A fresh slate

I'm rather embarrassed to be wishing you a happy new year on the 30th January...you can just about forgive me I hope! We won't talk about Christmas, that's long gone (but is was a good one, and thank you so much if you bought something from me/chatted at stalls/ followed me online and all the rest!) 

 One of the events I did over Christmas, Newark Park

And another at Berry Farm, Gloucestershire. This guy was rather good but I don't recall his name. Home is so beautiful.

I'm back in Finland and spent the first half of the month preparing myself mentally for the year ahead...visiting galleries to get inspired, knitting, cooking and making a dress (which I haven't tried since school!) Of course, this was all pure self-indulgent procrastination, but I'm absolutely sure that by doing other creative things really gears you up to finally get going again. It's funny, a new year shouldn't mean too much, but each time after the busiest time of the year I seem to awkwardly stumble into the new one! 

We've been here a year now (!) and there's snow on the ground, though bitterly not half as much as the amount we arrived to a year back (made getting about and organizing ourselves a slightly traumatic experience for me!) I feel a lot better and settled this time around. I guess I know what to expect and have a decent insulated coat this time around, it's been around -18C for a while now.

Some catch up photos...

Back to Helsinki- a couple of weekends ago the sea froze over again...I will still never be able to get over walking on it across islands and harbours (followed by mandatory hot chocolate)

At Birger Kaipianen's exhitbition at the Weegee Museum here...massive love for this mans' ceramic work. Following images are his too.

Just beautiful, I think you'll agree. I love ceramics, and have an even bigger respect for anyone that can work with clay after I took an evening class in it a couple of years ago...!

This blog post may seem a little thrown together and erratic, but my brain is currently running this way. Yesterday, I started my now annual '20 day Postcard Project'. When we got here last year, I cured some serious artist block by painting on blank post cards each day for 20 (because that's how many came in the pack I had, in case you were wondering). A sketchbook was far to empty and daunting right then. I'd rack my brains for something to paint on the postcards and post them onto Facebook each day so I kept disciplined and got some really positive feedback, as well as getting me through a sticky patch. Perfect! I'm doing it again. Today is day 2 and I will of course be getting around to putting them on here at some point, but you will see them first on my Facebook page here...look forward to having you hopefully. Wish me luck! X 

(Last years offerings)

Time at the bar folks, 'tis the last day of orders before the Christmas postage cut off date tomorrow! Treat yourselves to a nice 20% off of orders in my Etsy shop of £5 or over before tomorrow with code: HAPPYHOLIDAYS13

S X

Four weeks to go!

Gosh, it's a little while since I last posted, or at least it feels that way! I'm back at home in the UK getting incredibly busy for Christmas stalls and getting your orders out to you whilst the fella holds the fort back in Helsinki. Needs must! A little of what's been going on, and a little gifting inspiration to get you in the mood, just four weeks til the big day you know! 

We caught a ship to Tallinn, Estonia for my birthday. It was cold and romantic and we spent a lovely lazy afternoon sat in the most amazing restaurant for hours of eating. Dream floor, pink peppercorns and warm, fresh bread...I spend hours dreaming of having my own cafe/restaurant/pizzeria and if it were to happen, it might go something like this...ahem...

I also finally learnt to knit. YES!

I've been making new things for stalls. All a little late in the day but that's how it goes here I'm afraid! You will catch me at events here, including The Selvedge Winter Fair this weekend, sure to be a good one!

A taster of what I'll be bringing...the sweetest stocking fillers, including magnets, pocket mirrors, new brooches and necklaces, art prints, Christmas cards, totes, aprons and whatever else I can fit onto the National Express up to London Town! Do come and say hello!

Wish me luck! As always, you can shop online or drop me an email. S X

This week only...

Pick up some pre-Christmas bargains in my Etsy shop this week only, it's my birthday this week and I'm feeling extra sweet! Shop here and be sure to check out the other sections for perfect gift-giving ideas X

New tree decs...

We've had a wee smattering of snow over here! Brrrr it's getting cold...thermals at the ready! It has felt like the shortest Autumn I've ever witnessed, a week or two of beautiful bright yellow trees and blue skies, and now thrown into winter already...in October!

There is now just 10 weeks until Christmas, just to remind you! I've been spending my time wisely, cosied up inside drinking tea and getting ready for the Christmas events I have lined up this year. You can always check my events page if there's any which take your fancy, I love to meet you all! There's more dates to be added too so check back! My knitting I started to learn since being here is getting a bit better too now, Christmas pressies a-go! (lucky you)

I'm taking orders on my new tree decorations now for the next couple of weeks, so if you'd like one personalized  make sure you email me with your orders and requests! My email is stephaniecole[at]live.co.uk 

I've done lots already for first Christmases and personalized monograms, a special year and the perfect sweet gift...

Each one I've hand painted with acrylic paint onto natural wood slices, varnished and strung with festive string. They are £6 each including free postage to mainland UK and orders will be posted out in November. I will have some for the Christmas events I'll be at too, hope you like them! 

In other news, Society6 who you can buy products with my illustrations on from including cushions, note cards, tech cases for laptops, ipads and phones, tote bags and the likes has FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING through until this Sunday! I really like the new style tote bags, and my owl design is perfect for all your A/W carrying needs! Shop here...

Tonight I finally begin my Finnish speaking lessons. In December we will have been here a year. Still can't quite believe it. I'm hoping to add to my basic 'hellos', 'goodbyes', 'thank yous' and odd useless words and manic pointing...It's so easy to be lazy and British about language here because everyone's English is great, but I have to have a go, it feels a bit rude. Plus, I need to go home and impress everyone who asks! From now on, everyone is only allowed to speak Finnish to me so it's more of a necessity and I'm forced to learn, OK? ..wish me luck. X 

New Christmas cards!

My newly illustrated Christmas cards are 100% recycled and printed in the UK. They come complete with brown kraft envelopes (also recycled!) and are just perfect for writing up your good tidings and messages of festive cheer! Available at www.stephaniecole.co.uk as single cards or as packs.

Hope you like them! X

What's new?

Am back in Helsinki after three lovely weeks at home in the UK catching up on bits and organizing, packing, wrapping and all the rest which goes on backstage! It wasn't all work, I had a week in St Ives, Cornwall getting totally blown away and eating mountains of amazing food. It was pure bliss and now feels like a nice dream...

I think Cornwall is even more beautiful out of season (plus fewer tourists and a better chance of getting a table anywhere!) We visited The Minack Theatre which looked incredible looming in the mist, Mousehole, and the Lizard, ate mind blowing food with flowers on at Porthminster Beach Cafe and The Seafood Cafe and spent many hours reading magazines, drinking tea and spending time with my parents. We even spotted a seal swimming off the beach. Time well spent :) X