Since we last spoke, I took a wee jaunt to the big smoke where I stayed in my beloved Hammersmith (where I lived for about 12 years waaay back) and visited Walker Books with Katie Chappell . We were very excited to get our paws on early copies of our new book Salty Dog! Eeek!
You can place pre-orders here! Hang on to your receipt if you do—because we have an exciting present coming up for all of our preorder pals.
I also caught the last day of the Kerry James Marshall exhibition at the Royal Academy (brilliant!) and spent a day in Brighton with old publishing friends.
Most exciting of all, I bought a pair of terry towelling chartreuse socks—very cosy indeed!
I enjoyed this post about wool skirts on Instagram and it has put me in the vintage wool skirt mood. I am going to scout the charity shops, I’ll keep you posted.
New #walktosee drawing prompt
The drawing prompt for February iiiiiisssss 🥁🥁🥁
#walktoseewet
🌊💧🌊💧🌊💧🌊💧🌊💧🌊💧🌊
Draw with wet materials: paint, ink, watercolour OR draw something wet: the sea, your bath, the washing up, rain running down your window… It’s up to you how you interpret it.
Join in every day, or just once.
Last month was #walktoseethickandthinlines, there were some fantastic contributions, take a look over on Instagram.
Do you know I took the paywall off Pencil Pals? It’s a slightly scary experiment!
I have been feeling excited about this as a concept for a while.
I want to make this a kind and democratic space where those that can afford to pay the small fee of £6/month make it possible for everyone to be here – and that feels like a good way to do things.
I have to admit, this is a slightly scary idea! I hope it works.
If you are paying me to continue writing here I am so grateful, thank you. Comment below if you are.
I am gradually opening up all the paywalled posts. Here is one about Picture Book Publishing Jargon that I opened up today.
Magic objet d’art
It’s been very dark and stormy here in Northumberland over the last few days. But I have been enjoying these shiny objects I keep on my landing window sill. My Mum bought me the ship in a bottle. The story is that it was made in the 1920’s by a Flamborough Head lighthouse keeper using an old lighthouse bulb.
I’ve been collecting marine themed paperweights from charity shops over the last few years. I swear they hold some real magic inside, I can feel it.
The much loved plaster cat belonged to my Nannan. And I bought the Anteater from an artist called Carol Law a few years back. Isn’t he gorgeous?
I have been watching Snapdragon Life on youtube and she says she likes her house to look like a still life. What a great ambition. I am aspiring to do the same.
How was January? What shiny objet d’art are making you happy? How is your weekend going? Got anything tasty in the oven?
Love Helenx
Power to the pre-order! Delighted to have supported and looking forward to reading on release date in May 🎉
Hello! Good Shipper from way back, here! Ordering Smelly Peggy now. My kiddo will love it, as we have a smelly Victor! 🐾 And your new cozy socks! Perfection!