Pink Parakeet

Mug designs

2012-02-01T05:53:00.001-08:00

It's freezing today here in Leeds so I'm staying firmly wrapped up inside drawing mug pattern designs for my agent. These cheerful florals are keeping me entertained though!

Printastic...

2012-01-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

It's the Leeds Print Festival this weekend with lots of exciting stuff happening including exhibitions, talks and stalls. Showcasing some great work by graphic designers, illustrators and typographers all working with print processes. I've got a stall as part of the event on Saturday and it would be great to see some of you. Find oodles of information about goings on here on their website.

Find me in M&S

2012-01-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

Today I stumbled across one of my designs I'd sold for sale in M&S - very exciting. Definitely buying this for my Mom come Mother's Day!

Woodland trees

2012-01-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

Keep getting a little bit obsessed with mirroring things at the minute - great fun!

Yes-colours sorted

2012-01-11T02:35:00.000-08:00

I'm off screen-printing tonight and this, along with my new mother's and valentine's day cards, will be making its way onto my sexy new screens! Can not wait - I've not printed anything since before Christmas and my golly do I miss it.

Not On The High Street

2012-01-06T06:18:00.001-08:00

Yay! We made the front page, now that was an unexpected treat!

The beginning of new ideas

2012-01-06T06:02:00.000-08:00

Been beavering away at a new print design this morning...going ok so far - here's a work in progress but my eyes have had just about enough of this computer!!

It's been a while!

2012-01-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all!

It's been absolutely ages since I've posted or tweeted anything-whoops-but fear not I've been busy! Today sees some new spring season cards being prepped for screen-printing and some doodles for 2 new projects I'm working on - more on that front soon!

In my absence I've joined forces with a fellow screen-printer to create some collaborative work and secret projects (secret for now at least) and we now have our very own Not On The High Street shop-very exciting! Please go and take a look! It's currently only got bits and bobs you've probably already seen but should start to include some of our new joint projects in the coming weeks. I hope you like it. More info on secret ventures to follow - soon I hope - just don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet!

Also, remember this little fella?

Well, over the festive period I sold him to a home-ware company in the States and he'll be appearing on cereal bowls and mugs from May! I've never had designs on ceramics before so that's pretty cool-more of this please 2012!

Next Weekend

2011-11-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

I shall be exhibiting work at the following fairs next weekend, get them in your diary for some great Christmas Shopping ideas! Headingley Arts Trail runs both Sat and Sun across various locations in Headingley, Leeds (see The Bowery website for more details) whereas Otley Designer Fair is the Sunday only (13th) 10am - 4pm. Hope to see some friendly faces!

Busy Bee!

2011-11-04T03:59:00.000-07:00

So, here are some pictures from the Manchester Artist Book Fair the other week, it was great fun and I met some really lovely people. Sorry for my lack of posts lately, I've got 2 fairs and an exhibition opening next week so things are a little hectic! Hopefully things will calm down soon though!

Manchester Artists Book Fair...

2011-10-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

...is tomorrow (Sat 22nd).
Pop along if you're in town and see our collection of limited edition screened and bound artist books and other printed treats. It's at the Holden Gallery on Cavendish Steet. Will pop some photo's up when I get back tomorrow!

Ilkley Arts Trail

2011-10-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's currently the Ilkley Arts trail in Ilkley (surprisingly) West Yorkshire. As part of the event I have some work showing at Cakewalk, a fab treasure trove for all things hand made and vintage. If you're around the area and fancy a lovely day out why not pop along and have a look at some of the art and craft on show! The event runs up until the 16th Oct.

How did you spend your Sunday?

2011-10-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

I spent mine painting up papers and cutting out new motifs for some new projects I've got up my sleeve. Who cares if it's raining if you've got coloured paper and scalpels to play with! :)

Doodley one colour prints

2011-09-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

It's the Ilkley Arts Trail next weekend (the 8th Oct) and I'm exhibiting some pieces as part of it. I ideally need to bust out 4 new prints for Cakewalk to display as well as some of my notebooks and cards. As time is of the essence, think I might give some simple one colour prints a go, just finalising some ideas now - hmm, what do you reckon?

More abstract forest ideas

2011-09-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

So, I have a couple of exhibitions and art fairs on the horizon and have had a bit of a panic about the amount of work I've got to do. Need to get at least 6 design ideas for my abstract forest collection, getting there - playing with this owly one today...how many times has he come out to play!? Still a fave though... plus I finalised my print palette - happy days.

Mirrors have arrived!

2011-09-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

My new pocket mirrors have arrived. Busy photographing this afternoon, then they'll be up on my etsy site too. They look so cute in the flesh!

Snapping some product shots today!

2011-09-09T04:27:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness the sun is shining today as I'm attempting to photograph some of my products for Etsy and general press purposes. Finding it really hard to make the photos look good - need to practice my photography skills a bit more for sure. Enjoying my capsicum red tea-towel with some beans out of the garden though, but it is making me hungry!

Sneeky peek!

2011-08-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

Been working on an illustration tonight for Amelia's magazine - a little different to my normal stuff but nice to try something I wouldn't normally do!

Abstract forest number 2

2011-08-23T04:58:00.000-07:00

This morning has been spent putting together another print for my series of 'abstract forests'. Looking forward to seeing them screen-printed and all together! Maybe next week with a bit of luck.

Notebooks ahoy!

2011-08-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have been super busy during my Summer vacation from work, making and printing lots of new stock for forthcoming events! Really excited about putting the finishing touches to some new 'Pink Parakeet' items and a rather fun new venture I'm embarking upon - more of that soon!

Today has been spent binding and trimming these little boat print notebooks, whilst munching on copious amounts of coffee and cake! The perfect way to spend a productive afternoon. Just 40 more to go!

Yay a new print!

2011-08-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Finished a little screen print this week - and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. Like the thought of having a selection of pattern/abstract prints within my forest theme collection alongside some more 'illustration' prints. Time to fashion a few others to go with it now - happy days!

What to do in a thunderstorm?

2011-08-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

I always turn my computer off when there's thunder about - paranoid maybe but I don't want my precious Mac dying on me because of a power serge! There has been plenty of rumblings this afternoon here in Leeds so whilst the skys were going a little crazy I took the time to make up some cards.
These I screen-printed a little while ago but thought they looked a bit drab so have been 'colouring them in'. Now they look like a just doodled card ready to send - perfect for my next craft sale!

Work in progress.

2011-08-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

Been cutting out bits of paper today for some simplistic/abstract woodland scenes in contrast to the busy illustrations I started on yesterday. Still a bit of a way to go though. At least I've got my colour palette sorted!

Might these be the colours?!

2011-08-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

So hard to know what they'll look like just by seeing them on a computer screen - every monitor makes them look slightly different which is very annoying, much prefer mixing paint in a pot.

Something bright and cheerful with a touch of autumn is what I think I'm going to go for. Maybe a little bit of changing when I see them together in paint on paper but along these lines - hurrah!

What a productive day.

Hooray for Mr Fox!

2011-08-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hmm, which colours? Going to keep tweaking...

Finally Mr Badger comes to life!

2011-08-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

After drawing these guys a few weeks ago I've managed to finally get around to making them into print designs - will start screen-printing them tomorrow with a bit of luck - yippee! What do you think - shall I leave the text on or not?

Tigerprint Competition

2011-07-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

Been seriously slack on these competition briefs of late. Just managed to throw together these for the male pattern brief, with 1 hour to spare! Will try and consider my entries a little more next time.

Unseasonable work...

2011-07-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Busy working out some simple xmas ideas for winter 2012 - which seems a little weird as today was lovely and warm. Never-mind, I still enjoy drawing Christmas trees - whatever the season!

Gig poster design

2011-07-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I've done any posters for shows, but here's a little flyer I've just done for a 30th birthday gig. Looking forward to this night of riffs....

Woodland friends

2011-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been a bit slack at posting anything new of late - I've been busy though don't you worry! Let me introduce you to some new friends I've been working on as part of a new series of prints/drawings based around woodland creatures. Hope you like them, they make me chortle quite a lot - which is always a good thing in my mind! They're just simple mocked up sketches at the moment so I look forward to letting you see them once they've developed a little bit further.

Little Bubbler

2011-06-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

My very lovely and talented friend Jayne has recently set up her Etsy shop packed full of fabulous screen-printed T-shirts and Totes! Expect future collaborations between Little Bubbler and Pink Parakeet - exciting times! Check out Little Bubblers new store here.

Seaside fun

2011-05-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

My newest theme for some prints is going to be the good old British seaside; think beach-huts, deck chairs, sand castles and ice cream! Just in time to get me ready for the Summer sunshine - can't wait. These little huts will definitely be making an appearance!

Wise old owl

2011-05-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

A new little repeat featuring some owls I sketched out the other day. These little fellas make me chuckle!

Tweet Tweet!

2011-05-09T14:23:00.001-07:00

Pink Parakeet is now on Twitter! Still finding my way around it though ... sure I'll get there, how hard can it be?! Follow me here.

Everything stops for tea!

2011-05-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

It's another Bank Holiday here in the UK today - hurrah! - which, in our house, means lots of drinking tea and relaxing. Which probably has something to do with the fact that this afternoon I seem to be doodling all things tea related. Right, time to put the kettle on again..

Happy days.

2011-04-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad it's a bank holiday as it gives me loads of creative time which is brilliant! Busy beavering away at some more summer flowers in pots - can't stop drawing today, must be the sunshine!

Bank Holiday Sunday = garden and doodle time!

2011-04-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's Bank Holiday Sunday and the weather is glorious. To celebrate I've been sewing seeds in the garden and re-potting my herbs! They don't quite look at pretty as this little illustration but I'm hoping that having drawn them this way they'll have something to aim for once they've grown a little!

Craft fair thank you

2011-04-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

The rain just about held off today - yippee! Thank you to those who popped down and everyones lovely comments. Here's to the next one!

Craft Fair Today!

2011-04-23T00:23:00.001-07:00

Anyone in Leeds today can come and visit me at the Arts Mix Craft Fair on Albion Street in the City Centre - 11-5. I'll be posting piccies later on, would be great to see you!

Love your garden

2011-04-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

Some new ideas I'm working on for prints and tea towel designs. I love my little garden, can't wait to get everything planted up ready for the summer sunshine!

Craft fair prep

2011-04-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

I've got a stall next Sat at one of the Art Mix craft markets here in Leeds so this week will be a frenzied rush around to get everything printed/sewn/packaged etc. Screen-printed notebooks (inspired by knitting patterns) all printed and bound this weekend though, so things are looking up. Just cards, tote bags, bunting, tea towels to go - hmm, not much then.

If you're in Leeds next Sat drop by and say hello, the fair is on Albion Street (opposite Urban Outfitters) 10-5pm.

Papercut Shanghai project

2011-04-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I was asked to produce a papercut piece as a wedding gift for a bride to give to her husband to be. It's taken quite a while to plan out what was going where and this week I've been beavering away cutting it all out. My finger is about to drop off! Here are a couple of 'in progress' shots and I'm hoping to get the rest of it cut out within the next week ideally. I'm excited to see it all finished! Hope they like it.

Little boats

2011-04-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've been having lots of fun doing some work for my new UK based gift/homewares agent today - here's a sneaky peak!

Friday night is doodle night!

2011-04-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Can't stop drawing owls - they're too cute!

To dry for

2011-03-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

It's the deadline for the 'To Dry For' competition tomorrow, I meant to draw some fab new illustration for it but haven't had the time and everything I have drawn this evening is totally rubbish. Having a full time job really puts the pressure on in terms of time for night time doodlings! Where does the time go? Anyway as a result I'm just going to tweak this comedy guy into a new design - he might have been doing the rounds for a while now but he still makes me chuckle. I hope it comes out ok, fingers crossed!

New cards and more owls.

2011-03-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hopefully finishing drawing/printing my latest range of greeting cards over the weekend/next week. Just in time for my next craft fair at the end of April... more news on that to follow!

New stuff

2011-03-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all my wonderful followers - I've now reached 100 - thank you all so much! Some new little illustrations on the way - and some tea-towel designs coming soon too - how exciting!

Thank you!

2011-03-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

To everyone who came to see us at the Artists Book Fair this weekend. We had a blast and met such a lot of lovely people. Can't wait 'till next year!

Book Fair today!

2011-03-10T23:30:00.000-08:00

We Have Beaks are exhibiting at the International Artists Book Fair today - come see us!

More scribbly florals.

2011-03-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

Bright, sketchy and full of summer fun. More childrens wear prints on the way.

Wedding Invites

2011-02-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

Two of my lovely friends are getting married this Summer and have very kindly asked me to design their wedding stationery. What a fun project!

Procrastinating

2011-02-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

Despite having books to bind for the forthcoming book fair, sketches of Shanghai to finish, cards to fold and wedding invites to print I managed to spend my evening doing none of those and started some new patterns tonight instead...whoops! Here's a snippet.

Happy Valentines day!

2011-02-14T12:09:00.001-08:00

Those darn paisleys...

2011-01-31T11:53:00.001-08:00

...are nearly finished - phew, what a mission!

love is in the air...

2011-01-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

I began sketching ideas for valentines cards today - they'll need to be printed and sent off in a couple of weeks - yet another job on my ever growing January list! Valentines is a great excuse for some visual puns which always make me giggle.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-07T14:37:00.001-08:00

A bit delayed I know, but happy 2011 to you all! It's a busy time at the minute, the new year really has kicked off with a bang, tonight was the opening of a new exhibition at my new stockist, The Bowery in Headingley, Leeds. For the next 12 weeks I have on display there a selection of new and old work (prints mainly but a few corresponding cards too!) all under the theme 'dancing in the park'. So if you're round and about go take a look at mine and some of the other lovely work on show too. Oh, and they also do wonderful coffee and cake ...yum yum.x

It's a winner!

2010-12-14T13:01:00.000-08:00

Well, what a lovely surprise! Turns out my mothers day card design won the Tigerprint competition! I'm well chuffed. You can see the results and the runner ups here on their blog.

Adventures in paisley

2010-12-05T09:31:00.001-08:00

I've never drawn paisley before but as it's on the list of inspiration/trends that my agent has sent me over to work on I though I'd have a go. I've had a lovely day spent doodling and playing around with design layouts!

Snow Day!

2010-12-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

The snow is ridiculously deep here and consequently I've had the day off work - hurrah! Thankfully it's given me just enough time to put together these last minute entries for the latest Tigerprint competition.

Headingley Arts Trail!

2010-11-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

This weekend I shall be exhibiting a variety of goodies at the Headingley Arts Trail in Leeds. Organised by The Bowery gallery, various business and homes will be open around Headingley displaying artworks from local and national artists. The event will run Saturday and Sunday 10-4pm. Follow the bunting to find us! For more information check out the Bowery's website and map here .

Tigerprint Christmas

2010-11-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

Well, these were a quick flash of a design tweak! In the process of re-colouring/arranging some designs for a punt in the latest Tigerprint Comp. They're far from perfect but worth a try. Will aim to do a couple more before bedtime and the deadline tomorrow!

Feeling festive

2010-10-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since i've posted anything on here, but I have been busy honest! Christmas designs are in full swing, hopefully printing them next week - yay! Hopefully they'll be all done and dusted in time for my November stockists and craft fairs. Fingers crossed!

More triangles

2010-09-14T12:46:00.001-07:00

Been playing around with designs to print with my 3rd year students over the next few weeks - I think I'll be seeing triangles in my sleep....

Badge Sale

2010-09-13T13:19:00.001-07:00

Will be listing some badges over on Etsy this week - so, if you fancy jazzing up your autumn sweater you know what to do...

Going international....

2010-09-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

This weekend I shall be sending work to two shows in Europe! Amsterdam Paper Biennial will be seeing some of my prints at their Paper Fair on Sunday and a selection of my print designs will be available to purchase at Indigo Trade fair in Paris - running 14th - 16th September. Let me know if you stopped by...

How does your garden grow?

2010-08-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

The garden is so thirsty at the moment, it's taking me ages to water it with my little watering can. I wish one day it will grow to be as pretty as this!

Jugs of flowers print

2010-08-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

I never seem to have enough vases, so I've had to resort to jugs for putting my freshly picked flowers in. Never-mind, at least it gave me something new to draw today!

Card making frenzy

2010-08-13T02:05:00.001-07:00

It's the first day of my summer break from work today and how am I spending it... framing prints and scoring/folding/packaging cards that's how. Fun times... (My camera is seriously on its last legs so apologies for the terrible image quality).

Screenprints - full steam ahead.

2010-08-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

So, I'm in the process of putting together some new prints for various stalls and galleries in the coming months. Lots of what i'm calling 'developed' papercuts. This little fella is first off the production line...3-4 more to do then it's printing time!..(the best bit).

Been a busy weekend....

2010-06-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

Spring birdies!

2010-04-21T23:56:00.000-07:00

new ideas

2010-04-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

...colours to check yet, but getting there!

New stockist in Hebden Bridge!

2010-04-05T09:31:00.001-07:00

Snug Gallery is a new gallery space and shop based in the lovely Yorkshire town of Hebden bridge which is now freshly stocked with a selection of my artists books, cards, badges and prints. So, if you're in the vacinity I'd recommend you take a peek! More info to be found on their website here.

Contemporary Artist's Book Fair weekend!

2010-03-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came along and saw us at the book fair in Leeds this weekend, we had great fun! Below are a few snaps of our stall.

Tigerprint Love Typography

2010-03-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

Just finalising my entry for the new Tigerprint comp. Deadline next weekend!

Printed today!

2010-03-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

I screen printed the first batch of mothers day cards today - hoorah! 20 down another 30 to go, that's my monday night taken care of then...

Available to purchase at Leeds Craft Centre & Design Gallery, Cakewalk in Ilkley and also in the flesh from me at the Artists Book Fair in Leeds next weekend.

Feature in Digital Arts magazine

2010-03-04T11:47:00.001-08:00

Well, the Print and Pattern book is out! My copy arrived the other day and it looks great. Reviews of the book keep popping up all over including an article in Digital Arts magazine this month which features a picture of my owl print, how exciting! You can read the online article here.

Easter cards on the way

2010-02-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

In between designing prints and making books I've just about found time to draw and print this years Easter cards. Just Mothers Day ones to go and then I'm up to date on the card front...hurrah!

Ahoy Ahoy - new sea inspired prints!

2010-02-18T15:25:00.001-08:00

Tigerprint winners announced!

2010-02-16T10:37:00.001-08:00

Tigerprint have just unveiled the winner of their recent Spring Surface Pattern Competition, I was a runner up, happy days! See the winner and the other runners up here. Well done to the winner, Silke, whose design is lovely!

She sells sea shells on the sea shore

2010-02-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

This weeks book for the March book fair is sea inspired, I'll be screen printing this little fella soon enough!

Sneaky peak of the new book!

2010-02-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

The Laurence King website has some inside pics of the new Print & Pattern book in which I'm featured! Excitingly, you can see my page as one of them... Can not wait till it's released and I can see it in the flesh!! See mine and the other pages here.

New book!

2010-02-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a little book I've just finished for the book fair, it's going to be a simple pamphlet stitch booklet, double sided. Once the light is better I'll take some snaps of one all finished and bound!

Printing these little fellas this week!

2010-01-25T13:04:00.001-08:00

Feel the love

2010-01-20T13:16:00.001-08:00

Busy designing valentines day cards for various places. Available to purchase soon!

Printsy interview

2010-01-07T14:51:00.001-08:00

I was lucky enough to be asked if I would be interviewed for Printsy - an online resource dedicated to showcasing the work of printmakers who sell through Etsy - well, the interview was published recently I can you read it here! Thanks Amie for asking me!

New Books are brewing!

2009-12-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

I'll be taking part in the Contemporary Artists Book Fair again in March and as time is forever ticking i've decided to make a start on some designs and begin printing. The raccoon I drew for the refugee council flyer is back again as i've re-invented him as part of a concertina book - and his little pal too!

Other books i'm contemplating printing will involve, comedy pets doing dress up, and some circus based or Noah's arc type of affair - guess will just wait and see how the drawings come out!

New patterns on the way...

2009-12-19T15:47:00.000-08:00

I'll be printing these next week - can't wait!

Gig poster for the Refugee Council

2009-11-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

Print commission

2009-11-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

I've been asked to produce a print as a wedding present so i've been busy screen printing this delightful lady for the occasion - hope they like it!

Book on the horizon!

2009-11-19T00:19:00.000-08:00

The cover for the forthcoming print and pattern book, in which I'm featured!, has been revealed - role on the 1st March 2010 - can't wait to see it!! You can pre-order it here on Amazon.

Website nearly up and running!

2009-11-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

Still a bit of tweaking and re-arranging to go but my up-to-date website is nearly ready - hurrah! www.carolinepratt.co.uk

New print underway!

2009-10-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

I just love doing lino cuts! Here's a sneak peak of a new little one i'm currently working on....2 colours down, one to go!! I'm printing the final layer with my students in class, can't wait to see it.

The papercutting frenzy continues...

2009-10-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

I think i've become slightly obsessed with perfecting my scalpel skills, i just can't stop. Hopefully get a chance to print some of these this week - whoo hoo!

All wrapped up and ready to go...

2009-10-04T02:23:00.000-07:00

My Christmas cards are now all printed and have been dropped off at Leeds Craft Centre and Design Gallery this weekend. So should be for sale in there in the next few weeks! Still feels far too organised having finished my xmas cards in October, Valentines Day things to think about now....

Screenprinting xmas cards this weekend!

2009-09-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

Going to be printing my xmas card range this weekend - how very exciting. Can't wait to see them all packaged up and ready to go!

Patterns underway

2009-09-20T02:44:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the start of term!

2009-09-18T11:32:00.001-07:00

The new academic year kicked off this week so it's full steam ahead getting ready for workshops in the coming weeks. Been busy tweaking and putting together old images I can use for some screenprint classes. Here's a selection of the examples i'm gonna get my students to print - hope they like them!

The holidays are coming...

2009-09-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, so that's not strictly true as they're ages off yet but i'm busy cutting and and printing cards for various stores over the festive period. Kinda weird though thinking of cold toes and festive treats when the weather is still so warm and lovely. Will post up the full range when they're all finished.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5....

2009-07-18T13:35:00.001-07:00

This little chap will be a screenprint soon! - can't wait.