Christmas cards 2016

I realise it's been a long time since my last post, the beginning of the year, and what then seemed a whole new creative adventure. It's been a tumultuous year, and in life nothing really goes as planned. I started the year with all good intentions of pushing my creative boundaries and recording them on this humble little blog. I'm sure like many new year plans and resolutions, I am not the only person to let these plans and ideas lapse. So a whole 10 months since my previous post, I am finally breaking the hiatus!
Each year I like to create and print my own Christmas cards, and the usual time to get printing is around Halloween. It's a time of year that marks the definite change in the seasons, cooler days and darker nights. I don't feel so uneasy thinking about the up and coming Christmas season, and plenty of time ahead to cut, print and dry the cards. This year I have kept the designs simple, but with a definite folk inspiration.

All cards are available from my folksy site, which can be found here. 

https://folksy.com/shops/mangleprints

Butterflies

I'm hoping that the Christmas holidays have been kind to you all, and the new year brings you all peace and good health. I've been hibernating a little, as the winter months final delivers the cold weather and dark nights. To lift my mood, I've been settling down, in the warm to create my own splash of colour and  thoughts of Spring and Summer. Hand tinting these little postcard butterflies, each one a little different from the next, and of course, a large dose of creative license with the markings and colours! 

Being able to create, however small or delicate creates a great sense of joy! Happy New year to you all, and here's to a creative and productive 2016!  Amanda x 

Florabunda Vinyl Prints

Using a lovely new batch of vinyl, this print has been a joy to cut. I've been tempted to add a little colour by hand tinting the prints, but decided to keep a modern, fresh feel by sticking with the black and white scheme. 

Florabunda is now available on both Etsy and Folksy as part of a limited edition of 50 prints. 

ArtworksForAid

For a any months I have been troubled by the plight of the Refugee Crisis hitting Europe, and although we have all donated and campaigned, I was delighted when I heard about the ArtworksForAid project.  Set up a week ago by illustrator Nina Tara, ArtworksForAid has already gained momentum and already has 50+ contributors on board. All artwork will be auctioned off via the website and funds sent to aid the refugee crisis. So this little print will be winging it's way to the site-a limited edition of 5 prints. For more information on ArtworksforAid and how you can get involved can be found on the website: 

https://artworksforaid.wordpress.com

Sunflowers

Celebrating the end of Summer and the beginning of the Autumn with this simple block print. Part of a small edition run of 50 prints.

Peacocks

After a very long summer break, and a much needed holiday to the beautiful west coast of Scotland, it been reassuringly good to be printing again. 
I was given some beautiful handmade Indian paper recently and decide to create some prints to that would enhance the natural fibres of the paper. 
As you may know, I am a little obsessed with the peacock, such beautiful birds, that work so well within a design. Amanda x

The Walk

Another little print using the new soft cut Lino. This time allowing a more sketchy feel to the lines. hand tinted again for a splash of colour to the pheasant and field.