obiko

2012-01-30T12:12:00.003+01:00

Cold cold cold today, lots of woolens needed in the studio.
You can buy these cosy socks from here.

2012-01-27T11:40:00.009+01:00

So these are a few photos I took on Wednesday, the light was going so they are a little dark.
But I think with a little more practise, I'll be there.
If the weather holds out tomorrow we're going for a drive down the coast, stopping off for a walk and some much needed fresh air. I feel I've been cooped up in the studio this week and haven't seen much daylight.

Enjoy the weekend.

Photography

2012-01-25T19:40:00.014+01:00

A photography day.
Adam came round to take some photos of the cards and was very kind in giving me some
useful tips on taking product photos in the future.
I'll post some of the photos I took today on Friday.

To those who are celebrating, enjoy Burns Night

Note to self

2012-01-25T19:32:00.006+01:00

This year I promised myself I would make more handmade cards.
I loved working on the sketches I did last year and really want to return to pen, paper and paints.

2012-01-23T14:24:00.007+01:00

Post office and Post Post Posting.

2012-01-23T14:08:00.010+01:00

Having a love for stationary,
I was pleased to see Top Drawer had a display for this years trends.

2012-01-20T11:21:00.001+01:00

Have a good weekend.

2012-01-18T20:47:00.004+01:00

Back from the show.
This was my 4th show and I really enjoyed it.
I was more relaxed than previous years, I guess this is due to being more familiar with how the show works and knowing fellow exhibitors.

Thank you to all who came to visit.

2012-01-12T10:52:00.004+01:00

I'm wrapping, packing for the trade show on Sunday. I'm hoping we'll leave early Saturday morning to set up the stand, so we can have a good rest before the show starts.
It's been a busy week, so I will sign off here until I return from Top Drawer.
Have a great weekend and if your attending the trade show come and say hello.
I'll be on stand B20.

New ranges

2012-01-09T18:51:00.007+01:00

All the new ranges are now complete and can be viewed here.

Marseille

2012-01-06T11:43:00.031+01:00

Mac Contemporary art gallery

Montpelier street performers

Aix-en-Provence

View of theVieux Port from our apartment

Our Christmas trip away.
We had a day where we travelled to Montpelier to meet up with Julian's brother and family and a day in Aix-en-Provence, but the majority of the holiday was spent walking, reading, watching films and soaking up the Marseille sun.

Have a good weekend.

2012-01-03T11:52:00.005+01:00

Hello, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas break and 2012 will be a good year for you.
I had a good time in Marseille, plenty of sunshine and blue skies.
Photos to be posted soon.
Now the work begins.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-19T19:17:00.017+01:00

This will be my last post until the New year.
Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday and a happy 2012.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved with Obiko,
It's been an enjoyable year.

2011-12-19T19:15:00.008+01:00

Made in Hastings circus themed Christmas windows.

2011-12-16T14:27:00.005+01:00

Have a wonderful weekend.

2011-12-13T18:43:00.006+01:00

Mini winters and snow storms
made and photographed by Walter Martin and Paloma Muñoz

2011-12-12T20:43:00.002+01:00

A Festive week.
This will have to be the week when all my cards are sent, presents bought and delivered.
I haven't much time before we go away and as usual I'll be racing around the shops in my spare time.

2011-12-09T13:04:00.007+01:00

The week is ending and I'm pleased to leave this one behind.
Many problems have been solved and I'm gaining my sanity back.
I'll leave the week with these intriguing folded photogaphs by artist Abigail Reynolds.

Have a good weekend.

2011-12-06T19:04:00.011+01:00

It's been a little while since my last post, I guess it's to be expected this time of year.
At the weekend logs were delivered, bread was made and fires were lit.
The smell of freshly chopped logs is still lingering in the house, winter is truly here.

We also went to Epsom for a ruby wedding anniversary celebration.

I hope your weekend was a good one.

2011-11-30T13:19:00.004+01:00

Tiny pepper on the window sill.

2011-11-30T13:06:00.006+01:00

Delicious chocolates.
The packaging is lovely too.

Brochures

2011-11-28T20:29:00.004+01:00

I spent the morning at the printers, working out how the new brochure will look.
It turned out there were far too many cards to fit on an A2 sheet. The images
were very small and lost a lot of detail when printed.
So for now I'm going with an A5 card with maybe a photograph or a few card images
placed on the front, not exactly the brochure I was hoping for at this stage, but at least
I have more time to think about how best to place the images for a brochure in the new year.

2011-11-25T16:08:00.009+01:00

Click on the poster to enlarge

Lots of pop up shops and Christmas markets are happening.
Last weekend in London we saw this shop being stocked for their opeing this Monday. I was disappointed it wasn't open while I was there, but I'll try and sneak another trip to London before it closes on the 10th December.
You can also buy some of the products from their online shop.

Enjoy the weekend, I'm working tomorrow and meeting up with friends on Sunday.

2011-11-24T20:01:00.007+01:00

To tackle some of the work for the trade show, I've taken the week off from my part-time job.
It's been worth while, as I'm slowly making some headway.

2011-11-22T11:08:00.006+01:00

Art work around Londons East End.

2011-11-18T15:44:00.003+01:00

Have a good weekend.
I'm spending mine in London, going to a birthday party tomorrow
and Sunday I like to think I'll be drinking coffee, eating cake and soaking up
lots of inspiration for my next project.

2011-11-15T19:32:00.003+01:00

Last Friday the new 2012 cards arrived.
Still a little tweaking to do, colours mainly.
Relieved they're nearly finished.

2011-11-11T11:13:00.010+01:00

A new flower for the weekend.

2011-11-09T18:32:00.006+01:00

Detailed drawings from Clare Caulfield.

2011-11-07T18:48:00.011+01:00

Weeks are rolling by and the Top Drawer trade show is fast approaching.
I'm trying to finish everything off before we go away next month. Marseille is going to be our Christmas retreat, we'll be away for a week.
It will be a year since my last show and I seem to be out of step with all the preparations...

2011-11-04T11:13:00.008+01:00

The photos were taken at the Hastings fire work display last month.
If your celebrating Guy Fawkes this weekend enjoy.

Sending a special Birthday wish to my niece Kara x

2011-11-02T20:33:00.002+01:00

A satisfying day.
Lots of small jobs which needed completing are now finshed.

2011-10-31T11:45:00.020+01:00

2011-10-28T13:30:00.003+01:00

I've been thinking about going away for few days over Christmas.
Lisbon seems to be the place I keep coming back to. Having lived in Portugal
for four years it will be interesting to see the changes since they joined the EU.

Have a wonderful weekend.

2011-10-26T19:26:00.004+01:00

Yesterday a mini tornado made it's way to Hastings!
The photo was taken a few miles down the road at Bexhill.

2011-10-25T16:05:00.006+01:00

The nights are drawing in so quickly, it's 4pm and I've had to put the studio lights on.
I love the Autumn, but the lack of natural light is sometimes hard to cope with.
At this time of the day there is a strong temptation to get the duvet and curl up underneath it, a temptation I occasionally succumb to.

Not today.

2011-10-25T15:28:00.004+01:00

Gorgeous paintings by Kate Pugsley

2011-10-21T15:15:00.001+01:00

The poodle above is going to be part of the new Blossom range.
Again the style is a little different, but I hope in keeping with the other ranges.

Enjoy the Autumn weekend.

2011-10-19T12:45:00.007+01:00

Collages by Stella

Yesterday I went to London to visit the Brand Licensing Europe trade show at Olympia.
I'll find out tomorrow if the stand I've asked for is available for 2012.
After the show I met up with Stella for a coffee and we went through the set of postcards we're working on.
Liberty was my last stop for a quick look around with Julian before returning home. The new space they have created for the cards and stationary is so much better, it has a very fresh feel about it.

2011-10-14T12:41:00.011+01:00

Bonfire night arrives early in Hastings.
Tomorrow evening sees the parade and lighting of the bonfire and effigy on the beach.
The effigy has always been part of Hastings bonfire night and is often been a caricature of a local figure or an event that has deserved destruction (maybe).

Have a good weekend.

2011-10-12T10:44:00.006+01:00

Photo by Blustin Heath who designed the Magma shop

Out and about today, delivering and sending cards.
Welcome Magma bookshop who will be stocking a selection of Obiko cards in their Covent garden product shop from tomorrow.

Brochures

2011-10-10T13:26:00.007+01:00

I am designing my first brochure, the difficulty I'm having is keeping the brochure to a reasonable size with the amount of cards I have.
I would love the images to be quite large, but the cost then shoots up. I think the way forward is to print on A3 paper then fold it into an A5 booklet.

The above brochures are by Ranch

2011-10-07T10:07:00.006+01:00

I leave the week with paintings of one of my favourite artists Brian Kershisnik
Enjoy whatever the weekend has in store for you.

2011-10-05T17:42:00.010+01:00

I have a very old version of Photoshop and have never really used it.
So today I scanned in a lace handkerchief and played around with the filters.
Turning the handkerchief into 2 very different images was so quick.
A thought for the future...

2011-10-03T13:10:00.006+01:00

Collages by Mathilde Aubier

I hope you had a good weekend.
I start with a very busy week, most of it will be spent on design layout for the printers.
This is one job I've been putting off for a while, but it can't wait any longer.

2011-09-30T21:10:00.008+01:00

Photos of Hastings beach.
Tomorrow brings yet more glorious sunshine and the beach is where I'm going to be found.
Have a good weekend.

2011-09-28T11:27:00.005+01:00

Designs for the Tulip trellis range

2011-09-26T14:21:00.008+01:00

Liking this Phrena2 lamp designed by Karl Zhan

2011-09-23T16:47:00.012+01:00

Royal Festival Hall museum

Enjoy the weekend which promises to be sunny here.
We have friends visiting from London.

2011-09-21T10:32:00.003+01:00

Lynne Woods Turner abstract art.

2011-09-19T19:12:00.016+01:00

I have just finished the new card designs for 2012.
There will be four new ranges one more range again than I initially thought.
They are called:

Blossom,
Messages with roses
Tulip trelace
Fruit and flowers

So next month I'll see the first proofs.
I'm really pleased with the end results, and will post some photos when they arrive.

2011-09-19T19:08:00.002+01:00

Julian taking some time out at the Gone Tommorrow shop in Hastings.

2011-09-19T19:00:00.004+01:00

Loving the Art work by Rhian Thomas
showing at Butler's Emporium Old Town Hastings.

In the woods

2011-09-16T16:03:00.009+01:00

Have a fun weekend.
I'll be heading to the Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival tomorrow and Sunday I might have to work depending on how much I finish today, which might not be much more as I'm feeling quite tired now.

Quick sketches

2011-09-13T19:55:00.011+01:00

Surrounding the caravan was plenty of berries, flowers and acorns. It was a peaceful weekend allowing plenty of time for drawing and sleep.
We managed to pick quite a bit of fruit, which is going to make it's way into a crumble tonight served with thick clotted cream.

2011-09-09T10:06:00.010+01:00

Yeserday's film screening went well, I was amazed at how much work people had put into some of the films. There were a few laughs throughout our film, but it was quite obvious it was not up to the high standard of many others, a good experience though.

Tomorrow we're off to Blackberry Wood near Lewes, we've booked a retro caravan for a couple of nights.

Have a good weekend.

A local film challenge

2011-09-08T14:14:00.020+01:00

Julian has entered his first film challenge. Out of a hat he chose the film title 'Tree fellas', a prop which was a knife and the genre eco drama.
We had plenty of laughs making the film which lasts 3 minutes and was made in 3 days.
The screening is tonight and I can't wait to see people's reactions as it doesn't make a lot of sense, but basically it's about a delivery man (Julian) picking up a box of squashed petals in the UK and driving to France to deliver the box to a woman (me) who then buries the box in her garden.
Here are a few props we made, you can find out more about the challenge here.

2011-09-05T11:29:00.006+01:00

August Renoir

September arrives and Autumn begins.
I feel a little cheated that the summer has gone and any sun we've had didn't seem to stay around too long.
I hope you had a good weekend, I went to London on Saturday which happened to be a very sunny day and spent it around the Southbank.
Sunday I was back at work trying to finish some designs off.

Coastal Currents Arts Festival

2011-08-31T17:32:00.011+01:00

Time & Tide by Lin Gregory

Hastings and St Leonards combine a packed month full of visual art.
The list is endless as what you can see and do, take a look here.

2011-08-26T20:11:00.002+01:00

Have a good Bank holiday weekend.

2011-08-26T20:05:00.006+01:00

Poster and patterns in Berlin

Change

2011-08-24T17:33:00.005+01:00

I'm making many changes to the business, most are quite small but time consuming. I'm hoping all the changes will be made by November.
A couple of changes will be to the cards, they are going to be a little larger and will come with a brown Kraft recycled envelope, which yesterday 10,000 of them ended up at the wrong address a few doors up, the company had put the wrong house number on the delivery.
The two large boxes of envelopes were found to be at a very nice couples house who have just moved in, they took the delivery and proceeded to track me down. They also helped me carry them to the house.
So if your reading this Thank you and welcome to Hastings.

Our house

2011-08-19T10:57:00.004+01:00

The electricians last day.
I leave the week in a content mood, knowing the largest renovation job has been completed
and we can now move forward with the rest of the house.

Have a good weekend.

A new Obiko logo

2011-08-17T17:03:00.007+01:00

For a long time I have been toiling with the idea of adding an image to the Obiko logo and a few days ago I was doodling and came up with the above image.
It seemed to work well, I see the image as a flower stem with small buds ready to bloom.
Patterns from the image work well too.

The logo will be seen on the back of the greeting cards, literature and new products in the new year.

Julian's doodles

2011-08-12T08:58:00.008+01:00

These are just a few doodles found over the wall next to the phone.

It's been a busy week, so it's a no work weekend for me.
Enjoy yours.

Layers

2011-08-10T08:47:00.007+01:00

As the old plug sockets are removed, it's been interesting to see all the layers which make up the house as well as discovering all the hidden wallpaper.
It's also a visual reminder as to how much work we have left on the house, a lot!

2011-08-05T18:29:00.002+01:00

One week in and all is well.
Have a good weekend.

Our house

2011-07-29T19:58:00.006+01:00

photo taken in Berlin

Ater five years living here, Monday will see the start of the renovations.
The electrics will hopefully be finished in two weeks.
There will be a few posts during this time, but I will be spending as much time as I can away from the house while the work is going on.

Enjoy the weekend.

Museum der Dinge

2011-07-27T09:21:00.013+01:00

When we were in Berlin we went to the Museum der Dinge
Since 1979 the museum has collected everyday objects to document everyday life.
A fascinating visit.

2011-07-26T21:33:00.001+01:00

It's been a frustrating day...

The weekend is upon us already

2011-07-22T18:19:00.018+01:00

If the weather holds out, I will attempt to have a car boot on Sunday, tomorrow I'm working.
Whatever the weekend has in store for you have a good time.

The bird above was designed for a new 2012 range.
There are going to be two more ranges and many more postcards for the new year.

2011-07-20T18:56:00.002+01:00

Enjoyed my time away so much, I really did relax along with my brain which seemed to turn into mush and conversation was limited and confusing at first.
It was like my brain was emptying all the information stored from work.

Oh Berlin, I can't wait to go back.

Berlin

2011-07-13T18:17:00.006+01:00

Berlin April 2010

I'm looking forward to a few days in Berlin, I'll be flying out tomorrow returning Monday.
There's quite a bit I want to see and do, but to rest is my first aim.
I've booked a lovely apartment in Prenzlauer Berg, so hopefully this will be more relaxing than a hotel.

Enjoy the weekend.

Postcards

2011-07-13T17:47:00.019+01:00

The new postcards have arrived.

2011-07-11T15:49:00.006+01:00

Loving these Illustrations by Matteo Perazzoli

Hope you had a good weekend, too tired, emptying, filling, lugging boxes on Saturday to make such an early start for the car boot on Sunday.
So the car boot awaits.

2011-07-08T09:10:00.005+01:00

Have a good weekend.

I will be clearing out the house, which I expect will last all month as this week I haven't managed to do anything and If the weather turns out ok I will have a car boot on Sunday.
Escaping from the mess in the house and seeing friends in London was an option and a better one, but returning to the house on Sunday knowing we have a limited amount of time before the electricians turn up on our doorstep, didn't sit so well. So I'm staying here.

Going global

2011-07-06T08:55:00.005+01:00

Scarpa imports based in Melbourne Australia are now distributors for Obiko.
If you live in Australia and would like to stock Obiko cards please contact them directly.

2011-07-04T19:51:00.006+01:00

For those who are celebrating Happy 4th July.

Loft clear out

2011-07-04T12:35:00.007+01:00

Most of the contents from the loft clear out has been scattered around the house in bags and boxes. A car boot next Sunday should see some of it go, but we are going to have at least two to make any headway.

A lot of sneezing from the dust, drove us out of the house yesterday afternoon, a good excuse to have a walk along the beach and buy fish and chips.

The loft is empty, which is a huge relief, but we still have to clear out every room including my studio before the rewiring starts...

Paris part 2

2011-07-01T09:26:00.012+01:00

Les Puces flea market

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is maginificent, but I have never queued for so long (one hour) to visit a place.
Les Puces market is always on my list to visit, a great market.

This weekend I'm going to make a start clearing out the loft. The whole house is going to be rewired at the beginning of August which means a huge declutter.
I hope your weekend will be more exciting.

Paris part 1

2011-06-29T18:54:00.016+01:00

Amazing art sculpture "Leviathan" by Anish kapoor
at the Grand Palais

Pompidou

We managed to see so much in Paris, I thought I would post a few photos today and again on Friday.
It was my first visit to the Pompidou and I loved it.

The beautiful sculpture above by Anish Kapoor was a great experience too.

2011-06-27T19:39:00.004+01:00

A very foggy day yesterday morning, waited for the sun to come out then headed to the beach for the afternoon.

2011-06-24T19:26:00.007+01:00

I was hoping to post some photos of Paris, but they won't load onto the computer.
I'll try and fix the problem over the weekend which promises to be a sunny one.

Have a fun weekend,

2011-06-21T20:46:00.004+01:00

Longest day of the year and I'm wondering where the summer has gone?

2011-06-15T17:37:00.010+01:00

Looking forward to a birthday mini break in Paris tomorrow, one of my favourites cities.
Although my birthday was last month, this is the present I've been looking forward to.
I'll be returning next Tuesday.

Have a good weekend.

2011-06-13T19:38:00.005+01:00

Four postcard designs finished and sent to the printers.
I have designed six, but I thought I'll wait for the other two to be printed once the proofs come back.
I'll post some photos when they arrive.

More postcard designs, but this time it is going to be a joint venture with another designer.
I can't say too much at this stage as I really don't know how the designs will end up.

2011-06-10T12:48:00.010+01:00

Photographer unkown

We're off to the Midsummer Fair tomorrow at Brick House Farm near Tenterton.
Unfortunately missing the posh jumble sale at the All Saints Church Hall in Hastings.
Maybe next time.
Sunday we'll see, I would like the day off, but I have a few days away next week
so it might have to be a working day.

Enjoy the weekend.

2011-06-10T12:39:00.006+01:00

Isn't this a beautiful design.
A family bench designed by Valentin Garal.

2011-06-07T08:57:00.005+01:00

Today I'm off to London.
I am meeting with a designer who got in touch last week and is interested in a collaboration.
Exciting...

Julian's doodles

2011-06-03T17:05:00.003+01:00

Have a good weekend.

May bank holiday camping weekend.

2011-06-03T16:17:00.020+01:00

Sedlescombe organic vineyard

Scotney castle

Last Saturday we went to the beautiful house and gardens of Scotney castle.
Sunday was a visit to Sedlescombe organic vineyard just up the road from where we were camping then onto Great Dixter house and gardens.
Monday was my birthday and our last day. After eating lots of birthday cake for breakfast, we took a trip into the historic town of Cranbrook and went up the Union Mill. The first time I've been in a mill while the sails were going. The digital camera battery ran out early on, so the rest of the pictures were taken with a manual. Pictures to be developed one day...

2011-05-31T15:59:00.001+01:00

Working on more designs for 2012.
I've had a few more ideas, so I'll see if they can be produced onto greeting cards.

Yesterday's quick sketches

2011-05-31T15:25:00.022+01:00

Cranbrook

Having morning coffee at
Gastronomia Camp Vecchio
Cranbrook

A cosy caravan, parked opposite our tent.

So cold at times I became quite envious of the owners.

Although the weather was not up to much, I really enjoyed our time away

and having camp fires always makes it ok.

I'll post some photos soon.

2011-05-26T19:55:00.005+01:00

From tomorrow, I'll be away camping for four days.
Celebrating being a year older on Monday.
The weather has turned and it's raining and cold, so we'll see how it goes.
I love camping, but even with the best will in the world when everything is wet it can really be miserable.

I hope you enjoy your Bank Holiday weekend and the weather improves...

2011-05-26T19:38:00.003+01:00

Goa India 2007

A few photos from 3 films I had developed on Tuesday while up in London.

Some nice surprises as the films were a few years old.

2011-05-23T17:32:00.003+01:00

Tomorrow I'm visiting Progressive Greetings Live at the Business Design Centre in London with a view to exhibit next year.
It's the only trade show in the UK solely for greeting cards.
Looking forward to catching up with fellow designers.

2011-05-20T12:29:00.000+01:00

Mini letter stamps by Muji.

2011-05-19T08:30:00.007+01:00

Last weekend I passed the shop La La Rookh in Hastings advertising sewing workshops. Anna the owner of La La Rookh makes gorgeous inspired swimwear from the 40s.

La La Rookh photo

For the past few years, my sewing machine has been in a friends loft in Oxford.
Time to bring the machine back to Hastings and start sewing.

La La Rookh photo

Waiting

2011-05-17T11:53:00.004+01:00

Still waiting on board samples to come through for the postcards.
The past 2 weeks has been taken up by chasing printers for samples.
It's so tiring and frustrating.

Court House Street Mews

2011-05-17T11:46:00.005+01:00

Sunday visit to some of Hastings markets.