David Bowie, a true genius

When I first heard the news that David Bowie had died my heart just went numb. I jumped out of bed and ran downstairs to my Dad. As I walked down the stairs I hear the tv was on. The next thing I heard was my sister saying 'does Nicola know?'. I walked through the door and looked at my Dad. All he could say was that he couldn't believe it. I then just burst into tears. I don't think I have ever cried so much for somebody in the public eye before.

My Dad has the greatest taste in music, and most of the music I listen to is because of him. David Bowie (in my Dad's words) 'my music hero has died'. This made me even more sad. My Dad gave me the gift of Bowie. Listening to his music growing up was wonderful. Falling in love with Bowie's persona at art collage because I was finding out you could be who you wanted to be, and it didn't matter that you were really different. Bowie made that ok.

The man was an artist, genius and visionary. A bright star in the nights sky that choose to be different, and show the world that it's ok. A hero.

Coffee date

I love a good cup of coffee or tea, (as I am British), as much as the next person. When I was at collage and university I used to love sitting in a coffee shop for hours on end. Of course because I was a student I always had a sketch book and pens in my hand. Drawing away with a hot drink by my side, without a care in the world.

One of my favourite things to do is get to know your barista. Having that chat while they make your drink can really start you up for the day, or chill you out in the afternoon. Plus I'm a mega fan of coffee latte art! It's an instagrammers dream! Even better when the barista is amazing at it. I'm talking about you Phillip. Amazing.

Most importantly having coffee shop time is giving you that time you need for yourself. A chance to relax and recharge your batteries. Of course on the flip side it also can be the perfect chance for a catch up with a friend. Visiting a coffee shop with my notebook in my hand is still one of my favourite things to do, and I'm sure it will be forever.

The year ahead

So it's a new year. So many people now start to talk about what the new year ahead will bring. It's a scary idea to think about this new year. I always feel a lot of pressure, what will I achieve? What should I be doing with this year? What will happen? Where will this year take me? It's good to have aims for the year ahead, of course it is.

I have two main hopes for the new year. These consist of being able to see my far away friends more. It's so hard to all organise time for us to all meet. But it's easy to jump on a train and spend time with them. I want I make sure this happens. Also this year I want to pursue my art a lot more. I have met some wonderful new people through my work, and I hope this shall continue. I am becoming more confident within my work and the local artist community. This is helping me grow my work and style.

Let's all enjoy January, even though it's so rainy! It's a new year! Lots to do, achieve, see and experience!

Christmas time

Lots of Christmas cheer was had in my home over Christmas. Only problem with my job is that I only get the one day off. Getting up at 4am to go to work at 5am on Boxing Day was awful, but I did it. Anyway back to Christmas, I got woken up by David, I was basically dragged out of bed. I could of slept for days. I opened my wonderful stocking presents from David. That boy knows me too well.

We then waited for my grandparents to come round for lunch. Mum was amazing in the kitchen, the food always tastes the best. I always look forward to Christmas dinner.

We then spent the rest of the day opening presents from each other, eating good food and spending time together. It's so easy to get swept up in life, but for one day the pace was slow and relaxed. I got lots of wonderful presents, including tickets to see Book of Mormon with David! I'm so excited! The new year is fast approaching! Hope you all enjoy the last moments of 2015.

Winter Makers Market

Last month my group Made in Herne Bay hosted our Winter Makers Market at the Kings Hall. It was an exciting time. We all couldn't wait for this event, and we had been planning it for a long time.

We had our group members showing and selling their work, plus we invited a few local sellers and friends to join in for the night.

We told lots of people about the event and we used social media to help! But we couldn't believe the amount of people that came that evening! The hall was packed! Lots of happy, friendly faces all here to see us and buy our wares. It's so lovely to spend an evening selling your work and meeting such wonderful people. I love doing craft fairs and events because you get the chance to talk to people about your work. It's a lovely experience, and meeting people that love my work is always a buzz!

I have been working on new ways to display my work and I was very proud of my table at this event.

All of us at #MIHB can't wait to start organising our events for the new year ahead. You can find out about more of the artists in #MIHB on our Twitter/Facebook and Instagram pages!