on. I had decided, today, to channel the 1940's fashion wise. Ditsy print blouse, puffy sleeved green cardy, A-line skirt and oxford shoes laced up with ribbon, black wooly tights. I walked the half mile back to the village, sending passing drivers into a confused state. Why is there a woman from the 40's walking along this road...am I in a time warp? Am I seeing a ghost? I like being the 'arty' one from the village. I get to wear what I like! Ha! xxx

New things and old things

2010-04-14T13:50:00.003+01:00

I'm busying away, as usual...sewing and drawing and painting. There will be some new things to see soon in the shop, but in the mean time, there are some old things :)
I've just got the one project on the go at the moment, which is making me v-e-r-y happy. Lots of fairy outfits etc! There's still no news on my book and whether it's found a publisher. It's been turned down by one, but there's still a few more that were interested, so fingers crossed. I've got a lot of time on my hands which is quite unusual, so I'm keeping myself busy with all the things I love. Sienna is two going on thirty, and becoming very naughty! We're all off to France next month, so there may be some very exciting news to come after that!

Erica
xxx

Welcome along, Spring!

2010-03-26T07:32:00.002Z

I've never been a massive fan of Spring, I'm more of an Autumn girl, but this year has been different. After the longest, coldest Winter I can remember, the chance to pop out without a coat is SUCH a novelty! The sun is out this morning, and Sienna and I are driving into Kettering to run some errands. We're choosing a birthday present for Sienna's cousin, we're popping into the art shop to pick up some purply pretty paper to make my neighbour's wedding invitations and I might even treat myself to some St Tropez now that I'm baring more flesh. My skin is so pale it's not even white, it's sort of a bluish!
In other news, today is the final day of Bologna Book Fair, and I'm nervously waiting for my agent to return with any news! I've written a new picture book, so am hoping to find a publisher for it.
So, I think it will be a pretty chilled out weekend, (I hope!), they're never long enough!

Erica
xxx

Hunting Woolens Ottoline

2010-03-20T13:21:00.002Z

In the shop now ---------------------------------->

I've been spending this rainy saturday finishing off the dinky little hat for this Ottoline doll, it just makes me so happy! It's pointyness, it's greeny, wooly lovelyness, the button, the trim!
I'm just trying to think of somewhere to go now, as the noise from outside it ridiculous! Bring on house in France with no neighbours!

Lots of love,

Erica
xxx

Hunting Tweeds

2010-03-15T17:02:00.001Z

The weather in Perigord has not warmed up this spring, and the trees are still slimy black and bare of leaves. Ottoline makes her way through the forest, searching for more animals on which to work her needle and thread magic. I wonder what she will find in the undergrowth?

The bunnies cometh

2010-03-13T14:27:00.002Z

Every year, around this time...something strange happens. It happens overnight. We all go to bed, then next morning...bunnies. Everywhere.

In other news, Sienna has discovered the joy of heels. She spent most of yesterday afternoon clip clopping about the house. She prefers a lower heel to a three incher, but then so do I :0)

Perigord Noir

2010-03-10T22:41:00.003Z

...again, the black trees are calling me.
A harvest of black crows, in the shop soon.
I need to organise my blog/shop...not easy at the moment...
I'm waiting for a package to drop on the door step, a bundle of woven labels.
Black coffee and late nights are what I need.

Love,

Erica-Jane
xxx

2010-03-05T14:09:00.005Z

Hi there,

I'm creating a site dedicated to Ottoline, it may even take over this blog. So have a peek...

Erica
e
If you can't see a link, ( I can't!) then type www.perigordprincess.blogspot.com into your URL adress bar :0)

Getting back on the track....

2010-02-28T21:55:00.002Z

...that leads through the woods to Manoir de Triste. Set deep, deep in the woods of Perigord Noir, named so because of the colour of the wooded hills in winter. The trees turn a deep, dark black when their leaves are shed. Only then, when the leaves have dropped, can one spy the honey coloured turrets of Manoir de Triste. Up in the attic, by light of her candelabra, Ottaline stitches and scribbles...slurpping the finest black coffee from her vintage tea cup. A successful day of hunting for passed on creatures has been had. A basket full of beautiful, black crows were gathered, ready for dressing in the finest collars, buttons and frocks. It won't be long, my lovlies, before a host of curiosities and beautiful beholdments will be ready for your tittlemnet...

My most deepest and black heart felt wishes,

Ottaline de Triste

I love my job!

2010-01-31T15:51:00.004Z

I've just finished painting the last cover for the Candy Fairies series by american author Helen Perelman. I feel a little sad that it was the last one as I've grown so fond of my new fairy friends over the last few months. I can't show you the artwork yet, as it's not up on the publishers website, but I'll pop it up as soon as I can!

I've just been commissioned to illustrate another two Minivers titles, which is going to be great fun.

And my BIG news this that John Lewis are promoting Muddle Fairyland as their book of the month for February!

I've lost the lead that I need to upload photos from my camers, tsk! I can't seem to find anything at the moment!! I've finished sewing and have some new stuff to put on Etsy soon, I also have to pick up where I left off with the dolly giveaway! I haven't forgotten :0)
So, I'll be back soon with "All things Ottaline".
I love that I can spend my days painting bright, colourful fairies and mini princesses, then spend my spare time creating the complete opposite! I don't think there has ever been a darker, more strange little girl than Ottaline. Who knows, she may even turn into a children's book one day!

love,

Erica
xxx

Candy Fairies published!

2010-01-27T20:20:00.002Z

These lovely books written by the equally lovely Helen Perelman were published yesterday by Simon & Schuster New York! (illustrated by moi, by the way!)
Get yours now! And don't worry, there are two more on the way!
I'm still a busy be with some scrumptious projects landing in my inbox recentley.
I've also just finished writing a new picture book and am just getting it all ready for submission, wish me luck!

Love,
Erica
xxx

Septmeber?

2010-01-07T23:11:00.003Z

September was my last post???

I haven't visited any of my favorite blogs lately, pfffff, I wish I had. Time goes by too quickly...
I've been busy though, working, being a mummy, keeping house...

New year, new regime...I want to create.....

nearly time to come home...

2009-09-17T18:17:00.003+01:00

Total lack of blogging from me lately! I've, understandably been up to my eyes with munchkin and trying to keep ontop of my work. There just isn't the time anymore which is so sad as I've 'e' met some great folks over the years via blogging :0) We're here on holiday, in South West France...for the fifth time. We've been searching for a property to renovate but alas they are either not really suitable for conversion or total ruins! We have a very modest budget, which as Nicky pointed out, just isn't enough because there are many, many English people looking to do the same thing but with a heck of a lot more cash. Perhaps my ship will come in one day and we'll be able to afford the dream. We've been back to see Madame Grotte in her cave, and I topped up my supply of vintage french lace trims, hankerchiefs and buttons. I'm hoping I get the time to start making some stuff again. It's not for the lack of ideas, it's literally just time. So, here we are having lunch in Brantome by the river Dronne today. We had saucisse grille avec lentilles de campagne, very yummy. Until next time...a bien tot! Erica xxx

I love this painting

2009-06-19T16:11:00.003+01:00

It hangs in the hallway of my parents house in Wales.
I might have a bash a replicating it!
Happy Friday all.

erica
x

Scribblings

2009-06-17T17:20:00.001+01:00

Seaside!

2009-06-15T17:06:00.006+01:00

A couple of weeks ago, we all piled in the car and drove to Wales to visit Granny and Grandpa seaside. It was a welcome break. I did much lounging about and had many sandwiches and cups of coffee made for me.
I've started sewing again and am currently spending my evenings stiching away...
I'll show all when I have anything decent made!!

and finally! The Enid Blyton books that I illustrated are published! There are three more to come, I'm just working on the balck and white ink drawings for the interiors now :0)

Email crash! Hello Lisa?

2009-04-08T22:11:00.001+01:00

Hi!

Just to say my email crashed a while ago. Lisa, if you happen to read this, email me!
I've lost your address :0)

Erica
xxx

New work published and a city wedding

2009-03-09T14:53:00.004Z

Hello!

At long last, the Flutter Bugs have all been published, (as you can see, in more than one language). Also new out this month are two of four young fiction novels about a little girl who can talk to animals. They are called 'Molly's Magic', and are written by the lovely Holly Webb and illustrated by moi. I did the Molly character in the top left corner, (not the animals, they are photos), and all of the black and white illustration inside. I'm so lucky to be so busy, I'm really getting some really, really cool jobs in at the moment, mostly about fairies, so I'm happy!

Some really cool news...

I'm illustrating the New Adventures of the Wishing Chair, by Enid Blyton!!! I can't show any piccies of the work yet, as it won't be published for a while, but there are six in the series which is keeping me out of mischief! Lovely colourful covers and lots of black and white illustrations inside.

The Magical Dolls' House is to be published in September. It's basically a 'build it yourself' dolls' house, complete with furniture, doll family and pets, a mat to set it on which is the garden and veg patch. It was THE most fun job in the world to do, I had my very own 'Grand Designs' moment, (I'm not sure what Kevin McCloud would make of my flowery wall paper and chintzy decor though!) And it comes with a picture book!

As you can see from the photos, Erica-Jane Waters Illustration has decamped from the shed into the corner of the nursery. I found it impossible to work down in the shed, what with nappies to change, milk, juice, playtime etc etc. The shed is actually a long way from the house, behind our garage at the bottom of the garden, facing out onto open fields. You can't see it from the house so there was no way I could leave Sienna in there while I popped up to the house to use the loo or check emails. So, my new office in an alcove, and my new drawing space is next to the cot!

In other news! My cousin Hayley got married back in January. The wedding was in Middle Temple Hall, opposite the courts of Justice in central London. The place was amazing! Unfortuately I was having a fat day, bad hair day, can't find my favourite bra day, spotty blemish day all rolled into one. Thankfully no one was looking at me, and Hayley was the centre of attention!

And finally....

We went to North Wales over Christmas time to visit my mum and dad. I caught up with my old school friend, Sarah while I was there, who spookily became pregnant at the same time as me! And a picture of the gorgeous girl herself, taken today after her lunch :0)

Bye for now!

Hi Folks...

2009-02-25T23:02:00.003Z

Hello,

I've been just so busy, pre-occupied, frantic, loving my baby girl, meeting deadlines, wondering, thinking, planning.
I've not felt the urge to blog in a long while, although I've been visiting you guys in secret!
Sienna is ONE ...wow! Where did that year go?
I have endless plans about things I could do, sewing, painting, drawing...all wonderful things I could blog about. But I'm so happy doing my job, painting and drawing, (and perhaps some sewing soon), and that takes up all my time :0)
I'd like to say thanks to all of you who have emailed me to check I'm ok! We are cool! I will let you all know when I'm back on the blog wagon, but in the meantime, lots of love,

Erica
xxxx

Hellooooooo!

2008-11-21T20:45:00.002Z

I've really wanted to blog lately, but I've just been so, so, so, so busy. I'm really enjoying the projects I'm working on at the moment, seriously, they are lovely. I will show some little bits when I can, but obviously i need to wait until they're published :0)

In other news, guess who's crawling!? Aaaaaaagh! My life is changed forever! Sienna has four fabulous teeth and is very fond of Italian cuisine :0)

I must go, as I have some special people to write to.
In the mean time....enjoy Autumnal Perigord!
Oh, and check out the 'Sorciere Gentille' photo, that was a very exciting discovery, which lead to an amazing drive through twisty lanes and forests....

Back soon,

I promise

Erica
xxx

We're "home"

2008-10-13T00:07:00.002+01:00

Hello!

Just a quick post to say we're home, despite some French fishermen at Calais! I have alot to catch up on, so will post some beautiful photos of Perigord when I get a moment to myself and tell all about our wonderful holiday.
Above is 'Madame Grotte', or Nadine as we discovered her name was. I've mentioned her, and her shop before, and it was exactly as it was last year, and the year before...and the year before.

Anyway, I'm nearly at the end of a triple bill of 'Tess of the Durbervilles', and can't see for tears!! Good grief, imagine if I were watching 'Jude the Obscure'!!!

Bye for now,

Love,

Erica
xxx

September Salutations!

2008-09-06T19:17:00.002+01:00

Well, it's been a bit busy here of late! Busy in a really good way, but naturally I'm feeling it.
Sienna, (I'm not sure if I've already mentioned?), has two teeth! She's also moved onto solid foods and quite literally weighs a tonne!!
I'm typing this on the laptop so don't have any recent photos on file, but will post some up soon :0)
We're off on our jollies, (holidays), in just under two weeks, and I have a lot of work to do before I go. The projects I'm working on at the moment are just gorgeous. I sometimes just cannot believe how lucky I am to be earning a living doing what I do. I'm not saying it's easy, it's alot of hard work and it took me a long time to be in the position I am now. I just hope it continues! And obviously looking after a small baby and keeping a house straight is a job in itself. Above is a very proud me, having found a book I illustrated in Waterstones!
So, I'm putting Erica's Attic on the back burner until after our holiday. This is incredibly frustrating, but I need to give myself a little bit of a breather. I'm going to spend my evenings sewing and scribbling, and when I have a good body of work I will re-stock the shop. If I were to try and do it now, I would be rushing it and I simply don't have the time to put my all into it at this time. I'm finally coming to realise that I just can't 'do it all'. Something people have been telling me for aaaaages, but being the stubborn Madame that I am, I only wanted to prove them wrong! So, I'm going to store all my stitching ideas into little jars, next to all my buttons. I will archive all my sketches and patterns in the manner of a bonkers old librarian. And there they will stay. Not for long...they'll find a way of being made...into something!
The Ottaline dolly givaway is still on, so leave a comment to be in with the chance of re-homing one of these strange little girls. I picked up a piece of winter tweed in the habedashery (spelling?!?) at John Lewis today, and am already planning some 'English Country' Ottalines.
So, I'll leave you for a little while...

a bientot!

Erica
xxx

Um!

2008-08-26T13:08:00.002+01:00

There is going to be a bit of a delay in the shop re-stock....
Things have gone a little crazy here!
Will be back with more info soon,

Love,

Erica
xxx

Ottoline Dolly Give-away!

2008-08-20T14:29:00.004+01:00

CLICK POSTER TO ENLARGE

Well, as promised, here is a selection of some of the things I have finished for the shop.
There will be four dollies, prints, post cards and some other curiosities....
To celebrate, I'm giving one of my dollies away, one of the Ottoline's you can see in the picture above :0)
All you need to do to enter the draw, is leave a comment telling me what your favourite fairy tale, poem, book or song is, and why! I'll put all the names in a hat and first one out wins a dolly! This competition is open to anyone and everyone, so give it a go!

Good luck!

Love,

Erica
xxx

Batten down the Hatches!!

2008-08-13T17:17:00.004+01:00

I'm locking the doors...
I may even light the fire!
It has been raining here for weeks...and weeks...and weeks...
Now, please don't misunderstand, I am a fan of rain...up to a point!
Everything is so much more difficult in the rain...it really is.
Trying to get a heavy car seat, with a heavy baby in it, out of the back seat of a three door car, whilst trying to keep her dry and an A1 sized package, containing precious artwork from falling in a puddle....
Then trying to assemble a buggy, which always fits together perfectly when the sun is shining, but will not GO TOGETHER IN THE RAIN! Aaaagh!
So, as I have only drawing and making to do for the next few days, there is absolutely no need for me to leave the house...so I'm not going to!

I've got so, so many brilliant projects on at the moment. The first of the colour artwork has been posted to London for my 'Doll's House' project, and the first roughs for my black and white drawings have been given the go ahead :0)
I'm also doing some character development for a really sweet, but funny picture book.

In sewing news - I'm getting on very well (ish) with my Ottoline dollies and will be stocking the shop with lots of goodies very soon. I will be celebrating the re-stock with a MASSIVE sale, I mean C-R-A-Z-Y prices! So watch this space for the poster ;0)
I've got some snoozie Soozies to finish, with a custom order going to London!

And last but not least, Miss Sienna-Rose has begun to mutter her first words...

and they are....

"DING, DING, DING"

She is still amazingly contented and happy! Totally luck of the draw with babies as to what sort you get! I don't know how I would have coped with a crier, still, there's time yet.....eek!
We went for a girls day out to the Cotswolds on Saturday just gone, (in the rain), to visit a friend. Much cake, pizza and lemonade was scoffed!

So, I'm off to organize a few things in preperation for my lock in, I'll be back to show you my efforts in a few days!

Love,

Erica-Jane
xxx

The Pixie Hunt Pic-Nic

2008-07-25T17:07:00.003+01:00

Well, after writing out my list of favourite things, I realised it had been a loooong time since we had visited any 'proper' woods...so, we all piled in the car and drove to Herefordshire. It's a fair way, 2 hours drive, but Mr Nick and I love it so much there. We met in Hereford whilst at college there together, over one hundred years ago now. Mr Nick was studying blacksmithing and me, illustration.
Anyway! we ended up at Symmonds Yat, and unlike the wild and woody pixie hunt/pic nic I had been expecting, it was heaving with people. There were people whizzing around on bikes you could hardly move! Any pixies in the vicinity would have been scared away long ago. I think next time we'll go 'off the beaten track'.

In other news, I'm currently working on some patterns and ideas for 'Ottaline' dollies. I have big ideas for this girl...

Love,
Erica
xxx

Thank-you and meet Ottaline

2008-07-17T13:40:00.004+01:00

Thanks so much for all the great music suggestions folks! I'm really enjoying discovering all this new stuff!
I will put a list of the songs up soon, so you can all check them out :0)

I've been doing some little doodles, filling up one of the hundreds of little note books and sketchbooks I keep buying, (hopelessly addicted to little books and journals).
I'm doing a little story called 'Ottaline and Hotrod boy', and this is the first page...
If it turns out to be any good, I might bind a few up and put them in the shop, but at the moment it's just a fun, although terrifyingly dark, little project.

I also decided to start writing lists of things that I like, things to inspire...

if you click on the page, it will become bigger...as if by magic...

funny the things we like, isn't it!!

Slotting into place!

2008-06-22T23:53:00.003+01:00

Sometimes, when you're creative...you imagine wonderful pictures...you invent magical stories in your mind.
And sometimes...there are so many little characters running about in your mind, it's hard to 'focus'.
Sometimes...you can't even go to sleep!
Everytime you're about to drop off, a little mouse will say, "Erica, Erica! what are we to do with all this thread...and all these buttons!??"
There are reels of ribbon in my house, stacks of vintage fabric, rolls and rolls of water colour paper....wool...lace...hankerchiefs...oh the list goes on!
Anyway, Mr Nick bought me the most wonderful gift - an ipod!
I plug it in, I sleep.
So, does anyone have any good songs they can reccomend to me? I have downloaded loads of artists like -

imogen heap
eels
alexi murdoch
mazzy star
shout out louds
flunk

anyone got any other suggestions???
I'd love to know what you folks listen to...

Also, my lovely friend Jacinta bought me this

Ah! another time...this film...pressed so many buttons! I cried all the way through, like a loon!
Have anyone of you seen it?

Night night all,

Erica
xx

Could the dream come true?

2008-06-17T12:23:00.002+01:00

My heart is telling me to put the house on the market, move to France and become a river gypsy. However...that simply can't be.
How many river gypies do you know with broadband? And where would the publishers send my book layouts...and where would I grow my veggies! hee hee!
No, if we're going to do it, it needs to be a methodical, well planned, well researched and a fail safe endeavour....

My earnings would not be enough to live on in France...full stop. I either need to tri-fold my income or do something else alongside it. Also the French tax system is crippling, and I need to understand it inside and out, as I don't want taxes to be the reason we have to come home after a year or two...
I have had an idea, and any comments or advise regarding this would be appreciated!!
I thought, if we bought a house with a big barn, we could convert the barn into -
upstairs - luxury rooms, twins or singles...whatever, all ensuite.

then downstairs...

here's the intersting part...

a huge room with a long table, where I would hold 4 or 5 day courses on writing and illustrating for children.
One end of the room would have floor to ceiling bookshelves, stuffed with picture books and story books...
the other end would have more shelves full of brushes, paints etc...

I could teach aspiring writers and illustrators the tricks of the trade, how to layout a story to keep momentum going, how important it is to have a hook in your tale, how to get your mailshots opened, looked at and filed, rather than ending up on the slush pile. How to prepare your idea for presentation to a publisher.
I could help them adapt their drawing and painting style to suit the children's market...little secrets I've learned along the way...
Nick would prepare breakfast, lunch, and the evening meal, all prepared from our kitchen garden of course!
The party of say, six or eight would then have a day or so to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside or perfect their new skills.
So what do you folks think to this idea? If I did one or two a month, that would certainly help bump up our income...

Oh, and look who can hold herself up all on her own!

The witch's house

2008-06-12T22:25:00.003+01:00

Nick and I have a-l-w-a-y-s had a dream. To move to Perigord Vert in south west France, buy a tumble down house and live the life we've always wanted. The above house, although in the Perigord Noir, is exactly the kind of place we'd love :0) It's for sale at 82'000 euros, 65'000 pounds or about 126'000 us dollars.
Every night, I imagine myself waking up the next morning with the warm sunshine pouring in through the window. I would get up, feed the chickens and geese, make sure Frances and Porky (my pigs) had enough water in thier wallow and tend to my veggie patch. I would collect a few eggs for breakfast and Mr Nick would make us a feast while I got Sienna ready for school. All three of us would pile into our beat up old car and drive down to Brantome. We'd park in the square and walk over the bridge where we would drop munchkin off for her busy day a l'ecole. Then, Mr Nick and me would go to the little cafe in the market square where we would have coffee and chat about our plans for the day. On returning to our tumble down cottage, I would settle down in my converted barn and paint princesses and hedgehogs, and write strange and mysterious stories. Perhaps after a lunch of homegrown tomato and basil salad, mopping up the vinagrette with some yummy bread, Mr Nick and I would take a walk in the nearby woods, where we would gather blackberries to make jams and pies. I'd get back to work in the afternoon, and mr Nick would collect Sienna (and various little friends no doubt), and dinner would be served late in the evening in the garden, under the tree bedecked with jam jar lanterns. When all the little people where either returned home or tucked up in bed, Mr Nick and I would enjoy some wine in the warm evening air. I saw the milky way for the first time in my life whilst in Perigord. I never knew you could actually see it for real. This September, i'm going to show it to Sienna, as we are going back to the same gite as we have done for the past three years, the very gite where we found out last June that we were to become three. I can't wait. It is simply my favourite place on earth...it always feels like I'm going home. It is a place covered in thick, dense forest, the kind of forests that you read about in fairy tales when you were a little girl. The kind of forests that you might, just might come across a witch's house...

Hot Rods, Pink sheds and a cosy night in bed

2008-06-03T19:32:00.004+01:00

Hi!

Just look at these cute cars! I'd love a hotrod, but I'm not sure how I'd fit a baby seat in the back, or where I'd put my shopping...
Sunday morning was spent in a muddy field, in the rain looking at 50's cadillacs and all sorts of hot rods. I then spent the afternoon working on a piece for Mother & Baby magazine.

I spent yesterday In London, where I had a meeting with the girls about my doll's house project, (some sneaky peeky sketches below). We then all piled in a black cab and went to a veeeery swanky department store called Heal's. We had a look at the furniture and housey things to get some inspiration for the doll's house, and then had a gorgeous lunch in the restaurant.
After the girls had gone back to the office, I wandered (curtesy of Emily's amazing hand drawn map, including such important landmarks as Topshop), up to Oxford Street before getting the train home. It was a long day, as I was woken up at 4.30 am by a certain ginger trouble maker, banging on the kitchen door with his paw. I didn't get back to the cottage until gone six pm, and all the train/tube/excitment/hustle and bustle really tires me out!! I LOVE it though, and wish I could go more often. I'm not doing too badly though, as this is my third trip to London since having Sienna. I had such an amazing day and am sooo thankful I get to do such fun things with my job!

This morning I had an appointment at the dentist, where I was drilled, prodded and pulled about! It was fine really ;0)
So by the time I carried Sienna down the shed for an afternoon's painting, I was too tired to do anything! (she was woken up at 6am this morning by some noise from next door, which woke mummy up too!!). So I carried her back up the house, put her in her moses basket and prayed she would fall asleep so I could get some shut eye! Fat chance!

I can't quite believe how big she is, especially when you see a little new born :0) I don't think Sienna-Rose was ever 'small' though!!
So, on finishing this post, I am changing into my jimjams, and curling up in bed with my sketchbook, filofax and a book. I am fully kitted out with pretty post-it notes, glitter gel pens and sparkly heart stickers, so as I can decorate the pages of my filofax as I plan my work schedule...does anyone else have a serious stationery fetish???!!!

So I'll close now, and turn in for the night.
Have a fantastic rest of your Tuesdays, whatever your doing!

Erica
xoxo

Bit brighter :0)

2008-05-27T22:40:00.003+01:00

This evening I went down and tidied my shed.
I moved some of the lamps about, to make it a bit brighter in there.
Before long, the old gang had come for a visit...Tommy sat in his favourite spot, and Mr ArtyPants did some spinning on my spinney chair.

I've got some cool jobs to do in my shed tomorrow, a rough for Mother & Baby magazine, some little witchy style characters for a front cover of a young fiction series, and I'm designing some furniture to go inside the dolls house I'm illustrating.
I'm also going into town to buy my friend Dennie a birthday pressie, and buy some dinners. Today was a total washout, I spent most of the day nursing a migraine, no doubt brought on by my sad mood yesterday! (note to self, stop being sad!!)
Thank-you for your words, they helped me alot!! I'm alot brighter :0)

May's musings...

2008-05-26T21:31:00.002+01:00

Hi!

I've got so many things I'm doing at the mo, so much positive stuff. I'm finding it hard at the moment though. I'm feeling all kinds of sad things :0(
It will pass, I hope, but right now I just don't feel like blogging.
Here's some photos I copied at mum and dad's at the weekend...is that really me!!?? My goodness, is that really my mum and dad!!??
I'm looking forward to putting up a happy, creative post soon :0) and I always, always look forward to reading comments from folks from all over!

Erica
xoxo

2008-05-02T22:57:00.002+01:00

Hoo hoo!

Jeeeez, I thought it would be easier to blog from the laptop, infront of the fire. So, I went upstairs and emailed (to my hotmail account) some images....
Oh the palavar!
But here we are...
I can't believe how things change from one post to the next. Last post I was flailing about (spelling??), and now I have the most amazing project to get my teeth into. I shalln't divulge too much yet.
And also, I have reason to remember my beloved allotment. I'm working on a special 'secret' project, involving all the things I hold dear....

Here's me and some meeces....

Here's my 'substitute allotment'...from rubbish dump...

to lovely veggie patch...

and here is munchkin, the very knowing Sienna-Rose...

Thanks folks, for keeping looking, even though I've not been posting that much lately!!
We've been having so much fun, ( munchkin and me), she's even started giggling.

Night night all,

Erica
xoxo

The Midnight Tea Party

2008-04-07T14:29:00.006+01:00

Early this morning, I was awoken by the clattering of china, and the chattering of tiny, squeaky voices from downstairs.
Alarmed, I asked Beatrice (my bedside confident and bookend), if she too had heard the commotion...she had.

I quietly crept down the stairs, and peeked through the kitchen door.

In the early morning light I could just make out a little movement...a little scurrying...and then all was quiet.
The kitchen was littered with cupcake crumbs, and empty tea cups were strewn everywhere.
I asked Sienna, if she knew anything of the strange goings on, of course she denied any knowledge....

But then, there on the dresser, I spied the culprits...all fast asleep, their tiny, mousy tummies filled with tea and cake.
Sleeping Suzette had invited her friends, the Snoozy Soozies over for a midnight tea party.

Thank-you to you for your lovely comments about my last post. I'm sorry if I came across a little miserable, I'm so lucky to have Sienna :0)
It helps so much to receive advice and support from people who know what I'm on about!!!

Thinking....

2008-04-03T22:40:00.002+01:00

I hate when I don't post for ages, it bothers me...
Sometimes it's just because I'm too busy, but mostly it's because I'm going through one of my - "urgh-I-wish-I-had-time-to-do-everything-I-ever-wanted to-do" phases.
This usually ends up with me doing alot, but achieving nothing...at all.
I have so many sides to me, artistically I mean. I love doing children's book illustrations, (the main part of my income), I have many ideas for writing more of my own, like Molly's Jolly Brolly and Mr Pepper.
I thoroughly enjoy my magazine work.
I want to set up "Pink Shed Publishing", and publish my own card designs.
I love, love, love imagining up and sewing my creatures.
I have a thousand sketchbooks full of very dark drawings that I want to paint up on canvas...
the list goes on, and on, and on.....
But the trouble is, when working on one thing, it keeps me from doing the other. I then feel 'guilty' that I'm not doing what I should be...so the project gets left.
('what I should be' = commercial work, realistic earning a living work...not my sketchbooks full of dark imagery!!)
This cycle continues until I'm faced with a pile of fabric, half made mice and a bunch of blank canvasses. It's a crappy place to be, and it shouldn't...it should be a wonderful place to be. The question I find myself asking again and again is, "what's the point??"
So, I'm going to wake up tomorrow, and inbetween feeding munchkin, playing with her and keeping her happy, I'm going to try and finish something...

I wish I were better at explaining this strange place I keep finding myself in.

Perhaps I'll have something to show by the weekend...?

night night all!

Erica
xoxo

Oooh, new gadgets!

2008-03-16T19:05:00.002Z

Mr Nick bought me a super duper new digital camera for my birthday, and I splurged out a bought a new printer yesterday!
So, with all this new technology, I thought I'd better put it to the test....

a couple of stationery sets are available in the shop!

Right, I've got a date with a glass of wine, a copy of 'Living France' magazine and the sofa!

Hope everyone had a splendid weekend :0)

oh, and.....

2008-03-14T17:55:00.002Z

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO EN-BIGGEN)

I'll be adding a few bits to the shop next week, including stationery sets, postcards and recipe cards. I might see if I can manage a bit of sewing too....

Erica

xoxox

Nearly a month!

2008-03-14T12:06:00.003Z

It's been nearly a month now since Sienna arrived, and somehow, it seems like she's been around forever....
I'm gradually getting into the swing of things, and have taken on a magazine job. I'm trying to get a little painting and sewing done inbetween feeds and the enormous amount of housework that suddenly seems to have landed upon me!! hee heeee!
I'm just loving every single minute of it, and totally relishing her while she's soooo small and dinky :0)
We had visitors last Saturday in the form of Paula and her mum, (www.paulasplace.blogspot.com) and Mr Nick, Sienna and I are all off for a shopping trip tomorrow!
I'm feeling tonnes better, all the labour stuff and what followed is all forgotten now :0)
Here are some more photos of the last week....

and Miss Paula......

Slight name change......

2008-02-27T14:47:00.002Z

Sienna-Rose Tomlin

18th February 2008

As promised, here are some photos for everyone to goo goo over. I simply can't believe how beautiful she is. This is why we changed her name, she just didn't look like a Sienna-Rook, she looks just like a Sienna-Rose!

Thank-you, so so so so much for all your well wishes and lovely comments, they mean so much to me. I was thrilled to see some new faces too, and I hope you'll visit and leave a little comment again :0)

This first ten days has been amazing. I've been ill, ill, ill though, I picked up a chest infection in hospital, and along with a few other pretty nasty ailments, (I shalln't go into details!), I'm only just back on my feet.
Nick and I are just enjoying this time so much, She's so good....famous last words?! hee heeee!

I'm just making the name cards to send out to all the relatives, so will post a piccy when they've all been sent out and recieved :0)

Happy, happy, happy days!

Erica
xoxoxox

Sienna-Rook Tomlin

2008-02-20T14:47:00.001Z

....was born Monday lunchtime.
She weighs 9lbs 3 and is absolutely beautiful!
Pictures to follow, I just need to sleep for a couple of years first ;0)

Erica
xoxox

Egg Cosies

2008-02-13T16:57:00.002Z

One thing I'm really looking forward to after I've finished being pregnant, is dippy egg and soldiers in bed, with the Sunday paper...(like I'll have time for that, eh?!)
I made these cuties yesterday, and am already feeling like making some more....

Still Waiting

2008-02-09T21:47:00.000Z

Well, the due date has been and gone...I am still big bellied and frustrated.
So, I spent this evening sorting out my "attic". It was lovely to finally unpack boxes of long lost treasures, and arrange them all, ready for the inspiration to hit me.

In other news!
I was awarded a "you make my day" award by Lynne and Melissa over at Sugar City Journal, and Miss Paula! Links to both blogs you will find in the list to your right. (I did know how to do 'hot links', but have forgotten again....duh!)
So, I will now list the five blogs that make my day!

in no particulaer order....drum roll please...

Lynne and Melissa (Sugar City Journal)
the stuff these girls make and do is soooo drool worthy!

Paula
A fellow children's book illustrator who's blog gives me the giggles!

Gretel - aka Middle of Nowhere
Great read, loads of fabulous links, gorgeous artwork, and a sneaky peek at her life in rural Oxfordshire. (lucky cow, I wish I lived in Oxfordshire!!!)

Vanessa (A fanciful Twist)
A blog I've read for a long time, but only plucked up the courage to contact the lady herself last week! Magical story teller, picture painter, treasure horder and general all round inspiration! Plus I think two of our mice may be getting serious...

Rima (Into the Hermitage)
Just go look! Just go, go go go look!

So there, all are listed on the list of links to your right......>

I had to take down my last post, incase I got into trouble for putting pictures of unpublished books up. In the process, I lost all my lovely comments and am so sad about it. I love it when people take the time to post a little message. Sometimes my husband will be on the laptop, and he'll look at my blog and say..."you've got 7 comments"! This is usually followed by much whooping and excitment, and me going, "who they from? who they from!!?"

I feel very sad and pathetic for admitting that. Feel free to dissown me!

Right, keep sending baby vibes my way....I just want this over with now!

Night, night

Erica
xoxox

Sleeping Suzette and me

2008-01-30T21:56:00.000Z

I designed a little pattern a while back for a bigger mousey, but as my sewing machine has been buried in my 'attic', under so much stuff, it's been on hold.
But, today, after a veeeery nice afternoon out with mama and papa in law, I got it fished out for me. I'm too much of a weaking to lift anything heavier than a cup of tea!
So, here is Sleeping Suzette, along with a very cosy scarf to finish her off.
I've made another pattern for another critter, but need some more felt. I think I'm a bit too pregnant to drive all the way into Northampton to buy some...maybe I could find some in Kettering??
Speaking of pregnant, check out the tummy below!

Anyway, I'm totally zonked. I'm off to run a bath.
I hope everyone is having a splendiforous week so far.

Erica
xoxox

Hello, my name is Eustasia

2008-01-28T17:49:00.000Z

Will he meet her?
Will her heart be broken again?
Oh me, oh my!

The Mousesses

2008-01-27T21:05:00.000Z

I've been wanting to do a bit of painting for a loooong while, but only got around to it today.
This is a dinky little acrylic on canvas, 5" x 7", still waiting for a lick of varnish...
She'a a 'mousess', Antoinette, part of a series I'm planning. I don't want to give to much away, but those of you who have heard me mention Hogmouse Hall might be able to guess what else I'm going to paint.

Do you remember that scene in the film 'Amelie', where her pictures talk to each other at night while she's sleeping? Well, that's the kind of thing I can imagine this little mousess doing...she just needs me to paint her someone to talk to now.

I'm planning on sorting out my attic tomorrow, the door to which is fianlly unblocked from kitchen cabinet doors and tools.
I'm enjoying being off 'work', I never thought I'd say that, it never seems like work because it's such a passion of mine! But it's given me the chance to escape into my own little world for a while. I can paint what I like, what colour I like etc!

I'm going to turn in early tonight, I'm hoping I to actually get some sleep, (bump and labour anxiety keeping me awake!).

So night night all,

don't let your paintings keep you up all night chattering!

xoxo

The Fairy Nightie

2008-01-25T18:18:00.000Z

Well, I dragged (literally) myself into Kettering yesterday, as I wanted to find a nightie to wear in hospital.
I'm sure there may well be some people reading this thinking..."The LAST thing you'll be worrying about is what you're wearing!!", but there is some method behind it.
I wanted to have something that buttoned all the way down the front, so when baby is born, I can place her directly on my bare chest, without having to hoist up my whole nightie, or take it off all together. Then I can just wrap it back around us.
I couldn't believe my luck, when the first shop I went in I found this one! It's so pretty, as you can see, with beautiful ribbon and lace trim.
And look at the label! Perfect for giving birth to my very own baby faery.
Only 13 days to go until due day.....
I'm absolutely terrified, but desperate to meet her...

Hooray for sunshine! Boo for migraines...

2008-01-22T17:40:00.000Z

Just a quickie to show you Eustasia and Juliet, the Valentine girls.
They're up in the shop, a link to which you will see on your right.
The 'Kittens in Love', are up there too.

It's been a beautiful day here, but I've had a meany of a migraine :0(
It's better now though.
I've also had two visitors to my little cottage, bearing baby gifts!

Right, I've got soooooooo much to do!

Have a wonderful Tuesday all!

Erica
xxx

Boing!!!

2008-01-15T12:51:00.000Z

Let's Spring forward!
I'm currently stitching some cute Spring bunnies and other critters/curiosities for the shop, (a link to which I must get on here).
Here's a sneaky preview....

Her name is Hyacinth, and in her paws she clutches the key to Spring, scented flowers, new growth and sunshine :0)

Happy Tuesday folks!

The last cabbage

2008-01-12T15:37:00.000Z

Good grief!
It's January...Happy New Year!
Thank-you for all those lovely comments you folks left, I just love reading them.
I must apologise for the lack of visits and comments to all your wonderful blogs, and the lack of response to emails. I'm afraid these last few weeks before baby comes have been very, very draining. I had it confirmed that I'm very anaemic, (I knew knew it!), very common for pregnant ladies, but my goodness it can knock you for six!
We are still in the throws of building the kitchen, re-arranging and decorating upstairs, having carpet fitted...I still have no washing machine...ugh.
BUT! The end is in sight, thanks to the sterling efforts of Mr Nick and his dad!
You know when you just want everything sorted though? And you have to sort out a million things frst before you can sort just one thing out?
I'll stop moaning now, hee hee!

In other news!!!
I finished "Coconut Jack", the book I was working on up until last week! I had a job to do for "Mother & Baby" magazine, a few loose ends to tie up, but I can proudly say...It's all finished! Yipeeee!
I also (sadly), wrote to the surveyors who deal with the Thorpe allotments and officially ended my tenancy :0(
Above is my last ever crop...I'm afaid I was too tired to do anything with it, so it ended up in the compost. Still, at least we got a photo, and what a whopper!

I managed to do a little stitching the other day, and as soon as I can find the camera, I'll post a piccy.

AND!!!! Guess what! Myrtle has moved to Georgia, in America! Isn't that just soooo exciting!

Well, I've got to go and empty some more boxes now, so will type again soon.

Take care all,

Erica
xxx

Dedicated to anyone.....

2007-12-05T19:53:00.001Z

who has ever been bullied, picked on or purposely excluded.
To anyone who has been made to suffer by other people, who, for whatever reason decide that YOU are on their hit list.
Some people seem to take immense pleasure in upsetting, controlling or manipulating others.

Well, you know what?

Let 'em get on with it.

And while they're having fun scheming, bitching or whatever....have a seat here with me, next to the fire.

Look, it's gone six, let's open a bottle of wine and have a glass, or two...

Never change yourself for others.
It's o.k. to try on other peoples opinions now and then, but don't lose sight of your own.
It's your life, make sure you live it your way.

Here are some quiet corners...enjoy!

Scallop thumb

2007-11-30T08:59:00.000Z

No, not the infamous condition that plagued 18th century fishwives across Cornwall, but a scalloping blister...
Can you see it? It hurts so much, I think it should be redder :0(
There is a very cool reason for my complaint, however.
I have just edged 100 pinky dinky postcards with my scalloping scissors, all packed up now and to be shipped to...New York! The amazing Smitherman & Barnwell are using them as 'thank-you' note cards in their boutique..
You can check out their wonderful collection at www.smithermanandbarnwell.com or they now have a fabulous etsy shop too, www.smitherman.etsy.com.

I'm in the throws of colour artwork now, for what will be my last bok before baby comes.
Then it's a new year, new beginnings and a new way of life.
It's all very exciting, yet terrifying at the same time!

Have a groovy Friday!

Hello

2007-11-27T12:16:00.000Z

I am still here....
just tired, and under deadline pressure...
I'll be back soon :0)
In the mean time, here's a lovely picture of a robin for you to look at...

Pink Shed Publishing

2007-11-09T01:13:00.000Z

Well, here's what I've been up to!
I've actually made a start at Pink Shed, and will be starting business (small scale) this weekend on ETSY.
I've just got these four Christmas card designs so far, which will be available in packs of four and mini packs of three.
There will be a few other little bits and bobs on there too....

It's gone one thirty in the morning! I'd better get to bed! I've got a mega deadline for tomorrow and have to be up

E-A-R-L-Y!

I hope everyone's week is going well :0)

Night!

Erica
xxx

What's the crazy pregnant lady up to now?

2007-11-07T17:26:00.000Z

Well, I'm up to my eyes with deadlines, hence the lack of posting...
I do have a bit of a secret project on the go though, watch this space for details....

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Erica
xxx

Ooooouuuch!!!

2007-10-27T11:24:00.000+01:00

Oooh...aaaagh....ooouuuch!
I have pulled a muscle, somewhere inside my chest area.
I can't move...at all...well, a little, but it hurts soooo much.
It hurts when I breath....cry :0(

Anyways, here's a little cutie-pie to cheer things up!
She's called Myrtle, and is from Donegal.
Her Aunty Minnie brought her a beautiful vintage hankerchief back from France (from Madam Grotte's), and she has made herself this cute little outfit, complete with vintage button.
Ever since, she had been calling herself 'Marie', and speaking in a French squeak...how sweet!

She'll be in the shop at some point.

Bye for now! Ouuuuch!

xx

Autumnal girls

2007-10-21T14:55:00.001+01:00

BIG NEWS!
I've opened my ETSY shop!
I still need to figure out all the details and design a banner, but these three pretties are up for sale!

Fleur D'Oranger (Orange Blossom)
Clementine and Arianne De Abricot

If you want to have a peek, my shop address is www.ericasatticstores.etsy.com

I must dash, as I have a very, very important parcel to pack up for posting tomorrow morning...

I hope today is as lovely and sunny and autumnal for you, as it is here.

Tagged

2007-10-19T15:23:00.000+01:00

Well, I've been tagged twice over the last two posts, I will get around to the desk top one, (or rather my PA Thomas will), as soon as I can!
Speaking of my PA Thomas, he really does seem to be confused as to who's working for who.
I am a busy illustrator/mouse maker/baby maker, so the simple request to help me find some amusing collective nouns would, you would think, be no problem....
Instead, he retreated to his private study, muttering something about brandy and "feeling put upon".
Still, he did hand me this scrap of paper this afternoon.
Apparently he had 'his' PA draw it up for him.

Really...

So, as requested by www.wethreecats.blogspot.com, are my eight collective nouns -

(click to enlarge)

And in other news.....

I've got a few more lovely meeces to show you very soon.
I am going to try and get time to open my ETSY store this weekend...wish me luck!

Erica
xxx

***Oh, and many apologies for my PA's frightful thought bubble spelling.
And to think he once studied at Cambridge!

Yaaaaaaawn!

2007-10-14T17:32:00.000+01:00

It's lovely expecting a baby, but good grief, it tires you out.
I'm good for nothing.
I have sat, on my bum, all day today, and don't even have the energy to make any meeces.
Mr Nick is running me a bubbly bath and cooking me my tea.
Then jim-jams.
Then I might make a start on a mouse.
Or set up with etsy.

yaaaawm....

later gaters

x

Bonjour!

2007-10-08T15:17:00.000+01:00

I'm back!
Sorry for the terrible, in-excusable gap between posts.
I've been locked away in my little shed, and my make-believe attic...

Eventually, I am very proud to announce, that some of my little mice are looking for new homes.

First, allow me to introduce -

Rosa, the bird keeper.

She is made from creamy felt, and is just over 4 inches tall, head to toes.
Her beautiful skirt is made from a vintage, French silk hankerchief, and is the most subtle shade of blush.
Her skirt is fastened with a very, very old French button. Both hankerchief and button are from madame Grotte's brocante in deepest Perigord Vert, France.
Her bodice/petticoat is deep cream, gathered elegantly, recycled from an old blouse that once belonged to the seamstress.
She wears a polka-dot sash and her slippers are made from salmon coloured vintage ric-rac.
She sits on a gold satin cushion, embellished with polka dot ribbon and vintage French button.

Rosa, although you would never guess from her confident and sparkling peformances, is terribly, terribly shy.
She is convinced she has a 'tete grande', and is very self conscious of her left leg, which bares the scar of a terrible bare-back riding accident many years ago.

She likes 'Cabecou', and will not touch any other cheese.

She is priced at £55 plus postage, and comes gift wrapped in a stiff box with her bird.

Next we have - Mimi, Rosa's younger sister.

She too is a bird keeper and made from felt, 4 inches head to toes.
She wears the same underdress/petticoat as Rosa but her skirt is made from dusky pink French lace, picked up from Madame Grotte's cave in the Perigord region of France. It is fastened with a vintage button from the same brocante.
Her slippers are dark wine coloured ric-rac and her sash is polka-dot ribbon.
She sits on a claret coloured cushion, embellished with rust coloured twine.
Both Rosa and Mimi's noses and whiskers are made from vintage French woolen thread, in dusky pink.

Mimi loves all cheese, except anything "northern", so best steer clear of Camembert or any thing similar.

Mimi is also £55 plus posting, and comes gift wrapped in a stiff box, with her bird of course.

This is Etoile, from Montremartre, Paris.
Bare-back rider, dancer and chanteuse.

Etoile is made from felt and is just over 4 inches from head to toes.
She wears a beautiful cream slip, embellished with aqua beads, with an net petticoat in aqua also.
Her slippers are vintage turqouise ric-rac.
Her slip is set off beautifully with an eau de nil coloured chiffon ribbon.
Her pretty lace head dress is from Madame Grotte's cave.
She sits on a matching mat.

Etoile will only eat cheese shipped in from a special fromagerie in Montremartre. Luckily she orders it in herself.

Etoile is £45 plus posting and comes gift wrapped in a stiff box.

If you would like to give any of the above mice a home, or have any questions, please email me.
"info@ericajanewaters.com"

***Please note - these mice are designed as objects of desire and are not toys. They are unfortunately not suitable for little children to play with.
The mice are designed to sit on their cushions, not stand. They can stand with a bit of fiddling and the aid of some pins.
Pins are of course included :0) ***

An afternoon out!

2007-09-18T17:39:00.000+01:00

After a poo-pants day yesterday and this morning, I took myself off to Market Harborough for some coffee, cake and much needed bustle.
I wont rant on about Kettering, but it is quite possibly the pit of the earth. I don't think I'm ever going to go there again. (I don't mean to offend anyone who happens to love Kettering, but you gotta admit, it's gone downhill!) Harboro's only an extra 10 minutes drive and is lovely!
The slice of heaven that you can see below you is, wait for it, Toffee crunch cheesecake.
I treated myself, (and of course I have the excuse of nursury bookshelves to stock!), to a few picture books from Waterstones. I also bought two lovely roomy, bump accomadating jumpers for £20 the pair. One in raspberry, the other in plum, (as modelled in photo below).
I just love Harboro. It just feels more academic/coffee shoppy/boutiquey, as apose to Kettering's chavvy/sports shop/supersaver pound shop/scuz-bucket atmosphere. (oops, I wasn't going to rant).
I also bought the Autumny issue of "Country Living" magazine, and will spend the rest of the evening plonked firmly on the sofa, fire roaring, reading and dreaming of moving to my Perigordine farmhouse.

Slow and messy worker, but end result is always good.

2007-09-12T16:35:00.000+01:00

That was what Mrs Morgan wrote for my third year Home Economics report when I was about fourteen years old.
It's scary how that comment sits so well with every element of my life, not just cooking!
Everything from growing up, finding love, my career (still messy work in progress)...everything.
I remembered this comment this afternoon whilst making JAM!

hmmm, now where did I put that packet of jam making sugar?

It's been a dull old afternoon, and not alot has been accomplished. I reeeeeeally must do my tax return. I WILL do it on Saturday, you heard it here, now I have to do it.

The last layer of hay has been stripped off the field and the farmer is muck spreading today. I can't wait until it's ploughed, I love ploughed fields. Anyway, I leave you with yesterday's hazy Autumn sunshine and haystacks.

Button Boutique

2007-09-05T20:28:00.000+01:00

The BEST shop in Kettering is closing down.
It's been selling buttons, ric-rac and fabric for nearly 50 years and hasn't changed a dot in all that time.
Button Boutique, what am I to do without you??
I'll have to remember my camera next time I go...

I popped in today just to top up on a few bits

Then, popped around the corner to Burton's, another really old fashioned shop, and found these little pretties!

I don't think the shop lady quite "got" my excitment. There was a whole box of them on sale, left over from last Christmas. Apparently they didn't sell very well due to the rather peachy tone of their breasts, not red enough for the festive cakes of Christmas 2006. I kept telling the shop lady that they were charming in their own little, special way. But she just looked at me, like I was mad, and then continued to criticise them. I only rescued three, I may go back and collect the rest. The self esteem issues with the three little ones above are heart breaking. Horrid lady. Just look at their gorgeous little faces, how could anyone say anything derogatory?

So, inbetween painting 'Flutterbugs' and spells of incredible fatigue, look who came a visitin'!

Please allow me to introduce you to Balancing Beatrice of Bordeaux.
She is staying with me here in Northamptonshire for a few days as, being famous for it's cobblers, she could think of no place better to come for some new satin slippers.
I shall put her on the bus into town tomorrow.

I'll leave you with some pictures of the butterfly tree in my garden....

Baby mags

2007-08-31T14:15:00.000+01:00

Happy Friday folks!

Here are this months editorial jobs...

Zzzzz

2007-08-30T17:04:00.000+01:00

Thanks for all the suggestions regarding headaches...I appreciate it so much!

Here's my body's response to my "list"...

Yes, asleep at my drawing board...again.

Of course, if I'd known you were going to be looking, I'd have adopted my 'usual' sleeping pose...

I've got a head full of inspiration, and a calender full of deadlines, but most importantly I have a little life inside me, making me very, very, v-e-r-y tired.

I wish I could, like sleeping beauty, sleep for one hundred years.

The Long List

2007-08-20T10:39:00.000+01:00

Back to work down't shed today, and I'm waiting to hear about a potential project with Random House.
I was asked to submit a "test piece', ( I can't remember what the formal title is). Here is a detail...

I'm working on the roughs for 'book two' of the four set, (for another publisher), it's a HUGE amount of work and detail in each piece. I wish I had more time to work on them, the deadlines for this project are mega tight!

So, I'm compiling a list. I do this everynight in bed, so thought a good idea would be to write it down and share...

1) - Finish the mice in your spare time.
2) - Design those greetings cards and start selling small scale.
3) - Get those killer mailshots you've designed, painted up and mailed off to every magazine you can find.
4) - Tax return.
5) - Develop your picture book style.
6) - Write some picture books!
7) - Sort your finances and figure out if you can afford to support Nick & Baby in France.
8) - Move to France.
9) - Finish that junior fiction series your working on, or at least work on the black & white illustrations that go with it.
10) - Oh, yeah, and have a baby in February...

Oh my LORD!!!!!

I've had a headache everyday for about two months now, peppered with a twice weekly migraine. I've tried Paracetamol, glasses and lavender oil. Does anyone out there have any other ideas?

Right, back to work.

byeeeee!

Hesitant Pussyfooting

2007-08-19T13:41:00.000+01:00

I'm dithering, dubiously.
These mice could have been finished by now, but I'm scared of putting them on Etsy.
Still, never ventured, never gained as they say.
I found the most amazing piece of crimson Edwardian velvet in an antiques shop on Saturday, you can just about make it out in the background behind Etoile. Perfect for the next theme...circus mice!

Sometimes....

2007-08-17T09:16:00.001+01:00

you just need a man.

I bought this groooovy sewing machine months ago, and haven't had time to play with it. (Too much work, being sick, asleep at 2pm etc).
So, when the time came to eventually get the little beauty up and running...could I?
Could I heck!

So, I called on the 'ever dependable/can figure ANYTHING out/can fix everything and anything Mr Nick'.
Before long it was purring like a kitten and I had to fight to get back on it!

I can't believe it's friday already!
I've got to go run some errands, which means a trip into Kettering.
Then I've got a rough to do for Mother & Baby magazine.
Then I really should think about tidying the house!

Later gaters!

xxx

Studio tidy

2007-08-15T18:32:00.001+01:00

I'm a little ahead with my work at the moment. which is a great feeling.
So I took the opportunity to tidy my shed.
I'm still busying away with my 'Erica's Attic' stuff too. I took a trip to Hobbycraft in Northampton today and then spent the afternoon in my new "room", sewing and listening to the raging thunderstorm outside.

Heaven!

So, here's the shed before....

And here it is after.....

Hello again

2007-08-14T22:29:00.000+01:00

After what seems like an eternity, I've finished work on book one of four.
I have had zero spare time, and I mean z-e-r-o!!
So, what have I been up to this weekend??!! My first free weekend in a long time...

take one dark, dingy, dusty, spider infested cupboard at the bottom of the stairs

one crazy pregnant lady

A big tin of red paint

href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mh8Na4I5NlY/RsIkSe2jhzI/AAAAAAAAACc/x6hG0FPKEJM/s1600-h/BLOG_14_08_07a.jpg">

...and a little bit of stitching and above is the result.
I'm busying away in my cupboard (make believe attic), and my wares will soon be for sale in my very own shop!!!

I'm so excited!

Hello summer?

2007-07-19T16:35:00.001+01:00

Well, it seems as though summer may have decided to touch down.
It might be just for today, who knows!
I decided to stretch my legs and go for a walk in the field behind our house...well, I say a "walk"...I walked to the bottom of the field, then back again. The farmer has just strimmed another layer off, I presume for hay...I'm looking forward to the bales!
I've been extraordinarily tired lately, hence the lack of blogging, mice, pictures for you to look at, but I thought a little wander might perk me up a bit.
I actually managed to get nearly a full days work in today. I worked nine 'til four! Woo-hoo!

I'm ready for a very deep, very bubbly bath now.
Then sofa, tea and tea cake with strawberry jam. I might light the fire, as it's still a little chilly and has clouded over.
I may spend the evening writing, or I may create some new mice...

Take it easy all!

Erica

xx

Return of the FLIBBERTY-GIBBETT

2007-07-03T21:20:00.000+01:00

One day, I will make a decision and stick to it.
I never used to be like this!
My ideas about "what I'm going to do with my life" change from one hour to the next...literally!

Thing is, I keep returning to this idea of setting up a greetings card company.
I LOVE greetings cards, well, not all greetings cards, but generally... I love greetings cards.

The idea of having my own 'business' is very appealling.
I know I already have one, (my illustration and writing), but somehow it doesn't FEEL like a business that's my own.
There are an awful lot of people who make an awful lot of decisions for me, and God, this sounds ungrateful, but I feel at the bottom of the food chain. Don't get me wrong, I am fiercly passionate about children's literature and DO NOT plan on giving this part of my life up, but I just wonder what it would be like to do something different for a while?

Hogmouse Hall

2007-06-29T14:50:00.000+01:00

Hogmouse Hall is buried deep within the English country side. If you can find your way through the brambles and thicket, you will find a tumbledown ironstone manor house, cloaked in ivy and wysteria.
Take a peek through the leaded windows and you may catch a glimpse of a mousy tale, swishing through the shadows.
Press your ear to the glass and you may hear the patter of tiny mousy feet, as the mice of Hogmouse Hall go about their mousy chores.
There is wood to be gathered for winter fires, crab apples to be stored or made into fine jam.
The book shelves in the library will not dust themselves...

Let me introduce you to two very special members of staff...

Agithe Hawberry, originally from the Black Woods, has been head housekeeper at Hogmouse for near twenty years.
She oversees the entire running of the hall. Everyone from the scullery mouse to the head gardener mouse, must answer the Agithe.

Esme Toadadder

Agithe's right hand woman (mouse).
In charge of cleaning the west wing.

Welcome!

2007-06-28T21:46:00.001+01:00

Well, this is my first post on my new blog!
HI! to anyone who has been re-directed from the Pumpkin Press, and HI! again, to anyone new! I hope you enjoy visiting my blog as much as I will enjoy....well, blogging on it!
I've just got back from a fabulous and memorable, memorable holiday in Perigord.
In a little medieval market town on the river Dronne, there is THE MOST AMAZING brocante. It's housed in a cave, yes, you read that right, a cave. When you walk in it takes a little while for your eyes to adjust to the dim light, and the smell of a million fusty books, vintage hankerchieves, reams of antique ribbon and lace and general curiousness, fills your nose.
I went in nearly everyday of my stay, and became rather fond of the proprietress, 'Madame Grotte", as I nick named her. I have a very strong affection for eccentric old ladies, and Madame Grotte is currently top of my list.
Each evening, in the peace of our gite's garden, I would unload that particular day's treaures...here is some of my hoard...

So, it's a little dark for taking any photos this evening, but watch this space for what I have created with all my goodies I brought back.

Night night!
See you in the morning!

Erica

xxx