Autumnal Inspiration: Coastal Birds and New Designs

Autumn Inspiration: Coastal Birds and New Designs

One of my favourite times of the year is Autumn, and October in particular, and that’s not just because it is my birthday month! I am looking forward to going out for walks again which has been difficult recently due to one of my spaniels being injured. 

There is nothing better than a crisp day with a beautiful blue sky to make you feel good. I love the gentle change in colours, beautiful autumn leaves, textures and shapes that come at this time of year. It’s also about the mellowness of the light and the days drawing in with cosy evenings which makes you want to curl up with a good book and a hot chocolate, or to quietly sketch and draw of course!

It has been an exciting few months for me recently as I have been busy designing and preparing for the Christmas season which is fast approaching. It is also the time of year when I start to plan ahead, thinking about new designs and ideas for next year.

I have taken some time to revisit and update two of my coastal bird designs - the curlew and the oystercatcher -  for my tea towel and greetings cards collections. Returning to an existing design is an enjoyable part of the creative process: looking at it with fresh eyes and considering how the artwork works on fabric. Both birds are a lovely connection to the coastline that inspires so much of my work.

I also have some new Christmas greetings card designs which are at the proofing stage at this moment in time, which I had fun designing. This year the cards are based on the wild birds that come into our garden. It’s fascinating watching the feisty robins trying to guard the food but the great and blue tits are not listening. 

Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing the finished tea towels and new cards as they arrive. In the meantime, I am enjoying this slower change of seasons and gathering ideas for whatever comes next. Are there any birds you particularly love seeing at this time of year?