You have to laugh

Last year I was fortunate to be asked to illustrate a book of humorous poetry, so I did.As an illustrator my job is fairly straightforward - read the poem, draw the picture. The difficult bit is with the writer. The author of these chuckle-worthy gems is Dianne Phillips-Zito, she lives in a rather bleak and…

There’s no place like Home

There are records dating back to 1650 for this Devon cottage. The modern extension is what used to be 'the stick store', presumably where firewood was stored, now kitchen/diner with bedroom and balcony above. It is also recorded as being the place where 'the pauper in the stick store' resided, according to census records. Apparently,…

Special Birthday Gift

Last time I said there was another house awaiting imminent delivery, so here it is. The lovely, half tiled house is located 'somewhere in Hampshire', and incorporates its more recent extension. Have you got a special celebration coming up, or has someone just moved in to a new home? Contact me with details of your…

To infinity (well, 2020) and beyond …

The end of one interesting year and the beginning of another. And I'm ready for your commissions! 2019 was the year our son left home, two sets of rubber stamps were released, we moved to a whole new life in Devon, the new business (see previous posts) was closed, we met new people, joined in…

Catching-up : June 2019

Since my last post in January, there has been a lot going on - so much that I've forgotten to post!Our son moved out leaving Julie and I free to re-assess our situation. So we did. We moved house, from central southern Hampshire to north Devon. It has been a long process. We had to…

New stamp set release!

Another date for your diary! Thursday 3 January 2019 - 16:00 GMT (4pm) My second set of quirky rubber stamps will be revealed on the Hochanda TV Craft Channel. Lesley, from Chocolate Baroque (manufacturers of quality rubber stamps!) will introduce the new range, and include some of her super demonstrations. Sorry, there are no sneak…

On TV again!

Watch us at 14:00 GMT, Saturday 22 December on UK TV - Hochanda Craft Channel - (Sky 673, Freeview 85, Freesat 817). Lesley from Chocolate Baroque, the rubber stamp manufacture, will be showing stamps in her 'Chocolate Baroque presents' range. On Saturday they will include stamps from Illusionary Artists (Andy Skinner and France Papillon) and…

What is Pen and Lens Artwork?

Pen and Lens Artwork is the coming together of a team that has been working as one for many years. This web site is our temporary home until a custom site can be built. The initial ideas for the team is the formalisation of the production of whimsical house designs. Julie, as 'the Lens', spots…

Big Day

For six months I have been working with Lesley and David Wharton, of Chocolate Baroque, craft stamp makers. Back in March one of my quirky ink buildings was spotted by Di Oliver (Tando Creative) who suggested that it would make a good rubber stamp. She put me in contact with Lesley, and, after a phone…