Jeff Josephine Designs News

Dachshud n.

2012-02-22T14:16:00.002Z

Here he is the right way round.

Edition of 12 , Two colour hand burnished linocut, 30 x 42 cm

New linocut...

2012-02-13T12:23:00.002Z

A quick look at my new linocut of a dachshund. Once he is dry I will pop up a better picture.

One & Other

2012-01-31T21:41:00.003Z

I'm interviewed in York's 'One & Other' magazine... here.

Happy New Year...

2012-01-11T15:44:00.011Z

I am just terrible at blogging. I think I'm going to end up doing quarterly posts at this rate. The run up to Christmas was a little on the hectic side and all my photo taking never seemed to make it onto here. So here is a massive catch up, as well as some new, relevant, happening now sort of info!

My snowflake paper cut inspired christmas card/print. It is in fact a repeated linocut.

Bauble painting for Christmas presents.

Christmas doors in London.

A new plate.

Finally, at the end of last week I was busy in Prema, Uley, hanging work for an exhibition I have there from monday 9th January until Saturday 18th Fabruary. Come along and have a look at the Curiosity Cabinet!

Last chance for Christmas buys!!!

2011-12-16T17:47:00.002Z

One more day for purchases from my online shop!

Prema's Christmas Cracker - Affordable Art Fair

2011-12-10T18:15:00.003Z

Oh dear, I am afraid I am rather late in posting this. Tomorrow there is going to be the Christmas Cracker - Affordable Art Fair at Prema, Uley, Gloucestershire. I will be there with prints, ceramics and cards and most likely a large christmas jumper on... burrr it's cold at the moment! There will be a wide selection of work from local artists. A brilliant place to pick up those last minute christmas presents (or in my case, start my christmas shopping!)

New Winter Hearts 2011

2011-11-22T12:52:00.002Z

Here are some new winter heart designs for 2011 to add to the collection.

Christmas Commissions...

2011-11-09T14:59:00.006Z

Image: http://queensofvintage.com

Christmas is a coming and so is the mad panic down the high street! I swear it's already started here. I quite often get asked about commissions at this time of the year and the time is now ticking by rather quickly. I will be more than happy to undertake commissions, but because of the time needed (especially on ceramics), I will need a good month or so advance notice so I can make sure all is done in time for the big 25th! Because of this I am setting a deadline for commissions. I will take commissions up until the 17th November. (I may still consider smaller commissions up until 25th of November.) Regarding buying work from myself... I will be posting items up until wednesday 14th December (for standard parcels). If you are happy to pay for Royal Mail Special Delivery I will happily post up until monday 19th December. If there are any items that have been featured on here but do not appear to be on my etsy shop, then please do ask me for further information.

Animal Friendly Taxidermy

2011-10-25T21:41:00.005+01:00

'Two Pigeons'

'Two Pigeons' - drawing

'Hare'

'Hare' - drawing

'Duck'

'Goose' - drawing

I know... 3 posts in one day! What is going on?!... Anyway, I thought I would pop up some photo's of my new 'Animal Friendly Taxidermy' as well as some portraits I did of them too. All are in my current exhibition.

Experimetal Fabric Printing

2011-10-25T21:35:00.005+01:00

I've been having a play with some of my lincout blocks and block printing some fabric.

It is just small scale for now, but it would be lovely to think that one day it may be possible to see a design on a whole role. Tomorrow I'm going to have a go with some more patterns, as well as possibly printing some tote bags... watch this space.

Pop up photo's

2011-10-25T20:48:00.008+01:00

'Cotswold' Tiles - handpainted

Experimental fabric print - turned into a cushion

Limited edition Linocuts

Experimental fabrics and framed linocuts

Wooden houses on the wall and suitcase browsers

Animal Friendly Taxidermy

Finally, I have got around to putting some photo's online of the pop up exhibition. Unfortunately, the wifi is not at all good in my little gallery space, so I cannot update as I go. Here are a few photo's of the exhibition, as well as some new experimental fabric printing I've been doing... but I think I will also do a whole separate post on that, as well as the new 'Animal Friendly Taxidermy'!

Wooden house

Screenprint and Ceramics

Pop Up open!

2011-10-18T16:33:00.003+01:00

Hello everyone. The pop up exhibition at Brewery Arts, Cirencester is now open! I have been doing some experimental fabric printing today and will continue to do so tomorrow. Do come and have a look and see what is going on. Photo's soon...

Little wooden house

2011-10-11T09:52:00.004+01:00

Here is a preview of a little wooden house I've just finished decorating for my up coming exhibition 'The Illustrated House'. It just needs framing up now.

Linocut Houses 1 - 5

2011-09-28T22:29:00.003+01:00

Here are my new house linocuts. Houses 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5. Each print is a limited edition of 20 and they are £35 each unframed. Also, my website is currently being updated, so there is a lovely little temporary page for you to look at until the shiny new one comes along.

The Illustrated House

2011-09-16T23:05:00.004+01:00

The Illustrated House is my up coming pop up exhibition at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester. The exhibition opens on monday 17th October and runs for two weeks. Please do pop in if you're in the area. A sneaky peek of new work coming soon!

Rural Arts Exhibition - Private View

2011-08-17T13:39:00.004+01:00

It was a great evening full of old faces. Here are a few snaps of the exhibition and evening itself. The exhibition runs until 21st September, so still time to go and have a look.

Blogging about a blog...

2011-07-28T09:05:00.003+01:00

I've always been a fan of the lovely St Jude's, and they have just blogged about my upcoming exhibition on their blog All Things Considered, ooo!

http://allthingsconsidered.co.uk/2011/07/sophie-elm.html

They always have some interesting posts... definitely worth a look.

Carson the Dachshund

2011-07-27T22:55:00.002+01:00

I know, I know, two posts in one day is a rarity! Meet Carson, my new Dachshund chum. Our flat can be a bit drafty so he's got his scarf on!

'Fleur Tricolor Trio'

2011-07-27T20:35:00.003+01:00

New ceramic trio 'Fleur Tricolor'. Please email for individual prices.

Terraced Houses: No. 1

2011-07-22T13:09:00.002+01:00

'Terraced Houses: No.1'

Two colour linocut

Edition of 20.

'House No. 1' - Lino print

2011-07-13T14:11:00.004+01:00

New lino print 'House No. 1' ... I guess one of my first ever lino's too.

It will soon be for sale in my online shop.

Rural Arts Exhibition

2011-06-28T17:39:00.002+01:00

I will be having work on show at Rural Arts, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, from 1st August until 21st September 2011. Back oop to the good old north! If any of you lovely people are around, do come along.

If there are any followers based further south, and can't get to it... do not despair, as I will be having an exhibition in Cirencester, Gloucestershire later on in the year.

'Home Sweet Home'

2011-06-07T16:17:00.003+01:00

Here it is, my new screen print.

'Home Sweet Home'

Printed by Daniel Bugg at the Penfold Press.

A recent commission...

2011-05-25T12:25:00.005+01:00

I thought I would share a recent commission with you. I'm cracking on with work for my first exhibition of the year, at the moment. More about this soon...

Summer Pendants

2011-04-01T13:57:00.002+01:00

Some new experimental heart and pendant designs... which ones do you like best? More in different colour ways and designs to come...

Painted tiles

2011-03-25T11:12:00.003Z

Here are some experimental tiles I've been working on for a future exhibition, and a couple of mug commissions too. Hopefully more work to show you soon!

CARDS

2011-01-25T21:40:00.002Z

Some cards to buy from my shop.

New print at the Red Door

2011-01-24T22:12:00.002Z

The 'Tiny Tenement' print is now available at The Red Door Gallery, Edinburgh, and on my online shop.

Happy New Year

2011-01-10T11:59:00.002Z

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a lovely festive time. Here are some pictures of my stall at the Cheltenham Gallery and Museum's Christmas Craft Market. There will be some more work going up in my etsy shop soon, so keep those eyes peeled!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-17T11:52:00.002Z

To Everyone...

Wishing you all a very

Merry Christmas!

GIVE AWAY

2010-12-11T15:28:00.002Z

If you're not already, become a fan on facebook, and comment on my most recent 'Give Away Time' post, and you're in with a chance of winning some surprise goodies!

Christmas decorations

2010-11-19T13:44:00.004Z

Here are a few decorations I just painted for the Red Door Gallery in Edinburgh. Designs: White Christmas, and 1932 - Winter Red Berry.

If you're in Edinburgh... what are you waiting for! (Available from the beginning of December, I believe) I may do some more for the Cheltenham Gallery/Museum Christmas Craft fair. So, if you're in Cheltenham on the 16th December, come along.

Tiny Tenement Print

2010-11-18T09:35:00.003Z

Hey all. You may remember the tiny tenement building I decorated in the summer. Well here is a digital print of it! Soon to be buyable online.

Shop

2010-11-10T17:02:00.002Z

My online shop has just been updated with some wintery hearts and heads and tails brooches...

Cheltenham Gallery Christmas Fair

2010-11-03T16:20:00.003Z

Hi all! Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum are having a Christmas Craft Market this year, and they very kindly asked me to design the poster for it. So, if you just so happen to be in Cheltenham on the 16th December... come along! I will be there selling my work, and there is promise of music, mince pies and mulled wine! Yay!

Wintery hearts

2010-10-28T22:37:00.005+01:00

Some new wintery hearts. Burr, it's cold outside.

Oh, and new 'Heads or Tails' Brooches.

Wedding stationary

2010-10-06T16:44:00.004+01:00

Sorry I've been a bit tardy in my updates of late. I've been working on table names and a seating plan for a wedding, and had just about 2 weeks to do it in, phew! I'm pretty pleased with the outcome considering the time constraints. It's been a fun project. Anyway, I thought I would share some of those table names with you. The theme is travel, and the table names are destinations the couple have been to. Happy Wedding Day guys! Now that it is all packaged and posted and sent on it's way, I really think I deserve the seriously chocolatey chocolate mousse torte thats waiting in my fridge.

Ceramic items

2010-09-22T16:05:00.003+01:00

Here are a few recent ceramic projects. Above, a mug commission I recently completed, and a heart design that was inspired by the mug... and below are a couple of new heart designs. Patterns taken from, (or similar to) my range of Tea Time Mugs.

sketchbook house

2010-09-15T16:09:00.003+01:00

Oh, and here's a drawing I've literally just done. I realise there has been a lack of work from me on here lately, I will try harder in the next few weeks! It's all about houses at the moment... more to come.

holiday snaps

2010-09-15T15:47:00.008+01:00

I'm back from a lovely week in Brittany, and slightly wishing I was still there. Here are a few photo's from the trip!

James Brown - printmaker

2010-08-26T12:52:00.002+01:00

I love James Brown's prints. Check out his website.

'Things I would like' - Fabric, woolen, wearable

2010-08-25T15:45:00.018+01:00

I have an ever growing list of 'things that I would like'. It is more a wish list than an actual shopping list, though I would like to think I may at some point be able to purchase the odd item. Anyway, I thought I would share some with you.

Angie Lewin's new dress fabrics for Liberty. Any one of these colour schemes please... and there are more! I'm not sure what I would make with it... perhaps a blouse, maybe a pretty summery top. Though todays weather is not putting me in a very summery mood.

While on an Angie Lewin theme, I would also like to get my hands on one of these new prints. They are exclusively to buy in the V&A shop... I feel some online shopping coming on. I am aware this is not fabric woolen or wearable, but it is on my list, and lovely!

A knitted ladies slipover from Old Town. (Definitely feeling a little autumnal all of a sudden.)

Two Wheeler shirt dress from Anthropologie and Modcloth skirt.

This Topshop coat would be nice.

Leather bag - Jones, yes please!

And lastly, trying to keep myself in a summer mood... it is still August after all...

...these gorgeous shoes from Camper. (These are in fact 1 of about 5 pairs I like!)

Swaps and gifts

2010-08-23T20:40:00.007+01:00

It's always nice to swap work now and then. Here are some of my recent swaps.

The amazing knitted moustache is from Louise Smurthwaite. She sells these beauties at the Marchmont Gallery in Edinburgh in a variety of styles and colours. ( I'm sure if you asked her nicely she would knit one in any colour you like. I got her to do this candy cane stripe! Wow!)

The scarf was a swap with Hannah Widmann. She is an incredible knitter, and knits beautiful shawls, socks, and hats, amongst other things. She knitted me this yellow shawl, ooo!

Hmmm, there are a lot of woollen products here, I think I must be getting in a wintery mood! In return for the shawl, I painted a mug for Hannah, with a little bit of a knitting theme!

I've also recently received this lovely print by Emily Sutton. I used to work in the Zillah Bell gallery, so she sent me this print as a gift. I went to College with Emily, and she produces some stunning work. Check out her website. I'd better get on with doing some printing to return the favour!

Tea Time Mugs

2010-08-08T21:14:00.003+01:00

Oh, and here is my new range of Tea Time mugs, a trio if you please! On sale soon...

The Mechanical World of Robert Race

2010-08-08T20:30:00.008+01:00

I recently popped along to The Brewery Arts Centre in Cirencester and stumbled upon this fantastic Robert Race exhibition, full of toys, and automata. Every piece in the exhibition was interactive, playful and made of wood. One of my favourite pieces was this, the 'Seaside Machine' (above).

Also these birds on pegs in their giant wooden display case looked very sweet, and you could purchase one. I love an exhibition where you can take part, as well as take part of it home!

There were some fantastic wooden stags heads with moving eyes, which I really did want to take home... for some reason I don't seem to have a photo of these, oops!

I bought these paper climbing bathers instead.

Also on our way home we stopped off in Painswick , where I bought this fantastic old book.

2010-07-29T10:47:00.001+01:00

My house is now up on the Red Door blog!

'Half Way Home'

2010-07-12T17:08:00.009+01:00

Here is a tiny tenement building I've been decorating for the 'Half Way Home' exhibition, which is taking place at the Red Door Gallery in Edinburgh. The exhibition will run from the end of July, and through August. This will be one of many tiny customised tenement buildings, by artists and designers that exhibit at the RedDoor Gallery. They will all be for sale, with varying prices.

Oh, and here is the hand stamped interior of the tiny little tenement building.

The tenement buildings are in fact flat pack models designed by model makers Finch & Fouracre. You too can get your hands on one of these to build yourself, from either the Red Door Gallery or the Finch & Fouracre website!

Oh, and this is the before!

New prints!

2010-06-10T22:39:00.006+01:00

'Tea for Two'

Two new digital prints, now on sale on my etsy shop, and also heading up to the Red Door Gallery in Edinburgh.

'Vintage orange flower cup'

Tea set

2010-06-10T09:10:00.004+01:00

Here is a recent tea set commission, for a wedding present. I really wanted to keep this one myself!

The Astronomer's Sun...

2010-05-26T12:45:00.002+01:00

This is a trailer for an absolutely fantastic animation by my wonderful friend Simon Cartwright, and the lovely Jess Cope. I have to say I've had the pleasure of seeing the whole thing, and it actually made me shed a tear. You can't help but love teddy...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNoulgQ3wGA

Spring hearts

2010-05-18T11:58:00.003+01:00

Hi all. Here are some new spring heart designs I'm trying out. Also, become a fan on facebook, and be in with a chance of winning this mug!

Book Launch and exhibitions...

2010-05-17T17:07:00.004+01:00

Well, lot's to tell! This saturday, the 22nd of May, will be the launch of my recently illustrated book, 'The Treasure at North Berwick'. The launch is being held at the Smokehouse Gallery, in Eyemouth in the Scottish borders. So if you're in the area, do pop in. I will be there signing books from about 10am - 3pm.

Also, the following weekend, will see the opening of 'The Berwick Book Illustrators' Exhibition, at the Gymnasium Gallery in Berwick - upon - Tweed. I will have 6 illustrations in the exhibition, from both 'The Sea Dancer at St Abbs', and 'The Treasure at North Berwick'. The Private View is on Saturday 29th May from 2-4.30pm. The exhibition runs from 29th May - 27th June. There is an exhibition of David Hockney's Grimm's Fairy Tales running at the same time, which sounds very interesting!

Last but not least...I've now got a facebook fan page up and running... so come and join up! I will be doing a bit of a give away, hopefully in the next week or so, so don't miss out.

Dala horse

2010-05-14T15:41:00.005+01:00

I really want one of these, preferably a giant one...or a really tiny one! They are called dala horses, and come from Sweden. Apparently they are the must have Swedish handicraft and souvenir! Isn't this a lovely illustrated tile of one too.

Birthday treasures

2010-04-14T10:50:00.004+01:00

It seems to be birthday season at the moment. As soon as the 1st of march arrives, nearly every day is a special day for someone I know. In fact it's one of my friends birthdays today (happy birthday Lynsey!), and I'm meeting Louise for lunch, who's birthday was a couple of days ago. My birthday was just over a month ago now, and I've been meaning to share a few of my birthday gifts, finds and inspirations with you.

I had a wonderful day in London, on the day itself, and marched my poor boyfriend miles! We stumbled across an amazing shop called Cloth House, not far from Liberty. It was full of beautiful fabrics, trimmings and buttons. Old and new. I bought some of this jolly vintage ribbon (pictured above). I can't go to London without going to Liberty, so obviously I felt I should treat myself to a little something, and I got these pretty floral buttons. (Top) We also ventured over to Rob Ryan's shop, Ryantown, where I got this card (Top). The beautifully wrapped present is from my mum. (I didn't want to open it!) Lastly, the fabulous skipping girl necklace, by Stolen Thunder, was a present from my fantastic boyfriend Craig. I think she is just super.

Holiday snaps

2010-04-13T09:56:00.004+01:00

I almost forgot...I know two posts in one day, unbelievable! It's the first time I've used my Holga 135BC and I'm quite pleased with the results. For those of you who don't know, this is a Lomography camera.

It's been a while...

2010-04-13T09:40:00.007+01:00

It's been a while... I've been finishing off my second book for Serafina Press, The Treasure at North Berwick. Here is a sneaky peeks! Hopefully, all going to plan, this should be available to buy late May. I will keep you posted, and hopefully a little more up to date info on here. I also have a new facebook page, so you can follow me here too. Hopefully one page will be up to date!

Lucienne Day

2010-02-06T21:05:00.004Z

Really, really sad news this week. The wonderful designer Lucienne Day, died aged 93. A very sad day for British design. http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/feb/03/lucienne-day-obituary

Flora and Fauna Jug, and a bit of a ceramic romance...

2010-01-28T22:02:00.004Z

Oh dear, I don't seem to be doing very well this year. I had grand plans of 'Happy New Year' banners, and a drawing a day for you all to see (there goes my new years resolutions)... Never the less, I have been busy, and not only with the children's book, which, I will show you bits of soon ... But for now, you shall just have to make do with some ceramic creations. The 'Flora Fauna jug' was for my lovely friend James. It was a present for his mum's birthday, and I had really great fun painting it. I really must do more like this, I think those colours work very well together, and a bit of free hand painting seems to have loosened me up. I've also shared with you my very scrappy initial design. It just dawned on me I only seem to be putting finished pieces up on here, and to be honest, I've always found looking at sketchbooks much more interesting. So get ready for some messy drawings!

... and of course some valentines day hearts. A bit soppy really, but it comes around, but once a year, so why the heck not!

Christmas cards, mugs and trips to Norfolk

2009-12-18T11:29:00.004Z

Merry Christmas everyone! I'm finally getting into the Christmas spirit! Deadlines have been met, and the snow is finally starting to make an appearance!

Here are two christmas cards, I designed a few weeks ago. I think my friends and family may have been getting a bit sick of receiving the last lot, and out of the three designs, I have no idea who's had what, so... I thought I would do something new. I may sell them in my etsy shop next year, depending on the response!

Here is a mug I painted for my gran for Christmas. Since she's in her 90's I'm hoping that it's very unlikely for her to see this blog before christmas, and spoil the surprise!

Last weekend, I dragged my poor boyfriend, miles and miles to the amazing St. Jude's in Norfolk. It was their Christmas Exhibition opening, featuring the work of Ed Kluz, Angie Lewin, and Chris Brown. The day was full of mince pies, mulled wine, and lovely people. Ed Kluz had created some absolutely stunning mixed media collages and screen prints, which I believe have nearly all sold out! Boo! Definitely worth a peek!

This one, is a particular favourite!

Winter finds...

2009-12-07T15:00:00.012Z

Much to say today! I've just returned from a fantastic weekend in Brighton, where I have consumed far too much delicious cuisine, champagne, and spent a little too much money...the latter having something to do with the fact, I found, possibly the most amazing shop in the world! It's hidden amongst the 'Lanes', and it's called 'Utility'. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find anything on the internet about it. Luckily for you, I took many pictures...

I'm not sure exactly how you would describe it's wares... I guess Vintage household/hardware, and retro design. It houses real feather dusters, enamel teapot's, brooms, ribbons, screen printed tea towels, vintage glass jars, original letter press posters; dating back to the early 1900's, and so much more!

Some things are reproductions of classic household items, such as the feather dusters, and wooden scrubbing brushes. Other stock, such as table cloths, and letter press posters are original vintage, and since, I guess are in limited supply, will change quite frequently. The tea towels and ribbons are all modern day designs which carry, not only the logo of the shop, but uphold their simple, stylish yet practical ethos. I have to say, it is also ridiculously well priced... which is refreshing. They could have quite easily charged a fortune, for their retro hardwares, and vintage posters, but there is a real honesty about this shop, classic, simple and useful stuff, for not a lot...and lethal, because you spend more than you think! The people were super nice, and a must for anyone who ever goes to Brighton! BUY BUY BUY!

One final bit of exciting news...the Red Door gallery have put pictures on their blog, of their tree filled christmassy windows! The tree is covered in decorations, that have been produced for their 'Have yourself, a merry little christmas' project (a project run every year, where they get designers and artists, who exhibit in the gallery, to design some unique christmas decorations). If you look carefully you can see some of my baubles snuggled in amongst the branches! There are a few things on that tree I would rather like myself. If you are near by, go in and grab yourself a masterpiece. Ooo, and their are also some of my christmas cards hiding their too. If you aren't near the Red Door, and you would like some cards, you can also buy them from my etsy shop.

Just found the Utility website...it's at it's basic stages, but more pictures!

Baubletastic!

2009-11-15T14:57:00.003Z

Here they are. At last, I hear you all say! A few of these beauties are about to wend their way up to the lovely Red Door in Edinburgh. Go and take a peek, and grab yourself a hand painted bauble!

The Bowery

2009-11-03T16:09:00.008Z

My beautiful friend Ruth asked me to design a poster for an up and coming event at 'The Bowery' in Edinburgh. The Bowery is a wonderful venue set up by the brilliant Ruth and Jane, for us all to enjoy good music, jumper decorating, life drawing, craft fairs, ukulele playing and cocktails in teacups!

This event is not only commemorating the 1st Birthday of The Bowery!!!!!! But it is sadly one of their last events too. Boo... So go and enjoy while you can!

I couldn't decide which colour combination worked best...though I am quite liking the orange border, blue middle combo!

When Katie wore my necklace

2009-10-12T10:32:00.004+01:00

I've been following the wonderful blog, What Katie Wore, for a little while now. Katie wheres the clothes, (a different outfit, every day for a year!) and boyfriend Joe writes the blog. I have to say, she has an absolutely incredible wardrobe, of which I am very jealous! The other day, I decided to send Katie a little heart shaped present, and here she is wearing it, very exciting...

Shiny hearts and twinkling baubles

2009-09-15T10:02:00.005+01:00

Hello all. Here they are, those new hearts of mine. All glistening and ribboned up, and ready to be worn...

...and here is my first practice bauble. I have to say it has sent me into a rather festive joyous mood. I shall have to get on with some drawing now, for my new book at Serafina Press. Bauble painting shall have to wait, boo!

Binoculars...

2009-08-14T16:41:00.003+01:00

O.K. I've been rubbish at posting my work up, but I have been drawing! Here is a quick worked up doodle today...I will post some more pictures from the last few days a bit later...but right now, I need to go and collect some fabric and tin filled parcels! Hoorah!

Forgot the teapot!

2009-08-11T12:34:00.005+01:00

I almost forgot mr teapot. He is part of a set of drawing I am going to do for a series of small books. Hopefully more of these soon!

Day two

2009-08-11T12:19:00.003+01:00

festival

There are a few bits and bobs to show you today! I've been painting some more hearts, there are some new designs for the winter (shown unglazed). There is also todays drawing, which has taken the form of a pattern...I think my lazy mood may be passing!

A drawing a day

2009-08-10T17:11:00.011+01:00

(nectarines in a bowl)

I have seen a few illustrators now doing a drawing a day, and posting them on their blogs...brilliant idea, and just what I need to get me out of a bit of a lazy mood. Here is todays drawing (for some reason much duller than it actually is!), as well as some pictures from the Borders Book Festival, in Melrose. I have been meaning to put them on here for ages!

It was a rainy day, but the gardens at Harmony House were full of flowers and huge marques!

It was much drier inside our tent, and full of children playing with feathers, and ribbon, and stickers and crayons, and chocolate, and listening to stories...

...even Rory Bremner popped in with his children...

... and Julia Donaldson, and the Gruffalo came to play!

Tea for two

2009-07-15T22:15:00.004+01:00

Hello all! I've been ridiculously busy with book festivals and storytimes...more exciting photos from these events to come! Anyhoo, it just dawned on me that I haven't been keeping you all up to date with some of my other work, in particular my recent ceramics! Above is the belated wedding present to my lovely friends Lucy and Pete (Tea for two teapot) and below an Art Deco style tea set, which was a commission for a Diamond Wedding Anniversary!

As you can see, the teapot has been strangely blackened! A complete mystery to us all in the firing process, especially since the rest came out all shiny and bright! Damp glaze is our only idea ... any thoughts on this, do let me know! I am now just completing a replacement pot, so all will look bright and shiny together. I've decided I quite like the odd black melted effect on the original pot, and may just use it myself! All for now, book festival photos coming soon...

Fuzzy Felt Fun

2009-06-10T09:14:00.006+01:00

I would like to say a big thank you to the lovely Red Door for mentioning the new book on their blog, and also reminding me of the wonder of fuzzy felts! I used to love those things. It's no good, I'm just going to have to hunt mine down and fuzzy felt once more!

The Big Launch

2009-05-27T08:40:00.008+01:00

Hello all! It's been a busy few weeks. I've been working away on tea set commissions, and taking long and stormy train journey's up to Scotland, for the launch of The Sea Dancer at St Abbs!

The day of the launch was a very misty day indeed, but it cleared out into beautiful sunshine, and was a great day all round. We sold lot's of books, and met many interesting and lovely people. It was so exciting seeing the book in large towering piles, and stacked up on shelves. The Smokehouse Gallery seemed to be festooned with Sea Dancers! People world wide were grabbing copies to take home to relatives!

If you missed out on the book launch, then do not disspare! We are going to be at the Border's Book Festival in Melrose on the 20th of June. Jennifer will be doing a reading of the book , and afterwards, I will be helping the little ones to make Sea Dancer headdresses, and there will be poster's to colour too. It is a family event, and to get ticket's, go to the the Border's Book Festival Website.

The latest exciting new's is that the book will now also be for sale at the wonderful Edinburgh International Book Festival! So if you are in Edinburgh in August, you can pick up a copy then.

Book Launch!

2009-04-29T11:29:00.004+01:00

It's here boy's and girls! At long last, the launch of 'The Sea Dancer at St. Abbs'. If you are in the Scottish borders on the 16th of May, come along to Eyemouth, and the Smokehouse Gallery. There will be all sorts of fun, and you can meet me and the author, as well as getting your very own signed copy! I guess the poster say's it all really. It would be lovely to see you!

Swaps + Finds

2009-03-31T14:01:00.012+01:00

Finally, I've got round to photographing my finds from the Flea market I went to a few weeks ago.

1. I loved these old wooden bobbins with the pretty silk threads. I wish they still made them of wood.

2. The heinz bag was a must have, and at £1, I also felt a complete bargain!

3. The mosaic brooch was my most expensive purchase of the day, but I love it. I have a few mosaic brooches, but I have never seen one like this before. So summery and floral. Brilliant patterns!

4. Lastly, I got some letterpress trays. I bought one 3 years ago in Edinburgh. Recently, I decided I would like one for our bathroom, so I have been on a bit of a hunt. (They are all ridiculously expensive these days.) Well, I ended up with 4 slightly moldy looking ones! However, I do like a challenge, and at £5 for four...who could say no! Old and moldy...to clean and beautiful with a lot of wire wool, arm cramps and bleach mix in between... But they are finally clean, hoorah!

My lovely swap came from Lizzy Stewart. She is a fourth year Illustration student at Edinburgh College of Art, and producing some fantastic work. Here are a couple of the prints she sent me. She also has an etsy shop where you can buy her lovely work.

From what I have seen of this years fourth year, I have to say they are all very good, I'm impressed. Lindsay Gime is another one to look out for! She has also illustrated a book for Serafina Press, 'The Pirate Kings of Eyemouth'.

Which reminds me... the pages have been scanned, colour tests done, and discs sent to the printers. I am hoping in the not too distant future to be seeing a copy of 'The Sea Dancer at St. Abbs' in it's full technicolour illustrated glory!

Bookhou

2009-03-31T09:05:00.003+01:00

I love this company! Bookhou are a Canadian based duo I found through Poppytalk a while ago. I think I may just have to treat myself to a moose. They are just too amazing!

Jeff Josephine Designs now has it's very own etsy shop!

2009-03-23T11:11:00.004Z

Finally! I now have my very own online shop. Here you will find egg cups, ceramic hearts and 'Sophie's Impossibly Perfect Garden Party' poster. Soon I am hoping to also have cards and ceramic door knobs, as well as 'The Sea Dancer at St. Abbs' (the children's book I have been recently illustrating!). Please do come and have a peak, and tell all your friends!

Sunny Days

2009-03-18T20:36:00.003Z

It's been busy, busy, busy around here. The book is almost ready to print, and my online shop is soon to be up and running, and full of goodies for you to buy (more on that later!). I am now one year older, and the sun is very shiny indeed! At last! I have also been in a baking mood for a few days now. Last night I finally managed to find some time to put on my piny. I thought I would share my culinary success with you all!

I went to a fantastic flea market last weekend where I picked up some super finds. I shall share these with you in the not too distant future. However, now I am going to get on with a bit of work. I have had a very naughty day and popped to Bristol to have lunch with my lovely friend Jecca. Oops!

Drawing Paper Pendants

2009-02-22T13:17:00.006Z

I had a need to draw tea cups the other day, and here is what happened...

As well as sketchbook sketches, I drew this little chap. It's a Mason's 'Queen's Silver Jubilee' mug. He has always been a little source of inspiration. The image was so mini and sweet I felt it needed to be incapsulated in a pendant. I think I will have to do more of these, it was fun.

Egg cups and hearts and all things shiny!

2009-02-19T17:51:00.008Z

Today I collected my ceramics from the lovely ladies at Paint-a-pot,who have kindly let me fire all these happy hearts and egg cups. It's extremely satisfying to see them turn from matt and pastel shades to their full technicolour shiny glory! Some came out much better than I had anticipated too, top banana! I would like to say a little thank you at this point to Doodles in Edinburgh, for getting me into this ceramic painting malarke in the first place!)

If anyone is interested in owning their very own Jeff Josephine Designs egg cup or heart, then do send me an e-mail. Sadly my online shop is still not up and running as yet, but they are for sale none the less!

Time to jolly up this old blog of mine.

2009-02-18T22:35:00.002Z

Well, I decided it was time to get rid of my temporary "page topper" of mine, and get something a little more Jeff Josephine Designs. I'm still not sure this is quite right, but for now, it is a vast improvement! Any suggestions or comments would be greatly welcome.

Snow, snow everywhere!

2009-02-05T22:27:00.004Z

Well as you can see, I was partially distracted by the snow today... but I was also being very productive and finished painting lots of these tiny ceramic hearts. They can be hung up as decorations, or worn as a necklace. They are beautiful as both, and will soon be fired and all bright and shiny, and available to buy. Woo!

Edward Bawden - Fortnum and Mason

2009-02-03T14:41:00.012Z

The book 'Entertaining A La Carte', was published in 2007 by The Mainstone Press, to celebrate the tercentenary of Fortnum and Mason. The book contains over 200 images of Edward Bawden's incredible illustrations he produced for Fortnum and Mason in the 1930's and 40's. I personally think the images are absolutely fantastic, and I wish I owned a copy of the book. Sadly, it was a limited print run of only 1000, and although it can be found, it is a little pricey. Maybe one day I will get my hands on it. But for now; I will have to be contented with looking at these exciting snippets.

It's hard to believe they were created nearly 90 years ago, they still look incredibly fresh and vibrant today. The thing I love most about them, is the playful childish quality. I get the feeling Bawden was really enjoying himself when he created these images. They show such a great sense of humour. I'd love to get this into my own work.

February came, and so did the snow!

2009-02-02T19:40:00.007Z

I think I need to become a little more diligent with my blogging. It's been far too long! Today I was supposed to be going to London to see St. Jude's in the City, exhibition at The Bankside Gallery. However, the snow kept me away, so I thought I would get on with some book colouring and blogging!

'The Sea Dancer at St. Abbs', is very close to being complete now, and here is a sneak preview of some of my favourite pages!

Just a couple of pages to finish and details to add. I can't wait to have the finished book bound and in my hands.

Other news is I'm currently painting some more ceramics, and making more card decorations! More on those later...

Happy New Year

2009-01-07T10:05:00.004Z

I felt I needed to have a little doodle to get me back into the swing of things after my over indulgent festive break! And here it is!

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-23T10:41:00.005Z

Hello, hello and a very merry christmas to you all! Ah, my favourite time of the year. I thought I would share with you some latest creations. Here are a couple of my new paper cups and saucers.

I wouldn't suggest filling them with mulled wine, but I think they would look rather lovely on any dresser. At the moment these two are waiting in the Red Door gallery to be taken home and cherished! There will be more on the way in the new year.

Christmas, Decorations and Presents!

2008-12-01T19:49:00.007Z

Decorations

Hello! Christmas is coming, and if you head down to the Red Door Gallery you can now buy some pretty christmas tree decorations made by me! Woo! Though they are in limited supply, so be quick!

'With Love'

Paper Cut

It's been birthday's all the way, and here are just a couple of the little gifts I've been working away on. There will be more paper cut's in the new year, and more printed paper pants coming very soon!

'Frilly Knickers'

Printed Paper Pants

Cards, books, and exhibitions!

2008-11-12T15:26:00.011Z

Hello everyone! It's been busy, busy here. My cards have been causing me many trips to the post office, which is very good news!

If you are in the Norfolk area, then pop into St. Jude's in Aylsham, to pick up one of my cards. A beautiful little gallery, selling fabulous British art, craft and design. Feast your eyes on prints, fabrics, books, ceramics...the list is endless! The Gallery was set up and run by the Lewin's.

The 1953 Coronation Mug.

Alliums and Fennel.

Angie Lewin, is a fantastic print maker, and her work is absolutely stunning. Here are two of my personal favourites that I wish I had bought. Sadly, they are no longer in print. Sob, sob.

St. Jude's also have a charming charity Christmas card, designed by the fabulous Rob Ryan. Another big favourite of mine! You can buy the card online at the St. Jude's website.

The Smokehouse Gallery is another place you will find my cards. A wee gallery, in the cute little sea side town of Eyemouth. It is full of coastal scenes, pretty jewellery, books and cards.

It is also the home of the Serafina Press, a small publisher of children's books. Each book is set in the Scottish borders, and has been lovingly written by Jennifer Doherty and beautifully illustrated by a variety of illustrators.

It has been my job of late, to illustrate the new book in the series. The book is called 'The Sea Dancer at St. Abbs'. (For those of you who don't know...St. Abbs is a tiny little seaside village, a cove, snuggled into the Scottish north east coast. Sleepy, and beautiful, it is a wonderful setting for a children's story!) Here is a sneaky peak of work in progress!

(The book should be on sale, around about Easter next year!)

Other news: The Compass Gallery in Glasgow are showing my 'Impossibly Perfect Garden Party' poster design, in their Christmas Exhibition. They will be there for you to purchase!

Cards, cards everywhere!

2008-11-03T11:51:00.007Z

Great news...last week I took delivery of my shiny new christmas cards! Look at them all in that giant box...it took some lifting let me tell you! Unfortunately the online shop is not set up just yet, but if any of you are interested in getting your hands on them, just let me know!

The Journey South...

2008-10-20T15:27:00.004+01:00

We are finally here in our new home in Cheltenham! There are still a lot of boxes, but work is now under way and hopefully I will be able to show you some new exciting stuff very soon! I've been routing through some of my boxes and found this lovely piece of fabric I had forgotten I'd bought! A little piece of inspiration!

A teapot building, how refreshing!

2008-09-28T17:14:00.000+01:00

Hello all. What a find, I was ambling around the vast internet and found this wee gem! Apparently it's the Teapot Dome Service Station in Zillah, Washington. What a fantastic idea!

Christmas Cards in September...

2008-09-26T13:32:00.002+01:00

Well, that took a while, but here they are! The brand new Christmas cards for my collection! it's a good job I love christmas, otherwise I think I would have gone mad drawing such out of season images! It's all a little bit hectic at the moment, as Sophie and Jeff and Josephine are about to embark on a move to Gloucestershire! It may be a while again before you hear anything from the three of us! I will keep you posted!

Welcome to Jeff Josephine Designs News...

2008-08-31T14:53:00.001+01:00

Hello everybody! Here is the long awaited blog. Now I can keep you up to date on everything that is happening at Jeff Josephine Designs.

I have recently been shortlisted in the Penguin Designs Awards Competition and had the fantastic opportunity of going to London to meet all the finalists, and see their designs. If you would like to see them yourself, visit the Penguin Designs Awards 2008 link.

After the Edinburgh College of Art degree show in June, I have been very busy. There are a couple more Christmas cards on the way and a wee children's book...(there will be more about that in the near future!) But for now, that is all. There will hopefully be some lovely pictures arriving on this rather dull site very soon!