you've got the moon on your pyjamas...

...and the stars in your eyes.

(Everyday matters challenge #138, draw something soft.)

already one

1 year, 186 posts, 40,000(ish) visits, 7 sketchbooks, 2 Moleskines, 7 Pilot G-tec pens, 40 Everyday Matters challenges, 15 shoes, 12 purses, a squillion buttons and lots and lots of lovely friends. Thanks everyone for making this first year of blogging so amazing. I appreciate each and every visit and comment.

I know this sounds really dramatic but starting this blog, and drawing daily, has changed my life. It's made me focus on what I really want to do with my life and has been the best journey. Sometime ago I won a drawing competition and part of the prize was a signed Quentin Blake book. The final sentence of that book is "But then, when you start drawing you can never be quite sure what is going to happen next, can you?" I love that.

Cheers everyone!

the green green grass of home

Well, finally something to post! Phew, it's been a while. I've had a week of driving, hotels and trains. Yesterday, I had to go to Wales to pick up a picture. Thought I'd get some time to draw on the train. However, I found that I'd picked up my Moleskine diary instead of sketchbook, so I had to use the little paper that was strong enough to take all the hatching I would throw at it. So above is a drawing from the pocket at the back of the book.

Then just a quickie inspired by the views out of the window. The journey seemed to take forever and wasn't helped by me getting on the wrong train - which messed all my connections up. Still, I love this train journey, it cuts right through mid Wales and all the mountains. The colours are just so gorgeous at the moment. A drawing opportunity out of every window.

labelled with love

Oh well, I haven't gone any drawing done over the last few days. I had lots of good intentions but you know how it goes sometimes. Also I'm away for the next few days. So I thought I'd bore you with a couple more of my Moo cards until I get back.

This cat toy card is probably my favourite of all the Moos I've had printed, although my model for the photo was very temperamental! You can see the rest of the set HERE.

nothing's right when you're not here

Bear with me guys while I get these buttons out of my system. I wanted to rework them for an idea I have - tell you more about that some other time.

As well as being a piece of sewing equipment, in the north of England the word 'bobbins' is also used for something that's a bit rubbish. So you could say "that's bobbins, that is" about something you don't like. I hope you don't say it about my drawing though!! Ha!

you own it now

I NEVER expected to post this. I was starting a drawing the other day and my hand was quite shaky. So I did a little 'warming up' exercise which turned into this drawing. I often feel the pressure to make my next drawing 'better' than the last. I know this is pressure that I put on myself. I also know that I love this drawing and that if I saw it on somebody else's blog I would be gushing about it. So I am going to post it. Now. Before I change my mind.

a foggy lullaby

I can't believe that in all this time of blogging I've never drawn, or mentioned, pyjamas. Pyjamas are without doubt my favourite item of clothing. Nothing comes close on my 'favourite item of clothing' list. And, I didn't even know I had a 'favourite item of clothing list' until now. But seriously (?), I'm never happier than when I'm in pyjamas. I've got loads of pairs and so this could very well be the start of a new series.

I'm not happy with the creases, on the sides, in this one. I never noticed them until I uploaded it. Why do things always look so different when you see them on screen? Lots of reasons, of course. Why am I asking stupid questions?

everything must go

A bit of a lazy one. I've got some new colour pencils. Just trying them out. An old (ish) drawing, printed and coloured in.

dans les arbres

How cool is this? Yes, that is the Eiffel tower! My Moos are going global. This fabulous shot was taken by my friend Tim on his recent trip to Gay Paree.

See the rest of my Moo set HERE.