around the block, my corner of the world

I wish you a wonderfully joy filled Christmas and happy and healthy 2014.

I am so looking forward to continuing sharing my little corner of the world with you again in the coming year,

lots and lots of love

Ellen xx

Printable paper vases

Available now for YOU TO MAKE! my latest creations, paper vases!
All you have to do is visit my shop for an instant download.

Give away chosen

I am so sorry about the delay in my choosing one of the lovely comments as the winner of my LOVE HEART PAPER ART
Thank you so very much to all of you who left your lovely comment, it's a really nice way for me to feel conected to you. I would have loved to have sent you all a heart if my budget had allowed!
Caro from COLOURFUL HOME  has had a very difficult time this year and it would bring me so much joy to send her this gift.

mid century illustration

I was rummaging around in the books bargain bin at my local second hand store and came upon this absolutely delightful mid century girls annual, not only is the cover beautiful, the illustrations within are equally lovely, I particularly love the girl picking roses, I wish I could draw like that!


I'm sorry I haven't drawn my latest give away, I have been sooo busy, I'll do it very soon, I promise!!

Modern Christmas

One of the loveliest treats as a designer is to see my designs bringing joy to people all around the world.
This fabulous tree is however closer to home, it was sent to me by Janine at "Brother Design" in Auckland New Zealand, I have worked on some projects for them in the past so it was so nice to see that they have crafted my mod Christmas balls and have displayed them at there very trendy work place, don't the art works go well too!!
(you can craft them too by going to my shop, they are available as printables!)

GIVEAWAY! make your own paper craft heart

As you probably know by now, I enjoy playing with paper, in particular, I love the way something so flimsy, thin and flat can be transformed with a little cut and fold here and there into something different entirely.
This three dimensional love heart has to be my easiest to assemble paper craft yet,
if you would like to make one, simply visit my etsy shop!

G I V E A W A Y

simply let me know where you would hang it up and I'll send you the flat sheets and even pre cut and crease them for you so all you will need to do is tape it together,

I'll make the draw at the end of next week!

Printable paper Christmas decorations.

Time is ticking along and it's time to decorate!
As you probably know, my house is 1950's inside and out, with this in mind I have decided that a more retro twist would suit. I have designed these baubles with a contemporary feel, they look most effective simply hung on a bare branch.
You can make these too! by simply going to my shop 
You can upload the files when you order now, so it's even quicker, they come in 2 sets of 3, one set is brighter the other softer, they look great together too.
have fun making!

Mid century Christmas

Christmas is coming up fast and I have been looking through my mountain of mid century books etc for inspiration,
I though you might like to see some of my finds, I particulaly like the Mario Lanza record cover,
Not so sure about the Christmas log though!

FREE 2014 Calender

If you click on the button on the right hand side, you can now download the 2014 My Owl Barn calender!
it features this design plus a fantastic variety of beautiful Owl inspired art.
have fun!!

More cushions for POPUP Design shop

It's always  quite a big commitment whole selling into retail, It is nice though to see my products out there in the real world!
I was therefore chuffed to bits to hear that Wellington's lovely "POPUP DESIGN SHOP" had almost sold out of my cushions and prints!
I have therefore spent the last couple of days motoring at my sewing machine to produce another batch in time for their late night this Wednesday.
the shop is located at the corner of Tory and Wakefield Street and will be open till 8pm.
There will be drinks and giveaways plus a fantastic range of beautiful, locally made products, perfect for Christmas gifts!

Blending layers in photoshop.

I have been playing with Photoshop this morning, I have to admit I am not all that knowledgeable, I have learnt most of what I know by goggling! I suddenly had this idea that combining a few layers might look quite cool so through a process of clicking on various tools I discovered that the "multiply" tool work's brilliantly,
it's always exciting coming up with something that's likely to create a whole new direction!

Original art for sale!

For sale for a limited time only, 5 blocks (the horse is shown twice), lovely as a set or individually, perfect for hanging or simply leaning!
Available in my Etsy shop from Monday, I'll let you know as soon as I have added them!
if you are extra keen simply contact me!

original art for sale

Hi !
I have been having so much fun during the last week or so working on a collection of 20X20cm, 8x8inch blocks.
I have wrapped them in a lovely slightly textured, heavy, water colour paper.
I really like it because the texture of the papers and layers are clearly visible and there is no need for a frame.

These are not finished yet, as you can see some still need more elements, that's the fun! not really knowing when they will be complete, it's quite surprising how suddenly one more piece is too much, time to stop!
I like to work on several at once, it keeps them fresh, I don't spent too much time over thinking one.


If I where to offer pieces of art this size for sale on line to you, would you be interested?
They would cost: NZD $200, AUD $180, USD $170, 110 Pounds, 125 Euro, + shipping each.

your thoughts would be appreciated!