I have just finished packaging the illustrations for my latest picture book, 'Peggy'. I have also finished sewing the star of the story! If I prepare the book in time Peggy will be in bookshops in September, fingers crossed. I posted this pic on twitter today, am gradually getting the hang of twitter, I am enjoying chirping now and then.

In the haste of rushing for a deadline it is easy to not stop for a breath. It is remembering that a little muppet quietly looking at a book is what it is all about.

Sunshine and I crept out of the house at 5.30am this morning and beetled our way into the studio to continue painting illustrations for my picture book. I felt like I made some progress which was comforting. Twenty days until the deadline. . .

Late last week I also began work on a range of cards for a company in the UK. It will take a little while for them to be created, but above is the logo for my range which will be placed on the back of the cards. When I first began freelancing as an illustrator I registered the name 'The Paper Garden', it is funny how some things travel a full circle.

The kids went back to school today, so I ducked into the studio lickety split. 23 days left until book deadline and we move house on the 29th February too! Not sure I can get it all done, but will give it my best shot. Hope you are having a good start to the week.

No feet yet, and only one side of feathers. . .but slowly she is taking shape. Progress feels very slow with my illustrations at the moment too. School starts back on Monday which will make a difference. Book deadlines looming.

On a rainy day if you are looking for some beautiful images, have a look at the work of this illustrator. Some of her images are for sale here. She has some new books coming out which I can't wait to see.

Very quietly, here is the character of my next book. She is not fully dressed, so we are just peeking at her. Looking forward to introducing her properly soon.

Last week I finished the illustrations for a new book, which will come out at the end of the year.  It is a lovely story written by Jane Godwin (a companion book to All Through the Year) and I can't wait to see it all laid out with the typography. Marina Messiha and I are enjoying discussing making the cover very beautiful! 

Now it is full steam ahead with my other special book that I have been working on for a long time. The deadline is at the end of February and I would dearly love to have it ready for then or close to. Our family life, including moving studio last year and preparing to move house soon has meant that this next month will be very busy! I have detailed lists, calendars, mapping of every hour to see where I can squeeze in some extra time for illustrations. In the evening when I am told to put my work down for an hour, I have opened the sewing box to create my feathered friend who features in the story. I will post her progress, but this is the beginning.

Lauren Child who created this bright little tree continues to amaze me. I admire the way she constantly challenges herself creatively and takes risks in her work. From Charlie and Lola to exploring three dimensionsal illustrations in The Princess and the Pea, to some of her latest beautiful work of The Secret Garden, Lauren is very inspiring and her work continues to surprise and delight.

The paper tree was part of a Christmas card sent to me from Harper Collins UK in which you peeled the tree from the card so that you could hang it as a Christmas decoration. Perfect.

When I opened this little package at Christmas time I was beaming, a brooch from CatRabbit! I carefully pinned it on my dress and wore it out to dinner, and left it on the dress as I sometimes do. . .A day later I was darting around the house sweeping up piles for the wash and bundled the dress into the washing machine without a thought. It was not until I pulled out the wet washing that I thought 'uh-oh'. . . But luckily my felt feathered brooch was fine! Thank you Cat Rabbit for making a brooch that survives the wash, rinse and spin cycle!

The rainy weather has meant we are looking for more inside activities in between dashing out to walk the dog in the rain. Olive has been making these peg dolls which are hanging happily in her room.

I had to show the beautiful small world given to me for Christmas. Clea from Miniscapes created the delicate landscape and hopefully I can keep it alive. So far so good!

My other favourite thing is this doorstop. In our new house there is a door that is a perfect home for this little hedgehog.

Happy New Year! I have a good feeling about this year and the sunny happy days we have had so far are a great start.

We have been exploring rock pools, watching tiny penguins, eating fruit cake, reading, knitting, drawing, packing boxes in preparation for moving house, traipsing around Melbourne seeing the animals at the museum and enjoying a slow pace in between our adventures.

Amidst the dashing around, a box arrived with these books in it!

Ollie is celebrating Christmas in China, and here in Australia.

Sometimes I think I would like to visit the snowy North Pole and see the reindeer.