Three years ago Emma Skinner was pregnant with her son. She searched around for bold, vibrant baby clothes and decorations for the nursery but was often disappointed. Everything appeared to be either pastel or beige. She began sketching her own ideas and from this FunkyMunchkin was born.

A range of canvas paintings is available for sale at the FunkyMunchkin Etsy Shop. Themes include creatures, science and nature and they’re beautifully captured in bright, funky colours that children will love.

The FunkyMunchkins will be appearing at the next Clutter City market on May 24th.

What I like most about these beautiful mixed media paintings is their depth. Not only can you appreciate them on an aesthetic level but each piece has its own meaning or story. In her product descriptions artist Paulette Insall talks about her inspiration, giving a real insight into her creative processes.

Many of the pieces depict a solitary woman. This is because the paintings echo Paulette’s search for connectivity to self, to like minded spirits, to family, and to her God.

To own your own little work of art go to www.pauletteinsall.etsy.com. For more information visit www.pauletteinsall.com.

I love the use of colour and fonts in this beautiful artwork by Vol.25. The work is a mixture of hand drawings and photographs. Artist Jessica Rose firmly believes that everyone should have the opportunity to own their own art. Therefore her work is not numbered.

Each piece is printed on archival natural white canvas. This is much stronger and more durable than other papers and it is bendable which makes it easy to ship.

This is just a taster. There’s lots more at www.vol25.etsy.com.

Shelagh Duffett is a photographer, painter and dreamer. She lives in the wonderful province of Nova Scotia surrounded by salty air and blue water and paints almost daily. Shelagh’s work is distinctive with its use of brilliant, vivid colours and cheerful subjects. She paints things that make her happy.

You can buy Shelagh’s artwork from www.aliceinparis.etsy.com and http://en.dawanda.com.

As well as capturing the world around her in paint, she is also an accomplished photographer and sells her photographic work through www.broomhillpictures.etsy.com.

And why Alice in Paris? Alice is Shelagh’s grandmother’s name. She was an enterprising woman who opened a small sweet shop in Scotland while her husband was away at sea. And Paris? Shelagh and her daughter share a love of the city and plan to return one day. . . .

I couldn’t resist these, especially the mother rabbit with the little babies. They all hail from the magic paint brush of the uber-talented Amber Alexander. What I like about them is that they all imply a story and look as though they’ve just jumped off the pages of your favourite storybook.

Amber’s beautiful characters can be purchased as original watercolours, cards, prints and ACEOs. Go to www.amberalexander.etsy.com.