Racing

'Racing' for Illustration Friday. This is a paper collage. I never had a go kart but I wished I did and don't you just love those old gumball machines?

On a different note, I'm an avid follower of the Smitten Kitchen blog and just had to try out this recipe for Cauliflower Cake. I admit it sounds a bit dodgy, cauliflower and cake don't go, right? Wrong. This was and still is (2 days later) delicious. It looks like a thick omelette at first but on day two the texture is decidedly cakey. Even my meat eating men raved over it. I didn't have the black sesame seeds but it worked well without.

 

And for dessert, I've been wanting to make some Millionaire's Shortbread for ages. This stuff is insanely sweet, I dare anyone to attempt to eat more than a tiny morsel.

Yum!

Collections

Beautiful succulents from Succulents Galore

My students are starting their first personal project in a couple of weeks under the heading 'Collections'. To inspire them I made a presentation of pictures I had gathered under the theme. I am feeling pretty inspired myself and think I may just tag along on this one!

 

Found over at the most wonderful All The Luck In The World blog

 Exquisite pencil sculptures by Dalton Getty, more this a way

 

Beachcombing Pretties over at Quercus Design 

Cakes don't come much prettier than at Lauderee

The, Oh So Talented Nathalie Lete!

Holly Farrell paints THE most charming still life pictures

Cool collection of pen nibs by Alice Gabb

 

And I could not forget the wonderful works of  Wayne Thiebaud

Decisions, decisions...

Jeremy just can't decide, flip flops or trainers, beach or run?
What would you do?

Just Pretty

I see these (can't remember what they are called!) on my morning walk. They're so calming blowing in the breeze.

I love the colours and shape of this edificio:))

 My friend's new addition to the family. Apparently he will grow as big as a pony!
 (He has the tiniest horns hiding in that fur.)

Just pretty things.

Acrobat

 

The theme for Illustration Friday this week is 'Acrobat'. So good to find the headspace to create again! I'm off to check out the other submissions.... 

Botanical

I knew my new job as an art teacher would take up an awful lot of time and prevent me from producing my own work for a while, and it does, but I am loving it so much and the research is one of the best parts. I'm learning all sorts of things and discovering some wonderful artists. I have been doing some still life classes based on plants with the students and this led me to search Etsy for 'Botanical' under the art section. I found some lovelies. The gorgeous dark print above is by ashleyg. 

 These 'Magic Mushrooms' are by Illumino. I love the colours and shapes.

'Succulent' is an original by Leelaford. This shop is bursting with beautiful colourful pictures of plants and flowers.

LeiLiLaLoo is a favourite shop of mine and there is a sale going on at the mo. The pictures are so bright and cheery, such fun titles too, this one is 'Alice is Looking for her Dottie Dress'. Lovely!

Illustration Friday 'Dessert'

What could be better than a huge slice of cake? Ok, maybe a few things! But I do love to bake and make cake collages. This is my submission for Illustration Friday. It's not so new but I've been so busy with preparing for my new job as an art teacher for some time now. I officially start on Wednesday and I'm hoping once I settle in I'll have time to create again. I've found some great teaching resources on the web but if anyone has any suggestions they will be gratefully received :)