Bodelwyddan Castle

Happy Sunday and Happy Mother's Day in the UK!

Yesterday we finally took the morning off to go and explore Bodelwyddan Castle! It has been on our list since, well, when we moved into the house, which means about 2 years! I know, I know... Shame on us!

The weather was a bit overcast, so the whole castle was a bit dark. I actually enjoyed taking some photos here and there, using the shadows and soft light for nice contrasts and graphical details. We really liked the exhibition, even though we were a bit disappointed to not be able to see more of the rooms! I guess that's how it is when a castle is repurposed to be a high end hotel.

I have to admit, as nice at it was, Penrhyn Castle still has to be my favourite though (see my post here!). But on saying that, the park at Bodelwyddan must be absolutely gorgeous in Spring! I could see how families could enjoy a nice picnic in the gardens.

Hope these photos inspired you and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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Giveaway - If traveling was free...

Happy first of March guys! And actually, happy St David's day for my fellow Welsh people (I guess I'm a honorary Welsh person now) :)

February has been great to us (apart from my car deciding to have another issue that cost me an arm!) and even though I would like time to go a little bit slower because of our typical issue 'not enough hours in a day', I actually can't wait for Spring, and warmth. Oh yes, this is all I'm waiting for.

But North Wales is not the best for warmth. Well, let's say that on a typical summer day here, people would wear a t-shirt and shorts, and I would still have my coat on because it's just not warm enough. Now, my favourite remedy is to plan some holidays, anywhere South, where we could explore during the holidays. And this year, for a while we didn't know where to choose (turns out, we're going to Bavaria, whoop whoop!) and whilst we were searching, I came across this quote and it just sounded so right to me. If traveling was free, I would always explore, I would go around the world without worrying and you would never see me again.

So if you're like me and you can't wait for a little bit of traveling, download these wallpapers that I created just for you!

Download:
WHOLE SET // PHONE 1 // PHONE 2

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More cuteness in my Etsy shop!

Yep, the collection is growing! I have three brand new cards available in my Etsy shop! Yaaay!

These are cuter than ever, colourful and perfect to go with a special gift. I wanted to introduce other animals than cats over the time, and I decided that an owl could make friends with the cats and bear already in the collection.

I really enjoyed working on these as I feel that I'm getting more confident with my style and my mind is literally bubbling with ideas. Because my goal is to have a wide range of cards in my shop, I decided to not concentrate so much on birthday cards and work on some other type of cards that people need daily. I mean, is there any better way to say thank you than two cute cats sharing a fish?! You get it, I want my new cards to be fun, unique and exactly what you need for a dear friend or loved one.

Enjoy x

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It's time to relax

Happy weekend guys! This week has gone fast for me but in a way, I could not wait for the weekend!

Lately I've had loads of projects in my head, so many things to do and think about, that I feel I need to breathe a little bit. I've been working hard on some freelance and personal projects every day, and even though weekends are a welcome break, they haven't been much of a good break the past few weeks as I've been working during most of them!

Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and I wouldn't change anything, but I do need to remember from time to time that if I don't relax and take it easy for a couple of days, my head is going to explode!

So tonight and this weekend, I promised myself to relax a bit to start next week full of energy and creativity! By the way, can't wait to show you the new cards I've designed for my Etsy shooooop! :)

Take care x

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Happy Mardi Gras!

Or otherwise known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday if you prefer.

Anyway, however you call it, it doesn't matter because we will all eat the same very tasty thing tonight: pancakes. And you know how much I love pancakes, or should I say crêpes as a good French girl. I know it's a week night and all, but I can't resist the call of delicious pancakes with maple syrup, banana and chocolate coulis (maybe all at once, oops!) so if you're searching for us, we will be at home, scoffing as many pancakes as we can to celebrate today.

This year I feel I need to concentrate more on my personal work and I would like to create little artworks here and there that make me happy, just like this little guy at the top. So be prepared to see more of these!

Have a lovely evening x

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Portfolio Update - Iconic Car Illustrations

Yep I know. Cars. I don't know if it's because Jason has had a Ford Capri MK3 ever since I've known him, but when I was asked to illustrate some iconic cars as part of a project for Enochs Fish & Chips at View Creative, I was actually excited.

I knew exactly from the beginning the kind of style I wanted to use for these and even though the process took quite a bit of time (there were 12 illustrations to do), I was so pleased with the result that I had to share it! Here is a selection of my favourites. I just love the colours and how simple yet effective they are. And just in case you didn't recognise them all (but just don't tell me as I would get offended!) I included the names at the bottom of the illustration as a final touch.

Don't get too excited though as I don't think I'll ever have the occasion to work on a project involving cars, but it was certainly a nice break from all the usual work I get at the office!

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Giveaway - Love is in the air

Happy first of February!

Even though I was always against creating some cheesy pink artwork for the 'love month', I thought that this year I would make an exception and I actually really like the result! It's not too cul-cul la praline with cupids and hearts everywhere, but it's definitely expressing the celebration of love and happiness. Success!

If you put aside the whole commercial aim of Valentine's Day nowadays, I think this special day is a good excuse for a tasty meal with your boyfriend, quality time with your family, a cinema with your bestie... and the list goes on. Love is everywhere right? So even though we shouldn't need just a day in the year to celebrate it, we can take advantage of it and show our love to the people we care about.

Or maybe I'm just a bit soppy lately because I'm in awe of my boyfriend and always want to squeeze him because I'm too crazy about him. Who knows!

Anyway, feel free to download these bad boys to refresh your desktops!

Download:
WHOLE SET // PHONE 1 // PHONE 2

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