First a few updates!

New Studio - At the start of November I got the keys to a beautiful shared studio at the Fish Factory in Penryn. I now have a lovely desk space where I can draw, collage and work on my art. I have so much space and am surrounded by other friendly artists. (some pictures below)

Paper Pals - I have also released Paper Pals. A new line of stationery involving my own characters… Bear, Tig, Morag the Magpie and the Kanga Booangles. Through Etsy you can shop by character, finding products and cards inspired by each of my characters mentioned above. The brand centres around my love of stories, hoping to bring a bit of inspiration to you and your loved ones. Each greetings card comes with a short story tucked inside too. They have been very popular at fairs throughout December! New designs will be available in early February.

Click the link below to have a browse of our products.

Whilst I am busy creating some new Paper Pals artwork. Follow our new instagram for updates, stories and more!

Here are a few of the most popular Christmas designs and their stories…

Surfing Bear Christmas Card ~ Once upon a time there was a little bear called Bear (as no one ever though to name him). He moved to Cornwall, bought a campervan, a surfboard… and spent Christmas day out on the waves. .. and his seagull friend joined in!

Tig and the Christmas Deer ~ One day, whilst playing out in the snow, Tig and Flospy Rabbit went in search of a Christmas Deer. Tig had heard all about them in books and songs and wanted to meet one. Both Tig and Flopsy wore a pair of antlers on their head. This way they would be camouflaged if they did meet one. They looked all day, amongst the fir trees and snow. But did not find a single deer… until suddenly when they had given up all hope, a Christmas deer popped up behind them. He had smelt Flopsy’s carrots! He was a real fan of carrots! He didn’t seem to mind their antler disguise either.

Morag and Robin Christmas Card ~ Once upon a time there was a little creature called Morag. She was a magpie girl. Not quite a magpie and not quite a girl, but the best parts of both. One day whilst walking in the woods Morag met another small and strange creature. This creature wore all brown and had a big red belly. Her name was Robin. She was singing a beautiful song as she sat among the holly. Morag started to dance along. And soon the two were dancing and singing together. The start of a new Christmassy Friendship.

My Christmas Events

Now to tell you a bit more about these Christmas Events. For every weekend leading up to Christmas I either ran workshops or took part in Christmas Fairs. Some where near my family near London and other down in Cornwall. It was super busy but a great chance to have a chat with customers, make connections and talk about art!

Some new artwork

Right at the end of December I took a bit of time off from social media and commissions to focus on some new artwork and experiment. I love working both by hand and digitally but sometimes I find that with the speed and efficiency of my digital approach, it can lose its “handmade” quality. These new collages below are an attempt at combining these two techniques more equally. The backgrounds are formed from vintage postcards I found in a thrift shop.

With 2023 now underway, it has got me thinking about the art I am hoping to create this year. Lots of exciting new projects lined up… story books, new characters, and even some little comics. I hope this newsletter brings a smile to your face and perhaps acts as a bit of inspiration for the coming days. Here are a few of my favourite 2022 artworks of mine.

What are yours?

I would like to end the newsletter with Miss Moon Fairy. My first illustration of 2023.

Email: emily.luke@btinternet.com

Website: www.emilylukeillustration.com

Instagram: @emily_lukeillustration

Pinterest: Emily Luke

Phone number: 07554963796