Author: msbanditwood

Long time no blog… I’ve been a bit busy!

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Sorry I’ve not blogged for a while… I’ve had so much on with design work etc but I’ve got some rather exciting news to tell you 🙂 I’ve been a busy be getting my NEW STUDIO ready! That’s right, I’ve got myself a little loft space in the picturesque village of Marple Bridge.  It’s where I work on Tuesdays and Thursdays with my besty at Pied a Porter podiatry clinic.

I’m so made up. It’s taken the hard work of myself and Mr.B to get the room painted and to move all my work from my art room at home (oh my god – so much art stuff, but you can never have too much 😉 ) plus a couple of trips to Ikea to get all my new furniture 🙂

Here’s what it looked like before…

And now after its transformation…

It’s very daunting to have my own little space but also a great move forward for me.  I’ve been working for myself as a freelance Graphic Designer over 2 years, from home (which if you work from home yourself, you will understand how lonely and stir crazy it can get) I’ll be talking to the local businesses on the street to let them know I’m there.  Looking forward to building my business further and working on my art…

So exciting times 🙂 will keep you updated with news from the studio – my new creative corner!

Thanks for reading 😀

Ms Wood x

PS my revamped design website will be launched in the next couple of weeks 🙂 a big online portfolio! 😀

Just Ink

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I’m trying to get through these dark evenings by filling them with reading, dancing and art.  I have to say it feels good to shut myself away, sitting at my desk with my random mix of music, making a creative mess.

Been playing with just inks… it’s good to get out of your comfort zone.  I like to work in fine line before adding any ink – I actually got more ink on me haha but here’s some of the ink that made it to the page…

It wasn’t very easy but I enjoyed myself.  Looking forward to doodling a bit more tonight, might even try some colour.  Your feedback is always welcome 🙂

Ms Bandit Wood xx

A quick doodle

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Finally managed to sit down with my art stuff last night! Don’t really feel like my feet have touched the floor these past few weeks.  Having poured myself a (rather large) glass of prosecco, I spent a couple of hours doodling…


I tried the brush pen on watercolour paper for the first time, I loved the marks it made.  I’m going to try doing more work on watercolour paper with my brush pen.

It amazes me how happy and relaxed I feel when I’m sat drawing.

I’ve been working on some little Christmas images that I’ll share shortly.  

Have a great weekend.  Ms Bandit Wood x

Life Drawing Exhibition

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A couple of weeks ago I attended an inspitational life drawing class in New Mills.  Taught by my very talented friend Tracy Fennell Illustration.  The lesson was one of 6 in a series of life drawing classes. Each week the students explored the human form, using different mediums.  I joined them on the collage class (the second time I’ve done it!)

It’s really great to get back into the swing of things 🙂 Here’s what I came up with…

Here’s Tracy in action and the beautiful model Alannis (Bunny Girl)

I’m really looking forward to the exhibition this Thursday.  The standard of work from this course has been phenomenal.  I’ll be signing up for the next set of workshops 🙂

Ms Wood x

Vintage Ladies in Pen

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I’m sorry it’s been a while since blogging.  I can’t quite believe how fast the time has gone this year!  I’ve been very busy on the design side of my business (which is great), but unfortunately I can’t seem to switch my mind from design to art as easy as I’d like…

I’d love to sit down and get doodling, I’ve got lots of ideas swimming around.  Now the dark nights are drawing in, it’ll be a perfect opportunity to get the mulled wine on and sit in front of the fire – electric sadly but still pretty 🙂 surrounded by my arty bits and bobs 🙂

I just wanted to share with you some of the new(ish) vintage ladies I’ve been drawing with my Pentel Brush Pen.  Vintage ladies from the 1920/30/40/50s inspire me 🙂 I’ve filled nearly two A6 sketchbooks with basic line drawings of these ladies.  I thought developing them further would be a challenge…

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Then I decided to add a bit of gold in the mix…

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I had a go at drawing some powerful ladies from history…

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Until next time! (hopefully I won’t leave it as long this time 🙂 )

Ms Wood x

Snail Mail

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I don’t know about you but I love receiving letters in the post – and cards! Makes a change from bills all the time.  I felt inspired to create a set of ‘snail mail’ products.  It’s lovely to sit down and write to your family and friends.  In an age of technology I think is important to keep the art of letter writing alive.

Using my right hand (I’m a lefty) I used Indian ink and a dip pen to illustrate a beautiful old typewriter.


I’ve made a set of 3 greetings cards…


And a letter writing set 🙂


They’re available to buy in afflecks at SWALK creative and they’ll soon be on my etsy shop 😉

Hope you like them!

Ms B Wood X

Card commissions

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It’s lovely going back through work I’ve done over the past few months.  I’ve been asked to do a few different greetings cards.

It’s great being able to create something special for my friends and clients.  Who doesn’t love a good card? I’ve got tons in draws all over the house, I can’t throw them away, they’re too precious! 🙂

Here’s some of the pieces I’ve created…

Black and White Vintage Brush Pen Ladies

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I’ve started a new sketch book today.  It’s always daunting as you turn to your first page… Gulp, a blank page.  What on earth am I going to draw?


Well I’ve decided to use my Pentel brush pen and try it out drawing ladies from the 1920’s era.  I find it hard to control the pen but like the thick and thin lines.  I’ve used a water brush too to blend in in areas.  Here’s what I’ve come up with…


About 30 pages to go…

Have a great weekend 🙂

Ms Bandit Wood

Life at Afflecks

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Today’s my second full day holding the fort at SWALK Creative in Affecks (3rd floor), Manchester.  It’s a buzzing place – I love it! My work is now set up on the wall.

I work here one day a week on random days (I’ll keep you posted when, on my Facebook page) As a freelancer, it does get a bit lonely at home.  So this is a great opportunity for me to meet new people and be in a buzzing atmosphere 🙂 I drift off into a parallel universe and draw all day, expanding my range. Best job ever, I’m so happy 🙂

Here’s some of the bits and bobs I’ve been up to while I’m here…   

    
    
    
    
 What a creative bunch here at SWALK!! hope to see you soon 🙂 Remember to bring emergency coffee and cake 🙂 

Ms.Wood xx

New adventure

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Tomorrow I’ll be packing up my art wares and going to Affleks Palace in Manchester, for my first day at SWALK Creative 🙂

I’ve been given the great opportunity to join the talented artists who make up the SWALK team and sell my art work.  I’ve spent the last week or so, going through my original illustrations, prints and framed pieces for the gallery 🙂 

I’ve got quite a varied bunch to go through, here’s what I’m thinking of taking with me…   

    
    
    
    
    
    
   
I’ve had some new business cards and postcard promo leaflets made too 🙂 I’m really pleased with them.   

    
 I’ll keep you posted on how my first day goes! I’m a bit excited 😉 Ms.Wood X