Actual cards in the post

I may be in a very exciting world of digital EVERYTHING in my new role at GitHub, but I'm holding on to the tradition of sending physical handmade cards this Christmas. 

There's satisfaction found in making them (I 💚  hole punching), enjoyment found in writing personal messages, and a fuzzy festive feeling that comes from knowing I'd smile if I received something similar.

Made from old photos / paint gradient exercises / collage material / thread and spare brown card, they're also assisting in the ongoing house-clearing quest at chez Mum.

#allroundfestivecheer

Summer

It is hot and humid here in Auckland today. The opposite of what I'm used to in February. Where are the minus temperatures and frosty windscreens?!

To take advantage of the season, we've just been on a little holiday to explore the South Island. The above instalment in my terrarium series has been inspired by this trip, particularly a place called Alexandra, which sits in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps. It is the driest, hottest and coldest place in NZ. We felt lucky to see it in it's summer glory - warm and dry, with clear blue skies and the kind of bright sunshine that makes for excellent photography. The below of which made it's way into the digital collage. 

Dinosaurs can be festive

Yeah, so various projects remain in progress. And I can't blame it on seasonal festivities because I'm feeling quite the opposite in summery sunny NZ. I simply got distracted by drawing my new pet.. 

 .. And then by cutting and sticking lovely bits of paper into and around the shapes that my pencil makes..

It's not festive but it brings joy. Merry Christmas :)

Life drawing on the other side of the world

Found a class to attend in NZ within 5 days of arriving and it certainly helped in making me feel more grounded. Here's a drawing of a contemplative pose to which I later added some collage-y bits.

Abacaxi

Became a bit obsessed with this word during my (ongoing) attempt to learn Portuguese. And now I keep spotting them all over. So I had to join the club and draw one - in continuous line and digital collage - conveniently completed in time for a special person's birthday. Happy pineapple. 

Up, up and away..

I've spent an unjustifiable amount of time on this doodle, and now consider hot air balloooooons as difficult to draw as horses!  However, perseverance has got me to this point...

... and this work-in-progress digital collage, bringing together various elements, is a fitting illustration for now, because this month is one full of upward movement following completion of my MSc.  Let's see where it takes me next...