Holly Surplice's Blog, page 2

Guinea Pigs go Ceramic!

Thought I'd share a wee something that I made recently for my lovely sister Delia's birthday. It was a big birthday so I wanted to give her something special and rather than a picture (I don't think she has anymore wall space!), I thought I would attempt something a little bit different.
I love ceramics, and these ceramic workshops everywhere make it really easy to create something truly original and personal. Delia is an outstanding cook and owns and runs the one and only and totally fabulous Jammy Coo gallery & coffee shop so I thought a cake stand was the order of the day!

I've used Delia's favourite character from (warning-shameless plug coming up!) my new book Guinea Pig Party which you can per order here!!!
It's so lovely drawing on a different surface and working on the ceramic means that you are never too sure how the end images will turn out. The words "love and calories" surround the plate because according to our other sister, this is what we are good at spreading (it's a talent)!
And here it is, used for the first time to display a very delicious (and enormous!) birthday cake made by our lovely Mum - the original love and calories spreader!

Happy Valentine's Day Lovely People!

Been Bunny Busy!

Just thought I'd share a wee peek at what I've been working on and what has kept me away from my blog for so long!
I have been very busy creating the final artwork for the bunny book I am working on for the lovely Harper Collins. So while I am waiting for files to upload onto an FTP (don't ask!) site to send across to them, I thought I'd quickly share a little colour!
My computer screen has been a riot of colour and bunniness for some time now, and generally can be seen to look something like the first image above. I had to share Owl with you too as I think he has become a bit of a favourite, also thought you might like to see the coloured-up stretching bunny who's rough I posted earlier.
Am feeling quite excited about the fact that there are only two more spreads to do - yay! Then it shall be on to thinking about endpapers, title pages, a cover design and oh yeah, suppose had better come up with a title too!
Have loved working on this project which is a companion book for About a Bear and have enjoyed all the creative challenges that it has brought. As always though, I can't wait to see what it will look like when it is all finished and put together in all it's bookie glory. Shall keep you posted!

It's almost time for a Guinea Pig Party!

I had the loveliest start to my weekend with the arrival of the first bound proof of my new book Guinea Pig Party from the super lovely Nosy Crow!
You can't really tell from the pic but it has the most fantastically squidgy hard-cover which I am really excited about as it makes it feel really special and just that little bit different too. It also has yummy spot uv on the front cover to make the image really pop - yes, these are the things that really do float my boat! I can't wait to be able to share this with you properly when it is published (5th July just so you know!) and I really hope it is something that you and your little friends are going to enjoy.
Happy New Year to you all, I hope you had a great festive break and that 2012 is a fantastic one for you.
Hollyxx

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Am busy tying up all those pesky loose ends this week before taking a bit of a breather over Christmas so that I am all fresh and raring to get creative again in the new year. It's going to be a busy 2012 for me, there's a bunny book to complete then a small matter of the much anticipated arrival of baby #2 in April...I may have to put the pens down for that one, just for a moment or two!
Anyway, I wish all my lovely friends, family and followers the most wonderful of festivities and I hope that 2012 is truly fantastic for you all.
Hollyxxx

Something Festive!

Something a little festive to kick off December with!
Earlier this year I was approached by a lovely new business called The Border Mill which specialises in treating, spinning and producing alpaca wools and products. I did an array of illustrations for their website and marketing materials and here was something I did for their winter promotions.
Happy December everyone. xx

Stretching It Out

Am busy this morning tackling changes to my Bunny roughs following feedback from the publisher. It's always a tricky stage but I always go into knowing that the changes will inevitably bring about better images and a stronger story. I can't wait to get on with the colour though!
This Bunny requires to stretch a bit harder apparently (I think he's like me and not a great fan of pilates!) so I am off to see what I can do with him. I actually really like how he looks in this rough so it will be interesting to see how things look after the changes...

Been Roughing It!

I've been beavering away drawing lots of rabbity roughs for the new book recently and have just sent the first draft of them through. Keeping everything crossed that they get a good reception and that the new characters go down well!
Here is a little snippet from one of the pages of the main character Bunny and his side-kick Mole for you to get a peek at. Just black and white now but I shall be working on colour samples very soon - am thinking gorgeous clean and vibrant spring colours with elements of gold in there too for some foresty backgrounds. Can't wait!
Hope you are all well, thanks for dropping by for a read. xx