Anzu for Wellicious

The Wellicious tea has arrived, in packaging designed by Anzu! I couldn't make up my mind which picture to upload so I decided to put all of them on in the end. There are three teas to choose from - relax, invigorating, and beauty detox.

I chose a different colour palette for each of the teas, with illustrations of the different ingredients on each be it rose petals, cornflowers, or lavender. Each tea is topped with the signature Wellicious bow and packaged in manilla bundles, reflecting the natural 100% organic quality of the teas and I love the way it has turned out! Go to www.wellicious.com to buy

Allsopp wedel

This morning as I walked along the street where my office is, I saw these men moving this art installation. The gallery is called Allsopp Wedel and they always have interesting things going on.

They have also exhibited Tracey Snelling's work. Tracey Snelling does amazing miniature replicas of gritty urban scenes, be they city scapes or motel rooms.

The recreation below is one of a street in Istanbul. You can see more of her work on her website www.traceysnelling.com

Portobello road

I am so lucky that Portobello road is just around the corner, and at the weekend I went to the market. I didn't find the picture frames I was looking for, but it was still fun!

Why does vinyl always look so good?

A little Victorian style violet silk posy. It rather reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in the beginning of My Fair lady

Wild roses

These amazing flowers are actually made completely from sugar. My Mum in addition to working for anzu, teaches an art evening class and this is the patient and beautiful work of a student of hers, Pat Robinson.

Why not (no. 12)

We think this Christmas stocking idea is a really nice and different way to draw attention to your Christmas cards (for your shop or home). Jasmine made this stocking out of a couple of anzu brochure covers stuck together. You could use one large piece of card. Draw the shape out on the back, remembering to curve it around the heel and foot to make it look extra cute, and then cut out. Keeping the back facing up, place your chosen cards onto the stocking at random angles (making sure they don't overlap or go over the bottom cut line). Use the cards to indicate how long the slits should be, and where they should go. Place cards in slits, if necessary reinforce the back with extra card, attach the ribbon and give yourself a pat on the back!

Inspiration no. 4 Marianne North

A place I love to go to is the Marianne North gallery at Kew gardens, London. The gallery is in a small quite plain building that doesn't hint at the wealth of work inside. The paintings aren't old masters, but there are some really lovely ones and what really makes it is the collection.

Marianne North was a Victorian naturalist and painter, who, on her father's death, set off around the world painting hundreds of paintings on her travels. She even collected wood panels from everywhere she visited and these decorate the bottom panels in the gallery.

Miss North travelled across many different continents painting a mixture of broader landscapes and in depth florals. Above is a distant view of Mount Fujiyama, Japan and below floral paintings from her trip to India

I find her sheer determination to paint everything she saw and the sheer volume of her work completely inspiring. I also love the way all the paintings are displayed in the gallery - I myself have a huge box containing over a hundred anzu paintings as well as a portfolio full of work and it would be great to see them all displayed at once.

Burning the midnight oil

Sometimes things don't always go to plan! For the last couple of days, I have spent time doing a painting only to decide at the end that I am unhappy with it. I did still like the original drawing however, so I had to trace the whole thing and start from scratch again. Grr. 

I am working to a couple of deadlines so there was nothing for it but to stay up well into the night. Thankfully Jasmine was a partner in crime.

Autumn

Although it is miserable now, I think this autumn has been especially beautiful. Click on the anzu tree above and watch the leaves fall.

I love these intricately carved leaves by sculptor and artist Jen Stark (via thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com)

The Berkeley spa

Yesterday, I went to the Berkeley hotel www.the-berkeley.co.uk to pick up some things they would like illustrated.

The spa has a new brochure, new letter-paper and looks quite different too. As well as talking about the latest job for them, it was also the first time I had seen my illustrations on the new things. I love how they've turned out.

I started work on the new project as soon as I got back into the office, and will be sure to post the finished result.

On the way out (by the lift), there was this stunning floral arrangement. I think the combination of grey, gold and purple is beautiful.

English eccentric

I have decided to make some little changes to the look of the office and so have been trailing the London shops for some new things. I really like the English eccentric look that is around at the moment so I paid a visit to Caravan. With chintz covered mannequins, teapots galore, and old wooden display cabinets in the shop it didn't disappoint. I even like the graphics on their website, see www.caravanstyle.com

I ended up with these chintzy cushions, and they wrapped everything beautifully. Another place I visited is just up the road from work, Howie and Belle.

It has vintage clothing, 30s style lampshades, French tub chairs, and curios. It always has different things. I ended up with a barley twist lamp.

The Howie and Belle website is www.howieandbelle.com The final stop was Tower Bridge Antiques in Bermondsey - a massive warehouse full of antiques and junk (photo below). You never know what you might find! I love this chair. Unfortunately it wouldn't fit in the office, which is probably just as well as I think I'd feel pressurised to dress like Barbarella every day just to sit in it!

Private house sale

Wellicious is holding a private sale on thursday 13th November from 11am-9pm in London. They will be selling their brand new Wellicious teas with packaging designed by Anzu, cashmere, jewellery as well as Anzu cards. Do RSVP to info@wellicious.com if you'd like to come!

Above image: Shop shelves by Anzu