No feet yet, and only one side of feathers. . .but slowly she is taking shape. Progress feels very slow with my illustrations at the moment too. School starts back on Monday which will make a difference. Book deadlines looming.

On a rainy day if you are looking for some beautiful images, have a look at the work of this illustrator. Some of her images are for sale here. She has some new books coming out which I can't wait to see.

Very quietly, here is the character of my next book. She is not fully dressed, so we are just peeking at her. Looking forward to introducing her properly soon.

Last week I finished the illustrations for a new book, which will come out at the end of the year.  It is a lovely story written by Jane Godwin (a companion book to All Through the Year) and I can't wait to see it all laid out with the typography. Marina Messiha and I are enjoying discussing making the cover very beautiful! 

Now it is full steam ahead with my other special book that I have been working on for a long time. The deadline is at the end of February and I would dearly love to have it ready for then or close to. Our family life, including moving studio last year and preparing to move house soon has meant that this next month will be very busy! I have detailed lists, calendars, mapping of every hour to see where I can squeeze in some extra time for illustrations. In the evening when I am told to put my work down for an hour, I have opened the sewing box to create my feathered friend who features in the story. I will post her progress, but this is the beginning.

Lauren Child who created this bright little tree continues to amaze me. I admire the way she constantly challenges herself creatively and takes risks in her work. From Charlie and Lola to exploring three dimensionsal illustrations in The Princess and the Pea, to some of her latest beautiful work of The Secret Garden, Lauren is very inspiring and her work continues to surprise and delight.

The paper tree was part of a Christmas card sent to me from Harper Collins UK in which you peeled the tree from the card so that you could hang it as a Christmas decoration. Perfect.