colourart

Sunshine Award

2010-06-01T14:42:00.001+01:00

I have been awarded this award by the very talented Gabriella Buckingham at Moobaacluck . She paints the most gorgeous pieces of art and wooden decorations. This is a lovely award which I am very happy to accept.

Now for the technical bit…the rules……..

‘The rules for accepting this award are:-

Put the logo on your blog or within your post,

Pass the award on to 12 bloggers,

Link the nominees within your post,

Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog,

Share the love and link to the person from whom you have received this award.’

I award this to these bloggers for their creativity, and because it is a pleasure to sit and escape and read their beautiful blogs.

My nominees include……

Moobaacluck

who nominated me…..and

shhhh…it’s 11 don’t tell. ;-)

Amanda

Bath – A weekend break away!

2010-05-27T17:44:00.001+01:00

Just last weekend my lovely hubby and I went to Bath in celebration of our 10th wedding anniversary. Tin, apparently, well I didn’t get anything tin but I was treated to a weekend break in Bath. We’d never been before, but what a beautiful place, full of architecture, history and great shops. The weather was glorious, not typically British and not like when we got married. The photos I’m sure speak for themselves and it is a place I will definitely be going back too. We enjoyed a lovely meal on Friday night, I had lobster ravioli and have since vowed to have a go at making ravioli myself.

Saturday morning we headed into Bath again, and had a mooch round the shops, not the big High Street, ‘we can find them everywhere’ shops but the small indie shops. After yummy lunch we visited the Roman Baths, and where we were wowed by the history and story behind them.

Roman Baths

Bath Abbey taken from inside the Roman Baths

Off next to have a delicious and very large strawberry ice cream and then off to Victoria Art Gallery to see a large collection of paintings and sculpture done by the Bath Art Society. Some were good, some not so good. I voted for my favourite, a paper art piece using lots of white paper butterflies. Interestingly hubby voted for a paper art piece too so our tastes aren’t so far apart. Although it later become apparent that we weren’t going to agree on a piece of artwork to buy. We agreed to disagree and I’m going to paint my own memory of Bath at a later date.

Royal Crescent

These lions were super and doted around Bath.

Sunday was finished off with a trip to Avebury circle and then home to our two lovely children who were being expertly looked after.

A great adventure and a definite ‘must go back’ place.

I came home to an order too, so it was all good.

Personalised Flowery Childrens Art Work

2010-05-04T16:28:00.003+01:00

If you are looking for a Christening gift, birthday present or new baby gift then look no further. This hand painted canvas is all flowers, pattern and a very happy butterfly, especially for a little girl. It is extra special because the hand painted wooden butterfly gives it a special twist. Some of the flowers are outlined in gold and the name is written in gold also.

This design, Full o’ Flowers can be found here and is part of my collection of hand painted canvas art at www.colourart.co.uk It can be painted in a variety of sizes. In a short time it would be ready and to you within 7-10 days, perfect for a special gift……

….and for those of you who read my blog regularly I have not yet mentioned my new and updated website. Colourart has under gone a transformation, bringing a more contemporary look and a site which is easier to browse around.

I know I say it nearly every time but thank you for reading I’ll be back in touch soon.

Amanda

Childrens Book Illustrations A WIP

2010-04-26T17:38:00.002+01:00

I am on the final stretches of a very exciting project and I’m sure that the recipient of these paintings wont mind me writing a little blog piece about them.

The illustrations are to go with a sweet childrens story about a woodcutter and a squirrel. It has been a pleasure developing the ideas for each page and painting them up. They aren’t quite finished yet but wanted to share as they are nearly there.

There are 14 paintings at the moment and the 15th will be the cover. Each has been developed using CAD and sketches but the final pieces are painted in acrylic onto paper.

I’ll post all the finished pieces when their done.

Thanks for reading, see you soon

Amanda

Handmade Easter Cards

2010-03-30T13:50:00.003+01:00

I have made a couple of Easter Cards this morning for my little ones. Hope they like them. (I’m sure they’ll enjoy the chocolate more however :-)

One for my little girl……

and

one for my young man…

….Happy Easter to you all!

Amanda

Cutey Garden - A Commissioned Painting

2010-02-22T10:46:00.003Z

I was recently commissioned to paint an alternative arrangement to one of my current paintings. Originally in a square format, I was asked to paint it in a landscape format instead. So here's the story as to how the painting went.

The Original

CAD layout of new design using Photoshop

Work in Progress

Finished design

So there you go, anything is possible. This one will be off to its recipient very soon. I love painting commission work, it's good to paint some a little different. Please check out some other commission work I have done here and check out www.colourart.co.uk which is full of paintings to have a look at.

Tigerprint Competition Final Design

2010-02-11T16:03:00.002Z

Wishing I had more time, but sadly only had a few days to put together a design for a Surface Pattern Design competition with the Tigerprint Blog. This is my entry for the competition.

The brief was to create a design which was for a female for Spring/Summer 2011. There was a colour palette attached to the brief. I thought I'd show you how my entry came about.

It started with a computer generated image of flowers, then I drew and scanned in an image of a swallowtail butterfly.

I put the two together and played around with different colourways until deciding on my final submission.

If you want to check out all the entries have a look here , there are many lovely entries.

Wish me luck

A Hand Painted Christmas

2009-11-30T10:52:00.003Z

I'm getting into the spirit of Christmas slowly. I have made Christmassy my blog and I have some hand painted decorations to show you including some Gingerbread Men.

They are lovely hanging from a tree to give a more natural primitive style......

.......or you could wrap a parcel with brown paper and ribbon and use one as a gift tag. The tag could then be used on the tree.

I have also painted snowflakes, snowmen and Christmas bauble shapes.

Take a peek at my Colourart Christmas Shop www.colourart.co.uk/Christmas_Shop.htm to see these designs and few more I'll be adding soon.

Amanda

Technorati Tags: Christmas,decorations,tag,gift tag,xmas,hand made,hand painted,gingerbread man,shabby style

More Paintings and a few thank yous

2009-11-29T18:13:00.003Z

I've been a quiet blogger, but after being a featured blog on the WAHM site I am inspired to write a new post. So thanks for featuring me WAHM and for giving me the push to write this post.

I exhibited my work at the Designer Baby Show earlier this month and I was pleased with how my nursery canvasses were displayed. I usually have them on a table but this time I hung the paintings so they could be seen as they are meant to be.

The collection included a few new paintings which I would like to share with you.

I love Russian Dolls, and I thought that my collection needed a Russian Doll canvas. Cue another thank you, as Mrs Jelly at Jellybelly-Jellybrain suggested that it would be a good idea to paint a Russian Doll, so I did just that.

www.colourart.co.uk/Russian_Doll_Enlarged_Canvas.htm

Here she is:

I also painted a new version of the Teddy Bear painting which I think is great for new babies especially as its neutral tones mean it could be an ideal gift for a boy or girl. I think it would be great personalised. You can find Teddy Bear here: www.colourart.co.uk/Teddy_Bear_Enlarged_Canvas.htm

If you want an original Christmas present which is can be personalised there is still plenty of time to order in time for Christmas www.colourart.co.uk

Back soon

Amanda

Technorati Tags: nursery art,canvas art,wall art for children,kids wall art,teddy bear art,Russian Doll painting,hand painted

Designer Baby Show is here

2009-11-14T00:31:00.002Z

This Sunday I will be exhibiting my nursery paintings collection at the Designer Baby Show in Berkshire. I will have over twenty original nursery paintings exhibiting, where I will be offering a 10% discount. I will also be offering a free mystery gift with online purchases between 16th and 30th November 2009. Please enter 'Designer Baby' in the special instructions at the checkout. Please come and visit us at stand C80 on Sunday and if you can't make it then check out my online store at www.colourart.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you at The Designer Baby Show this Sunday, 15th November 2009

Ballerina Canvas Art

2009-09-28T17:34:00.003+01:00

This design is inspired by the some of the meadows in France, they were stunning, full of flowers and butterflies, and dotted between the sunflower and maise fields. Having travelled 1800 miles through France during the summer we saw a few of the meadows, so what better way to record them than by putting paint to canvas.

Ballerinas in Meadow is my latest design and celebrates dance. I have never painted Ballerinas before so this enhances my existing range. Its available in both of my stores.

Ballerinas in Meadow is available to buy now in my art store Colourart

I hope you enjoy the painting, I will be back soon with more Colourart news.

Yo! Ho! Hand Painted Pirate Canvas

2009-09-19T15:00:00.004+01:00

In honour of National Talk Like a Pirate Day, I wanted to show my hand painted pirate canvas.

Perfect for little boys who'd love life on the ocean. It comes in various sizes and can be personalised with name and date.

He can be found here or for the personalised version here

Cupcake Paintings for National Cupcake Week

2009-09-17T17:23:00.003+01:00

It National Cupcake week - how exciting. Here at Colourart we have made plenty of cupcakes over time, and not just yummy ones to eat. I have painted some too! These two cupcake paintings are available to buy here and here

To celebrate the cupcake or fairy cake why not buy a slimming one to decorate your kitchen, dining room or child's bedroom. They are hand painted, and very gorgeous. The soft sweetie colours make these mouth watering cupcake paintings a lovely gift idea. There are two designs which work well as a pair or on their own. Hand painted onto gallery wrapped artist canvas, these original pieces of artwork wont add to you waistline but they will add a touch of style to your home.

I hope you enjoy National Cupcake week no matter how you chose to celebrate it.

Technorati Tags: cup cake,national cupcake week,hand painted,art,design,acrylic,painting,fairy cake,sweet

Errr WHY??

2009-09-08T17:05:00.009+01:00

Don't ask me what I did at school pleeeassseeee.

I sometimes wonder why I take an interest in my kids school days, although sometimes other than the standard, learnt at birth, phrase of 'I've forgotten' I do get a laugh out of asking.

The conversation with my youngest after her day at school went a little like this:

Me: So tell one good thing that you did at school today.

Little Miss: I held a snake.

Me: O..K

Little Miss: It bit me.

Me: R..i..g..h..t

Little Miss: It was pink and white stripes

Me: of course it was

Little Miss: Oh and I held a lizard too.

Will I ask again? yes probably and will Little Miss tell me.....well probably not, but its always worth asking.

Just for those of you that are still with me.....

Here they are first day back.

Amanda

Buy Unique Art Gifts

2009-08-28T00:17:00.000+01:00

I have opened a new store with an online boutique called Zazzle.com I have created a new store of my own www.zazzle.co.uk/colourart where you can buy gifts and accessories made using my own artwork.

I have a small selection of items at the moment, including magnets, cute vests for babies and mousemats.

Here's a taste of what is happening in the new store.

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Please pop over and check it out.

Handmade Teachers Gifts

2009-07-21T12:30:00.002+01:00

Both of my kids are moving classes this year, so it was time for them to say goodbye to their teachers. As a special 'thank you' I made each teacher a shopping list clipboard each.

I designed the paper, laminated it, decorated the front and then stuck them to boards I had painted. Finished of with a bulldog clip and a note pad. I hope they liked them.

They also gave them a bookmark from Paperchase and some choccies of course..........

.......and Evans teacher told him she liked GOGO's so he drew her some on the envelope of her card.

Recession Busting Pictures for Children's Spaces

2009-07-06T23:58:00.002+01:00

If you still want to still treat your kids to a new stylish room in this recession then these are just the thing. I have developed these few ideas, watch this space though there are more coming. So to start with. The Jungle Bunch, based on the ever popular Jungle Animals on canvas (see here

for those) they are a printed version which can be framed any way you like. They will come mounted or unmounted and in varying sizes. A bright set of animal designs exclusive to the Colourart and Colourartjunior

Jungle Bunch Monkey

Jungle Bunch Lion

Jungle Bunch Elephant

Jungle Bunch Giraffe

Photo size: 12.5 cm x 12.5cm

Mount size: 23cm x 23cm

Price with mount £4.50

Price without mount £3.00

Other sizes will follow, this is just to start.

Oh and just a final note the frame came from Ikea so at just £11.50 this picture could be brightening up your little ones room.

Keep checking back to www.colourart.co.uk and www.colourartjunior.com as they will added very soon.

Colourart Junior is here

2009-06-08T18:15:00.001+01:00

Finally it is live!!

A new site showcasing all my children's art collection.

www.colourartjunior.com

Its all divided into categories, so whatever your child is into you can find it quickly and easily. So whether it might be fairies....

...or maybe cars...

....it is so easy to find.

I have a new name to....

colourartjunior

......a new logo....

and some new business cards from moo.com

So we're all new and shiny here at Colourart, so keep checking back as new designs will be added soon.

Honest Scrap Award

2009-06-01T10:00:00.002+01:00

Ok, so it's been half term and well now I'm here for a rest as we've had lots of celebrating going on. How come a 7 year old can stretch a birthday right across 3 whole days? Still back to blogging land.

I've been awarded this Honest Scrap award by http://aviyaglass.blogspot.com which is great - thank you. Now what do I have to do.

I must list 10 honest things about myself and put a Logo on my blog (this bit t'is done)

Honest Things List

1. I talk far too much

2. I trained as a textile designer, but left my textile job to be with my kids more.

3. I spend far too much time shopping for things I don't really need, but hey a girl has to shop

4. I'm a dreadful speller, I needed a dictionary just to do this.

5. I need to go on holiday every year.

6. My favourite place in the world is Florence, Italy (so far not been everywhere).

7. If I had a pot of gold it would be for a home in Tuscany.

8. I am big Lily Allen fan.

9. I believe in fairies at the bottom of the garden (well why not?)

10. I set up my business as I have a big passion for design.

Now I just have to send this award to 7 other bloggers.

They are:

http://www.heartfelthandmade.com/

http://katianmosaics.blogspot.com/

http://raspberrycupcakewithacherryontop.blogspot.com

http://buffyscharms.blogspot.com/

http://tiptoptoppers.blogspot.com

http://jasmijnpaauwe.blogspot.com/

http://thechildrensjewellerycompany.blogspot.com/

Colourart Junior Collection at The Designer Baby Show

2009-05-19T10:03:00.005+01:00

I am fortunate enough to be showing my paintings at The Designer Baby show in November. This is a very exciting opportunity to show my nursery collection of paintings at this very special event. So to see a great spectrum of designer baby products including my Colourart Junior collection, circle 15th November on your calendar. See you there.

Personalised Childrens Garden Canvas

2009-05-15T09:16:00.003+01:00

Just completed this commission for a personalised painting, just adds a personal touch, great for a christening or new baby gift. Many more of my paintings can be personalised and I'm happy to do it for no extra charge.

Here are some others to show you.

Kim Smith (SRAJD) Charm Bracelets

2009-05-11T11:15:00.005+01:00

If you love jewellery and are looking for something special and beautifully handmade then pop over to etsy to find Kim Smiths Charm Bracelets

Kim's shop is filled with the most beautiful handmade charm bracelets in all sorts of juicy colours. The bracelets are made with lots of details, different beads and charms. I have two of my own and have recently commissioned a childrens one for my daughter Shelley.

These bracelets are all about the detail, this one for Shelley has flowers and fairies.

Here are some of my favourites from Kims Etsy store.

Zest for Life - a summery mix of citrus colours

Cherry Blossom - fresh turquoise and pink

Summer Romance - summer berry tones reminiscent of a summers evening

Bracelets come really well packaged, great for giving as a gift although you may want to keep it all for yourself.

Please take a look at Kims shop, there are many more.

Amanda xx

Owl Nursery Canvas for Childrens Room

2009-05-07T17:12:00.008+01:00

I love birds, and there are all sorts of birds in design around at the moment. In homage to gorgeous birds I have had fun designing this little Owl canvas. She's very cute, in soft pastel colours and is looking for a new home. She has been decorated with soft patterns with some silver outlining. She will be available to buy from my on-line store, Colourart very soon, but I just wanted to show her off as soon as I could. **Just a quick update Owl is available to buy now at www.colourartjunior.com **

Handmade Felt Birds For Easter

2009-04-06T16:46:00.003+01:00

Let me introduce my tweet family. I saw some lovely felt birds on Flickr a few weeks ago and wanted to make my own, to give to family at Easter, so...

......I took a few sheets of felt…

.......some buttons……

.........some ribbon………

........a sewing box and sewing machine…..

………and here ……..

are my little family of felt birds.

Happy Easter xx

Technorati Tags: felt,handmade,birds,colourart,sewing,ribbon,easter gift

Nowton Park, bury St Edmunds and Homemade Cakes

2009-03-30T10:00:00.007+01:00

Daffodils out at Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds. We went a few weeks ago and none of them where out. They are now and they are stunning, a sea of yellow lines the walk, so I wanted to share them.

and in a few free moments this weekend, we made some cupcakes and enjoyed decorating them with some great pastel colours.

Yum Yum!!
xx

Spring Colours

2009-03-25T17:41:00.025Z

What Colour brings Spring to mind?

These are my mine, what are yours.......

"I see a green tree. And to me it is green. And you would call the tree green also. And we would agree on this. But is the colour you see as green the same colour I see as green?" - Carson McCullers - Author, Novelist, Short Story writer

Spring Green, with a touch of cerise.

Yellow - Nature, fun, sunshine, warmth.....and those cute little chicks.

Green - Nature, earthiness, warmth

Pastels - Pink, Blue, Green.........

A new Colourart print coming soon

...........evoking the joy and subtlety of Spring,

and don't forget the Easter Bunny xx

Handmade Crafts Directory and Gift Wrapping

2009-03-16T21:51:00.005Z

I've decided on doing a spot of advertising on handmade-crafts.co.uk and have put togther this logo. Handmade-crafts is a free directory of artists and crafters. I've shown my support for buying handmade on there, so pop over and have a look if you get the chance.

Also, I have just finished this painting, I was asked to add a message to it before I sent it as it is a gift for a new baby. So I made a special gift tag which includes an element from the design.

I hope the new owner of this piece of artwork enjoys it for a long time to come.

I'm always happy to gift wrap a painting for someone if they so wish. Just go to show its always worth asking.

Coming Soon.....

2009-03-02T11:01:00.006Z

A new development to my main Colourart shop comes in the form of ColourartJunior. ColourartJunior is to be launched very soon, and will be an online store filled with paintings suitable for kids only. All my art for children will be focused into one specially designed site. I am really excited about this site, so I wanted to give you a little sneak preview before it launches.

See you soon with the online www.colourartjunior.co.uk
xx

Snowdrop Sunday - Hedingham Castle

2009-02-22T16:39:00.007Z

Making the most of the warmer weather we headed off to Hedingham Castle this afternoon for Snowdrop Sunday. The snowdrops carpet the ground of the woodland walk, with clumps of white flowers everywhere. Some are opened in full flower, others are still closed forming droplets.

This was taken looking up into the snowdrops.

I was lucky to get this without any people in it as there were plenty of people wandering around.

Some fugus found in a tree, I'm fascinated by the layers it forms - beautiful!

Back to the snowdrops, spotty patches of them this time............

....and taken by my six year old,

and finally Hedingham Castle - where I enjoyed a free glass of mulled wine - mmmmm xx

Competition Winner

2009-02-07T16:43:00.006Z

Thank you to those of you who entered my Blog giveaway. The winner has been drawn out of my winter hat and it is **drumroll**...................

Debsjeans - Circle the Shore

Thanks for all the fab suggestions of names for my painting.

Well done to Debbie from Debsjeans. Check out her jewellery in her Misi shop.

I will contact you shortly and pop your winnings in the post next week.

Cupcakes - no you can't eat these ones! (and some snow)

2009-02-02T17:07:00.011Z

Couldn't resist writing about the snow....well it is supposed to be the worst snow fall for 18 years. Mmmmm, but we were prepared, weren't we?? yes just shut everything down, that will work!!??! So no school today, no bin collection, no post.....

....but just to show that its not all playing in the snow, here are a couple of goodies I've been working on. A commissioned 'to do/shopping list holder' which has been decorated with cakes, this together with a Cupcake canvas has been commissioned as a new home pressie.

and here is the collection of all my fairy cake product which I have been working on.

I writing this hoping that I can get to the post office without breaking an ankle on any icy patches. Roll on Spring.

If you want to buy one of my cupcake paintings they are available from my Colourart shop www.colourart.co.uk/Childrens_feb08.htm

Blog Giveaway - A cupcake keyring and an art card

2009-01-24T10:22:00.011Z

Here's a little competition to win this keyring and card. The card is handpainted by me, and the keyring has been specially printed from one of my paintings. You could give them to someone special or keep them all for yourself, the art card can be framed if you don't want to give it away.

The original canvas the keyring is printed from. See more on my website

All you have to do to win these two items is leave a comment on this post with a suggestion for a name for this abstract painting. Everyone who suggested a good name will be put into a prize draw. You will also need to leave a way for me to contact you in case you are the lucky winner. The closing date is 7th February 2009 at 12.00 p.m. , they'll be with the winner before Valentines Day!

All that is left is to say good luck!!

This competition has now closed - we have a winner

The rules:

1. All names will be entered and judge's decision is final.
2. One winner will be notified on 7th February 2009 after 12.00p.m when the competition closes.
3. There is no cash alternative for this prize.

Abstract Paintings...New for 2009!!

2009-01-19T16:53:00.009Z

I have two new pieces to show you. This first one is very textured and in calming teal blue, shades of brown with hints of bright white and soft whites.

I'm happy with the printed circles, I didn't want them completely uniform as I wanted them to have a handprinted feel.

If you want to buy this painting, please visit http://www.colourart.co.uk/Earth_tones_Feb08.htm or if you want to browse at any of the others I have in my online gallery please visit: http://www.colourart.co.uk/

The other design is a tripych which is entitled Aqua Distant Trio, I was inspired by the beach and the way in which the waves lap up onto the sand when painting this design.This is also available for sale at www.colourart.co.uk/Cool_blues_Feb08.htm

Don't forget Valentines Day - they'd make a great gift for someone special, you can commission one in your loved one's favourite colours.

Its Cold Outside....Brrrrr

2009-01-09T11:43:00.006Z

Happy New Year!!!!

Just popped into the garden, the skys are blue and all is frosty!!

Oh and here are the fairies....did I find them in the frosty garden.....

no, not quite, they're thanks to the Christmas display in MK shopping centre.

My Bright Sunday Evening.

2008-11-23T22:36:00.006Z

How lovely to see that Ruth from Tiptop Toppers has awarded me this fabulous award- thank you Ruth.

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships!These blogs are exceedingly charming.
These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.
They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement.
Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!
Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

So with these reasons, I would like to award it too:

Sam - because of the beautiful handmade accessories on her site. A treasure trove of lovlies.

Laurie - because of all the pretty textiles. A have a soft spot for all things fabrics and pattern.

Sara - Lovely work, flowery and colourful (and for being my camper van swap partner)

Steph - for her fantastic work with glass. The rainbow of colours on her blog always brighten my day.

ChichiBoulie - because her work is fab.

Emma - I know she already received this from Ruth but I couldn't miss her out because I read her blog everyday and it's sooooooo funny.

Karen - If only I was getting married again. Lovely sparkles.

Claire - for the mushroom, who my son loves dearly, and travels with him near and far.

So, there are my 8 and thanks to Ruth for making my Sunday evening ;0)

Fairy Canvas and Christmas Craft

2008-11-04T16:28:00.007Z

How many sleeps till Christmas???

Oh not sure, but here's the latest addition to my craft fair stock. I've painted her just in time for my Christmas fair, but she'll go on my site beforehand. The canvas is 20cm x 20cm and she is very sparkly. I have used plenty of silver glitter and added some little stars, just for some extra fairy magic.

xx

Also here is a sneek preview of a WIP. Thanks to http://www.craftshapes.co.uk/ these lovely shapes arrived and after hours of priming them they are ready to decorate. All 60 of them. I am inspired and ready to go. I'll post piccies of them when they're finished.

Coming soon. A digger, a fairy and a dinosaur painting.

2008-10-27T17:16:00.006Z

Eeeekkkk. Less than two months until Christmas and just over one month until the only craft fair I do in the year. Not because I'm lazy or allergic to people but because I do enough online business to not have to drag myself away from my cosy home. I do like this one though because its local, and I do usually sell there. So here are a couple of pieces to go to my craft fair with me, but I will be adding them onto my website soon.

Oh yeah, and the different bit is they are framed. This is different for me but it makes a change. Oh and I had fun choosing the colours. (No glass though - perspex instead as they are for kids)
=)

Coming soon - some christmas decorations with a twist. I'll keep you posted.

Nursery Painting on Cuteable

2008-10-14T18:46:00.005+01:00

Thank you Lynsey from Swirlyarts for featuring one of my pieces on Cuteable.

I love this site, with a daily update of the latest handmade pieces in all kinds of crafts. It features some very talented artists. I recommend anyone to have a look as its a real treasure trove and well worth a visit.

This was the piece I had featured.

Cutey garden can be found on my website along with all my other nursery pieces.

Butterfly and Dragonfly Commission

2008-09-18T10:29:00.004+01:00

I love painting commissions, and here's my latest. It is a combination of two paintings I sell, but with more flowers. It has a touch of silver and some glitter which makes it extra girlie.

Off to School

2008-09-07T16:16:00.006+01:00

Its autumn and back to school (phew, not sure where the last six weeks went), so I'm just putting a couple of photos on.

I cheated a bit with this one as I took it the day before, but I didn't know if I'd get out the door on time if I took it the next morning. Not used to the early starts. She didn't want to take her uniform off.

Here are Evan and Shelley both ready to go. I did have time to take a photo on their first day back. They look all shiny and new here, not sure how long that will last.

Blue Skies and Sunshine.....

2008-08-22T17:11:00.007+01:00

.......I WANT THEM BACK.

After two lovely weeks in Portugal, coming back to grey skies has been hard, but hey with the memories still fresh and the photos to prove it, coming back to the UK hasn't been too bad.

I'll share a little sunshine with you........

..........along with some inspiration for some new canvas paintings,

........a little bit of my lovely family........

.....oh and I nearly forgot the monkeys we saw hanging round in the zoo.

Ballet show and Sports day!!

2008-07-02T17:47:00.007+01:00

If a mummy is more proud this week I would be surprised. Shelley was fab in her ballet show, she was dressed in slilver and performed "twinkle twinkle little star" twice over. She loved it and was on the stage full of smiles.

Here she is after her show, unfortunately I don't have a photo of her in her outfit yet. It was a beautiful evening and as we unwound with a glass of wine, she was still showing off her dance steps.

Today we've been to Evan's sports day and although his team came third overall it was still fun and everyone enjoyed themselves. Just to top it off the rain stayed away.

Here he is doing his favourite race the water race. Pure concentration.

Handpainted Giraffe Canvas

2008-06-30T23:18:00.005+01:00

When I was asked to paint a fourth wild animal canvas, it was between a giraffe and a zebra, the giraffe was chosen. Here he is Tree Top Giraffe, so now there are a series of four wild animal paintings. I have put the four animal paintings on my Colourart website as a set alongside selling them individually.

The set can be found here

Birthday, Ice cream, Cakes and much more...

2008-05-31T21:15:00.008+01:00

Its been a hectic half term week, but great fun.

Firstly I have entered this painting in a challenge set on the craftsforum The title is , Cupcakes Candy and Ice Cream, so I painted this and turned it into a shopping list holder.

Next came Evans birthday. A big 6 and here is the lovely card I commissioned from Tip Top Take a look at her site as she does some fantastic cards.

He had a great fun day. Here's some piccies...

on his new bike........

blowing out his first cake of the day at his bowling party.......

and finally blowing out the candles on his second birthday cake of the day.

Football Artwork

2008-05-26T17:22:00.004+01:00

I've had a very important person (to me anyway) commission a couple of paintings. Evan wanted a football themed room. He's soon to be 6 and doesn't support a team, so we kept it quite simple. We painted lime green stripes on two walls and bought him England duvets. He's wanted me to paint him some artwork for ages, and because of his patience he gets two!!

Here are some piccies of his new room.

Message to Evan (KEEP IT TIDY ;0))

Canvas Painting - Abstract - Mayan Gold

2008-05-25T17:46:00.006+01:00

It's a sunset in Mexico that inspired this painting, it evolved from very fond memories of my honeymoon 8 years ago and visiting the magical Chichen Itza. The rich colours are some of my favourites and I haven't painted a new abstract design for a while now.

Just off now to put it on my website Colourart

And the winner is......

2008-05-25T12:13:00.004+01:00

....BayBee. Congratulations to you. Your cards will be coming to you shortly, just email me your address and I'll post them to you asap. amanda.colourart@gmail.com

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Thanks to Evan for drawing out the lucky winner :0)

Wedding Anniversary

2008-05-20T10:58:00.005+01:00

Its a beautiful sunny day today, it wasn't so sunny 8 years ago when myself and hubbie were getting married, however the sun did just come out for the ceremony so I guess we were lucky. The rain came later when we were too busy partying to notice.

Here's us 8 years ago.......

and today I received some beautiful flowers from my husband.

COMPETITION TIME....Celebrating 50 paintings sold

2008-05-19T10:39:00.005+01:00

I'm celebrating selling my 50th painting!! I am giving away a set of three art cards painted by myself in an abstract style inspired by some of my paintings on my Colourart website. They are blank inside so you can write your own message of thanks, birthday wishes whatever you desire or you could even put them in a frame and keep them all to yourself.

The winning name will be drawn out on Sunday 25th May at 12.00 p.m. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and I will put all the names into the draw. Nothing left to say but good luck!!

The small print:

1. All names will be entered and judge's decision is final.

2. One winner will be notified on Sunday 25th after 12.00p.m when the competition closes.

3. There is no cash alternative for this prize.

This competition has now closed.

Duck Family

2008-04-30T17:42:00.005+01:00

On the way back from the town centre today, we've spotted the cutest duck family nesting in the middle of a little brook which runs along the back of the town centre, its nothing special really but I guess the little duck family don't see that way. I say little but we counted 13 ducklings in that family.

Colourart News.

In celebration of my 50 paintings sold I am going to run a giveaway, I just need to organise it so watch this space :0) I'll put more details on in the next few days.

Mr Pig, A Friend for Farmyard Cow

2008-04-24T16:52:00.006+01:00

This is part of a series of three nursery paintings which I have been working on for a while, I've been kept busy with orders recently so my farmyard friends have taken a bit of a back seat. However, Mr Pig is number two in the series of three paintings and he sits alongside my Farmyard Cow painting.

Baby Boy personalised Canvas

2008-04-16T16:31:00.015+01:00

Here is the canvas for a little boys room which I painted in a nautical style. I painted it with christening or a new baby gift in mind as it can be personalised.

Safari Papers

2008-04-13T18:31:00.003+01:00

Safari Papers
Originally uploaded by Colourart

These are for my Rythme and Rhymes session on Wednesday, we're making musical instruments and I wanted something aboriginal or african to decorate them with. These are fab, I love them, and I think the little ones will too.

Gift for a Christening??

2008-04-12T15:43:00.005+01:00

I have been busy painting this design onto canvas using pen and ink. Its a temporary departure from acrylic and is totally different to paint with but the result is vibrant bright colours and a watercolour effect. I original designed this a while ago as a card deisgn but I think it works well on a canvas and I can add it to my personalised range. I think it would make a special christening or new baby gift. I can personalise it with a name or a name and date.

Cute Cow Deisgn

2008-03-09T22:55:00.005Z

Finally I get a chance to post a piece of art, it was lovely to be tagged, but it took a while. At the moment I am working on a set of three paintings which can sit as a set but also individually. My Jungle Animal designs have been popular, so I hoping the Farmyard paintings will be the same. So here is sneak preview of my Farmyard Cow design before I put it on my Colourart website

Tagged.

2008-03-06T16:56:00.007Z

I have been tagged, not sure what to do but here goes....

Here are the Rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Thanks to spiralsun65 for tagging me.

Seven facts about me......

1. I have a degree in textile design and although I don't work as a textile designer anymore I have never lost the interest in textiles, texture and colour which is way I set up my paintings business after having my two children.
2. I think I'm allergic to excerise but I do walk nearly everywhere as I don't get to use a car during the week. I love it, how else do you spot squirrels, deer and a slowworm in the suburbs if you don't walk anywhere?
3. I love chocolate and shopping, not keen on window shopping although I find myself having to do it fairly often :0(
4. I run an arts and crafts group for toddlers in my local town. I do this once a week, its great fun coming up with different project s each week, I probably enjoy creating them more than they enjoy doing them, although I'm sure our little ones enjoy it.
5. I have travelled to the Far East on business a few times taking in China, Thailand and Hong Kong amongst others. China is a culture shock and hugely fansinating, Hong Kong is modern and bustling, and Thailand is one of the places I will definately visit again before I leave this world.
6. I truely believe in extra sensory perception, it has happened to me on several ocassions.
7. I won my first colouring competion in 1981 when I was 8 where I coloured in a picture of Princess Dianas wedding, I won a ladybird voucher for £30, with it I bought a dress.

Seven people I am going to Tag.....

1. incywincytogs
2. 23 beechhill
3. bloomingfelt
4. kutuujewellery
5. swirlyarts
6. funkyhand
7. sewchristine

A special Thank You.

2008-02-29T17:33:00.003Z

Thank you to Karen at www.beadsbydesign.co.uk for featuring my paintings on her LivingandHome blog.

Personalised Fairy Nursery Painting

2008-02-29T17:09:00.005Z

I am often asked to personalise paintings so I thought I'd come up with a couple of designs. This is the first one, the rest are to come. The more letters there are in the name the more flags there will be on the bunting. The next one will be a little boys one. Just have to come up with a name and a design.

New Colourart Logo

2008-02-13T18:24:00.006Z

This is my new logo, and a new look for my colourart website is coming very soon. Along with another new website which will be dedicated to my nursery paintings.

A weekly Etsy treasury???

2008-02-11T22:15:00.001Z

I have put together another etsy treasury and this time its all about the Whimsical and Wonderful. Its a group of items which have a childlike, fairytale feel to them. I hope you love them as much as I do.

Etsy Treasury

2008-02-04T21:46:00.000Z

I'm turning into an etsy addict. Here's my esty treasury I was lucky enough to do today. Its got some lovely colourful pieces in it and I had such fun looking through all the wonderful items on etsy.

Green Leaves fresh for Spring

2008-01-26T23:03:00.001Z

Green Leaf is a new design for 2008!. It's fresh for the Spring following a trend for 'bringing the outside in' The background is painted in varying shades of green through to white in the centre, with green leaves silhouetted against the background.

New Nursery Deign for 2008

2008-01-23T12:50:00.001Z

After a few weeks off I have painted the first of a few new ideas for 2008. This design for nursery and childrens bedrooms is inspired by english country gardens. The details are highlighted and outlined in gold pen.

Craft Swap

2008-01-01T17:42:00.002Z

Well, I can breathe again after a very hectic Christmas, the run up to Christmas was a busy one. We did a Secret Santa on the craftsforum. It wasn't easy painting something, as it is a very personal thing, however I came up with this, as cup cakes seem to be in vogue at the moment. I was pleased with it and my recipient was too.

Etsy!!

2007-12-03T16:35:00.000Z

I have listed a couple of items on Etsy although I should add more. I will add a couple of cards

I thought these ones.

Christmas Cards

2007-12-01T18:31:00.001Z

Here are some of my Christmas card designs:

I can't believe its been a month since I lasted posted on here. I did a shopping evening last night which I was pleased with. I sold one painting and some cards, I made back my table money plus a bit more. I couldn't resist buying a few bits and pieces from the other stall holders, why not????

2007-12-01T18:28:00.001Z

Hard to believe its been a month since I last posted, I did a shopping evening last night which went quite well, was definately worth doing. I enjoyed it and sold several cards and a painting. I have designed some Christmas cards which I didn't sell last night, but have sold some today. Here they are:

Colourart Art Cards

2007-10-30T17:10:00.000Z

I have created some original art cards in similar styles to my paintings. I have painted on acrylic paper with acrylic paint and inks and then added some bronze 3D details. I hope to put them on my website and also sell them at a ladies shopping evening I have a stall at, at the end of November.

Its Getting Personal!!

2007-10-19T22:26:00.001+01:00

I often get asked to personalise paintings so I have added some to my website. It is such a nice idea to personalise something for a christening or birthday. I painted this one for a friend little girls birthday.

Ava - New design

2007-10-05T09:40:00.000+01:00

Phew!! After a busy few months of painting commissions I have a bit of a gap so now I have my paintings safely in the library display I have been painting a new design to go on my website Colourart This set of two is from my girlie side, and it is in tune with the trend for large floral prints on wallpaper. If you didn't want to go for floral prints all over the wall then this would add some pattern to a plain wall. Coming up........I have been working on some childrens painting which I am going to frame in time for a ladies shopping evening in November.

Paintings in the Library

2007-10-01T14:12:00.000+01:00

I have put together a mini exhibition of some of my Colourart paintings in the local library. I will have them in the cabinet for local people to have a look at until the end of October. The cabinet is right at the front of the library and is intended for local people to put displays in. I was very pleased with the way it went together this morning so now I'm hoping for one or two sales, but more importantly it is nice for people to be able to see them. I hope they brighten up some dull autumn days.

Little Artist in the Making

2007-08-30T23:12:00.000+01:00

Shelley won her first colouring competition today. I was so proud when I found out I had tears in my eyes(Hubbie thinks I'm soft) DS was pleased for her too after initial tears that he didn't win. He has done his best colouring ever for the competition so they both did well. Shelley collects her prize of a cuddly dog and a gold medal tomorrow. (Shelleys is Fifi and Evans is Shrek)

Flower Fairy

2007-08-19T16:41:00.004+01:00

Flower Fairy - Twinkle, sparkle and fairy dust is added to this new design for my nursery painting range.

Summertime

2007-08-05T20:16:00.001+01:00

Here comes the sun, and a walk through the meadow on a sunny day like today....perfection.

This is my lastest commission completed. I have done a bigger version of my original with a cream background. Now I have a little time to work on some of my new ideas in time for the Autumn.

Location, Location............Dolls House

2007-07-18T21:48:00.000+01:00

From this................

........to this

With lots of painting, sanding and constructing the Dolls house has been finished just in time for my little girl's third birthday. Its taking all my will power not to get out all the little toys and start playing. I've got sanded floor board effect inside but the rest of the decor shall be left for Shelley to choose. Happy Birthday Shelley.

Taken this Quiz

2007-07-13T23:38:00.001+01:00

What color is your soul painted?

Purple

Your soul is painted the color purple, which embodies the characteristics of sensuality, spirituality, creativity, wealth, royalty, nobility, mystery, enlightenment, arrogance, gaudiness, mourning, confusion, pride, delicacy, power, meditation, religion, and ambition. Purple falls under the element of Earth, and was once a European symbol of royalty; today it symbolizes the divine.

Click Here to Take This Quiz

Quizzes and Personality Tests

Third Time Lucky

2007-07-13T20:05:00.000+01:00

Third commission in this design, Retro, I've now done a brown one which sold on ebay, a red one and now a teal one. I still enjoyed painting it, and I'm hoping to be commissioned to do another....what colour will it be next?

DaWanda

2007-07-11T22:34:00.000+01:00

I've added six of my paintings to a site called Dawanda, its totally free to list and easy to do. I've just added paintings which I have stocked. Its a great site, very colourful as its full of handcrafted items. Of course I hope to sell something through it. I love some of the funky stuff on there. Quite an inspiration.

New Friend for Butterfly

2007-06-18T16:22:00.000+01:00

This dragonfly is the partner to the Butterfly canvas. Its painted on a 20cm x 20cm canvas and has silver highlights and patterns. I have given the painting a pink background and hope it will appeal to little girls and big ones too.

2007-06-15T12:45:00.000+01:00

I have put togther this raffle prize for this evenings shopping event. Its 8 notelets with one of my designs on the front, a pen and a 20% off voucher. I hope it goes down ok, it gets my business out and about which is great from my point of view.

Looking forward to tonight, I hope there's a good turn out.

Butterfly Cream 30cm x 30cm

2007-06-12T16:43:00.000+01:00

Butterfly Commission - Cream background - 30cm x 30cm deep edge

Horse and Cart

2007-06-06T20:48:00.000+01:00

Clip, clop, this painting 'Horse and Cart' was commissioned to go next to Down on the Farm.

Butterfly

2007-05-29T21:06:00.000+01:00

Finished my butterfly design, with a little girls room or nursery in mind. I have painted it on a 20cm x 20cm canvas with soft colours and a silver outline and patterns. It the first of a few girlie designs which I have ideas for. I hope it goes down well at the shopping evening I'm doing in a few weeks time.

15th June. Ladies shopping and pampering evening.

2007-05-26T15:34:00.001+01:00

I am taking part in a ladies shopping evening on the 15th June and have to donate a raffle prize, so I am donating 8 notelets with one of my designs on and a money off voucher. I have just finished designing the money off voucher. I still have loads more to do before the 15th though.

Down on the Farm...number two

2007-05-13T07:03:00.000+01:00

Sold 'Down on the Farm' with little animals being driven along the farm track by their friend the dog. I love this one and it is one of the first children ones I've painted, I have been asked to paint another to go with it, so I have been thinking about a horse pulling a cart with some more animal friends travelling inside or maybe a barn with animals in the yard. I'll post the finished one when its done.

For now heres 'Down on the Farm'

Ta Daa - Finished my other commission

2007-05-09T12:15:00.000+01:00

Finished my first commission also, I'm delivering this to my customer this week-end. I hope they're pleased with the finished result, and it matches their colour scheme.

Finished Aqua Distant - my second commission

2007-05-09T12:08:00.000+01:00

I've just finished my commission Aqua Distant in teal/chocolate. It was a pleasure to paint, the colours from the brief work well together and I feel pleased with the finished result. It just needs a couple of coats of varnish to protect it and I can send it off. can't wait to do another.

Website Changes

2007-04-27T16:30:00.000+01:00

Finally managed to finish the changes to my website last night, well, 1 o'clock this morning. The lovely people on a craft forum gave me some excellent advice and I am very pleased with the result. So thanks fellow crafters on the craftforum. Now I'm free to do some more paintings.

My first commission

2007-03-20T16:33:00.000Z

I have a commission to paint a set of three canvasses which I'm really looking forward to. I will put my other set of three on hold for now. I have been doing the other one quite a while and it has been a struggle at times, although now I am actually starting to like it. Still, my customers come first and since my floral trio has no specific buyer at the moment I shall start work on my commission. Sets of three paintings seem to be very popular so have painted another could Retro Trio, this is a contemporary design, I have posted it here.

Sold my first two paintings off my website

2007-03-18T23:34:00.000Z

Can't believe it has been six weeks since i last posted on this. Since then I have sold my first two paintings from my website. I am chuffed, sold quite a few off ebay too now, but it was special to sell off my website. They were two nursery designs which are proving to be popular. I had to paint them both as I had sold the first two elsewhere, but I got them out within the two weeks I promised. Its no wonder I haven't had enough time to do this.

Second one sold today

2007-01-27T22:57:00.000Z

Sold a second painting today, really pleased. Got two more finishing tomorrow on Ebay so, who knows these may go too. Hope so since I have loads more canvases and have loads more ideas. Just need to find some time!! Spent loads of cash when shopping today, not for me, of course, birthdays!! Roll on tomorrow so I can watch my paintings finish with a bidding war.............well a girl can dream.

Sold a painting, one bid on another

2007-01-25T21:58:00.000Z

Sold a painting on Ebay on Tuesday. The buyer took a while to pay, but I later found out that they were validating their paypal account. Thanks for telling me! Still, it all came good in the end. Will use the payment to buy some more canvases. I am thinking of diversifying into pictures split over three separate canvases as these have great 'wow factor' and I reckon might sell well.