Art & Soul

What an honour!

2011-12-29T11:56:00.004Z

I was asked for an interview with Alex at The Moon From My Attic blog; a delightful blog about art licensing and illustration. To see the interview go HERE

Happy New Year!

Get the children drawing this holiday!

2011-12-12T20:09:00.004Z

With the holidays just around the corner, perhaps you're children would like to have a go at some step by step drawing projects? Email me via my website if you would like to receive a free worksheet showing how to draw this racing car....

Please see the post below regarding what these worksheets can and cannot be use for!

New Worksheet!

2011-11-25T11:22:00.004Z

Sorry it's been a long time, but I've designed a new worksheet that is available for personal use and schools to learn how to draw this cute little polar bear! If you would like a PDf copy, please click on the link to my website and drop me an email.

All my images, including these, are copyright protected and cannot be used for commercial purposes or for reproduction. I love designing these worksheets for adults and children to try out, and can keep sharing them if everyone respects my copyright on the Internet and in the real world!

Thank you!

Neighbourwood

2011-11-25T08:48:00.003Z

My latest craft designs are available now... whimsical woodland characters called Neighbourwood. Hope people enjoy them!!

Christmas Cards 2011

2011-11-25T08:37:00.002Z

There are 2 new boxed sets of Christmas cards in the stores here in the UK.... the top one is a standard size, and the Snow, Joy, Love and Star are all a mini card set. All published by Paper House Group.

Mouth-watering new book

2011-10-08T10:28:00.003+01:00

Derek Brazell, the AOI's Special Projects Manager, illustrator and creator's rights campaigner has just had a book published with co-author Jo Davies called MAKING GREAT ILLUSTRATION published by A & C Black.

A few weeks ago when I was in the AOI office, I got chance to see one fo the first editions of this splendid book. I really is a mouth-watering read packed with images and interviews with some of the top illustrators throughout the world.

I desperately wanted to sit and read through the whole book.... but saved that pleasure for when I bought the book. It is a MUST read for creatives, and certainly a book that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Derek and Jo have created a blog to share their travels around the world to meet and interview the featured illustrators... see it HERE.

Make a cuppa and enjoy half an hour travelling to the studios around the world of these inspiring creators!

Building your illustration business?

2011-09-23T07:21:00.003+01:00

The Illustrators Guide to Business is an 11 week intensive evening course taught by specialists, that will give you the business skills to help you succeed as a professional illustrator.

It's my pleasure to present one of the course dates; "How to merchandise your work and maximise your income". I will explore how you can expand into the world of Brand Licensing, what clients and agents are looking for and the best ways to promote yourself in this market.

For further information, details of the course including other presentations, click HERE. Single course dates can be booked!

Brand Licensing 2011

2011-09-21T07:48:00.004+01:00

I will be at Brand Licensing Europe, Olympia London from 18th - 20th October. I look forward to meeting some of my clients, and some new licensees, manufacturers and retailers. I'll be on stand E123, in the Art and Design section, and am now counting the days!

Wow, has it really been that long!

2011-09-20T21:23:00.002+01:00

I can't believe it was June when I last posted on here! Things have been pretty busy, what with vacation time, school vacations, work and family... but here's a little something to show the effort has been worth it! A new collection of Christmas decoupage papers are now out, including little Snowbell shown here.

June Offer

2011-06-17T12:11:00.002+01:00

Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine are giving away a gift collection of the latest Bazoo range when you take out a subscription....

This offer ends 5th July 2011 and is subject to availability.

Talent for the future

2011-06-17T00:22:00.003+01:00

Tonight I went to my nephew's school, to see the art and graphics GCSE and A / AS Level work on display. AWESOME is the only word I can use to describe the talent that our schools are nurturing. Considering the funds are so limited for these children (which means they are not using the best brushes, materials or products) the work on display is astounding and of a really high standard.

This time of year, most schools, colleges and unis are having their end of year shows. Go check out the talent this country is producing! These young people are the future of creativity, and creativity is what makes the human race progress.

The other thing that hit me tonight, was how the exam boards are reducing the way students can express their creativity.... in other words, exam boards are setting "briefs" for the students to work to in the graphics exam. Now, I think there is an argument for and against this, but if exam boards themselves are not accepting creative exploration of a "brief", then the whole concept of a creative exam is redundant!

Another thing that hit me was this... there were very few final pieces that were computer generated in the Art GCSE or A / AS Level display. Isn't it about time these exams welcomed the skill and knowledge that is now available through using software? Watching how fellow illustrators can create characters, scenery, animation etc using programmes makes me think we are perhaps being very snobby regarding the arts and are likely to squash rather than celebrate the future creativity in our children.

Facebook additions..

2011-06-11T11:11:00.003+01:00

Some lovely new Bazoo designs have been shared with us on my Facebook page, courtesy of Rozzy and Maxine. Use the icon on the right of the page to pop over to Facebook, "like" the page and you will get to see what these clever ladies have done with Bazoo!

BAZOO has arrived....

2011-05-17T09:45:00.003+01:00

The latest craft range has now arrived with Trimcraft and is winging it's way to the shops...

Meet a host of zoo animals, including a cheeky monkey, penguins, seal and the giraffes.

Retailers can find them at :

http://www.trimcraftdirect.co.uk

Copyright and the Internet

2011-05-07T22:35:00.004+01:00

Some people seem to think that the internet is a free source of images, which allows them to profit from.

I've recently found 1000's of images are being copied onto CDs, as printable materials for crafting use, all for sale on Ebay.

This is an illegal form of copying, and it's called copyright infringement.

Having contacted a couple of the Ebay seller who are doing this, they appear to believe that the images are in the "public domain" (in the words of one seller who I contacted, the images are on the internet and in books) so are free for usage.

COPYRIGHT means the "right to copy" or reproduce work. People pay the creators for that right to reproduce work, and that's called a Copyright Licensing Agreement.

If you see CDs of images on Ebay, please ask the seller if these are licensed images and who the manufacturer is. If in doubt, please contact the designer who will be thrilled to know we are all looking out for one another. And report the item!

Art does not need to have the copyright symbol on it, for it to be copyright protected.... if you did not create it, then you don't own the rights to it.

Just because an image is found on the internet does not mean it's copyright free and in the public domain. It's never ok to use artwork without the creators permission... period.

If you think my artwork is being reproduced illegally, please let me know.

Please also remember the following:

Ask permission from the artists / designers when putting their work onto your blog, and credit them!

Make sure the images are small jpgs so they can't be easily copied.

Make sure the images have a watermarks / copyright information on them.... it all helps to protect images from being used without YOUR or my permission!

Thank you, Helz x

Cardmaking and Papercraft April 2011 Issue

2011-04-13T18:39:00.003+01:00

The April issue of Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine is just out... and there is a wonderful 3 page spread using the latest decoupage pads! Clever Dawn Phillips, a well know crafter and tutor, designed the cards using my little illustrated papers and they look fabulous. Get an issue before they're all gone... it's a great edition this month!

March Worksheet - Daffodils

2011-03-24T21:11:00.004Z

If you would like to learn how to draw daffodils, ready for Mother's Day or Easter, you can get in touch with me HERE and I will send you a PDF "step-by-step" worksheet.

If this is your first time at trying out these free worksheets, I need to let you know a couple of things..... firstly these are designed for personal use and for schools and charities to use, but not for advertising or promotional material. All my images, including these, are copyright protected and cannot be used for commercial purposes or for reproduction.

I love designing these worksheets for adults and children to try out, and can keep sharing them if everyone respects my copyright on the Internet and in the real world!

Thank you!

Springing into Spring

2011-03-24T09:36:00.003Z

Spring is in the air! Here's one Easter illustration altered for a variety of options....

Website client area

2011-02-11T16:53:00.002Z

I am gradually setting up a client "restricted" area of designs on my website where existing and new clients can preview illustrations and product designs.

This area is password protected, so email me HERE to gain access.

Ah Haa Me Hearties!

2011-02-04T13:37:00.003Z

Time for the February free drawing worksheet! If you would like to learn how to draw this pirate, following easy step-by-step instructions, email me by clicking here!!

If this is your first time at trying out my free worksheets, I need to let you know a couple of things.... firstly, these are designed for personal use and for schools / charities to use. The images are all copyright protected, and cannot be used for commercial purposes or for reproduction.

I love designing and sharing these worksheets for adults and children to try out, and can keep sharing them if everyone respects my copyright on the Internet and in the real world!

Thank you!

QVC-UK craft day

2011-01-20T15:58:00.004Z

Tomorrow, Friday 21st January, is QVC-UK craft day... and a little bird tells me that the latest range of stamps and papers will be featured on it! Probably on the "Character Crafting" section between 2pm and 3pm, or you might get to see a video on the website a little later in the day.

New Release of Craft Stamps

2011-01-07T09:25:00.003Z

To co-ordinate with the new decoupage and design paper pads, the collection has also been released as craft stamps! These are "cling" stamps, and are used with acrylic blocks, allowing you to see where you place the stamps!

Monthly Drawing Candy for January!

2011-01-06T13:57:00.004Z

Here's a step by step drawing design I produced for Practical Crafts and Card Making magazine in March 2006... nearly 5 years ago!! If you would like to receive a free PDF print-out of the step by step shown below, drop me an email HERE

Please only use this worksheet for personal / schools / fundraiser! All my images are copyright protected and I would love to keep up this "monthly drawing candy" with everyone, but infringement on a commercial level may prevent this from happening!!

Thank you!

Interview with the local press

2010-12-30T13:16:00.001Z

A few weeks back I had an interview with the local paper. It's quite nerve wracking thinking about answers on the spot, but hopefully I didn't make a complete idiot of myself!!

New for 2011

2010-12-26T23:39:00.004Z

Soon to hit the stores is the latest collection of little characters released for decoupage and paper pads... The MacKenzies (pa and son bears!), Fairy Cakes, Cookie the puppy, Basil and Buttercup bunnies, Panda Party and little Mimi the cat!

For retailers, all are available from Trimcraft Direct

Happy Holidays Everyone!

2010-12-14T13:17:00.001Z

Free Worksheet....

2010-12-10T10:04:00.004Z

If you would like 3 free worksheets to use for non-commercial projects (family, schools etc) just let me know by clicking on the picture below, and emailing me!

The "Angel" worksheet is shown below, with a sample to show what you could make (this is not included on the worksheet!!)

As well as the Angel, there is also a Gingerbread House and a Snowman.

You are welcome to spread the word on your blogs.

Freezing Night

2010-12-03T15:50:00.002Z

Ice on the inside of the windows... brrrr! But the great sight this morning was the icicles hanging from the gutter! It's probably a bad sign that the gutters are blocked and the roof has poor insulation, but hey, they're pretty!

School Christmas Fair

2010-12-01T17:29:00.003Z

For the Christmas Fair this year, the school are doing a Craft Event. Each year group will have activities in their classroom for the children to get involved with. Our year 6's will be doing an "Illstrator's Masterclass" with yours truly!! Here's one I've done as a finished sample.....

....... if you would like the worksheet to see how to draw this little snowy character, email me! Then you can have a go yourself or with your children!! Obviously, it's copyright protected, so can't be used for commercial purposes, but you could have some fun with it!

Agents

2010-12-01T17:11:00.002Z

Some of my lovely followers know that I am no longer represented by Pure Illustration Ltd agency now... it's time for a different direction! And, as with many of life's changes, gossip can grow!!!

I would like to announce that I have not left due to being "jealous of another artist's sales". I have changed direction for sound business reasons based on facts and figures. I continue to wish Pure Illustration Ltd every success in their future and no doubt will bump into Richard from time to time at various venues.

Crafts Beautiful

2010-10-15T17:29:00.004+01:00

The November issue of Crafts Beautiful magazine has a feature using Pepper's Christmas Party... some lovely designs by Corrine Bradd. I am really lucky to see these little pictures created into so many beautiful cards and crafty goodies!

The creative process

2010-10-14T14:40:00.006+01:00

Here's a little insight into the creation process of my latest illustration....
First, is the drawn picture, some background colour and a little colour added to the main design.

Next step is to add a bit of shading and to continue the colour, with a little bit of shading to the picture.

Now I concentrate on all the shading, so detail like the holly leaves and wellie boots are standing out from the page.

And finally, it's the little bits like the fluffy fur on the clothing, lettering and snowflakes to do!

Autumn "Spring" Clean!

2010-09-28T19:54:00.003+01:00

Had a busy couple of days working on a bit of website re-design and getting some promotioanl PDFs ready to send out to clients! It's nice once in a while to put down the paint brushes... but I can't say I feel like that when it's housework time!!!

Snowy Scene

2010-09-25T13:14:00.002+01:00

Check out Pepper's Christmas Party...

2010-09-14T22:14:00.003+01:00

Pepper's Christmas Party was featured again on QVC UK, so if you would like to have a really good browse through the designs, click here!

QVC UK have the whole range as a special pack (plus one or two designs not available anywhere else!), but don't forget, your local craft store is likely to have the collection so you can pick and choose the papers, stamps, cards or ribbons if the whole set is not suitable for you!

Dorset Summer Break

2010-09-07T10:04:00.004+01:00

We had a fabulous break in Dorset, staying in Uplyme (Devon) near Lyme Regis. Most days we walked down to the town, following the river Lyme through a meadow and past an old water mill - beautiful! I had booked up for a Fossil Walk with Brandon Lennon and we had an amazing 3 hours on the beach being educated about fossils and the local geography. We came home with a bucket load of rocks with ammonites and belemnites!! Highly recommended!! If you are not familiar with the area, it is a World Heritage Site and known as the Jurassic Coast. The museum celebrates the life of Mary Anning one of the first fossil collectors in the country.

On the way home we stopped at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre. The weather was not great, so unfortunately I didn't get many good photos, but it was a wonderful day all the same! Our hearts were captured by a tiny baby orangutang.....

The South Downs in August

2010-08-10T22:27:00.004+01:00

We've been out while the weather is fine, with our cameras nature spotting. The wild flowers are wonderful; thistles, poppies and harebells are scattered along our chalky Downs, and this in turn attracts all the beautiful butterflies. We have found some excellent picnic spots up on the hills, where we listen out for the raptors including many buzzards, a barn owl, kestrels, sparrowhawks and we think a couple of Red Kites have been around! The yellowhammers are still busy feeding their young, darting around and disappearing into the hedgerows when they think it's safe! Coco has found an owl's perch, and dissected a pellet, plus there is another one out on the balcony waiting to be investigated!!

I hope you are all enjoying the summer as much as we are!

Latest Nettle and Teazle...

2010-08-10T22:11:00.002+01:00

Inspiring Summer Gardens

2010-08-05T00:01:00.002+01:00

A bit of summer inspiration today! It's a welcome change to be working on wedding and flowery designs at this time of year.... usually it's more Christmas work!

School Award

2010-07-26T10:53:00.003+01:00

For the second year at Coco's school I have awarded a prize to one of the children who was in the Art Enrichment Group. This year it went to a boy who had a hidden talent! During the term, he was a really dedicated student and was amazed at the work he produced... it was like a light had been switched on for him! It was so satisfying to see his confidence grow, for him to enjoy the tutoring.

Pepper's Christmas Party Card Samples

2010-07-24T17:58:00.003+01:00

Check out Rozzy's wonderful samples of Pepper's Christmas Party, she has worked so hard creating this amazing collection for the debut of the range on QVC! I am VERY grateful to her, thank you Rozzy!

For a better view of her hard work, click on the link below!

http://rozzyb.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-cards-are-on-qvc-first-for-me.html

Pepper's Christmas Party

2010-07-22T12:43:00.005+01:00

Pepper and Friends come out to play for Christmas!! The latest range is making it's debut this Saturday 24th July, and will be on the QVC shopping channel during the Craft Day Special. The collection includes stamps, ribbons and papers, all with a seasonal theme!

Website Issues

2010-07-21T12:22:00.004+01:00

Apologies to anyone trying to access my website, there seems to be a server issue with Mr Site. Feel free to contact me by leaving a message on this thread or through the Facebook link on the side bar.

In the meantime, here's an update on what has been happening. I've been brushes a'blazing this month! 14 paintings and 15 black and white line drawings in 21 days... phew! My agent is meeting up with several US clients early next month, so as well as commissions and character development for a client, I have been adding more work to my portfolio for the US trip.

Here's one little sample.

Congratulations!

2010-07-17T11:05:00.002+01:00

Danny has passed his Pat Test, so is now a Blue Cross Education Dog. Tony found out a couple of days ago Danny has also passed his assessment and exam so is also a new READ dog!! Congratulations Danny and of course Tony!

What to do on a hot summer day....

2010-07-01T17:19:00.003+01:00

So, it's beautiful weather here, we are on the beach everyday for a couple of hours after school, and I am painting Christmas designs!! Yep, it's not the most inspiring weather for it, but I have to make a living!!

Summer Spring!

2010-06-21T10:54:00.003+01:00

Cutie chickens arranged as a "mock-up" sample.

Website Update

2010-06-11T09:17:00.003+01:00

I've updated my website for the summer, so pop over and take a look!

http://www.helzbelzart.com/

Don't forget International Drawing Day!!

2010-06-04T21:52:00.001+01:00

Don't forget to reach for the pencils tomorrow!

Remember those sketches?

2010-06-02T12:06:00.003+01:00

I posted up some sketches a few weeks ago, and managed to finish off the baby ones, well here is the final gardening image. A little different to the sketch, but still following the theme.

Another talent

2010-06-02T11:47:00.003+01:00

Check out another talented person's blog! Dale and I share the same agent, and she's not just a lovely lady, but also a great illustrator!!

http://designingwithdale.blogspot.com/

National Drawing Day

2010-05-27T22:56:00.002+01:00

It's time to get your pencils, pens and crayons out for National Drawing Day on Saturday 5th June.... I challenge every blogger to draw or doodle ANYTHING on this day, and follow the link below.

http://www.drawingday.org/index.php

The idea is to bring out that child inside you that was squashed in school, feeling you were never good enough to draw, and burst out with a renewed interest in drawing. I believe EVERYONE can draw, some maybe abstract, some maybe realistic, but everyone CAN DO THIS!!

Give it a go on the 5th, and enjoy a bit of creative experimenting.... even if it's a stick person!

Magazine interview

2010-05-14T10:54:00.005+01:00

The June issue of Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine has a "Celebrity Interview" with yours truly! As you know, the title of celebrity isn't really appropriate!! But Coco was really excited at the thought that her Mum was called a celeb.... she reckoned it meant she'd get to meet JLS or McFly!!

This issue should be out anytime in the next few days.

Clever Friends!

2010-05-13T17:19:00.003+01:00

Aren't there some talented people! This design is by a fellow illustrator and friend Gordon Fraser, or Goth as we like to call him. He does amazing work, and has recently set up on a site for crafters to download images... I guess it's a bit like itunes for crafts!!

Here's a sample of his work.... and I reckon this guy is going places, as there is a huge calling for male / boy themed work, and Goth excels in that area!

You can see more of his work here and also visit his website here

Surtex 2010 just days away now

2010-05-08T14:46:00.003+01:00

With Surtex 2010 now just days away, it's time to triple check the portfolio to see what work is going out to New York. I've dropped one portfolio off to him, and included a few sample mock-ups, like the one below. And now I'm trying to get a few more Christmas designs done before Friday, as we've realised a lot of my work is licensed and we are missing a few darker background designs!!

READ Charity Dogs on CBBC

2010-04-30T15:51:00.005+01:00

Here's some great news about the READ Charity dogs... they have been filmed for the CBBC programme "Animals at Work". Tony sent me some great photos, the first one here is Danny getting ready to race the children, and the next shows the film crew working. READ dogs work in schools with children to encourage reading, especially those who are underconfident.

And here's a reminder of one of the drawings I did for Tony last year.. just a little way I am able to support the charity!

Surtex Samples

2010-04-27T22:28:00.004+01:00

The little pink pram and rose bush picture was finished yesterday, and after a lovely morning off, I made up a sample sheet for the big show next month.... this is just to give prospective new clients an idea of what an image might look like on their product eg a plate, photo album etc.

Clever Charity Crafter!

2010-04-27T09:30:00.002+01:00

A few weeks ago I ran a competition to win an original painting, and Leigh at Charity Crafter Blog won. Well, look how clever she is..... she has decorated this frame so it matches the picture! Have a look on her blog to see the process and product she used ..

http://www.charitycrafter.blogspot.com/

It's really thrilling to see how clever you lovely crafters are!

Working on....

2010-04-26T19:25:00.004+01:00

So, I'm still on those sketches, and today I've worked up the pram in blue... I've done the pink version but not scanned it. I decided to alter the little tree to a heart shape, just because it gives that message of love for a new born baby!

All these images will be going out to Surtex next month, and fingers crossed some new clients will find them exciting... I feel this one would look really sweet on a photo album, especially if I was commissioned to do some "frame" type illustrations to add to the pages!!

Cardmaking & Papercraft Magazine

2010-04-25T21:18:00.003+01:00

Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine are offering a great subscription offer... subscribe using the code in the new May issue, and you will receive a free Pepper and Friends kit worth over £19!

And as if that's not enough, they are running a competition to win £1000 of the Stampavie products, including the latest Helz Cuppleditch range!! There will be 5 lucky winners, each receiving £200 worth of products.

Great prizes in this month's magazine...

plus a 3 page special of 10 minute makes dedicated to Pepper and Friends!

And for today...

2010-04-23T16:01:00.003+01:00

So, today's piccie is similar to yesterday, but in pink!! A close up of the vest and birdie on the right, and the "finished" design on the left.

Today's Sketch

2010-04-22T15:11:00.003+01:00

Here we go with today's image, starting off as a pencil drawing, to a coloured image and finally as the finished piece with the detail and shading.... along with some close-ups of the vest in two stages and the little birdie!

Sketches

2010-04-22T09:52:00.003+01:00

Four little doodles from my sketch book, ready to paint up.... I'll scan and share as I go so you can see the creative process!!

Making the world just a bit more friendly

2010-04-15T18:28:00.002+01:00

One of the most wonderful things about the internet, and blogging in particular, is that we are able to connect with so many different people all around the world. Check out this lovely blog created by a talented Russian photographer.... beautiful pictures giving us a small insight into a different culture and country!

http://photomoscow-eng.blogspot.com/

A little selection

2010-04-12T19:45:00.004+01:00

Just a little sample for the US trip, incase Richard thinks I've been playing all the time!!

Playing about

2010-04-12T19:41:00.003+01:00

I don't really need a new logo, but just thought I'd have a play... ssshhh, don't tell my agent I've been playing about, I'm meant to be working on designs for the US!!

Pepper and Friends Samples

2010-04-07T10:33:00.004+01:00

I received a wonderful parcel recently containing lots of Pepper and Friends samples from Trimcraft... papers, ribbons, acrylic stamps, cards and rubber stamps......

Reading Dogs help improve literacy

2010-03-31T13:11:00.002+01:00

Here's a lovely video link to the Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ) featured on the Kent Online news programme....

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2010/march/30/reading_dogs.aspx

Hope you enjoy seeing what Tony and Scotts get up to with their charity work!

Surtex 2010

2010-03-20T13:48:00.002Z

Surtex is where artists and designers promote their work to publishers, manufacturers and retailers. Clients from all around the world gather in New York to preview, purchase and license the latest brands and trends. It's on from 16th - 18th May at the Javits Center, New York. My lovely agent Pure Illustration Ltd will be there at booth # 620, with an array of new work ready to tempt the buyers!!

Helzbelzart on Facebook

2010-03-18T09:37:00.004Z

Yes, I've joined the social networking revolution for art and designs! Now, I'm not very good at all this technical stuff, but I think if you are a Facebook follower, you can connect as a "fan"... the Facebook link is on the right of my blog.

Coco's Art

2010-03-13T11:38:00.003Z

Coco has been in my art lessons at school this term! We got the children to do observational drawing using various mediums; watercolours, watercolour pencils, pastels and charcoal. Yesterday they looked through their portfolios to choose the pieces they most liked. They cut out the elements, and mounted them onto black card.

I have to say, ALL the children did some remarkable work, and I think they were all proud of the end results.... they certainly should be very proud of themselves! They all worked really hard trying the mediums outside their comfort zone, and it was a very rewarding experience for me!

Latest Advert

2010-03-13T11:36:00.001Z

Nettle and Teasel

2010-03-04T10:52:00.002Z

Time to meet our newest family members!

Think you can't draw?

2010-02-27T11:35:00.006Z

I really want to share this lovely book by a fellow illustrator John Fidler. Check out his blog and Etsy store to see just how wonderful, inspiring and clever this book is.

http://jfidz.blogspot.com/

"This booklet is designed to help those people who say they can’t draw.In it you will find an incredibly simple yet powerful method that will enable you to create easily recognisable images.Please be assured that unlike virtually all other ‘how to draw’ guides, you will not be expected (or guaranteed!) to become another Leonardo da Vinci after six easy lessons. You simply haven’t the talent/time/desire (delete as appropriate). You can dream and aspire to it, but come on, be realistic - though I would dearly love to be proved wrong!The sole purpose of this booklet is to get you to draw something that looks like what it is supposed to look like.Everything in this booklet starts out as a letter ‘A’, or slight variation thereof. So, if you can write a letter A, you can draw!

'A is for Art' is an A5 b/w booklet with 14 very instructive pages. It is hand-stitch bound with card covers.

Postage worldwide, is as always, FREE"

Charity Crafter's Candy!

2010-02-25T09:37:00.003Z

Here's the painting that Charity Crafter won in the competition earlier this month, I hope it reflects her passion for crafting!!

Time and deadlines permitting, I will try to hold another give-away a little bit later in the year.

Pepper and Friends TV Debut

2010-02-24T22:28:00.004Z

Pepper and Friends made a TV debut on QVC last night here in the UK. It's really thrilling to see people want to give our little pals a good home! I'd like to say a really big THANK YOU to everyone who has sent me such lovely good wishes over the past few weeks, it is so thoughtful of you to get in touch.

Trimcraft challenge prize...

2010-02-20T00:13:00.003Z

And another giveaway! Trimcraft are giving away this painting (an original not a print!) on their forum challenge. More details are on the link below.

http://www.trimcraft.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=22763&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

Pepper and Friends at the show!

2010-02-19T21:46:00.002Z

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the Creative Stitches and Hobbycraft show at the Brighton Centre and were thrilled to see Pepper and Friends on a couple of stands! Andrea from Ali-Craft made up some samples and her mother very kindly offered to get some photo's sent over to me! Aren't crafting people thoughtful!

http://ali-craft.blogspot.com/

News on Scottsy

2010-02-19T21:24:00.003Z

Tony from the charity R.E.A.D sent me a few lovely photos of Scottsy at work! Scottsy is a rescue greyhound who has been trained to go into schools for children to read to him. If you have followed my blog for a while, you will know I have painted some pictures of Scottsy, Batman and Danny, so they can be used for the charity! There will be quite a few fundraisers this year, as the insurance for the dogs to go into school is pretty hefty! So I will be posting up any events where the dogs will appear, and if you happen to be in the area, go and say hi to these gorgeous animals... and of course the handlers!

The Great Give Away Result...

2010-02-19T20:55:00.003Z

Coco has pulled the name out the hat (in fact it was a pink planter!) and the winner is.... CharityCrafter.... congratulations!! I will send you an email confirming this, and look forward to painting up a Coco Cat just for you over the weekend!!

Helz x

The Great Give Away!!

2010-01-18T09:59:00.009Z

To add a bit of "feel good" to the winter, I am giving away a signed "Coco Cat" original painting to one lucky winner!! All you have to do is link this post onto your blog, and pop your name in a comment to this post! Then my daughter Coco, will draw a winners name from the "hat"! The painting will be mounted but not framed, however it will be of a size that fits a standard picture frame.

The picture above is a sample of Coco Cat. I have not painted the competition one yet, so this really will be a one-off, specially designed and painted for the winner! The competition will run for one month, so you have until midnight (GMT) on Thursday 18th February to enter!

Snowtime!

2010-01-16T12:39:00.003Z

Snow is so unusual for the Sussex coast! But we had a few inches... which of course shut schools, closed roads and created chaos! But, I have to say it was lovely to get into the swing of Christmas images with the snow around, quite different from when I am designing in the middle of July!

Haiti Earthquake Appeal

2010-01-14T12:25:00.004Z

UNICEF is a charity close to my heart and I would like to share this link:

http://www.unicef.org/

From the UNICEF UK website:

UNICEF has been working in Haiti since 1949. We rely entirely on voluntary contributions and receive no funding from the United Nations budget.

Your donation will go to the Haiti Earthquake Children’s Appeal to support children affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti.

If the funds raised exceed UNICEF’s funding requirements for this emergency‚ the money will go to UNICEF’s Children’s Emergency Fund.

Pepper and Friends

2010-01-10T15:05:00.007Z

As some of you may know, my latest character range called Pepper and Friends has now been launched by Trimcraft. The lovely people there ran a competition last month for a lucky winner to receive the crafty collection.

There is now another wonderful opportunity to win the whole collection, worth £113, running on the Crafts Beautiful website....

http://www.crafts-beautiful.com/index.php/competitions/

So, spread the word and good luck!

New Craft Stamps Launched Soon..

2010-01-07T19:40:00.007Z

My second collection of craft stamps licensed to Stampavie will be launched at the CHA Winter Show, Anaheim, California from January 24th-27th 2010. They will be at Booth 3731, and retailers can pre-book appointments by following the link below.

http://www.stampavie.com/

Window on Life

2010-01-05T21:56:00.004Z

If there are views in the distance that take your fancy, explore them today.

Islamic Tile Pattern

2010-01-04T10:29:00.002Z

Minnie's Store

2009-12-28T23:18:00.003Z

Just one of the very inspiring photo's from our wonderful visit to Disney World!

Season's Greetings

2009-12-22T09:46:00.002Z

Danny Boy

2009-12-10T23:32:00.002Z

If you have been following me for a while, you might remember me telling you about charity called READ dogs, who go into schools to get children reading (especially the under-confident ones). Here is Tony's latest rescue pup, now being trained to do his job in school! When Tony contacted me to request another piccie for his charity, how could I refuse such a cutie!!

Promo

2009-12-10T23:24:00.002Z

A little sample of how I let clients know what I've recently produced...

Competition Time....

2009-12-07T00:03:00.004Z

My new crafty collection is due out next month, called "Pepper and Friends".... and the lovely people at Trimcraft are running a great competition.

Six of you lucky crafters will receive a bumper pack of Pepper & Friends paper craft products which will include glittered papers, brads, decoupage pad, ribbon stickers, printed cards and envelopes.

To enter the competition, all you have to do is register for FREE for a Trimcraft account here and you only have until mid day (UK time) on 31st December to register!

Good luck!! Helz x

Samples

2009-11-16T22:54:00.000Z

Slindon Church

2009-10-30T19:46:00.004Z

The village of Slindon has scarecrows in loads of the cottages gardens... and now the Church too! We went for a browse around the Church, I can never resist a peek at stained glass windows, and organ pipes!

Slindon Pumpkins

2009-10-30T19:43:00.003Z

Just a few miles away from us is a little village called Slindon, where we buy our pumpkins and squashes.... a beautiful display is always there to greet us!

Inspiring Art in Children

2009-10-23T16:49:00.005+01:00

Friday afternoons are my "Community Artist" days, when I go into a local school to teach the KS1 and KS2 children various art projects. This term, we have combined 2 groups in KS2, to do still life studies using various mediums. So far, they have really struggle using charcoal, so I decided to offer up some suggestions in the hope that, after the holidays, we can inspire them to enjoy using charcoal! It's been MANY years since I used charcoal, but here is the result of my effort!

An "Ahhhhh" moment....

2009-10-20T14:40:00.003+01:00

I was just browsing through some of my photos which I have taken for work inspiration, and saw this one from a couple of years ago!

Website update

2009-10-15T09:30:00.002+01:00

Lots of new images updated on my website for the Autumn season....

http://www.helzbelzart.com

Seaside surprises

2009-10-14T09:56:00.003+01:00

One of our days down at the beach this year was full of surprises... when Coco found some crystals and a fossil. It had been after a couple fo really stormy days, so was a perfect beach-combing day! When I was asked "Mummy can I go paddling?", obviously the answer was yes.. the next time I looked up from my sketch book, I saw my little angel MORE than just paddling! Hey-ho, you're only young once!

Amberley Museum

2009-10-09T23:13:00.004+01:00

We had a fab day out a couple of weeks ago at Amberley Museum, an old chalk pit which has been turned into a wonderful "working" museum. They had a Crafts and Skills day, where the children got to try our broom making, felt making, candle decorating, wood turning, pottery... so much, that I can't remember it all! If you are ever in Sussex, I would highly recommend the museum. The staff and volunteers are so helpful, knowledgable and friendly, it really is like stepping back to the 1920's!

http://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/

Busy Brushes

2009-10-09T22:50:00.004+01:00

Back onto Christmas images for a few weeks now, and here is a small selection from a collection I have been working on.

New designs licensed for Cross Stitch

2009-09-23T20:12:00.003+01:00

A couple of new designs have been licensed for cross stitch....

http://www.polstitchesdesigns.co.uk/designsforcrossstitch.htm

As well as Coco Cat above, there is also a Snowman design, ready for that "C" word a few months away!!!