Cinnamon Toast

Time flies...

2012-01-22T18:55:00.002Z

Wow, it's been a while since I have posted anything up here! Been a busy few months to say the least.

Just to say quickly and will blog again soon, I have a new website called www.cinnamontoastdesigns.com - hosts a portfolio of my artwork and designs. Hope you like. Some changes need to be done...but I am pleased with it all the same! Hope you like it too.

Opportunities...

2011-05-20T14:32:00.008+01:00

Gosh, major neglect for the old blog! Apologies for that!

Well doors are starting to open in terms of freelancing opportunities, which has been so deeply encouraging. Two companies have been in contact asking to work alongside them (one of which have offices in NY & London), which is amazing. I had been sending work off for the past year and more and would either not hear anything back seeming like my work was going into some kinda 'void' or then receiving a response but only to be greeted by a 'no', I felt rather dejected. Well, the last few months things have proved to be a very different story. Firstly I have signed up with a licensing agency, who this past week were exhibiting at the Surtex Show in NYC and next week will be at the Progressive Greetings Show in London (here's hoping something will come from either one or both). Secondly, two companies who I had applied for freelance work actually got back to me with a positive response! Hoorah! So, at the moment I am trying to work on some designs for these two companies, which is very exciting and a real dream; especially with the one company who want me to work on designs to do with fashion fabric print and homeware. Wow! Good opportunities to say the least. In the meantime, here are some pics of some pieces of work I had worked on for a commission and another design for a baby grow...hope you like...Have a good day now x

Weddings...

2011-03-08T16:59:00.016Z

Well, the last couple months have been occupied with weddings, engagements and 60th Birthday surprises! All for which my creative juices have been overflowing! I have uploaded some pics from the engagement shoot. It was so so cold that day, but the couple were great and so patient! It helped we stopped for a cuppa and cake in between shoots to warm ourselves up - got us ready to brace the cold for the next round. All in all the pics turned out well, and the couple were pleased (which is the most important thing). An image was then chosen to be used as part of the wedding invite. It was a single card with the image on front and the invite wording on the back, this was overlaid with parchment paper with the printed verse, then tied together with jute string. See pics.

Along side of this wedding I was working on another, which is the Save the Date design. I will eventually upload the images of the 60th Birthday surprise gifts as soon as I get them off me phone! I designed and made a table runner, serviettes, cushion cover and two cards. Was so good to be challenged with such varied projects all at once...let's hope more will come from them all.

If you would like to see more images of the engagement shoot, go to the Cinnamon Toast fan page... http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cinnamon-Toast/126571144053471

Runner Up!

2011-01-17T14:12:00.003Z

Well, I received some lovely news on Friday. One of the designs I had entered for the Tigerprint Contemporary Florals Competition was chosen as a runner up! Such great news, and a great start to the new year. Congrats to the winner and the other runners up as well. Their work is fab. Well done.

Here's what the judges had to say about my design...'This design has a softer floral and less contemporary feel than perhaps some of the other entries. However it makes a lovely range of designs which demonstrate Elizabeth's great style which is commercially viable to Marks & Spencer.'

Thank you Tigerprint! Go check out the winning design and runners up...http://tigerprint.typepad.com/tigerprint/2011/01/contemporary-floral-results.html

Hope ya having a good day! x

Tigerprint - Contemporary Florals Competition

2011-01-04T15:34:00.008Z

Woweee, two posts in one day! I am on a roll! I entered the latest Tigerprint competition - Contemporary Florals - though my computer decided to crash on me (obviously not use to working so hard, especially after the Christmas break) just as I was about to email. I hope they were still able to accept the entries after deadline time...But if not, it was fun to get back into again. So, here they are...what do you think? x

Happy New Year

2011-01-04T14:12:00.021Z

My goodness, it has been 2 months since I last made a post! Gosh. Well, it has been with good reason that I have neglected the blogging. I have been literally attached to my sewing machine for the last 2 months (with exception of the Christmas break) sewing up orders from the '@home' parties. The Cinnamon Toast@ Home parties went well back in the UK, orders were taken from each of the parties and the feedback has been really encouraging. Thank you to all the hosts, once again, for opening up your home to family and friends. I am so grateful for the opportunity to get my work seen and out there.

So, having completed the orders in good time to be sent ready for Christmas, the parcels were sadly delayed (and some still are) with the snow. As beautiful as it is, it caused a great deal of mayhem. I just now pray that the remaining parcels get to their destination safely and securely. Though, sadly too late for Christmas. Well, it's lasted that little bit longer I suppose!

I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year. 2010 has been a year I shan't forget, an extra special year! I started the New Year in a country I love and headed off to live in a city I had always dreamt about living in, NYC! Then I come back to the UK to only leave again and live in another great city, Dublin! With the support and encouragement of friends and family, I end the year living out another dream...designing and making textiles for the home and accessories out of my very own fabric - who'd a thought it! It's not been easy to say the least, and at times I got incredibly frustrated, but perseverance prevailed and at the same time was reminded to be 'thankful' of all that has happened and will continue to happen. So, as we start the new season and year 2011, it's time to dream big! And I encourage you to dream big too. A friend once wrote me this quote when I was studying for exams, and it has always stuck with me...'you are never given a dream without the power to make it come true'. So go and live out your dream! Happy 2011 x

And a final thank you to all who read this and for your lovely messages of support, my family who have been an amazing support - their belief in me and encouragement and to the friends who believe, support and encourage (you know who you are)! Thank You! XXX

Thought you may like to see some pics of the items I had been working on and designing!

Brrm brrm and PANTS!

2010-11-03T08:59:00.014Z

Well, I have completed Tour #1 of 'Cinnamon Toast @ Home' and the orders have been great! Should keep me very busy for the next few weeks, then it will be time for Tour #2 (five parties in one week). I have learnt not to have expectations, even in the 3 I have already done. Each one has been so different; audience, sales and response. But it is all very much a learning curve right now - especially acknowledging the areas I love and those I don't love as much! Enjoying this experience though.

Not long til Christmas! I love this time of year, the lead up to Christmas and the shop windows brightly decorated with beautiful decorations, twinkling lights and colours. However, I've taken a break from Christmas and created a few new designs. I have printed the mopeds onto baby grows and the pants onto drawstring bags to make pants bags! But they would also be nice on a card too. Hope you like.

Cinnamon Toast Launch Party!

2010-10-22T21:29:00.008+01:00

Well, it has been an incredible 3 months. From designing to sewing and now to yesterday evening which was the official launch party of Cinnamon Toast. And what a great evening it was, more than I could have possibly hoped for. After working on the designs for so long and almost becoming immune to them, after many moments of frustration and 'not seeing', after many late nights of sewing and after the anxiety of what it would become, last night I was able, through other people's eyes, to stand back and appreciate it all again and acknowledge why I have taken this massive leap. The feedback has been amazing.

So, I wanted to say a huge thank you to you for supporting this page, the facebook group and fan page, for the orders that have already come through and for those 7 parties I have booked in the UK and am about to tour with over the next 2 months! This journey has been incredible, and I know that this is only just the beginning! Hope you continue to enjoy what comes from Cinnamon Toast and the journey it will take. Enjoy the pictures.

FABRIC!

2010-10-11T12:50:00.007+01:00

I am so excited! My fabric designs from Spoonflower have arrived. I can't tell you how good it is to see your own design on fabric...a dream come true! Thank you Spoonflower! They look amazing. Now all I have to do is get on that sewing machine...ahem. So, it's gunna be a busy couple weeks; next Thursday will be the very first Cinnamon Toast @ Home party (the actual launch party). Can't wait. Live music (from me bro Christopher Ryman & friend Amy Coonagh), plus cinnamon toast and mulled wine shall be served, games & a prize draw. I hope everyone will have fun and enjoy browsing through the designs as much as I enjoyed designing them. The following week I head back to the homeland and host two further parties in Wales & England. It's all go from here on. I have also set up a shop on Etsy too, so I will be uploading the goods very soon. LOVE IT. Have a good day everyone! x

Christmas Cards...6 Collections!

2010-09-30T12:42:00.004+01:00

Well, 3 weeks overdue, but hey these things happen. I have finally completed this years Christmas card collections that will be available to order. I am currently discussing production with a printer, so all will hopefully come together very soon. It has taken longer than I thought, but I wanted to get this right. Quality as opposed to quantity - right?! So, I have 6 collections (some contain more designs than others); Berries, Christmas Eve, Doves, Tree Line, Nativity and Typography. They will be sold either individually or as packs of 8. You can choose 8 cards from one of the collections to make up a pack (either 4 X 2 designs, 2 X 4 designs or 8 X 1 design). However, the quantities can be more! I have put together a montage of the designs, with at least 2 from each collection. Hope you like. Have a great day x

Design Montage

2010-09-08T15:56:00.001+01:00

I realise I have neglected Cinnamon Toast blogging of late, apologies! But it has been for a very good reason, I have been working on some new designs and planning! At the end of September / beginning of October Cinnamon Toast will officially launch. With a new website showcasing designs and offering handmade items for sale, this has been a rather busy but exciting time. I thought I would put together a montage of some of the designs I have been working on and what you can expect to see...hope you like! Have a good day now x

Just a few more Christmas designs...

2010-08-08T21:11:00.008+01:00

And just a few more to add to the mix of Christmas...love heart wreath and some nice cosy cups of cocoa! Would love to hear ya thoughts... x

Merry Christmas...already?!

2010-08-06T23:59:00.009+01:00

Well, it does seem a little early to be thinking of Christmas, but it will soon be upon us! So, on a windy & wet day like today I decided to get in the Christmas spirit, with hot chocolate in hand I set to work. Thought I would vary the background too. What do you think?

The great outdoors and festival time!

2010-07-14T15:36:00.014+01:00

Inspired by the great British outdoors and summer music festivals (having briefly been a recent participant), I couldn't resist working on some designs that reflected some much needed items at festivals...not to say all music events are in need of wellies and a brolly, the sun does make an appearance on occasion! These aren't quite finished just yet, as they still need some tweaks here and there, but thought you may like to have a peek anyway! The design with the underpants on I thought would work well for a belated birthday..."Oh PANTS!" (the copy inside the card reads) "...I'm sorry I forgot your Birthday!"

An Irish summer...so far...

2010-07-09T15:08:00.007+01:00

A drive through the Wicklow Mountains...

On the train heading into Dublino...

Garden filled with lanterns & warm summer nights...

Shopping for flowers...

A little break from designs today and turning the focus on photography...Happy Summer Daze xxx

New Cinnamon Toast logo, but which one?

2010-07-05T00:31:00.010+01:00

I've been working on the new 'Cinnamon Toast' logo and have come up with a few ideas. They each have a slight difference. Would love to know what you think works best...

Design A - with spots and no stitching

Design B - with stars and white stitching

Design C - with stars and green stitching

Design D - with spots and white stitching

Design E - with hearts and white stitching

What do you think? (they of course can be mixed up) x

Baby Shower...

2010-07-03T23:22:00.003+01:00

Seen more as an American tradition, 'baby showers' are now becoming increasingly popular in the UK & Ireland. A tradition held for the new mum to be 'showered' with gifts for their first born from friends and family. In the US it's not unheard of to have a gift registry (much in the same way as a wedding registry for gifts). It just helps new parents start out, as it can be costly. So with that in mind I thought I would design some invites...

Entries for Tigerprint Competition: Christmas Typography..

2010-07-01T18:44:00.010+01:00

Inspired by a vintage country cottage style Christmas, I wanted to work this style into the card design, as I was using a mixture of fonts I thought it would add to the quirkiness of the card and step away from the traditional rich colours used at Christmas time. I have placed emphasis on the 12 days of Christmas and used the words to create the shape of a Christmas tree in two of the entries below. I think these would make lovely cards, and also felt that wrapping paper using the background would be nice too, so I used a mixture of the background with the fonts to fill in the stars (above)...what do you think? I am also currently working on a logo for Cinnamon Toast - the colours used in these designs might just give you a clue to the colours of 'Cinnamon Toast'! Enjoy x

Pretty little bows all in a row...

2010-06-28T20:10:00.008+01:00

...and now for some jolly bows. I love bows, I love to see them adorning plain garments as an accessory...they really can make a garment! And I don't mean the BIG bows of the 80's, just petite and pretty bows on cardigans or as brooches, they are ever so feminine. And of course I mustn't forget how a bow lends itself to the excitement to the opening of a gift! So why not as wrapping paper too!! Enjoy X

More floral designs

2010-06-28T18:40:00.006+01:00

Well, it's certainly been a while since my last post. Lots going on, moving home and changing life completely in a new direction...! All change again. So here are a couple designs I've been working on. These are from original watercolours I had painted and just reworked them through photoshop. Nice stationery; wedding invites, greeting card, wrapping paper...the list is endless...! Would love to hear your thoughts...x

More wallpaper, wrapping paper...

2010-05-11T22:44:00.007+01:00

Just been working and playing with an old design...think it will make lovely wallpaper in a nice big country styled white kitchen...!

Tiered cakes & background colours

2010-05-05T22:20:00.007+01:00

Just wanted to add one more tier to the mix of the cupcake...think it's gunna keep growing - soon it will the largest tiered cake stand in the WORLD...well, not quite! Anyway, just wanted to see how the colour background could change too...hmmmmmmmmmm

Just a few more cupcakes...

2010-04-27T00:13:00.003+01:00

Just wanted to add a few more cakes to the stand...x

Cupcakes...

2010-04-26T22:41:00.007+01:00

I do love a delicious cupcake (albeit gluten free) and a cuppa tea. They are very much the popular sweet thang going on right now in designs, so I thought I would have a go at incorporating them into mine. I do love afternoon tea and cakes on cake stands (I have 3 of em!) - they are a must for any good tea party or just a simple gathering of friends and family. My sister-in-law makes a good gluten free cupcake! Bring on the cupcakes... Hope you like the designs too! A Birthday card with matching wrapping paper. Have a good day now x

Notelets & wrapping paper...

2010-04-21T10:07:00.008+01:00

Slacking in postings of late, been a busy little time. After the floating back to earth from a wonderful 3 month trip to the states, it's time to get back to it. My heart goes out to all those travellers who are stuck due to the no flight situation and are just wanting to get home, I hope you all receive good news soon. Safe travelling.

Here are some designs for notelets and wrapping paper I've been working on...what you think?

Love Typography Competition...two more

2010-03-14T06:26:00.002Z

Just added two more entries to the competition...

Love Typography Competition

2010-03-12T03:52:00.005Z

Here are my entries for the Tigerprint Love Typography competition. The first is called Love Letters - a play on words! Using the letters from each of the words it spells out LOVE. And it being used for a card/letter...you catch me drift...? The second entry, the letters have been highlighted in white to spell Happy Valentines Day. Thought it would be a nice idea to have the letters highlighted in white on the inside of the card in their same position, (obviously this would depend on the inside colour used in the card) but that it can be seen to say Happy Valentines Day with clarity.

Butterflies Invite

2010-03-10T06:09:00.006Z

Whilst working on some more card designs for class, this being one of them, I thought about turning it into an invitation. I would hope for this to have matching brown paper gift bags with the butterfly motif on or tied up with ribbon and a butterfly (not a real one) thread through the ribbon as a name tag. May need to work on the arrangement of the butterflies so they appear more scattered...what you think? Each butterfly is filled with the patterns I have created the last few months.

You can...illustrations

2010-03-06T07:14:00.009Z

It's been a while since my last post. Living in a city that never sleeps, I have discovered neither do I! Overwhelmed by what there is to do, you lie there thinking about all the things you need to do or want to do so you don't miss out. I have come to realise it is absolutely impossible to do it all...in this concrete jungle... A city that offers so much inspiration you are left wide awake with the sights and sounds that fly around your mind - and that is just from stepping out for an hour or so. Where there were days I may not have achieved what I had hoped for the day, I instead wandered and discovered new sights, new sounds, new smells and just enjoyed being apart of it all and living with it. Each day has brought some excitement no matter how small; I have not grown tired of seeing the empire state on my door step, or the smoke from the drains, or walking onto Times square, or the smell of hot dogs & pretzels on the corner... This city has made me feel at home, for that I have fallen in love with it just that little bit more. The dream became a reality, one where expectations had to be let go and where they once were had been replaced with situations and opportunities that went way beyond what I could have imagined. This city has allowed me to discover more about myself, challenge myself and live for myself. I love you New York...thank you, you have allowed me to discover a freedom I never deemed possible.

The above designs are a new style I'm playing around with at the moment...thought they would make nice cards - for Birthdays or just little note cards...

Swans Image now online

2010-02-11T04:39:00.005Z

I received some great news this week. The image I had entered for the photography competition for Tigerprint that had won is now in print! It is available to buy online from Marks & Spencers...I am so excited! Here is the link if you want to go check it out (or purchase one of course!) http://www.marksandspencerpersonalised.com/Cards/Preview/24076 or http://www.marksandspencerpersonalised.com/Cards/Preview/24153

Tigerprint Surface Pattern Comp

2010-02-11T04:30:00.009Z

Entered these designs into the Tigerprint Surface Pattern Comp, I had actually been working on these before the competition came up, so was quite a nice coincidence.

Pretty Flowers in a row

2010-01-18T06:16:00.010Z

Experimented with some watercolours, using my finger tips! I quite liked the idea they looked like berries, still being the winter season and all thought it was quite apt!

Continuing on with the floral theme here, I've taken the flowers a little further and created Birthday card, wrapping paper and a note card...need to work on the wrapping paper as I would love for the flowers to be more integrated.

Still working on more...on a roll now...!

Flowers Flowers everywhere (& a tree swing)

2010-01-17T06:12:00.011Z

Have been trying to come up with some new ideas this weekend...here are the experiments so far...these were taken from sketches and doodles I had drawn in my sketch book a few months ago. Thought these would make nice note cards and perhaps matching wrapping paper...

Tigerprint Beautiful Traditional Card

2010-01-15T22:31:00.011Z

The designs above are the entries for the Tigerprint Beautiful Traditional Card competition - felt they would work on cards for Birthdays, Mother's Day, Thank You or blank. In order of appearance the ladies are entitled - 'Suzanne', 'Rebecca', 'Mia' & 'Anastasia' (after the special ladies in my life - friend, sister, niece & lil mum).

Well, the New Year has begun and am already feeling inspired. Have this weekend planned to throw out at least 4 designs...bit behind on my ideal to complete a design a week; second week into the new year already and have just mainly played around rather than complete. Oops. Still enjoying being in the States, next stop after Kansas it is back to NYC for 6 weeks. Have had amazing experiences along the way and some simple encounters that have brought about some amazing opportunities...the journey continues and I'm hopeful for more amazing times ahead. Let's go...

New York

2009-12-27T23:48:00.009Z

Happy Christmas and Happy New Year. I have finally arrived! Well, about a week ago to be precise! Having spent 6 amazing days in the BIG APPLE...I now sit here in Kansas with friends and indulge myself in the memory and the hope that is to follow.

The snow fell on my 3rd day in NYC - it was a dream to be sitting in a book shop and to look out of the window to see the snow fall amongst the shoppers below. I was at Union Square, overlooking the market, where shoppers & visitors were busily buying last minute presents or deliberating over their perfect Christmas tree that were now glistening with the gentle dusting of the white stuff. How picturesque. How magical. How a dream came true just at that moment. Sitting in a coffee shop with an eggnog latte watching the NYC street below me. I'm here. Now I need to go and live it.

After the blizzard that followed this magical moment(!) the following morning was like waking up in a movie. (nothing stops this city from continuing on with life). The sun was shining on the crisp white snow; taxis were about, buses, workers and shoppers. The city was alive. I took a walk to Central Park where families had gathered for their Sunday walk, to build snowmen or glide along on their homemade sleigh and to ice skate in Central Park at Christmas. The images above captured that magic that I felt at the point of being there, the feeling that YES...this is right. The hardest of decisions having been made turned to PEACE. My paths are being made straight again, and joy in what I was discovering and learning is slowly returning. The peace and tranquility that surrounded me in the middle of one of the most busiest cities in the world was awesome. Undescribable.

I'm already feeling I don't want to leave and trying my best not to miss out by looking at the end already when its still the beginning... I hope 2010 will bring you opportunities that you have dreamed of and the beginning of something amazing. Happy New Year... x

Tigerprint Photo Humour Comp

2009-12-17T18:22:00.002Z

Entered two images into the photo comp...

Living out a dream & Tigerprint Christmas Competition

2009-11-16T22:15:00.010Z

Sorry, it's been a while since I last posted something, busy times! I have decided to take a trip and live out a dream...I'm heading stateside for 3 months. Ticket is booked, so as of 4 weeks today I shall begin the journey. I'm very much looking forward to the adventure and the opportunity to devote each day to designing and creating and being inspired in so many different ways. I'll be with my lovely friends and family over Christmas & New Year, and then from Jan/Feb the dream & hope is to live in New York for 2 months. As the lyrics of Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind goes:

"In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, theres nothing you can’t do,

Now you’re in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you,

Lets here it for New York, New York, New York"

So let's go...

And now, back to work. Here are my entries for the Tigerprint Christmas photography competition...

In my images, I have tried to capture the cosy, warm essence of Christmas evenings in by the fire. The Christmas wreath has been made up of all the delicious foods we like to indulge ourselves with over the holiday season - mince pies, cookies, chocolates, etc. Enjoy.

Runner up...!

2009-10-22T10:48:00.006+01:00

Well, I received some very lovely news this morning, one of the designs I had entered for the Tigerprint notebook competition came runner up! I am very pleased and greatly encouraged by this.

Here is the judge's comment: "This entry demonstrated a lovely balance of colour with great editorial and typography. Very stylish!"

On to the next design...!!

Designs for Notebook Competition

2009-10-20T12:43:00.009+01:00

I have been working on some designs for the Tigerprint competition to design the cover of a notebook, and above are the designs.

I have used words to describe what us ladies love & like to do, highlighting in pink the letters to make up the word 'NOTES'.

I envisaged the notebook to be hardback, with a coordinated elastic or ribbon tie to help hold those little pieces of paper we tend to accumulate inside (either around the middle of the notebook or on the side). The inside cover of the notebook would have the pattern faded through, and perhaps as a background on the notepaper too. Maybe have a section of lined and a section of plain paper, divided by a ribbon; and perhaps a section entitled 'TO DO' that could have a colour tab on the edge of the page.

Kleenex Design your own cube competition...

2009-10-01T12:34:00.008+01:00

Having a play around with writing and drawing...OK for a first attempt, even entered it as one of the designs for the design your own cube competition.

I entered the Kleenex® Design your own cube competition to design the cover of the tissue box.

Here are the entries, first using me 'apples galore' design:View my cube

Here is the other one using spots and dots: View my cube

Here is the third design: View my cube

Here's the fourth: View my cube

New designs: Cherries Galorious, Wispy Rose, Simply Cherry

2009-09-29T23:28:00.016+01:00

As promised, I've been working on some patterns using my new graphics pen. Oh, how did I live without it before? And here are the fruits of my labour (sorry about the awful pun). This is called 'Cherries Galorious' - funnily enough! Thought this pattern would look lovely as wrapping paper - on nice thick paper, perhaps double sided with spots. I love cherries, even glace cherries; I'm ashamed to say when making me christmas cake, I tend to finish the pot off once the required amount has been added! Naughty, but nice...

I had such fun drawing in Photoshop with this pen, usually I doodle in my lil book this rose, entitled 'Wispy Rose'. There is a story behind it. A couple of friends of mine asked me to work on a design for their wedding invitations, they wanted to incorporate their wedding date 09.06.07. Seeing as they were getting married in Edinburgh and the bride being Scottish, I couldn't resist the influence of Charles Henry Mackintosh - I love his work. So I started sketching ideas and eventually came up with a rose using the figures of the date (this was done using typed numbers and manipulated in PS). As I was sketching the figures fitted in well and the rose came quite naturally - needless to say they loved it. So much so, it was even iced on their wedding cake! See if you can work out the numbers, I have included images below of the final invite... how did I use the 7? This is the stem of the rose. Well, ever since then I have developed and sketched the rose and so had a go in PS with me new pen! I'm quite pleased with the results.

Here is the 'Simply Cherry' design, named simply because its all about the cherry, simple!

Return from the land down under...

2009-09-29T09:21:00.009+01:00

Well, it's been a while since I've written a post. Oops. I have been on me travels - returning from the land down under after a 3 week break, including a stop in wonderful Hong Kong. All the while keeping my eyes wide open for inspiration of course. Hong Kong was a quick stop, but I had the most amazing time. I felt safe in HK, a young woman on her own, even when travelling the metro at night, walking around the night market and down Nathan Rd back to my hotel; I wanted to take in the sights and smells of HK at night rather than travel back on the metro and miss it all. The humidity of HK gets you during the day, at times you had to dive in and out of stores just for a quick cooling relief but once you step out the door the wall of heat and humidity hits you and you dive into another store. At night it felt different - more bearable some how. This allowed me to walk a fair distance along Nathan Rd without having to dive into shops for relief and eyes on you to make a purchase, it was the case of a true eye-catching browse! I can't quite describe the smell of HK...a fusion of scorching humid heat, street food, cleanliness from shops & hotels, and traffic!? All adds to the flavour and memory I suppose. A bustling city, people everywhere, and noise all around added to my sense of security. My favourite spot was sitting on Avenue of the Stars, away from the hustle and bustle (though still pretty busy) and looking across the water to Hong Kong Island. A skyline presented with branded tall buildings from the tech world! A haze falls over the water during the day as you look into the distance away from the buildings, and as the sun tries to make its appearance it revealed the blueness of the water (strangely enough). I loved sitting in this particular cafe with my cappucino in one hand and notebook in the other, writing ideas more than drawing them - I wanted to descibe my ideas as I couldn't justify them by drawing. This was the start of a really lovely trip and onto Oz I went to see the Fergmister.

Australia! It was great to be back. I returned to Sydney 6 years to the day I had left. Had it really been 6 years, it all seemed so familiar. Fergie picked me up from the airport in his campervan and drove me around Sydney, the familar places of Bondi and Paddington and to those I had not discovered last time. First stop was breakfast. Bearing in mind it was winter, we sat outside a lovely little cafe overlooking the turquoise ocean, with deep blue skies above us and sun on our faces in a place called Marouba. I had already begun to see Australia with new eyes. During the trip I was discovering how much the arts and design culture of Australia is well and truly on its way up. So much opportunity is out there for artists and new designers/crafters, something I had really disregarded of Australia (apologies for my ignorance) for one reason and another. From the weekend craft markets in Balmain to the larger venues offering opportunities for crafters/artisans to show and market their wares in Sydney and Melbourne (to name but a few). I was open to it all. I hadn't seen this last time, was that my ignorance or was I not truly aware of what I wanted to be in the creative world? Think it was a bit of both actually. I fell in love with an Australian stationery brand called Poppies for Grace - I discovered their work in a fab shop called Duck Egg Blue in Balmain and fell in love instantly. I just love everything about their work, from the style of drawing to the packaging. I also admire and love the fact that all their pieces are using recycable materials, are environmentally friendly and printed using vegetable based inks/dyes. Something I would love to adhere to with my work (though having contacted a few Eco friendly printers for quotes and questions, I've not heard back from any of them?! Hmm!). So, potato printing, here I come...

The whole trip was just great, the sights of true wildlife such as a koala and its baby eating eucaplytus in the trees along the side of the road to that of a LONG snake in the middle of the road, for which Fergie got out of the van, picked up a stick and 'sshhooed' the snake off the road so he wouldn't get run over! I of course stayed well and truly in the van in full support and encouragment of Ferg, ahem!! It worked though. Before moving on, the snake turned its head at Ferg, hissed at him and slowly slithered off into the bush without even a thank you for saving its life! Charming!

All in all I came away inspired, a little more focused on what I would like to produce and what I would like my role to be in an ever increasing eco-friendly environment. I am currently working on some designs with my new graphics pen (the wonders of it all, it has opened up endless possibilties)!! So I hope to post some up soon, ones that I am truly happy with, but for the time being I'll leave you with a cheeky little number I just couldn't resist doodling on!! Welcome, Angel Mia...

Seeing Stars...

2009-08-10T16:16:00.004+01:00

I took one star from the Nanny Heaven illustration and repeated it, changing the background colour. Again, would be nice Christmas wrapping paper or fabric... I'm starting early with Christmas aren't I?!

Nanny Heaven Illustration

2009-08-10T14:20:00.005+01:00

I had scribbled this little doodle last year in my journal, and the last couple of days I had been thinking about it and so decided to do some work on it today. And here it is. I made it in to a repeat pattern as I felt it would make rather nice wrapping paper for Christmas time (or Birthdays), perhaps lovely fabric too that can be used to cover the jar lids of homemade chutneys and cookies. I've uploaded it on to Spoonflower as well, so maybe I'll order meself a swatch! Why name it Nanny Heaven? Well, its for all those special nannies (grandmothers) who are in Heaven looking down, ain't that right Mia Marrow x.

Spots

2009-08-09T23:34:00.009+01:00

And here's some I prepared earlier...all in my favourite spotty colours.

Spotty galorious!

2009-08-09T20:40:00.004+01:00

Anyone who knows me well enough, knows how much I LOVE spots - I go dotty for spotty! My toilet seat is spotty, so are the blinds and bucket that adorn this tiny little throne - a throne because you actually have steps leading up to take your seat! My kitchen has spotty stools I covered with a mint green and white spotted fabric. Stripes are another favourite but have to be in the right colours, so too do spots. I do have my limits when it comes to the colours of spotty things! I love vintage styles and colours; so red and white spots are a good start, they remind me of the 50's (not sure why), I love duck egg blue spots on a brown background or a nice mint/apple green with white spots. I could go on...but let's just leave it and say that I love, love, love spots. I think I caught the spot bug from my lil mum who also loved spotty things, there's a cosy element and cheekiness about spots (sums it all up really). So today, I have been playing around with creating spotty patterns and adding layers on top and scribbles. Think this would make a nice summer table cloth or a tea towel...

Love Birds

2009-08-09T17:25:00.003+01:00

Just playing around again with the use of pattern within the shapes...think I may have gone slightly overboard! But still, good to get practice!!

Squiffy Apple

2009-08-09T14:15:00.006+01:00

This was just a simple messing around moment - freehand tool in Photoshop (not as easy as one might imagine on a laptop using your finger and in need of a steady hand!). I quite liked it, and it looks quite quirky as a pattern on Spoonflower! Oh yes, Spoonflower, this amazing website I discovered where you can upload your images and it creates the pattern repeats for you (options given) and prints the pattern on to fabric. It was a dream come true when I received my first lot of designs on fabric through the post - so beautifully packaged as well. My designs had made it on to fabric!! Amazing. Such an easy website to follow as well. A recommendation to all budding designers out there who want to see and touch their designs on fabric. Watch out family and friends at Christmas time - you know what you'll be getting...

Flower Tree

2009-08-09T14:06:00.003+01:00

Been playing around in Photoshop, getting use to designing through computer, rather than hand drawing then scanning. It's a start at least. I like the boldness of colour and simplicity of the shapes used to create this tree.

Simple is best...

2009-07-30T21:44:00.003+01:00

Just been playing around the last couple days with designs. I questioned to myself - "what is my style?" "what makes me stand out?". So this past week I have been looking at other designers that I love and questioned - "what is it that I love about their work?". The answers I came up with at first were..."their choice of colour" and "the simplicity in their design of the shapes used". How do they create these images that are so eye catching, yet looking at them in detail, so so simple. Simple shapes and forms and block colour that compliments one another. That's it. As my lil Mum always used to say 'simple is best!', and she's right. So here, I have tried to create a 'simple flower'. I think there will be much more to follow as I discover and reveal what MY style is, being aware of not trying to copy other designers but more so be influenced. It's a good and rather exciting process to be going through right now.

Figgy Pudding

2009-07-24T00:16:00.000+01:00

Christmas already...

2009-07-22T22:47:00.003+01:00

'Alexandra' has been accepted for the comp...!

2009-07-11T18:28:00.004+01:00

I entered a T-shirt design competition and learnt today the design has been accepted! The design being 'Alexandra'.

Below is the email I received with the link...

'Good news! Your designs are now available to view on the swishswosh.com site!

Direct your friends to www.swishswosh.com/vote/LizzieBee

This URL will direct your designs to the front of the voting section so that your friends can vote on your designs really quickly.'

So, every time you vote on a design or on a slogan you will also decide which designs make into the TOP 10 and get printed! The TOP 10 will be the designs that receive the most votes with the highest average.

You don't have to vote for me, especially if you don't like it, but would be greatly appreciated all the same! If you know of anyone else who may like to cast a vote - pass it on to ya friends and family...!!

Talking of Alexandra, it was her and Peter's wedding last weekend, and what a day it was - incredibly special and one filled with glorious memories! They are now sunning themselves in Aruba, woohoo! Congratulations you lovely pair. x

Textile Competition

2009-07-11T00:30:00.002+01:00

I wondered if I could be cheeky and ask for your vote!! I have entered 3 designs on http://www.textilerepublic.com, this is a website that showcases designers work from around the world. Textile Republic is an ongoing design competition where winning designs and logos are used to create a line of fabrics, clothing, wallpaper, stationery, and other merchandise. Designs will be picked for production every 2-3 months. Every 4 to 6 weeks Textile Republic will select the most creative and popular (based on user voting) patterns to be printed by one of their manufacturers. Designers whose patterns are selected to be printed and sold by Textile Republic receive a cash prize for their design and a 5% royalty on profits.

You don't have to vote for me, especially if you don't like them!! But if you would like to find my designs, the design names are alphabetical and named as follows (or search by the name CinnamonToast):

'Apples Galore'

'Ditsy Floral (green)'

'Ditsy Floral'

If you know of anyone else who may like to cast a vote - pass it on...!!

Thanks again for your support.

'Suzanne'

2009-07-03T10:30:00.007+01:00

Introducing 'Suzanne'...this lady has been named after my beautiful friend Suzanne, her feminine stance just reminds me so much of Suzanne, plus the style of dress is an era that Suzanne loves - the '20s! x

I have also changed 'Suzanne' into a Black & White version, which I feel works really well too.

Card Design printed

2009-06-24T20:26:00.004+01:00

Here's the card design printed! I've printed it on to cream card and quite pleased with the result. I love cards that continue the design on to the back, it's all about detail - I love detail.

Card Design

2009-06-23T23:27:00.005+01:00

Just having a little play with a design for a card - could be for any greeting card not necessarily 'engagement', it's only because I've used this for a recent order on an engagement card, will upload picture of the finished piece soon. The design close up is not good quality as it was created in another software package and not photoshop. Will need work on it.

Entry for a T-Shirt competition...

2009-06-23T20:23:00.008+01:00

I entered a T-Shirt competition yesterday and felt I should use 'Alexandra' as the design. I changed the background to make it stand out a bit more, rather than it being a simple square. By creating swirls from the white background, I feel it looks as though 'Alexandra' has ripped through the t-shirt...but more dreamily! The winner is judged by votes and comments from the public (online), and a panel of judges - the most popular design wins. I'm not sure whether it will go through to the live site yet, but it was worth a go. Will keep you posted if I hear anything.

Beautiful Girl

2009-06-15T16:07:00.005+01:00

(C) Christopher Ryman, Elizabeth Ryman & Anna Ryman - May 2009

We took this using my brother's camera and then changed it to sepia. I love sepia photographs, it adds such warmth to an image. There's just something special in this picture...!

Oh my goodness, I won...

2009-06-15T12:20:00.007+01:00

I had some great news a couple weeks ago. I entered a photography competition - the chance to win £200 and the possibilty of your work being published for Marks & Spencers. Never did I expect to win. So when the email came through announcing the winner, well...you can imagine my delight!

I took this image as part of a project I was working on about 'reflection'. That day I decided to go to Cosmeston (Penarth) to capture some images of the water and swans & ducks. As I stood at the waters edge, contently photographing the swans close by, I noticed in the background these two swans...I could not believe my eyes as I saw what was about to happen. I held my lens as still as I possibly could as the two swans elegantly glided towards one another, with necks bowed and a coy look in their eye, they formed this absolutely beautiful heart between one another. It truly was precious.

I hope this image will be published and be the beginning of what my heart desires...

A busy few weeks...

2009-06-15T12:12:00.001+01:00

Well, it's been a very busy few weeks, hence lack of postings! Where do I begin...well, I can now reveal the 'lady' my sister-in-law has chosen to have named after her - so, here she is...welcome 'Anna' to the collection! Yey. Happy 30th!

New Lady Designs...

2009-06-15T12:10:00.001+01:00

I have also added some more ladies to the collection! If you ever wonder how I come about the names of these ladies, well, each one is named after the special ladies in my life (family & friends), the only one I don't quite know how it came about is 'Isabella' - I just liked the name and it suited. The lady in the opening blog (often referred to as the Pink Lady) is called Alexandra, and Isabella (two ladies together) can be seen in the second blog. My brother's hoping to have one named after him...will 'Christopher' suit a lady? Hmm...maybe 'Chrissie' could be an option! Watch this space...

Here, I am introducing Mia (named after my precious niece, who was born nearly 7 weeks ago)...here you are lil one, love auntie beff x

Rebecca...

2009-06-15T11:58:00.000+01:00

I do need to work on this a lot more, but just so you know...this lady is named after my lovely big sister, 'Rebecca' x

Helena - 'Lella'

2009-06-15T11:54:00.005+01:00

This lady is named after my Auntie, we call her 'Lella'. The story being, when my brother was small, he couldn't quite say 'Helena', so as my Mum and her sister, Helena, tried to coach him in saying 'Hel-e-naaa', it came out as 'Lella'! And so the name stuck. Now, I knew no different to this and always thought Lella was called Lella, until speaking with cousin and mentioned 'Lella', to which she responded, 'Who?' - and then it clicked and I asked! The name 'Lella' was just between us.

Again, this image still needs a bit more work, so will continue to re-touch.

blue skies...

2009-05-25T14:24:00.002+01:00

Just been playing around with background colour...

Houses in a row...

2009-05-19T23:35:00.003+01:00

Was playing around with this a while ago...would really love to see this on plates and mugs - like a matching set - tea towels, teapots...you name it! Will continue to play around with this design. I love the 'New England' style house and anything 'New England'...

Paris...I'm so glad I came back to see you!

2009-05-19T23:04:00.008+01:00

Well, today is my sister-in-law's 30th Birthday! Happy Birthday Anna! As part of her gift, I wanted to name one of my 'ladies', as I like to call them, after her. So, I have offered her a choice of 5 illustrations (these are similar fashion illustrations as seen on the posts already), from which she will choose the one to be named 'Anna'! I will reveal all once she has a decided...

I have just come back from spending 3 lovely days in Paris. I have been once before on an art trip, frightingly 12 years ago - TWELVE YEARS!? Is that really possible? Anyway, the ART trip didn't really leave me with a fondness of Paris as I had hoped 12 years ago, and felt I needed to go back to give it another go...well, I am SOOO pleased that I did. Paris was everything & more I had wanted it to be some 12 years ago. I'm just sad that I hadn't been back sooner, but I guess it made the wait worth while. Whether its an age thing that led me to discover what Paris really offers this time around - the charm, chic, elegance, and pace of life - or that I went with less expectation and more appreciation, perhaps so - could also be the company too. But I can certainly say, its a city so worth visiting, and a must do is to hire a bike and peddle around the city, what fun and so French (I just lacked the onions and bread)! Oh, how the French do everything so well and with such care; the architecture, the shop displays, the cafes, the museums...need I say more. I came back feeling inspired, perhaps having also regained a little of the passion I have lost over the last 2/3 years. Its great to come away from where you are and appreciate another culture, to be inspired, to look at things with new eyes. A change really is as good as a rest.

The image above is just a doodle, but as I was working on it without realisation I had created a Dove. Felt it meant something. Peace.

a change of colours...

2009-05-14T17:35:00.014+01:00

Just an idea. Imagining how and on what these designs would work well with. Think these, especially 'apples galore', would look great on recycled card/paper or unbleached/organic cotton - tea towels, aprons, thick wrapping paper. How great would it be, to use the dis-used core of an apple amongst the pulp of handmade recycled paper. A nice idea to re-cycle, re-use...well, it works with http://www.creativepaperwales.co.uk...!

Been playing around with my Ditsy Floral design today, changing the background colours. Its great to experiment and play around with colours, its just knowing when to stop!

An apple a day...

2009-05-13T23:31:00.004+01:00

An experiment...hmmm!? It needs to be tweeked a bit...apples are slightly larger on the bottom in comparison to the rest.

So, who and what is Cinnamon Toast?

2009-05-13T16:11:00.001+01:00

Well, Cinnamon Toast is the new name my (Elizabeth Kate Ryman) designs will come under - a new company name. I started out under the name of 'Lizzie Bee & Co' in December 2000 making hand made Christmas cards for friends and family, and then to taking orders from them to give to their friends and family. It soon developed into a lovely little side line business, further developing into Weddings and Birthday stationery.

Over the last few years, my desires have been made more apparent. I have grown in confidence with my ability and creativity. As the change and development continues, and my aspirations are being revealed more and more, so too are my designs and what I actually want to be. I want to be a surface pattern designer. I would love to see my work on fabrics, stationery and textiles. And so, I felt it was time for a fresh start and a new beginning. And so, here you have it...Cinnamon Toast was born.

Cinnamon Toast has been set up as a company offering fresh & unique illustrations and photography that can be used as surface patterns for stationery, textiles, homeware, etc... - my ideal would be to follow in the footsteps of designers such as Amy Butler, Cath Kidston, Emma Bridgewater, Caroline Gardener and Louise Cunningham...plus, many more great designers!

I am inspired by all things vintage, chabby chic, cupcakey, beachy, floral, colourful, retro, simplistic and I just love fashion illustration (especially the 1920/30/40s). Bit of a mixture there!

The beginning...

2009-05-13T13:05:00.002+01:00

...and so it begins. A blog, never in my wildest dreams did I ever consider writing a blog, but here it is...my blog. I have set this up to show the world (or those who are interested) what I love doing most, what I would love to be successful at, and the hope that one day I will be able to look around my (one day) art studio and sit amongst designs I have created; designs that started out sketchy and filled with a sense of nervousness, will on this day be designs filled with confidence, inspiration and pride. A journey that will bring a day filled with self-belief and faith. Well, I'll try to anyway.

I have long desired to work in a world of creativity, a job (should I even call it a job, when its about what makes me come alive?) which allows ME to be free. A freedom that will allow no boundaries, no office politics, no can't do this, sorry, can't do that because of...a freedom that allows me to dig deep within me and realise my capabilities of who I am as a person, as a designer, as an artist, as a creative individual, to exceed my expectations beyond belief and to know that, yes, I CAN DO IT. And finally, to actually realise dreams are within us in order so we can make them real, for we are never given a dream without the power to make it come true.