Busy times!

It's been an incredibly hectic time really since Spring Fair International in February. With repeat orders after the show and some big orders going out, it has meant a lot of packing and boxing up. However, as the designer (and general dogs body) I have been working away on lots of new designs for release at Harrogate Home & Gift Show, which is fast approaching.

'Picnic' new to Handbags & Gladrags range.

I have added to the existing ranges, and created a new range called 'Elegance' of which you can have a sneeky look below. The range is inspired by gorgeously fashionable women and I hope is a little bit reminiscent of the wonderful Rene Gruau who's illustrations are a huge inspiration.

I have also been busy with a secret project which I will hope to reveal soon. It's been under wraps for a while and as the products don't launch until next Spring I don't want to give too much away.

The new catalogue is also in its final stages, so if you would like a trade copy then please send me your details, and I'll pop you down on the list.

The Fay's Studio website has also been nominated for Website of the Month by Mr Site (my web hosts), so fingers crossed for an achievement there.

I will also be unveiling lots of new Valentine's Day cards at Harrogate, so come along and visit me in Hall F stand F72.

Wedding Days.

Whether you are putting up bunting, waving a Union Jack flag, having a street party, or just trying your best to avoid anything Royal Wedding, I do know that today perhaps if William had known about my designs he might very well have put in an order for....

Enjoy your celebrations whatever you may be doing!

Little Wishes

A little while ago I mentioned a new childrens card range I was developing and I can now reveal the finished articles for you. I hope you like them!

I believe the older I get the younger I feel, and so this is reflected in my new illustrations. I have wanted to begin a young ages range since the start of Fay's Studio, as I love using bold colours in my designs and this is the perfect excuse to use a strong colour palette.
 

1st Birthday for a boy or girl.

A playful 2nd Birthday card.

The Owl And The Pussy Cat.

A bright Birthday owl.

Roar! You're 4.

A happy kitten.

Robot for boys aged 5.

For astronaut wannabes.

Each C6 card comes wrapped in 100% biodegradable packaging matched with a white hammer envelope. Perfect for little wishes!

Please leave your comments below, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Cream Teas and Coastal Breeze.

I was lucky enough last week to have a few days away whilst the weather was gorgeous. My boyfriend and I stayed at a lovely farmhouse in Boscastle, which had an award winning breakfast I might add. Scrambled egg and smoked salmon for breakfast was yummy!
We visited Bude, Port Isaac, Polzeath, Rock, Wadebridge, Padstow and Tintagel. I enjoyed all of the coastal walks we did as you can't beat the fresh sea air. We couldn't have been more fortunate with the weather as I know from experience how rough the coast can be having lived in Falmouth and Bournemouth for 6 years.

Looking out to sea from Boscastle.

On the second day of our holiday we visited Port Isaac, a place that I have wanted to visit for many years. Firstly because I love the Cornish towns and villages that have so much character and a relaxed way of life, and secondly because the filming of ITV's Doc Martin takes place here. We couldn't beieve our eyes when we arrived on the Wednesday morning to find a film crew gathered outside a white house rolling film, and hushing the crowds that had gathered to watch. And to our surprise here is a glimpse of the star of the show. It was very surreal!

Martin Clunes on set.

Padstow on a beautiful sunny day.

The Camel Estuary viewed from Rock.

Stunning views at Tintagel.

No pasty for you!

A break by the sea always leaves me feeling revived and inspired, so back to work we go, there's lots to do!

School Assembly.

It is quite a while since I attended a school assembly, but last Thursday I woke at the crack of dawn to travel to a school in Calne, Wiltshire, an hour and a half train journey from home, to speak at a school assembly about my experience of the business enterprise programme at the Prince's Trust.

The boarding school, for girls aged 11-18, is hoping to raise lots of money for the charity over the next year, and I may be further involved with their fund raising in the months to come.
At the assembly, there were 300 girls very quietly listening to my story. It was quite difficult to throw my voice across the room, there was a microphone available but I thought that may only amplify my nerves.

The Prince's Trust have since told me that the school were incredibly enthusiastic after the assembly and the pupils can't wait to get started on their own business ideas to raise funds for the business enterprise programme. I might soon be going back to the school to help the girls with their business ideas, which will be a fantastic experience.