Bermudian author and illustrator Joan Aspinall has launched a new web site promoting her books and art work.

Ten of her stories, published by Bermudian publishing firm 'Some Child Books', are now available for preview and sale on the site.

In addition, viewers can also sample the artists double matted prints and mouse pads depicting colourful Bermuda scenes.

The site is "long overdue" said Ms Aspinall, as it has taken her some time to catch up with modern technology.

Ms Aspinall said: "We have been actively selling on the market for years and have received numerous inquires from tourists asking if our products are available on the web."

"It would have launched earlier, but it took me awhile to get all the art files into order. Now that I've gone through the learning curve, any future additions will be much easier."

Construction of the site began in April when the artist met website creator Richard Woolnough, of Bespoke Solutions, at one of the Government's Tech Week Seminars.

Ms Aspinall wanted to give customers a mini sampling of her books and art and knew that a website would be the best option.

Not only does it make her work available to people around the world, it might even inspire visitors to come back to the Island, she said.

She said: "Many of the titles contain such vivid scenes of Bermuda, a trip into the web site will refresh and excite any viewer who came to the Island as a visitor. Stimulating good memories will entice that visitor to return."

If the website is successful, the artists hopes to add more products from aprons to hand printed yard goods on the site.

Ms Aspinall said: "Our product range at one time consisted of not only hand printed yard goods and textiles, such as T-shirts and sarongs, but also mugs, tiles, tote bags, aprons, needle point canvases, even hand painted stemware.

"All of this was done in Bermuda. I don't think there are too many of these products today that are produced on the Island.

"When the web site is successful, we may be able to reintroduce some of the other incredible Bermuda products we once created," she said.

For more information or to visit the site go to www.pina.bm.