Friday 23 December 2011

Final post for 2011

HELLO!! AND:


with lots of love from me! Again, I'd like to say A BIG THANKS to everyone who has supported, liked, commented or just smiled at my doodles this year. I hope Christmas and the New Year are magical and peaceful for you :-) See you in 2012, WOO-HOO!

Lots of love, Nanny xxx

Thursday 22 December 2011

Unwanted gifts?

Hey!

Hope all is snowflakes and fairy dust with you! :-) Today I have mostly been winding myself down for the Christmas period by watching Crimbo films (MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL, YEY!) and listening to Christmas music: WOOP!

I created this today after hearing that approx £4 billion is spent on unwanted Christmas gifts each year in the UK; that's incredible! Perhaps we should just give each other cash or vouchers instead or donate the money to charity...


FYI: This will be my second to last post for this year; I'm going to miss blogging but it'll be nice to have a little break! xxxx

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Wednesday Freebie!

Howdy!

Hope you're well :-) I had my first secret Santa gift exchange (since 2007) yesterday so I feel EVEN MORE in the festive spirit today! To spread yet more Christmas cheer, here is another freebie! Go to http://www.nannys-a.co.uk/free-stuff to get your higher resolution (and printable) version!



I've had some really nice comments recently but not had time to comment, promise I'll get back to you asap!!
Nanny xxxx

Monday 19 December 2011

Monday FREEBIE!

Hello all!

I don't know about you but I am so excited about Christmas; it's only ONE working week to go! OH YIPPEE! Seeing as I'm in the festive spirit, I've created two FREE MONEY WALLETS for you to print and use if you're giving cash or vouchers this year :-) Simply go to http://www.nannys-a.co.uk/free-stuff  to get yours!



Jingle Bells!
xxxx

Thursday 15 December 2011

Thieving mice

Happy Thursday to you!

A friend of mine is currently serving in Afghanistan and (on his facebook page) told a sweet little story about all his food (and a heck of a lot of other items) being pinched and then eaten by mice! My friend is partial to cheese and lots has been sent out to him so perhaps that's what has been attracting all the mice! This little scenario popped into my head and I simply had to create it for him:



I'll be posting it on his facebook later, I hope it brings a little smile to his face! xxx

Wednesday 14 December 2011

mmm, biscuits!



SEE? I TOLD YOU I'D POST FOR A SECOND TIME TODAY! If anyone is struggling for gift ideas for yours truly, a tin of assorted biccies always goes down well! :-)
xxx

BUSY!

YO!

WOW! This has been one of the busiest week's of the year! I feel like I've been neglecting this blog a little but at the same time my focus has been completely elsewhere (on Nanny s-a stuff, don't worry!) so I don't feel that bad about it.

Here's another snippet from a commission which also describes how everyone who has requested artwork or ever left a nice comment has been:



I'll post again later today, wooooo :-) lucky!
xxx

Friday 9 December 2011

Commissions...

Happy Friday all!

Hope you're feeling happy :-) I am! It's Friday and I have lots of nice things going on this weekend starting with a lot of THB's buddies (and hopefully my buddies now!) coming over for chilli con carne tonight. I'm not sure where they'll all sit as my house is pretty small but I'm sure it'll be fine.

In other news, my commissions are coming on nicely. I can't show the whole thing as it's part of a Christmas present for somebody but HERE is a tiny snippet :-)


YEY! 
Have a great weekend xxx

Wednesday 7 December 2011

Possibly the worst jokes ever written?

Hey hey,

Hope you're smiling today! I am! I've been busy again with lots of illustrating/making but also with BUYING GIFTS and DECORATING and GENERALLY SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER! I thought I'd give the Tigerprint competition another go seeing as I did quite well earlier this year! This time the competition is Make it a Cracker where you had to write a joke and motto/game/forfeit to go inside Christmas crackers. Here are a couple of mine, I'll post some more later if I feel brave enough! ha ha ha!




I'm not sure how well these terrible jokes will do but it was fun thinking up stuff and it was a nice way of getting back in touch with the team there.

Hope you're having a good week, Nanny xxxx
*Book Florist I am so glad you like the felt decorations from my last post! Oh and I adore Elf! I think it's on the tv this weekend in the UK... WOO-HOO!*

Monday 5 December 2011

HELLO MONDAY!

Hey everyone!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend :-) I had some friends over and we had a little Christmas celebration! There was a big roast (the first I've ever cooked! THB helped quite a lot; he was magnificent!), mince pies, mulled wine and gifts! We even went to a pantomime (which was hilariously awful) and watched Crimbo films :-) In fact, I felt so festive that I decided to make these decorations using cardboard and felt:



And my buddy Gemmy made this for me:



All four are currently hanging on our (fibre-optic) tree! It is fair to say I love the Christmas season, it's such a jolly time of year!
xxx

Is it madness that  I want to wear my Santa hat to work?

Friday 2 December 2011

NYE invites for Mummy!

Hey all!

I have had such a productive and HAPPY couple of days! Here is my news:
1. My illustration for They Draw and Cook's competition got accepted! Voting starts next week, woop!


2. A friend of mine kindly informed me the sausage design below is on the FRONT PAGE of CardCub's website, double woop!

3. I HAVE HAD TWO COMMISSION OFFERS! Tripppplllleee wooooop!
4. I have FOUR requests for my card packs ALREADY! QUADRUPLE AMAZING WOOOOOP!!

So I am understandably feeling very pleased with myself, YIP YIP YIP!

Scribbles today involved creating this for my Mum; we're having a NYE party round hers with the fancy dress theme of "black and white" (I will post a photo in the New Year of what I've decided to go as!). I've removed  the address and telephone numbers so do excuse the gaps!


It seemed only right to have a black(ish) cat dressed as a chef and a polar bear dressed as Zorro...!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend, I'll try and post more regularly next week!
Nanny xxx


ps: AMAZEBALLS Lucy??! That made me wee my pants ;-)

Thursday 1 December 2011

Pinch Punch, this is sure to be an exciting month!

HOWDY!

How are all of you loverleeeee people?! This is my first blog post this week, I do apologise! I have been busy (urrrgh it took 3 days!) creating THIS ILLUSTRATED RECIPE for They Draw and Cook's current competition. I picked a recipe I thought was most fitting for my type of work but also something I thought would be Christmassy too :-) So here is my (3) King Salmon!


...and a close up!


Let's see how it does! I think at some point you can vote on it so I may be calling on your services! he he :-)



In other news, THE CARDS I ORDERED FROM MOO.COM have arrived!! I'm going to set up an online shop for them, woo-hoo!! I'm going to get some canvases and proper prints created too, I'll keep you posted :-) xxxx

Friday 25 November 2011

A celebration

Hey all! Happy Friday :-)

I have been in THE BEST MOOD for the past couple of weeks as I received some AMAZINGLY BRILLIANT NEWS: My very very good friend Jinny and the lovely Micky got ENGAGED!! YEY! I have had a lot of personal things to do but the first chance I got I created THIS for them:

WA-HOO! I can't wait for their wedding! Yey!!!

Hope you have a lovely weekend :-) xxxx

ps: Thanks for your input on my last post Book Florist! x

Wednesday 23 November 2011

Moo(.com) PART 2

Howdy all!

I am so sorry I've been a bit rubbish at blogging this week, I've been working on lots of stuff but haven't wanted to post about it as it's for Christmas and I don't want to ruin the surprise for the special people in my life! But what I can tell you is that I'm placing another order with Moo.com for some cards, WOOP! Here are some of the designs I've decided to get printed:


I'm hoping to sell them online, perhaps even from my own website... EXCITING! If any of you out there have a favourite design from my gallery which you think would sell well, I'd love to know!!
xxx

Monday 21 November 2011

Time to vote!

Hey you wonderful people!

Hope you had a lovely weekend and are having a super Monday. I had such a tremendous weekend with my girls and got home at a reasonable time yesterday which meant THB and I could go for a walk around the lake behind my house. We saw a HERON just stood at the waters edge; we were only a few metres away but it didn't seem to mind us being there so we stayed for quite some time just looking at how beautiful it was :-)

Unfortunately today didn't start quite so well for me as I had to take my car to the garage (stupid warning light! grrr!) but everything was sorted after about 30mins so it worked out fine in the end!

Anyway, just wanted to send a quick note out there to say my tee design is up for voting, click here to vote! Thanks!




If you could check the box which says "notify if as a tee" that would be marvellous!
HAPPY MONDAY! :-) xxxx

Friday 18 November 2011

Tra la la, Friday!

Hey hey hey!

BIG HUGS AND KISSES from Nanny to you! I AM JOLLY (as usual) because it is Friday and I have a weekend of girly fun ahead of me to celebrate lovely Alex's birthday (see a couple of posts ago for her card!). There is sure to be lots of giggles, chats and wine... OH MY GOODNESS I CAN'T WAIT! Woo!!

Here is today's piccy:

(inspired by THB!)


Enjoy your weekend whatever you get up to :-) xxxx

Thursday 17 November 2011

The Breakfast Club

Hey all :-D

Hope November is treating you well :-) So far I'm having a fantastic month, I feel totally pumped up and raring to go! WA-HOOOO!

So, I've been working on this design for quite some time now. I've got a few plans for it but I don't want to tell everything just yet. For now I've submitted it to threadless tees and I will see how it does there. It's not been approved yet for voting but when it does, I'll let you know!



(If you want to try the preliminary voting link I've been given  CLICK HERE but I can't guarantee you'll be able to vote just yet!)
Happy Thursday! :-) XXX

ps: today is my 4 month anniversary with Treasure Hunt Boy. I AM SO HAPPY! Just thought you'd like to know! :-) YEY!

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Sneaky pre-birthday messages

Howdy all!

Hope you're all smiley and jolly like I am! I feel so rejuvenated which I think is partly down to wearing a BRIGHT YELLOW dress! Woooo!

Two of my best-est buddies are turning 29 over the next 6 days, Alex tomorrow and Gemmy on Monday. I've used the same design for both of their cards (I do apologise girls!) as I've got quite a lot of stuff on both Graphic design and Illustration wise and I'm not sure I can get another design in... Hope they like them and don't mind the "surprise" being spoilt a little early. It's the message that counts anyways!




Nanny :-) x

Friday 11 November 2011

Recipe Update!

Hey all,

Just a quick note to say I got an email this morning saying yesterday's recipe has been approved for They Draw and Cook's website! YEY! Check it out here! YEY!






You can share the recipe via facebook, twitter or email it to someone if you'd like to spread the word... he he he!
xxxx

Thursday 10 November 2011

Recipe review!

Hello hello hello lovely followers!

I'm sorry I've been so quiet this week; I try and blog three times a week but it doesn't always work that way. My distracted behaviour is down to brainstorming like mad, resizing existing artwork and devising several plans to put into action now that I've decided to go it alone. I'm still very excited about it!



One of the first things I decided to do was create this double page spread for They Draw and Cook which is a website where artists/illustrators and designers who LOVE cooking can submit recipes in their own unique style. (for the eagle-eyed of you out there you may have noticed that I have created a freebie download of this recipe previously, but I didn't think it could hurt to redo it in a new format! Double click on the image for a more readable version). If the recipe is suitable it will be featured on their site or perhaps even printed in next year's edition of their book by the same name as the website! Woo! I'll keep you informed as always :-)

Hope you're smiling out there, see you later! xxx

Tuesday 8 November 2011

A new week, a new chance

Hello all :-)

I've been doing A LOT of thinking over the past few months and I've been rather quiet about it...and for good reason. I don't like to bad mouth but I've been incredibly disappointed with the agent I signed to back in April. If anything, I've felt held back and unable to pursue avenues I would've done had I not been contracted otherwise (and can I mention she hasn't got me a single piece of work?!). Anyway, after questioning said agent and not being satisfied with her response... I DECIDED TO HAND MY 30 days NOTICE IN! I'm scared of going it alone but I think I can do a darn sight better by myself and if it all goes wrong, well, I have nobody to blame but myself!

So here's to illustrating and going it alone as Nanny S-A! I'm actually very excited about it! :-) yey! xxx

Friday 4 November 2011

Moooooooooooooo (.com)!

Hellloooooooo!

Can I just say HURRAH that it's Friday! Who doesn't love Fridays??!
Today I have been busying myself with creating a set of thumbnail images from some of the work I've produced so far this year to be produced in a sticker book via Moo.com. I've never used these guys before so its a bit of a test but if the colour and quality is good enough I'll be printing my Christmas cards with them too! It was incredibly therapeutic and heart warming to go through everything. Seeing my images all together like this makes me OH SO VERY HAPPY indeedy. Hope this makes you jolly too!



Have a great weekend guys!
xxx

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Home is Best

Howdy folks!

Well November is under-way and there's no stopping it... This morning has flown past already but that could be partly due to watching films whilst I work... he he he ;-) I've created this today; it's for two friends (Treasure Hunt Boy's buddies, but hopefully mine too!) who have recently moved in together and are coming round for a yummy dinner (mustard stuffed chicken, crushed new potatoes and mangetout) tonight. I hope they don't see this post before I give this to them in greetings card form later, but if they do: CONGRATS GEMMA AND MARK! :-)


The colours have come out a little differently on here, printed they are more muted which looks super duper even if I do say so myself! Ha ha ha!
Lots of love,
Nanny xxx

Tuesday 1 November 2011

November already!

Hello folks!

Did you enjoy Halloween? How did you get on trick or treater wise?? I didn't get a SINGLE ONE! Boo boo boo!! Oh well, all the more goodies for Treasure Hunt Boy and I to eat! Yipppeeeee!

I can't get over the fact that it's November; this year feels like it has gone so quickly. It seems like I just blink and another week goes by. Hmm, this DOES mean Christmas will be here very soon though, hurrah!

So it is pretty mild weather wise at the moment but there has been the odd spitter splatter of rain about which is actually a good thing for today's post!



Treasure Hunt Boy actually came up with this idea but I've tweaked it slightly... Hope he doesn't mind!
xxx

Friday 28 October 2011

A spooky weekend ahead...

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYBODY!

How will you be spending your weekend? I think I will be sleeping, drinking and eating lots :-D I have loads planned (as usual!) including spending the whole of Sunday with my Mum for her birthday! Woo-hoo!! I love spending time with Mum, she's so funny :-)

Here is a little something in preparation for Monday:



I've already bought some sweet treats and put up some home-made Halloween bunting; perhaps I'll dress up on Monday too (I have a skeleton costume in my wardrobe, it's actually very comfortable!)  :-)

Have a great weekend everyone! xxx

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Ooh Halloween is only around the corner...

...and it seems the tricksters are already at it! For some peculiar reason, my Nanny S-A facebook page is not loading my new photos or comments? WEIRD WEIRD WEIRD and also very irritating!

OH HELLO BTW! Sorry for that little ranty-poo but I am rather frustrated as you can perhaps tell... Hopefully ruddy facebook will sort itself out soon, boo! Here is today's "spooky" themed piccy:


Nanny xxx

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Hey there! How are you doing?!

Ooh I had some truly lovely comments again on my last post, THANK YOU!! It's so nice sharing the love across the internets! I really appreciate all your support and kind words too :-) Oooh, to one of my newest followers/commenters Tangled up in blue; yes these are all my own doodles and I am utterly thrilled that you like them so much :-)

It's Tuesday and I'm super tired. I was even worse yesterday (hence the lack of posting) but in truth I'm not that much better today! I think it has something to do with the days getting shorter and the nights getting colder... I just want to huddle up somewhere warm and hibernate.

Today's writings have nothing to do with today's drawing but my brain is sleepy, forgive me!



I need to sleeps zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
xxx

Friday 21 October 2011

Friday: Final Post!

Hello hello hello!

I just wanted to start this post with a big THANK YOU and virtual hugs and kisses to design jessica and the book florist for their kind comments yesterday; it's so nice to feel supported. I don't want to come across as self indulgent on my blog but long time readers will know that I use this as a bit of therapy as well as a place to share my scribbles. I guess I just wanted to physically type the fact that I am so relieved to be feeling strong again and like I have so much more to show for the tears I shed and pain I went through. The whole experience has clarified so many things for me, it's like I know myself better than I ever could before. Yey! :-)

So, design jessica and the book florist; this is for you :-)



Have a wonderful weekend :-)
Nanny s-a xxx

Thursday 20 October 2011

Fourth post in four days: I'm on a roll!

Yip yip!

After weeks of feeling like I've not been giving as much attention to this blog as I would like: TA-DA! I'VE POSTED FOUR TIMES IN AS MANY DAYS! Ok, so it probably won't be the same next week but I'm proud that I've managed to stick to my target so far this week, yippppppeeeeeee!


What a cheeky insect :-)
Nanny xxxx

On a rather personal note (sorry, this may sound more like a diary entry), I am so happy at the moment. I recently found out something about an ex who really messed me up (I can't say too much but it appears he's gone backwards rather than improving himself personally) and it's just made me realise how far I've come and how I'm a far better person for all the negativity and sadness he made me feel. I wouldn't have said it at the time but now that I've healed and grown and have been lucky enough to meet someone (Treasure Hunt Boy!) so completely and utterly wonderful (in ways I never would have even imagined), it's all been completely worth it. I am so glad to be me. I feel so lucky :-) xxx

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Now for something a little bit cheeky...

Ooh hello there,

I am not sure how but it is already Wednesday which I guess can only be a good thing as it means we are nearer to the weekend! Hmmm, actually, is it a good thing to be wishing your week away like this?! I presume other people are the same... aren't they?!

Anyway... here is today's post! Erm, it's a bit naughty but I'm actually rather good at coming up with stuff like this so maybe more will follow! he he he!


Woop! ha ha ha ha! Nanny S-A xxx

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Sunny Tuesday

Alrighty there readers!

It is getting really nippy now, all of a sudden the weather has changed from being an "Indian summer" September to a properly autumnal October! This morning I made sure to wear (my favourite) winter coat and a lovely woollen scarf as I'm off out into London tonight to see two of my lovely uni girls (it's always cold in London I find!). Anyway, here's a little ray of sunshine to warm you up wherever you are :-)


Nanny xxx

Monday 17 October 2011

I'm sleepy, how is it Monday already?

Good day to you all, how are you? Happy and smiley I hope!

I am pooped. I really tried to get lots of sleep this weekend but failed miserably! I had the lovely Gemmy come and stay with me on Saturday and went to bed rather late as we were chatting too much. Last night Treasure Hunt Boy and I stayed up stupidly late after an AMAZING dinner of home made lasagne as we watched both Independence Day (a modern classic?!!) followed by Stardust (I ADORE this film). I must get an early night tonight! I'm actually a little nervous as I'll be giving blood in a few hours; this will be my 8th time but I still get scared! ha ha ha! What a wally!

Today's pic is a little commercial but hopefully still rather jolly:



I'm going to try to post every day this week so I'LL CHAT MORE TOMORROW!
Lots of Love, Nanny xxx

Thursday 13 October 2011

oooh my 140th post!

Good Morning!

I'm being a bit sneaky and I'm actually writing this 140th post (woo!) on a borrowed laptop whilst backstage at my final big work event for this year. The event hasn't started yet so I thought I'd sneak away and try to write something! I made sure I was prepared and took this design with me in the hope that I'd be able to find a quiet few minutes to post it for you and here it is; a finished version of the black and white design a did a few weeks ago:


Anyway, I've gotta go as the rehearsals are about to start! speak to you next week :-)
nanny s-a xxx

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Hey all!

I am in such a wonderful mood! I'm really happy and feel so lucky to have such a lovely man in my life :-) That is all I have to say today! :-)



xxx

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Reworkings...

Happy Tuesday!

Hope things are well with you all!

I feel like my blog posts have been awfully erratic and not detailed enough; I can only put this down to being all over the shop with my graphic design (day work) which involves staying away from home and some late nights. It's not usually this busy so hopefully I'll be able to put a little more thought into my posts soon!
So, I've been reworking a few images from past posts so they're perhaps more commercial and therefore sell-able! Here are a few examples:









I'll have something brand spanking new for you tomorrow! Until then, ta ta for now!!
Nanny s-a xxx

Monday 10 October 2011

Monday, busy busy busy!

Hiiiiiiiiiiiii!!

How are you all? I'm majorly busy with both graphic design stuffs and illustration stuffs today; I really don't know how I'll get it all done to be honest!

The wedding I went to on Friday was great; it was so intimate and personal! My Dad and (now officially!) my Step Mum had a super time and were so happy we were there to share it with them both. I think I'll send them this to let them know my gratitude!


Thanks for the WHSmiths congrats, AS SOON AS I know more I'll let you know!! :-)
xxxx
ps: Jessica, I loved your comment... mainly because I adore how you work with all your vectors! HA HA! xxx

Thursday 6 October 2011

Thursday: last day of the week for me!

Hello Readers!

Hope you've had a super duper week so far. Yup, the title is correct; it is indeed the end of the week for me as I am off work tomorrow because.... MY DAD IS GETTING MARRIED!!! My Step-Mum-to-be is a lovely lady and I couldn't be happier for them as they truly do love each other, HURRAH!
I made them a card (of course) with this graphic on it :-)



In other news, my agent went to see WHSmiths  last week and apparently they love my work! So, I'm busy doing a few new bits for them to view... hopefully they'll want to work with me for definite! Woo-hoo!


Have a lovely weekend guys and gals,
lots of love,
Your Nanny S-A xxx

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Stylist Competition

Hello Everyone!

Hope you are all super smiley and happy! I meant to post this yesterday but ran out of time; lots of exciting things are going on and distracting me, I'll tell you about them VERY SOON! WA-HOOOOOO!

So, Stylist Magazine are holding a competition to design their 100th issues's front cover so I thought I'd give it a go! Hope you likey :-)


I like how chubby the zeros are :-)

Promise I'll write more stuffs tomorrow, lots of love NANNY xxx

Thursday 29 September 2011

Last post for the month!

Helloooooooooo!

How are things? I am feeling a bit pukey if I'm honest... I shouldn't have had quite so many sherries the other night (yep, this is a two day hangover I've got here!). What is it with getting more and more dreadful hangovers the older you get?! I'm only 28 but feel a bit like I'm 68 today!

Perhaps this is something a 68 year old relative would buy you at Christmas:



I'm afraid I won't be posting tomorrow so I bid you farewell and hope you have a lovely weekend!
Nanny xxx

Tuesday 27 September 2011

WIP: work in progress

Howdy followers! Hope all is fine and dandy with you :-)

Alas! I am away from home with actual work and so I'm unable to finish this properly... I have many folders on my mac at home filled with patterns, colour palettes and random bits but I won't have access to any of these until Friday :-( boo!! So, not wanting to leave you empty handed, I shall just show you this work in progress instead!



hmmm... I'm thinking I should have drawn a kangaroo or a frog instead... oh bum!
xxx