Twinkle Star Art blog

a long creative sabbatical

Ok, well here it is. I am sad to say that Twinkle Star Art is now officially closed for business indefinitely. My website will remain open and my gallery of artwork will be available for viewing. I might even drop in on my blog occasionally and rattle on about whatever comes to mind.

My decision has not been made lightly, it has been after months of soul searching. Running Twinkle Star Art and a family of three young children has really taken it's toll on me physically and mentally. The business, promotion and online networking side of it takes up so much precious time. I'm left with very little time to actually draw. I love creating, I want to do more of that and less of the other.

Currently I'm exploring a new creative path, one which will not require any online networking or business planning at this stage. I've rediscovered my love for writing – most probably because I started this blog. I'm in the process of exploring this further, and I'll see where that leads me. I wish I could explore my writing and keep Twinkle Star Art running, but it's just not possible at this point in time. Hopefully doable in the future.

Thank you to everyone who emailed or left warm thoughts of encouragement on my blog and facebook page. Please don't be concerned for me as I'm happy with my decision. And it's quite liberating actually. I'd like to think of it as taking a very long creative sabbatical. Just unfortunate that I have to close one door in order to open another. (I will keep Twinkle Star Art's key safely tucked away, so that I can reopen that door if I wish to return later).

Thank you also to all my customers for your support. I'm really sorry if this change has inconvenienced anyone.

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On a more cheerful note... it's time to announce the winner of my latest Noah's Ark giveaway. 17 was the lucky number that came up on Random.org random number generator. AND the winner is... Le from beyond whoop, whoop (gees let's hope you get postmen out your way!). I'll be in touch shortly for a postal address to send your prize. Congratulations!!!

Twinkle Star Art news update

This is just a quick note to let you know that I have set my Etsy and Made it shops on vacation mode indefinitely. Sadly my online shop linked to my blog will be following shortly after my latest giveaway ends. The Noah's Ark art print giveaway is still open for entries... details here.

I'm sorry if this has caused any inconvenience. I'll be back after my giveaway ends to announce the winner and to explain my reasons for Twinkle Star Art's indefinite closure. 

Art print giveaway ~ Noah's Ark

Twinkle Star Art is giving away Noah's Ark children's art print. These playful animal characters will liven up any child's room.

  

Noah's Ark 8 x 8 inch fine art print giveaway

How to enter ~

Simply leave a comment at the end of this post. That simple!

Most importantly, I will need some way of contacting you should you win :)

Entries will close on Friday the 19th of February, Midnight America/New York time (3pm Saturday 20th February for Australians). I will draw the winner using a random number generator. Anyone can enter, I'm happy to post 'free' worldwide.

For more giveaways check out The Big BrisStyle Giveaway over at BrisStyle's blog.

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Here's my complete Noah's Ark collection...

 

Art prints & letter prints available in green, pink or blue

Arrr, me close to conquering th' picaroons!

 

Arrr, stop ye scurvy hornswoggle orrr I be 
delivering th' Black Spot t' ye!

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I be seize'n all yer doubloons ye lily-livered sassypants, arrr!

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I'm very close to finishing my pirate illustration for Twinkle Star Art's latest children's wall art series. Just some final touches to add to the beach scene and it will be complete.

Click the image for a larger view.

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Har's me latest sketchies ye landlubbers!

My latest pirate themed illustration in progress...

Click the image for a larger view.

 

In my sketch book ~ Aye, me picaroon!

My second preliminary drawing for my latest pirate themed kids wall art. The pirate sister gets away with her pirate brother's treasure while playing buccanneers.

 

I be seize'n all yer doubloons ye lily-livered sassypants, arrr!

I feel like I'm going full steam ahead due to having a few hours devoted entirely to Twinkle Star Art studio time this week. Thanks to my lovely friend for looking after my kids at family day care. I'm so lucky to have you Lu lu :)

In my sketch book ~ Ahoy me matey!

My first preliminary drawing for Twinkle Star Art's latest pirate themed children's wall art collection.

 

Arrr, stop ye scurvy hornswoggle orrr I be 
delivering th' Black Spot t' ye!

Happy holidays!

 

Miss Am wearing her 'Booootiful Christhmas Party Dwess' designed by talented dressmaker Robyn from HotFudge.

I've decided to slow things down by taking a 'blog break' over Christmas. I thought it was time to pull up a chair and enjoy the Christmas holidays with my children. Not that I'll have time to sit down of course.

If you wish to purchase from my Twinkle Star Art, Etsy or Made It shops over the Christmas holidays, please be patient as orders may take a little longer than usual. 

Leaving three children to entertain themselves unsupervised has proven to have its consequences. In the time it took me to type an email yesterday, my boys had partially cut up our table cloth and drew colourful pictures all over their bodies with non-washable pens (the Christmas colouring pages I gave them were left blank).

Anyway, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

 

  My children bring love and warmth to our Christmas tree with all their handmade decorations.

BrisStyle market experience

 

Here's a glimpse of my display at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market last Saturday. Being part marketeer novice and part goose, I forgot my framed art which was kind of the whole point of my display. After kicking myself a few times, I got on with the day.

And a fantastic day it was, filled with arty crafty atmosphere. It's lovely to be around so many talented, like minded people. Talking to others about their crazy crafty obsessions makes me feel slightly less abnormal.

I managed to empty my purse before the day started. My Christmas shopping is mostly out of the way after stopping by Selvedge House, Made by Maisie, Denim Days, Rock 'n' Wrap and Little Mary Moo's Place.

A huge thanks to Helen and the BrisStyle girls behind the scenes for making the day a great success. Also thanks to all of you who came along and supported the market and to those who stopped by my stall. I hope there will be many delighted little girls wearing Twinkle Star Art pendants this Christmas.

A few of my good neighbours...

Rock 'n' Wrap, Beckybean, Denim Days, Flight Industries

Little Mary Moo's Place, Retro Bird, Hot Fudge, EmBelISH 

NEW illustration badges & pocket mirrors

 

Pocket mirrors for girls

 

Big badges for boys  

Denim Days has been very busy making badges and pocket mirrors from my illustrations over the last couple of weeks. I was so thrilled when they arrived in the post. Thanks Tracey for doing a super job, they look fantastic! 

Twinkle Star Art badges, mirrors, pendants and gift cards will be available to purchase next Saturday at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (5th December 9am to 4pm, St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Rd, Hamilton, Brisbane).