IF. Similar

Last week we had our first taste of winter (albeit only lasted a day!). Seeing those first falling flakes never fails to excite me,
I LOVE SNOW.
That was my inspiration as no two snowflakes are the same (difficult to prove?) and yet a covering of snow make everything look similar.

My flake shapes are based on the amazing photographs of Kenneth Libbrecht found in The Little Book Of Snowflakes or on his web site www.snowcrystals.com, if you have a minute they’re well worth a look.

IF. Balloon

December’s here, Christmas and all it brings is just around the corner!

For someone with a mouth full of sweet teeth there’s so much to look forward to, mince pies, chocolates, biscuits, mince pies, Christmas cake, trifle, mince pies, Christmas pudding, mince pies, stollen and not forgetting mince pies (my favourites).
The problem…blowing up like a balloon!
So it’s everything in moderation, watch what I eat, don’t over do it or I could hit a gym in Jan?

Errm…pass me a pie!

IF. Opinon

Everybody has one and you should never be afraid to express it…sometimes though, it’s best all around if you keep them to yourself!

IF. Pretend

Christmas is coming and parents are getting worried.
What to buy?, where can I get one?, what can I afford?

The radio is running a campaign called “Don’t cancel Christmas” giving tips and ideas on how to have a happy one in the economic downturn. Lots of people worried that they can’t afford to buy their children exactly what they want and how to break the news to them. Having watched my niece at Christmas and Birthdays past it brought to mind the old idea that it’s the simple things that bring lasting pleasure. As much fun is had pretending to be in a kitchen/cafe/castle as playing with expensive bought versions. Paper, pencils, felt tip pens, paints, glitter and glue plus the magical time together are the biggest winners. A developed and nurtured imagination is the gift that keeps on giving! Oh the thrill of a big cardboard box!

IF. Wise

Autumn, my favourite time of the year!
Short, gray, chilly days.
Long, black, cold nights.
Staying in and cosying up.
Venturing out for supplies when you really have to.
I take my cue from the hibernating animals.
Very wise indeed.


This was my first attempt with scraperboard and I found I really enjoyed it. (Scanned and coloured up roughly in Photoshop).

IF. Late

VERY!!

I Knocked this out this morning, its a bit rough but time was of the essence.
The white rabbit (One of many I’m sure) was the idea that stuck in my head, don’t know why, I’m not a fan of Alice and her chums. Maybe it’s because I am a terrible time keeper, was this me in a previous life?

IF. Strings

This brought to mind an ad for a stock photography company that appeared in the design mags we used to get at work.
When ever you opened one there it was…in your face! Once seen never forgotten! I hasten to add this is NOT my preferred choice of swim wear, I wouldn’t have the cheek(s)!

IF. Sugary

Sugar and spice and all things nice…?
Beware the evils of too much sugar! Traumatising childhood trips to the dentist are a bitter childhood memory.
Sweet dreams all!

IF. Packed

Very late this one.
It was my wife Linseys birthday yesterday, this is no reflection on how the day went. I was thinking of the slang term for splitting up and the aftermath of being ‘Packed’. Not very cheery but there you go (maybe a reaction to the happy birthday vibe?).

My Nieces 4th Birthday

Last week it was my niece’s big 4! She had stayed with us on Saturday night and brought her new bicycle with her. There was no stopping her! She’ll still be a little young for London 2012 but I can see more gold medals on the horizon.

IF. Clique

Sometimes you just want to fit in, be part of the crowd…but why?

IF. Island

Listening to the news…doom and gloom!
What I wish for is an ‘island’ in the sun. Somewhere safe from rising costs and falling confidence, somewhere we won’t get burnt, somewhere I can be with my wife and together rest in the shade.

IF. Clutter

I must admit, I hate clutter! I can limit the amount we have at home despite my wife (Teacher and trainee hoarder) but in the outside world , forget it. So my image this week draws on that feeling of being constantly surrounded by STUFF!

IF. Memories

This touched a nerve. My memory is terrible!
Names, faces, dates, times , places…I forget them all.
Style wise I wanted to try something a little looser plus I was running late!

IF. Detach

For some reason detach got me down. I felt really negative towards it but wanted to do something more…uplifting.

IF. Sail

Bit late with this one. I spotted a toy sail boat while out with my wife just like one I had when I was a child and it took me back to time spent watching it bob around a pond or float down a stream. Might just have to see if it’s still at my Mum and Dads.

IF. Poof!

Making people disappear…easy! Bringing them back…?

IF. Canned

When are we past it?…Do we go stale?…Do we have a shelf life?…Are we canned from the start?

IF. Enough

This is how I felt when I made my decision to leave my company. Too much time sitting, not enough doing!

IF. Foggy

This is my first work for in answer to an IF subject.
My answer is pretty straight forward. It was created in watercolour, a medium I have never used before and then digitally manipulated.



This is another ‘Foggy’ image in watercolour that I liked and so thought I’d post it as well.



Please feel free to comment, I’d love to know what anybody thinks of any of my stuff, good or bad.

Bits for chums

A birthday card for some deeply missed and fondly remembered.

And a wedding card for some chums.

Evening Class

I took a screen printing evening class.
These were some of the results.

Merry Christmas

Christmas cards 2007. The first project for myself.



And a special one for my niece.