Happy May!

In the garden, spring makes way for summer and
mother cat has found the 'Purrfect' spot to snuggle up for kitten cuddles
by the scent of the flower beds, in the shade of the lilac trees.

If you would like to get this FREE desktop wallpaper,
​​then here's a link to where to join my mailing list:

JOIN MY MAILING LIST HERE

April has been a busy month of juggle.  
It always is in our house because on top of the Easter break we have a couple of birthdays and anniversary to celebrate.  Plus, it is also a time of year to catch up on lots of admin.
 Over the years I have gotten used to this being a time when it's difficult to keep on top of the creative work.  Making it feel like a huge achievement to have anything new to show you at all this month!

However, there are a few things to share with you!...

Firstly, jumping on the Coronation band wagon,
I've recently completed another lovely collaboration project with The Crafty Collective Bridgwater, to create a design to go on Coronation commemorative products, unique to our town.
​
These joyful mugs are available in store in The Crafty Collective, Angel Place, Bridgwater.

This design is also available as a downloadable printable set over at my Etsy shop,
ideal for crafting paper bunting, place settings, cupcake cases and toppers,
​to add a special touch to the bank holiday gatherings and celebrations.

The images above and below link to where you will find these products...

Last month I also discovered that my nature guide card collection
is being stocked by one of my favourite gift shops.  

The Pod in Clifton Village, Bristol dedicated their large window to a display
on British Nature and used my card designs as the heroes of this display. 

This made my day because years ago I lived and worked in Clifton and used to pop into The Pod and a regular basis, buying many cards and gifts on a lunch hour in there.  
This was back when I was working in an advertising agency, dreaming that one day I would go back to art and illustration, having studied it for my degree - but not really knowing how I could make that happen.

If I could have gone back in time and whispered in my advertising account manager ear that my designs will fill the window of this shop one day - I would have been totally stunned and wouldn't have believed it, as the thought would have meant a long held dream come true!
 
Lesson being, never stop following your dreams no matter what they are.  
Little steps, consistently each day, over time will take you where you want to be!...

Talking of little steps each day...
My dream now is to get thoroughly stuck back to my art practice
and create some of the drawings I have swimming around in my busy mind.  

Starting with continuing with my A to Z of nature.  
In the past few days I have managed to get a couple more letters done.  
​Progress has been slow, but it's progress all the same and that's what matters...

I hope you have a wonderful May
​and enjoy all the bank holidays,
celebrations, bluebells and blooms!

​Best wishes

Happy December!

This month's wallpaper has all the festive feels...
'After a long, frosty drive home with a Christmas tree on board, the warmest welcome comes from a very good boy with a happy, waggy tail.'
​
​​If you would like to get this FREE desktop wallpaper,
​​then here's a link to where to join my mailing list:

JOIN MY MAILING LIST HERE

November saw the welcome return of a long held tradition in our town.
The Bridgwater Carnival was back in full procession after 2 Covid years of restrictions.

 This year was even more special because many of the local Carnival clubs had teamed up to create a very special cart, showcased to the world at the Queens Platinum Jubilee Pageant.  

When I was asked by The Crafty Collective Gift Shop to help them create some gifts to help mark this historical occasion for our town, I fully embraced the opportunity.  

The Carnival Clubs that had created the 'Jubilation' cart and the walking procession had done our town proud and deserved the chance to have a lovely choice of celebratory souvenirs to mark the occasion and remember an amazing day....
​

​I got to work and created an image of the Jubilation Cart along with some icons of the people in costume, royal symbols to represent our late Queen, and symbols of our town -which includes 'The Spirit of Carnival' statue holding a sparkling squib overhead from the era of Guy Fawkes - where the story of our town's Carnival began...
​

The idea was to create something that summed up the atmosphere of that day - afternoon tea, partying and a right Royal celebration.

The team at The Crafty Collective  were able to take my imagery and apply them to mugs, coasters and banners & I supplied some wall art prints. This Carnival season was all about 'Jubilation' and I'm told plenty of mugs were used to help stay warm on Carnival night, which is what it was all about!...

Best of all was getting to see the Jubilation Cart up close myself, to give them all the warmest welcome home after parading down the Mall in the summer.

The end of the November also saw 'Colour Friday' the alternative to 'Black Friday' - where we encourage support of small businesses that bring colour, variety and independence to our High Streets. By supporting small and local businesses you help invest in people and communities that enhance our towns and cities.

A project like this 'Jubilation' one is a great example of this - small businesses working collaboratively to offer something special, unique and relevant to their communities...
​

With few days left for Christmas shopping, please remember that when you shop with small businesses you are investing in so much more than just the item you purchase!

The 'Jubilation' mugs and coasters are still available to order online from The Crafty Collective Bridgwater using the link below - if you are local to Bridgwater, as these items can be ordered online and collected in store:

https://thecraftycollective.square.site/product/jubilation-mug/409?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=52 

  
Before I sign off, I do need to make you aware of my last posting dates for Christmas.
My Etsy shop will remain open over the festive period, but will be on holiday shipping timescales (2-3 weeks) as I will be taking a break from Friday 16th until 4th January.  Business will return to usual timings on the 4th Jan and all orders placed between the 16th Dec and 4th Jan will be shipped from the 4th Jan.

Please also be aware that there are continued Royal Mail strikes planned throughout December.  My shops rely on Royal Mail for delivery and are already experiencing some delays in getting items delivered.  

​UPDATE 5/12/22 :As of 5th Dec, Royal Mail announced that they are bringing their last post dates for Christmas forward by a few days, please see the revised image above as many deadlines have passed or are about to pass.

​Please be patient, orders are getting through - there are extraordinary volumes of post at this time of year, being handled by humans all the way along the chain. What's needed  is patience and kindness - the true spirit of Christmas!

All that's left to say is I wish you all
a very lovely, happy, healthy, peaceful
Christmas and Holidays!
Best Wishes