Running plan for RN2015

Doing my first ever race, Run Norwich 10k, I decided to make my own training plan.

I designed it to fit in my filofax, and fold in half so that I could still access my diary easily. It worked a treat!

A Saturday in Norwich before Christmas

Today I spotted the new window display at The Book Hive. It's nothing less than genius. A forest of silver birch simply made from painted polystyrene, surreal 'B's swarming around a hive, and a Narnia-esque lamp. Fantastically imagined and beautifully put together. 

I then went to a craft fair on St Benedict's where I was inspired by these handmade wreaths. I thought they were very tasteful and expressive.

Finally, I treated myself to an early Christmas present. At the craft fair on St Benedict's, Vicki Johnson's prints were on sale. I previously bought this as a card but gave it away. I wanted to buy another to frame but found this first and decided it will be perfect in my living room. I love it because it's so warm and lush. I love the shapes and curves, and I love how it's comfortably balanced without being symmetrical.   

Cutie Creature print

I'm thrilled to have a large print of these cute creatures which I've admired for a long time. It's by Köln-based freelance motion-designer André Kniepkamp. I met him in 2009 whilst visiting Köln. He's a dude. This print makes me smile every time I look at it – it's such a lovely, friendly cuddly hug! It reminds me of how I hugged my cat!

Peer Art Group Open Submission Exhibition

16 Feb 2013, 12 noon – 10 p.m. (P.V. from 6 p.m.), at STEW Gallery, Norwich.

  

I exhibited several paper cuts and photographs.
My 'Do More of What Makes You Happy' paper cut was sold.

 

 

Sadly, not all of my work could be displayed. The public missed out on seeing my 'Apple Tree' cut and my 'Berlin' prints. However, since the exhibition my 'Berlin' prints were also sold.

  

Also exhibiting work was Nikki Simmons, a fellow paper cutter and graphic designer. You can find her blog here.

The private view was fun, with live music and alcohol.

  

One of my closest friends, Catherine, came along. She is an illustrator in her spare time and you can see her work here.

Also making an appearance were Bret & Tim, the duo behind one of my favourite pod casts, Bros & Cons.

Happy Eye Recovery…

A friend had laser eye surgery. I sent her a card:

Front:

Back: (YOUR EYES WILL ALWAYS SPARKLE)

Hello Rob!

Mum and I travelled to London for the day to finish our Christmas shopping, meet Rob Ryan and collect the prize for winning the Christmas Competition.



Naturally, it was incredible to see behind the scenes and meet an artist whose work I've been admiring for years. Rob Ryan, and all the people in his studio, are as lovely as you would expect them to be for being behind such beautiful work. He showed us around his pad, including his yummy studio and cute bedroom. My camera couldn't capture everything with enough quality, but I can confirm his studio looks like this:

There was an enormous, intricate paper cut work in progress…

As Rob showed us around his (occasional) living space, I got a lovely photo of his finished rest room with their (own made) periodic table tiles, which I read about on his blog post a few months ago…

On the train home, mum and I had so much fun looking through all the glorious prizes I'd been presented with! Here are a few…

Desk Calendar

Cushion Cover

Money Box

Note Book

2013 wall calendar

Limited Edition Laser Cut

Limited Edition Screen Print

Signed Book

Tea Towel

Tea Towel

Tea Towel

Book

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic Tile

Tape

Christmas Tape

And lots more!

Aside from all these beautiful items, by far the best part of winning this prize was meeting Rob and his team, seeing his studios, being invited to do work experience, and getting a massive hug accompanied by a mouthful of fluffy hair. I do hope we meet again.