I say ‘studio’, because the space I work from is in fact our guest bedroom, piled high with furniture etc, including many boxes of ‘stuff’ we simply can’t put (or fit…) elsewhere in the house. I’ve always had grand dreams of a dedicated studio space which is light, open and airy - where I can plonk down and create, leave my paints where they fall, and can easily file and store my products. For now though, the guest room/study/packing room is that dedicated space to create in, and enjoy (but where I can walk away from the inevitable mess).
Christmas is fast approaching (almost without notice this year!) How it got here so quickly, goodness only knows. Did I mention gift wrapping is complimentary? Always helpful if you’re tight for time - plus I know someone who makes lovely cards! If you’re keen to get your hands on something from the Darling Creative shop in time for the big day, Australia Post has advised the cut off dates for post are Monday December 13 for everywhere in Australia except the NT and WA, but according to AP, express post is also a viable option until Monday December 20. For anyone in the NT and WA, last dates are Wednesday December 8 for regular post, and Wednesday December 15 for express.
On the bench at the moment, I’ve got plenty of greeting cards, tea towels and a few table cloths all packaged up and ready to go or the BrisStyle Twilight Markets, soon to be held in King George Square on Saturday 27 November from 4-9pm. I’ve been working on some new patterns for the print library, and have a few enquiries underway for custom surface pattern design - though I’m always genuinely torn about whether to hold on to them for myself for Darling Creative table linen, or if I should offer the for license. It’s like parting with close friends! Strange… but hopefully someone understands the sentiment.
I recently worked with Ruth Chaplain Creative to create some repeat patterns in time for Christmas - and it looks absolutely brilliant (if I do say so myself). Ruth is an incredibly talented artist who works from her family cattle station in Cloncurry, and has three little ones. Her artwork is amazing - but you know, it’s so hard to think about how she paints the way she does. I’m truly in awe of her style. You can have a little squizz at her website here.
Back in January, I returned to my job as a journalist after navigating newborn life/first time parenting in a pandemic, and put my artistic mind (and hands) to work in a far greater capacity than I ever have. Motherhood has already been an incredible journey for me (with many twists and turns, and unexpected emotional and physical elements). Our son is our little darling - and hence Darling Creative was born, just over a year after he changed our lives forever. Already, Darling Creative has brought me so much joy, and I am incredibly grateful to be able to do what I do through it. So any time you make a purchase, or license one of my patterns - please know I see you, and I deeply appreciate your investment in my family and business.
Now, let’s see if I can actually get more than one blog post up this year! If not - my very best wishes for happy holidays and a Merry Christmas go with you in reading this.
