First Night Design | Bembridge Lifeboat Station #Art #New

Click to buy Bembridge Lifeboat Station framed print (Fine Art America) © Sarah Vernon

As some of you know, our summer holidays as children were spent in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight where I now live. The other week I trundled round on my mobility scooter visiting my favourite haunts. This shot of Bembridge Lifeboat Station through the trees is just where the steps lead down to the beach and to the exact spot we invariably used for swimming.

It is true the original photograph is rather appealing and some of you on Facebook have already seen it as my header but true to form, I had to play.

I used two textures from Design Cuts — a yellow-based and a green-based one. I ran the photograph through Topaz Impression three or four times to produce different effects. I chose to layer ‘Cezanne 1’ and ’Cavedweller’ (as you do) and blended them with the textures to produce a digital painting. I hope it pleases you as much as it did me in its creation.

Click to buy Bembridge Lifeboat Station tote bag (Fine Art America) © Sarah Vernon

Part of a paper read to the Ladies of Shanklin Evening Institute, October 1951.

“It is quite possible that some among you are quite ignorant of everything connected with Lifeboat work […] I have no intention of going back into remote history, or to the founding of the Institution in 1824.  Moreover, I expect you will think that I have gone back quite far enough if I commence with the time of your grandfathers, and I select that particular time because it was then that the proud reputation of the Lifeboat Institution was built up, on the great hearts and stout muscles of the grand old men who served as crews for the small pulling and sailing lifeboats stationed round our coasts.  But to really understand the heroism of these grand old fellows, and to give them full credit for their marvellous rescues, and for their self-sacrificing efforts, one must be possessed of…” Bembridge Lifeboat

Available at the following galleries:
Redbubble
Zazzle US
Zazzle UK
Fine Art America [14 fulfillment centers in 5 countries]
Saatchi Art

Take care and keep laughing!

First Night Design | Apples and Pears in a Hallway #Art

Apples And Pears In A Hallway Framed Print from Fine Art America

The photograph I used as my starting point was taken a year ago at an erstwhile (and that’s another story to be told when I’m ready) friend’s hallway. I threw together a couple of books — vintage copies of Jane Austen’s Emma and Northanger Abbey that I bought from the shop attached to Chawton House in Steventon — a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey whisky and a wooden ‘bothy’ bowl that I bought from Garden Trading; I’ve since bought several more! The lilies were already on the hall table.

As is my way, I added a couple of textures from Design Cuts and some apples from an image by Leti Kugler at Unsplash.

Oh, I nearly forgot. Some of you might recognise the print on the wall. Yes, it’s Copper Pear.

Available at the following galleries:
Redbubble
Crated
Zazzle US
Zazzle UK
Fine Art America [14 fulfillment centers in 5 countries]
Saatchi Art

Take care and keep laughing!

First Night Design | Harbour Parasols #Art #New

You have no idea just how peachy it has been to create a piece of art with my new vision after spending so many months re-blogging earlier pieces and promoting those which have sold. My heart and soul are leaping with joy. Just as well in view of the unconscionable state prevailing in the UK after a general election. I am reminded of my favourite quote from erstwhile US President Jimmy Carter (and there are many to choose from) which says it all when one thinks of Prime Minister Theresa May’s parentage: the daughter of a vicar no less. “If you don’t want your tax dollars to help the poor, then stop saying you want a country based on Christian values because you don’t.’

Harbour Parasols Framed Prints © Sarah Vernon [Redbubble]

The original is a photochrom from the Library of Congress of the entrance to the harbour at St. Malo in France taken between 1890 and 1900. I duplicated the image, ran the jpg through the Topaz Impressions Abstraction II filter, which I added as a third layer before topping with one of my yellow textures. I made use of a variety of Photoshop blends such as Darken, Lighter Colour and Screen.

Available at the following galleries:
Redbubble
Crated
Zazzle US
Zazzle UK
Fine Art America [14 fulfilment centres in 5 countries]
Saatchi Art

Take care and keep laughing!

Royal Geographical Society Collage Print | Zazzle #Sold!

Paper Type: Value Poster Paper (Matte)

Your walls are a reflection of your personality. So let them speak with your favorite quotes, art, or designs printed on our posters! Choose from up to 5 unique paper types and several sizes to create art that’s a perfect representation of you.

• 45 lb., 7.5 point thick poster paper
• Matte finish with a smooth surface
• Economical option that delivers sharp, clean images with stunning color and vibrancy
• More paper types available under “Paper Options”
• Add a premium quality frame as an essential accessory

Source: Royal Geographical Society Collage Print | Zazzle

Take care and keep laughing!

Chinese Lantern Surrounded Throw Pillow | Zazzle

The ‘Queen of Cushions’, as Beetley Pete calls me, is back!

Size: Throw Pillow 16″ x 16″

Accent your home with custom pillows from Zazzle and make yourself the envy of the neighborhood. Made from 100% grade A cotton, these pillows are the perfect complement to your couch!

• Dimensions: 16″ x 16″ (square)
• 100% grade A woven cotton
• Fabric is made from natural fibers, which may result in irregularities
• Hidden zipper enclosure; synthetic-filled insert included
• Machine washable
• Made in the USA

Source: Chinese Lantern Surrounded Throw Pillow | Zazzle

Take care and keep laughing!

First Night Design | Chinese Lantern Surrounded #Art #New

Look at me, Ma — I have created something else out of The Fruit Look! A few subtractions, a few additions with the ephemera from Design Cuts and the Biodiversity Library on Flickr and I have done something different. It’s recycling if you will.

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“We live in a disposable society. It’s easier to throw things out than to fix them. We even give it a name – we call it recycling.” Neil LaBute (playwright)

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Available at the following galleries:
Redbubble
Crated
Zazzle US
Zazzle UK
Fine Art America [14 fulfillment centers in 5 countries]
Saatchi Art

Take care and keep laughing!

First Night Design | “The only thing worse than being blind is…” #Art

Can I see again? No, but there are odd moments of clearer vision that enable me to work in fits and starts. In this instance, I have come up with a collage, The Fruit Look.

The Fruit Look © Sarah Vernon at Crated

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“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
Helen Keller [1880-1968]

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Ephemera used to create this collage is from Design Cuts and the Biodiversity Library on Flickr.

I have not yet uploaded it to my galleries, except for Crated, but if you’re interested,, do bookmark the page and return in a few days for all the other links.

Available at the following galleries:
Redbubble
Crated
Zazzle US
Zazzle UK
Fine Art America [14 fulfillment centers in 5 countries]
Saatchi Art

Take care and keep laughing!

Burlap Simple Mustard Yellow Throw Pillow | Zazzle #Sold

Perhaps I should just do cushions and be done with it!

Size: Throw Pillow 16″ x 16″

Accent your home with custom pillows from Zazzle and make yourself the envy of the neighborhood. Made from high-quality Simplex knit fabric, these 100% polyester pillows are soft and wrinkle-free. The heavyweight stretch material provides beautiful color definition for your design while also being the perfect complement to your couch!

• Dimensions: 16″ x 16″ (square)
• Simplex knit fabric; 100% polyester; wrinkle-free
• Hidden zipper enclosure; synthetic-filled insert included
• Machine washable
• Made in the USA

Source: Burlap Simple Mustard Yellow Throw Pillow | Zazzle

Take care and keep laughing!

First Night Design | The Jungle Look is All the Rage #Cushions

Update: Well, I’ve no idea what happened but this post originally included a couple of paragraphs about how happy I was that Mary Smith of My Dad’s a Goldfish had bought four Jungle Look cushions for her living room sofa. And don’t they look splendid! I recommended that you visit her website about looking after her father who had dementia, a recounting that offers humour (sometimes black) and comfort for anyone in a similar situation. I can’t remember what else I said but I’m sure it was interesting and amusing! Thank you, Mary.

© Mary Smith

© Mary Smith

Available at the following galleries:
Redbubble
Crated
Zazzle US
Zazzle UK
Fine Art America [14 fulfillment centers in 5 countries]

Take care and keep laughing!

First Night Design | Une Valentine Parisienne #New #Art

I had a two-day window last week during which I could see rather better than usual. I read a book and created the piece below. Back to ‘normal’ now, though!

Une Valentine Parisienne © Sarah Vernon Framed Print at Crated

I blended and tweaked two images from Wikimedia. One is advertising a French event on 14th July 1915 in aid of The Great War. The other is a fashion illustration from Journal des dames et des modes, 1913, by H. Robert Dammy. Both are delightful in their own right but blending them together was a fascinating process and enhanced the Art Deco effect.

I can’t pretend it’s my favourite period in the history of the decorative arts when it comes to architecture and interior design but the fashion and illustration of the time has a place in my heart.

Available at the following galleries:
Redbubble
Crated
Zazzle US
Zazzle UK
Fine Art America [14 fulfillment centers in 5 countries]
Saatchi Art

Take care and keep laughing!

Horloge Astronomique Throw Pillow for Sale by Sarah Vernon

Horloge Astronomique Throw Pillow by Sarah Vernon. Our throw pillows are made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric and add a stylish statement to any room. Pillows are available in sizes from 14″ x 14″ up to 26″ x 26″. Each pillow is printed on both sides (same image) and includes a concealed zipper and removable insert (if selected) for easy cleaning.

Source: Horloge Astronomique Throw Pillow for Sale by Sarah Vernon

Take care and keep laughing!

Clowns Of The Sea Duvet Cover for Sale by Sarah Vernon

Clowns Of The Sea Duvet Cover by Sarah Vernon. Available in king, queen, full, and twin. Our soft microfiber duvet covers are hand sewn and include a hidden zipper for easy washing and assembly. Your selected image is printed on the top surface with a soft white surface underneath. All duvet covers are machine washable with cold water and a mild detergent.

Source: Clowns Of The Sea Duvet Cover for Sale by Sarah Vernon

P.S. Wisdom tooth removal today. Ha!

Take care and keep laughing!

First Night Design | Rachel Strong by Léon Bakst 1924 #Cards #Prints | First Night Design

FROM THE ARCHIVE 28 August 2015

The Russian designer and painter Léon Bakst (1866–1924), born Lev Samuilovich Rozenberg, is more generally known for his luscious costume and set designs for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes as witness S…

Source: First Night Design | Rachel Strong by Léon Bakst 1924 #Cards #Prints | First Night Design

Take care and keep laughing!

The Jungle Look Throw Pillow | Zazzle #Sold!

Sight update: None! All I know is that I’m missing so many lovely posts and it’s infuriating. Thank you for continuing to support me here even though I’m not able to respond in kind.

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Accent your home with custom pillows from Zazzle and make yourself the envy of the neighborhood. Made from high-quality Simplex knit fabric, these 100% polyester pillows are soft and wrinkle-free. The heavyweight stretch material provides beautiful color definition for your design while also being the perfect complement to your couch!

• Dimensions: 16″ x 16″ (square)
• Simplex knit fabric; 100% polyester; wrinkle-free
• Hidden zipper enclosure; synthetic-filled insert included
• Machine washable
• Made in the USA

Source: The Jungle Look Throw Pillow | Zazzle

Take care and keep laughing!

First Night Design | The Eyes Have It!

Thanksgiving Hideaway Coaster

Darlings,

Just a quick note to say that my left eye is even worse and the next appointment is not until January. The NHS have left it so long that a lovely little ‘film’ has grown over the stitch that remains embedded. With the cataract in the right eye ripe for the plucking, I’m finding it almost impossible to read or write at all. This means I shall not be doing my daily visits, ‘likes’ and comments. Sorry.

I will still be publishing the short product posts because little reading or checking is needed to ‘press’ these. But please bear in mind that I will only be ‘liking’ your lovely comments and not actually responding.  All your contributions are, as ever, hugely appreciated so please don’t think that my ‘caring’ bone has disappeared along with my sight!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American followers!

Take care and keep laughing!