Book Case

I love our book case. The colours, the diversity, the amount of books and the inspiration. (We have no room for more, a problem that quickly needs addressing since I have my eyes on at least 3 books!) I've been looking at some of the books I got in Japan today, they're so beautiful. I feel very inspired! Just wanted to show you some photos!

Mat's books! I love how tidy they look, and the mix of black and colour. Ahh lovely.

You may already realise, but this shelf is also full of Mat's books. I love the variety we have!

One of my favourite and most inspirational books is Wall Paper. It has some beautiful designs, including the ones below.

The first is by Rachel Kelly. I love the use of colour - the subtle against the vibrant. It works so well and really drew me in.

This one is by Florence Manlik. I love the different tones and the extremely fine lines. So intricate and detailed.

I was drawn to this piece by Destroy Rockcity because of the colours (I love the limited palette) and the boldness.

 And here are a few books I am lusting after at the moment. As soon as I have more pennies, these will be mine, I promise.

Below are some of the pages from Print & Pattern 2. They look stunning, I can't wait to see the rest! Hurry up pay day!!

And I NEED this series of Penguin Cassics, illustrated by Coralie Bickford-Smith. I've had my eyes on them since I first saw them the year before last. My needs are getting greater. They are just stunning. Not only are the books themselves wonderful, but I think I'd feel so happy having these on my shelves and holding them in my hands. WISH LIST!

Japan

As some of you know, last summer I went to Japan and had the most amazing time of my life. I met fantastic people, saw amazing sights and was constantly in awe. The devastating events in Japan this week have been heart-breaking and I hope to do anything I can, no matter how small it may be, to help.

Illustration Rally, founded and run by Japanese born Natsuki Otani, has set up an illustration rally with the theme Don't Give Up Japan がんばれ　日本

They are asking illustrators to send in illustrations of hope, unity and love. I will be producing a piece and sending it in as soon as possible. Please do the same if you have time, every post will be filled with links to charities raising money to help spread the word. I love illustration rally already, but I am so pleased to see this wonderful cause being tackled! :)

You can also donate artwork to raise money for the cause:

'We are also asking for artwork donations to sell to raise money for the relief effort. We would love any physical pieces at all, from cards and prints to full on characters and 3d! Anything you are willing to give we are happy to accept and all the profits made would go straight to the appeal. So if you want to take part or you have any questions please contact us at artwork-illustrationrally[at]hotmail.co.uk and we will send you further information about where to send your work.'

Please keep up with all the happening over on the Ganbare Nippon Illustration Rally.

Here are some of the photographs I took whilst in the beautiful country that is Japan. I hope we can help and show love and hope.

Amazing country, amazing people! x