PAGES FROM A BOTANICAL BOOK ON ROSES

I'm a collector of things. One of those things is botanical book about roses. They're my favourite flower of mine if you haven't already guessed (although peonies are a very close second).

I find these books in second hand stores so I don't have to be too precious about cutting them up. They are just perfect a resource for beautifully captured images that I can use as reference for drawing. I also use them in my collages by cutting them out individually either with the pen tool on Photoshop, or with a good old pair of scissors.

I love that roses are so intricate and complicated in design, yet so simple in beauty. They are a challenge to illustrate, and I love a challenge! There are so many varieties, colours and styles and they all look so pretty. Plus I just love the titles that they are given.

To see more of my favourite blooms, you can follow my pinterest board on where I collect images that inspire me.

CANDELA SPRING/SUMMER LOOKBOOK // TOM HINES

Candela NYC S/S 2013 Lookbook

Photography : Tom Hines

Don't you just love a lookbook filled with beautiful images? This Candela SS13 campaign "draws inspiration from the nostalgic romanticism of the French colonial empire of the 1930s."

I just want to wear everything in this campaign, I can't help but melt a little when I come across such feminine fashions of delicate fabrics. I'm feeling very ready for Summer, if only the weather in NZ did too...

PINTEREST PRETTIES :: FLORAL INK

How beautiful are these floral tattoos? Although I would never personally get one, (it's just too permanent for my liking) I can't help but love them. If I were to get one, it would have to be a floral piece. Something like a vintage floral illustration or watercolour painting. I know it sounds ironic that I would never get one, but I guess as an illustrator I'm used to being able to draw on my arm with an ink pen whenever I like. This happens a lot when I'm bored or if I'm listening to something. Actually I find drawing when listening helps me remember more of what they are saying.

But luckily for me I can design tattoo's for friends or my husband Louis who has quite a few ( I love it). Also my darling sister-in-law Eloise of Jazz Lips & Tulips has the most lovely & feminine tattoo's so I tend to live a little vicariously through her.

All of these images came from pinterest and are pinned to my Floral board.

DREAMY COUNTRY WEDDING // STYLE SHEET

I had the pleasure to help a friend out with some styling ideas for her amazing wedding this past Saturday. She married her beau at the Horse Ranch where they first met and now where they both work. It was such a romantic, sentimental and unique location for a wedding.

The Wedding Ceremony was meant to be held outdoors on a paddock, but due to rainy weather it was forced indoors. However it was still a beautiful setting with the most amazing alter made by the Groom out of tree branches and covered with sheer fabric. Tree stumps lined the aisle with jars filled with posies of pale pink gerbera's, freesia's and babies breath.

The Reception looked quite spectacular set up in the barn where the horses are usually kept. A long table was set up down the centre aisle with a white cloth and a hessian table runner. Lace & pearl details decorated the tables, along with the candle-lit romance of tealights in glass jars and vintage tea cups. Posies in jars made such lovely centrepieces, and home-baked guest favours added a personal touch. The attention to detail was so carefully considered. Many helpful hands went into making it an event not to be forgotten. It honestly looked amazing!

 I'll be sharing photo's on the blog soon enough, so be sure to keep an eye out! :)

MY WORK FEATURED // ART & FASHION ILLUSTRATIONS

Today my work is featured on the Art & Fashion Illustrations Tumblr page. I follow this site with bloglovin, and I am always inspired by the creative works of fellow illustrators. Mine is the Bow & Braids work on the right. I'm loving the earrings on the lady next to her!

PIA BOUTIQUE

If you haven't already heard of PIA Boutique then you're in for a treat. Just last week they were was part of the Miromoda Showcase at New Zealand Fashion week. You can view the highlights here. They delivered a vibrant show full of beautiful garments, and a live performance by singer Esther Stephens. I'm very excited for the new S/S 2014 collection to be released!

Designer and founder Pia Naera has come a long way in just a couple of years. Initially the brand started after her final project of her Graphic Design degree. Her work explored the relationship between graphic design & fashion, and so began her trademark printed frocks. She had so many requests for the uniquely designed dresses that she got straight to work to fulfil the growing demand. There was totally a niche in the NZ market for fresh and vibrant designs that were bold in colour & print yet soft in fabric & form with a feminine edge.

Pia is also a wedding photographer along with her beau Jonny who together form J&P Photography. They take such beautiful pictures, all light and dreamy. As if this girl couldn't get any more talented!

Be sure to keep an eye on this fashion label which crafts all it's garments to a high quality right here in NZ. You can keep updated by following the PIA Boutique Facebook page. They also have a darling little store in Parnell right next to the Chocolate Boutique on the main street. Well worth a visit if you're ever in the area!

LAURA ILLUSTRATION // WITH REBECCA HALLIWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Illustrated by : Maree of Rose Tinted Illustration

Photograph by : Rebecca Halliwell of Flowers & Dirt

Model : Laura Nicole

Dress : Zara

For this Illustration I collaborated with British Photographer Rebecca Halliwell who also shares a love of flowers, fashion and femininity. She also runs a lovely blog called Flowers and Dirt which you should certainly stop by for some inspiration.

I really enjoyed working on this one! The best thing about drawing on coloured paper is that both light and dark tones show up. This was perfect for capturing Laura's dark eyes and platinum blonde hair (I'm so jealous, I wish I could rock near-white hair!) There is something quite wonderful about drawing with white coloured pencil, it's like drawing with rays of light. Plus how gorgeous is her Zara dress?