South Bound

I've been back at Gloucester Services, (part of the Westmorland Family) once again painting the walls of the stunning eco-build - this time for the opening of their South Bound farmshop and kitchen on the M5 between J11a & 12. It's so great to be back! Here's a little of so far...

(Mark Lord Photography)

All previous photos and content ©Stephanie Cole, 2015. (It is not ok to reproduce my designs. If you like them please just get in touch and we can discuss what I can do for you!)

New work showing...

You are cordially invited! Catch new multidisciplinary pieces I've been working on lately in the New Brewery Arts, Cirencester, through May...

S x

New textiles!

I've just launched a collection of hand screen printed textiles, introducing new 'Allotment' aprons & tea towels! 

Inspired by outdoor living and printed in a mid-century inspired aqua blue and zingy orange this combo should be just the thing to cheer up your kitchen as we migrate into a (hopefully!) more al fresco lifestyle, Pimms & BBQ anyone? They come wrapped beautifully, so will also make perfect gifts for foodie or garden fanatic friends. They're in the shop now, hope you like them!

S x

Oh, hi Spring

Goodness, where has the year been going to!? I've been busy in and out of the studio and enjoying life in Surrey...though feel like I've been heading back to Gloucestershire quite a bit too for bits and pieces, I can't keep away.

Recently...

Photos courtesy of Hobbs House Bakery

I spent a lovely few days working on some hand-scripted chalk boards to dress the counters in legendary Hobbs House Bakery. You can spot the work in full glory at their Chipping Sodbury and Tetbury shops in Gloucestershire. As expected, I'm now paying for a wonderful indulgent week- everything is just exquisite and a little too hard to resist...!

~

I've also been busy working on some new cards to add to the range, which have been very well received and selling with my lovely stockists and in my online shop already. 

I find it refreshing creatively to work on different projects and spend time working on site out of the studio. I'm very lucky most days are pretty different. I always wonder whether my graphic work and more painterly bits sit alongside each other well enough, then the thought goes and I find myself doing both anyway because it comes naturally. I suppose some things just lend themselves better to certain mediums...and some days I feel like painting in ink, sometimes in paint. Does that make sense? I'm working on a big mural project at the moment I can tell you about soon, and spending the rest of my time trying to get some new work of my own out- watch this space! S x

Some Valentine Inspiration...

Available in my online shop, these illustrated bits will last a lot longer than flowers + chocolate, though paired with a homemade cake, you're sure to be kept around! 

S x

Studio Sale!

I'm happy to report my online shop's back OPEN and there's a studio SALE to sink your teeth into! 

Pick totes up for £6.95, cards from £1.50, tea towels from £6.00, art prints from a measly£8.50 and aprons are all £16.00. There's limited availability on some lines and free p&p for the UK as per usual, HAPPY SHOPPING folks! S x 

Phew!

Hi all, and a very belated happy new year...! It's been a little hectic over here, and all change over Christmas- will try to make it brief! 

I moved back from Finland to the UK in November, very suddenly as my partner landed a new job in Britain, and I was due to fly back to the UK in the next few days anyway for work- cue ginormous scramble to get as much stuff packed and home as possible! ...No matter how much I try to plan and organize, life always seems to have a spanner chucked in the works, just for fun! Christmas is only my busiest time of year anyway...

Of course, I'm really going to miss Finland and the friends we made there, the place we made our home and where I found what I wanted to do creatively. I learnt a lot about myself in that cold-icey-beautiful place! We'll go back to visit, though I am so pleased to be living in the UK again after two years of flying back and forth. It'll be great for work- I've already got lots for this year planned and am excited I can commit myself to just being in one place and throw myself into everything! 

I'm now happily living in Farnham, which so far seems to be a lovely, creative little place (though we currently have only a couple of pieces of furniture and it's pretty much rained non-stop). If you have any tips and recommendations for living in this part of the world, look me up!

Some other things that happened along the way...
I was over at Gloucester Services again painting murals, this time in the butchers and some finishing touches on the shelves in the petrol station. Not visited there yet? You really must!

I was at home in the Cotswolds, where I herald from originally. I did a couple of stalls, did plenty of my favourite walk down to the post office with Christmas orders, saw lots of family and friends, and ate lots of good food. I love being at home.

I found time to do some stitching and making, something I was very happy about. I plan to do lots more...

Here's to a really great 2015, new home, new adventures! S x