GLASTONBURY CAKE - My latest creation!

Thought I would share a different kind of creative project I worked on recently... 

Recently we celebrated 40 years of wonderful Lee, my lovely other half who totally deserved a super special cake!

Glastonbury Festival is Lee’s favourite place and always happens around his birthday, so even though the festival was last month, it seemed like the perfect theme for his cake.

I got the plain iced green and blue tiers delivered (baking the cake myself would have been a step too far!) and I had my illustrations printed on to icing. I also had some help from a friend who helped make lots of excellent fondant tents for me when I was getting short on time! I constructed the pyramid stage myself from a tesco loaf cake, which is why it’s rather bumpy and of which I am still proud!

My previous experience of cake decorating consisted solely of sticking smarties or sprinkles on to runny icing, so I really didn’t see it as an option at first to decorate it myself… but as my ideas formed and I knew how I wanted it, I decided to just give it a go myself! 

The birthday boy loved his cake… and I’m still enjoying eating it :)

SCOUTS UK - New illustration

I recently did an illustration for Scouts UK! It was about building a 'wellbeing box'. Thinking about what you'd put in yours is a good way to recognise how you can do some self care. We all need it sometimes and to treat ourselves the way we would a friend. 

In my wellbeing box, I would include my swimming costume, a notebook for writing positive lists and a jar of peanut butter. You can see the Scouts post here (Instagram) or here (Twitter).

SKETCHBOOK FUN - Get Together Festival Fashion Report

Here it is, my Get Together Fashion Report! I wasn’t planning on doing one when we were at the festival the other week (not that my fashion reports have ever been planned) but when I saw this fabulous lady stood in front of us in these mesmerising patterned trousers, inspiration struck and I felt a fash report coming on! 

PUBLISHING DAY for Get Outdoors: My Nature Activity Book

Hooray! Today is the day that Get Outdoors: My Nature Activity Book gets published!

I'm delighted that following the success of the first two books on the theme of feelings and mindfulness, this wellbeing series has continued with a third title. Published by Welbeck Children's Books and aimed at children aged 5-8 years, the book is packed with puzzles, games and creative activities to encourage children to get outside and engage with the great outdoors.

Learning to appreciate and enjoy nature as a child can be so beneficial for mental well-being later in life. It’s been a delight to capture some of the wonder and fun to be found in nature, that brightened the days of so many who spent more time outdoors over the last year or so.

I will be selling signed copies on my Etsy shop soon, please keep an eye on my Instagram and sign up to my mailing list for updates!

STOCKIST NEWS - Curated Makers opens it's own shop in Meadowhall

I’m SO HAPPY and excited to announce today’s opening of Curated Makers pop up shop (an entire shop!) at Sheffield's Meadowhall shopping centre. It’s quite surreal to see my stock in Meadowhall - I know the place like the back of my hand after spending many a shopping trip there in my youth and beyond! 

As ever, I am amazed by the hard work of Megan and her supportive team to transform this space (previously a menswear store) into a bright and beautiful shop dedicated to showcasing local, independent makers. I’m very proud indeed to have my stock there and urge you all to go have a look!

Being in this beautiful new store along with my other amazing stockists in Sheffield has spurred me on to create new products this Autumn, so please follow along on Instagram to keep an eye out for new delights on their way to the shop shelves soon!

COVER REVEAL for Get Outdoors: My Nature Activity Book

I’m SO EXCITED to share my next book that’s coming out SOON! 

Get Outdoors - My Nature Activity Book will be published on September 2nd. Published by Welbeck Kids and jam packed full of activities to encourage children to step outside and engage with the great outdoors.

I’ll be selling signed copies when they arrive at JDHQ so keep your eyes peeled for updates, can’t wait to share more! 🤩