INKTOBER

It's nearly October which means it's Inktober time again ! I will be drawing an ink illustration every day for the whole month! 

Leave me a suggestion below in the comments about what I should draw. My favourite from the month  will win the illustration of their suggestion...

*You can enter as many times as you like. My choice is final. Closing date 30 October 2015, winner will be notified early Nov.  

Day trip to the seaside

I had been feeling a little bit frustrated artistically lately, I just couldn't get into my drawing or anything really.  I needed a bit of a change of scene and so I went to Skegness for a little day trip with my mate Nic.
I think it was just what I needed as I'm feeling refreshed and inspired. Here's a few pics from the day...

Red's True Barbecue Review

Location: Queens Street, Nottingham

I went along to try out Red's as I'd been hearing good things about the place and it seemed to be a permanent feature on my instagram feed.

It's an American style BBQ place which basically serves meat...it's located where Fopp used to be and it has a really cool interior. Kind of industrial meets tattoo parlour...

As you can see by the serious bible style menu , they take their meat seriously here.

I opted for the pulled pork plate with a side of macaroni cheese and an iced tea.  

The food arrived really quickly. The pork was really tasty and tender and had a sweet bbq sauce flavour, it came with coleslaw which tasted really fresh and light and complimented it well. The macaroni cheese was ok but went cold really quickly and didn't really have much flavour. I was a bit disappointed with it and wouldn't order it again. 

The iced tea was great, nice and sweet and really refreshing. It was served in a cute half tankard style glass.

I would give the food 7/10 and the decor and theme 8/10 . I will probably go back to try something different next time . I did find that I smelt of bbq smoke after eating in there though which although not a surprise didn't like. Overall it's worth a try for sure. 

Lady Luck...

I have been struggling a bit lately to feel completely confident in my illustrations, I've still been drawing a lot but I guess I had hit the block that many creative people get every now and then. 

Yesterday though I deliberately gave myself a day of doing nothing so I could get back in the zone. I was browsing my illustration inspiration board on pinterest and realised that I had not done any drawings in the American Traditional tattoo style...so feeling inspired I got my promarkers out ( they have been neglected somewhat lately) and was pretty pleased with the result...

February favourites

Well February went quickly didn't it!!!!....here's some of the things that have been floating my boat this month...

 

TAYLOR'S SWEET RHUBARB TEA 
I am not a massive fruit tea fan as I find that the flavours are often too weak but this tea is really flavoursome and sweet without being sickly. It's a limited edition teabag made by Taylor's of Harrogate , I picked this up from coop randomly and i LOVE IT. I hope I can find more of this AS IT'S AMAZING !


AVOCADOS 
I am beyond addicted to Avocados, I eat one daily. They are good for you and make your hair grow, reeeeeal well. BOOM!


PRIMARK PINEAPPLE CANDLE
Primark's new spring homeware range is really on point at the moment, they seem to have the most random candles in. I picked up this amazing ceramic pineapple candle for £2.50 i think. It's really unusual and it is a nice addition to my fireplace. It is strictly for display purposes  though as i'm a bit monica like that. 




MODELS OWN NAIL VARNISH - GUN GREY
I rediscovered this nail varnish this month, it's a great sparkly grey colour which has great coverage and dries quickly. I like wearing dark nail varnish and this is a great alternative to my usual matte black. You can get these nail varnishes from Boots and Superdrug. Try it. 

HYDRALURON 
I think this was in my last months favourites too and that's because it works. It keeps my face looking hydrated and is now an essential. I cannot rate this highly enough, still not convinced well ok then have a desert face see if i care ;) LOLZ

BOOTS BOTANICS HYDRATING EYE CREAM RADIANT YOUTH
As I'm no longer a radiant youth I need some help in the eye wrinkle department. I hate sticky eye creams and so was pleasantly surprised with the formula of this one, you only need a little bit around the eyes and it sinks into the skin well with no stickiness. I have noticed the results almost immediately and I will definitely repurchase this bad boy. Oh yeah and it's full of natural ingredients and protective ginkgo...don't get me started on ginkgo eh eh...yeah I've no idea what it is either. 

BOURJOIS BRONZING POWDER - DELICE DE POUDRE
I had been looking for a matte bronzer for a while, I was moaning about this to my friend Catherine and the babe gave me this as the shade was too dark for her; and I'm so grateful she did. It is a really lovely bronzer which gives you a nice radiant glow, the packaging is so sweet and it does smell like chocolate. I have it in shade 51 and it is now a permanent fixture in my make up. Thanks Catherine!! x

LOVE TANYA BOOK- TANYA BURR
For those of you that don't know Tanya Burr is a Youtuber and this is her lifestyle book. It ain't Pride and Prejudice but it is a lovely coffee table book. What I have been loving is the baking section of her book! So much so in fact that baking has become my new favourite thing to do, much to the joy of my work colleagues. I made her lemon cake and cookies and they were actually EDIBLE... #win
This book is not for everyone I admit but I like it so ner. 

What have you been loving this month? Leave me a comment below or get in touch on my twitter or follow me on instagram...

Amanda x

Starting out...

When you are first starting out with drawing you don't mind using basic pens and pencils but as soon as your skills start to improve and you begin to really develop a style you should take the next step and secure yourself some decent gear. 

However when I was trying to find out what materials or pens you need to use I found that people just didn't want to share that information (either that or I was just looking in the wrong place) and as a result I often used to spend a lot of time in the aisle of the art shop trying to work out what paper or pens I needed to buy. This resulted in a massive collection of pens and a lot of trial and error (and cash spent) before I ended up with a good idea of what I needed to have in my collection.  

Now I am the first to say that what you draw with is very much what suits your style and is very much down to your own preference but this is what I use and I hope that it's useful to some of you...

PENCILS AND ERASERS

One of my tips is to invest in a good quality propelling pencil. The benefits of using a propelling pencil is that you will always have a consistent nib and there is no need to buy a sharpener. I use a Rotring Tikky 0.5 pencil with a 0.5 HB lead. You change the lead by taking the end of the pencil off (the eraser end) and feeding in the individual leads. This pencil is great and whilst slightly expensive well worth the money. 

It is also a really good idea to buy yourself a really good quality eraser, one that actually removes pencil lines effectively from the paper (yeah I thought that was an essential for an eraser but it seems not to be the case for a lot of cheap erasers). Here i have the Rotring Rapid-eraser B30 , it's a nice quality small eraser.

PENS

If you want to start drawing detailed line work then you need to invest in some good quality pens. They need to have a good quality nib! And you will need to buy different pens with different nib sizes.

These Staedtler pens are one of my favourites to use, I use 0.2, 0.1 and 0.05 for all my pointillism drawings. You can get these pens from ebay for about £3.00 each. I'll review each of these pens in detail in another post. 

PAPER

Treat yourself to some nice quality sketchbooks, I like to use paper by the brand Daler Rowney. I use a heavy weight white Acid Free A4 220g paper for art work which I want to have an aged vintage feel, like this hand illustration of mine...

I have also been known to draw on watercolour paper, like my bird skull drawing here...

And when I really want to push the boat out and use the best paper I go for Bristol Board, like when I did this drawing...

Bristol Board has a smooth almost shiny surface, it doesn't absorb ink in the same way as the other papers i mentioned in this post will and in my experience it is also the best paper to use and blend promarkers on. 

I hope you found this post useful, please leave me a comment below on what art materials you recommend or if you try any of my suggestions let me know via twitter . If you would like to see more of my art work follow my portfolio instagram account here or my personal instagram.

Amanda x

Latest illustration...

Finished the first of my floral print series 🌹 #illustration #pointilism #dotwork #flower #flowertattoo #tattoo #tattooart #print #pigmamarker

A photo posted by amandainateacup (@amandainateacup) on Feb 9, 2015 at 12:35pm PST

Black and Gold....

Black and Gold by amandainateacup

I love making sets on Polyvore...if you are not familiar click here it's a great way to make a visual wish list of things you can only dream of owning...I like to think of it as the grown up electronic version of Fuzzy Felts. Yeah you're right they were awesome!

I'm in the mood for a little bit of black and gold on this fine Sunday post-valentines day afternoon. I'm not sure exactly how practical the gold rucksack is but I am loving the Jeffrey Campbell brogues. 

January favourites

January Favourites by amandainateacup 

Here are some of the things I have been enjoying during the past month.

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I am really bad at finding the time to read but I have been really enjoying this book. It won't shock you to find out that it's about a circus that runs at night, it's set in the past and I don't want to ruin it for you but it's full of magic and a mysterious game and seemingly based on where I am up to a bit of romance. Well worth a read. 

2. My new TV

My life has been revolutionised by my mum buying me a lovely big Samsung TV for Christmas, now I'm not watching stuff on an Ipad sized old TV I'm really enjoying watching films again and of course lots of Youtube videos. I also watched Frozen for the first time finally and as I'm not really a Disney fangirl I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. 

3. White Gel pens on black paper

I have been loving drawing with white pens this month. I bought a white manga gel pen when I was in an amazing art shop in San Francisco which I really enjoy using. I'm also really into sacred geometry which this ram skull design incorporates. 

4. Hydraluron Moisture Booster £24.99

This is a serum that you use before your moisturiser and it increases the skins ability to absorb moisture by up to 1000%. Google it if you are not familiar as it is so so good and really makes a difference to your skin. I love it. 

5. B. Stunning Vibrant Eye Shimmer in 097 Golden Sand £6.99

This eye-shadow is only available from Superdrug's B. range, it is a cream eye-shadow in a gorgeous true shimmery gold colour. It applies really well and the pigment is very true and long lasting. I use this either on its own or when I am doing a smoky brown eye. I will be doing a tutorial using this eye-shadow soon. 

6. Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo- Uplifting volume Citrus Fragrance

I tried this by chance because Boots had run out of my usual Batiste Volume dry shampoo and this was on offer for £2.99. I am really impressed with it! Unsurprisingly it has an orangey smell which is really nice and refreshing, I wouldn't say it gave my hair a lot of volume but this is well worth trying and I am actually considering re-purchasing which is saying something as I had been brand loyal to Batiste for so long!  

7. Kerastase Resistance Ciment Anti-Usure £16.00

I love this whole range and regularly use the Thermique heat protection fluid but I had not tried any of the shampoos or conditioners. I treated myself to this conditioner and it's really really good. My hair can get dry and this conditioner restores it back to being silky smooth. It's pricey but you don't have to use a lot of the product and the results make it worth it. 

8. Primark - Minty Choc Chip lipbalm £1

I love this lipbalm, so much so in fact that I bought it twice this month after I lost my first one at my graduation. Considering it is so cheap the formula is really great, my lips feel really smooth and it doesn't have an overpowering mint or chocolate chip smell. At only £1 everyone reading this should pick one up and let me know what you think of it! 

Have you tried any of these products? or think you will now go and try some of them? Let me know in the comments below what you thought or tweet me here

Amanda xx

In progress...I'd lost my discipline for drawing every night but I'm back on it ✌#illustration #dotwork #tattoo #tattooart #flowertattoo #rose #drawing #flower

A photo posted by amandainateacup (@amandainateacup) on Jan 27, 2015 at 2:14pm PST

Restaurant Review - Wildwood, Nottingham

I went to Wildwood restaurant 18 Kings Street, Nottingham on Thursday night with my mum, it was a complete accident that we went there...we thought it was Pizza Express (no joke) and it wasn't until I sat down that I realised it wasn't...I know right BUT it turned into a pretty pleasant accident so I thought I would give it a bit of a review for you guys. 

The restaurant is where the Jonathan James shoe shop used to be and they have really done a nice job at renovating it. We were sat down at the back of the restaurant and I found it a bit strange that everyone was squeezed into the back of the room but soon realised that was because when the door opened it was FREEZING! I did feel that our table was a bit too close to the next table and we didn't have a lot of room but luckily we were on the end of the row. 

Mum and I both went for pizzas; Mum had the Margherita and I had the Wild Mushroom and Truffle oil pizza - mine was really tasty and you got a nice range of wild mushroom on it, Mum also rated hers. I would go back for a pizza for sure, the chips though were a let down- they were pretty expensive and were very average so I would give them a miss. They were nicely presented though. 

 Overall I would give the food a 7/10, only affected by the lame chips. The staff were really lovely and friendly and the toilets were very nice with really cute wallpaper....worth a visit but I'm not in that much of a hurry to return as it really put me off with the seating plan, I like to be able to eat and chat without other people sitting so close haha #diva 

DARK SIDE FASHION

Dark Side by amandainateacup 

I love Polyvore, it's like a modern day fuzzy felts...here's my monochrome fashion inspiration for you. 

Stop being lame and start drawing Amanda!

I'm suffering from a lack of motivation currently...I genuinely think the cold weather is making me want to do nothing but watch vlogs on youtube and eat! It's not good for my art or my waistline . So I thought I would share some of the things I've been doing lately , tips if you like on how to get your art mojo back...

1. Listen to the music you listen to when you create stuff

I like to listen to a particular type of music when I'm drawing, so if I need to get back in the zone I start listening to it again. Sounds obvious and yeah it is , but it works....

2. Get on Instagram

Browse people's profile's that inspire you and start making notes on what it is you like about their profile, art, hair, cat etc...Find new people to follow.

3. Stimulate your eyes 

Chances are if you are a creative, you are a visual person...give yourself new things to look at, go to an art gallery, browse the books at Waterstones, sit and people watch in town.

4. Organise your art stuff

I love pens and for some reason the minute I start organising them and my sketchbooks I feel like drawing, yes I'm aware that I am a massive art geek!

5. Get a notebook and make a list of the creative things you want to achieve

Ronseal that one eh...and yes by the time you finish with this list you will have stuff to fill it with GAWD

6. Youtube

Find some art tutorials on youtube , they'll either be so great you get inspired or so shit it will make you want to draw just to prove you're better than they are. 

7. Try something creative that you've never done before

Lino printing, candle making, glass painting...you get the idea

8. Pinterest

Create a board to influence your illustration when you are having a creative dry spell , you can find mine here 

9. Talk it out

Speak to your art mates, talk to your mum- everyone has an opinion on what you should draw...see if it inspires you 

10. Force yourself to sit down and draw 
Harsh but effective, in my experience sometimes just sitting down and getting into it is the best way to er get into it.

So there you go, that's what I've been doing to get back into the creative mindset. What techniques do you use? 

A x


*that image is from tumblr

MILK IT

So it's January and I bet that half of you reading this have decided that after eating Christmas you want to eat healthier and lighter...me too. I generally eat pretty healthily but I have not been as disciplined recently and I've really noticed the difference in my skin (it's been really dull or really spotty) and the fact that I am so so tired recently for no reason. 

After reading several blog posts about healthy eating including Naomi Smart's blog, I decided to try and make some lifestyle changes, one of which was to explore milk alternatives. I didn't want to go all radical and change my diet completely because in my experience I tended to not stick with the changes but one lifestyle change at a time could be a realistic goal. 

They say that you see the benefits of having less milk within weeks and it can include reduced anxiety and stress, better sleeping patterns and more energy...all things that I would benefit from. I've not been doing this for long enough to really see the benefits yet but I am hopeful and will keep you posted. 

I've been trying two milk alternatives...

OATLY OAT DRINK

£1.80 approx from Holland and Barrett

I'm not sure if you guessed but this one is made from Oats, I know right...complete surprise to me too! I like this one, it's sweet in taste and you know what it really does taste like oats but in a good way. However DO NOT PUT IT IN TEA, it just can't cope with it and curdles. It is nice on your cereal or would work well as a smoothie base. 

I really like the packaging on this one, I know that shouldn't really be a focus but I like it when brands have a sense of humour with their packaging. 

ALPRO SOYA ORIGINAL
£1.29 from Tesco

This is the original version of the soya milk, I also tried out the Light version which if I'm honest I didn't really rate. This does indeed have a subtle sweet taste, I liked it and it didn't freak out when I added it to my tea BONUS! 

This tends to be more widely available in supermarkets so you are likely to be able to get hold of it easily. Again really nice on cereal, I think that this is a great all rounder and a good way into milk alternatives, I've noticed that they use this brand at Starbucks and I really like the soya lattes there so it works in coffee too, although I don't have a fancy machine at home yet so not sure how it would work with instant coffee.

So I think that I'm going to try and increase my use of milk alternatives , I don't know if I'll ever be able to give up milk completely but I think that if the benefits are true that might be something I'll reconsider. 

Have your tried any of these? or have any tips for milk alternatives? let me know by commenting below or tweet me @amandainateacup. 

x

NEW VALENTINES DAY PRINTS

2/4 ♦♥♣♠#illustration #tattoo #tattooart #valentines #prints #postcards #rose

A photo posted by amandainateacup (@amandainateacup) on Jan 12, 2015 at 1:32pm PST

My Beauty Wish List for January...

These are some of the beauty products I am looking forward to treating myself to...the result of many hours worth of research...and I'm sharing the joy with you for nowt...you are welcome haha...

1. Soap and Glory Brow Archery eyebrow pen

I usually use a powder shadow for my brows so I am looking forward to trying this pen to see whether it is natural looking or not. 

2. The Original Urban Decay NAKED palette

In my opinion the best of the nakeds

3. Nars highlighter in Copacabana 

Recommended by Tanya Burr so who am I to argue, highlighter use is something I am looking to master this year...not in a Kardashian extreme way though like

4. Too Faced Chocolate bar palatte

I've been seeing this pop up on a lot of American beauty Youtube favourites, I'm looking forward to seeing what the hype is all about. Debate is on whether the pigment is any good...I'll let you know. 

5. Benefit Porefessional 

This apparently really makes your make-up sit nicely on your face haha I mean yeah it minimises your pores

6. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

This is going to be either great or something I'll regret buying...let's see

7. Lush's valentines day bath stuff - yes that is the UNICORN horn bubble bar

I LOVE LUSH!!!!! BUY ME ALL THE STUFFS FOR VALENTINES DAY THANK YOU PLEASE

YouTube ADDICTION

It's hard for me to remember a time when I wasn't addicted to watching YouTubes...and if you know me personally you will no doubt have been made to watch the odd video or 15 when you come round to my house. 

Well it got NEXT Level at Christmas after my lovely mum got me a new TV...I was able to move from my much ridiculed tiny post-it sized TV to a big badass 32' beaut...thanks mum!

Anyway in honour of this I've decided to share some of my favourite recent videos for your viewing pleasure...and if you don't watch YouTube already?! then come on down and get involved...

I think YouTube is so addictive for me because I am so gosh darn NOSY and I love picking up make-up and illustration tips from tutorials.  My favourite channels at the moment include Zoella, Helen Anderson, Essie Button and Mary Doodles. 

ENNNJJJJOOOOOOYYY

2015

Happy New Year!

I'm feeling really optimistic about this year, whilst that might come back to bite me on the bum I'm still going to say it! 

I'm not really one for making traditional new year's resolutions but I am a big fan of using the start of the year as a good time to re-group and plan out what I'd like to achieve for the year. 

I got myself a notebook and divided it into sections...BLOG, ART and LIFE then I started to make lists of everything I wanted to do this year, even crazy ideas that probably won't happen but hey you can still add them to the list.

One of my big goals this year is to travel more...I went on a pretty epic trip to California last year and it really sparked the travel bug within me. Places I absolutely want to visit are BERLIN and I seem to have become obsessed with wanting to go Greek Island Hopping...I also listed places in England that I have never been to and those that I have been and want to go back to, this includes BRIGHTON which I absolutely love. Check out my Travel board on Pinterest 

Another area I have big goals for is with my drawing- I want to try out new illustration techniques and try working with Indian Inks in my illustrations. I also want to build up a network of illustrators so I can learn from my peers and share tips and ideas.

I haven't included all the things that are included on my list but I hope this has given you a bit of inspiration to getting thinking about what you want to achieve this year!