Even the simplest gift can seem all the more special when it’s wrapped with care. That doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on wrapping paper and takes ages folding. There are lots of ways to add that finishing touch that don’t break the bank.

I’m going to share with you how I do it at The Peacock and The Printmaker as well as showing you how some of my creative friends do it.

When we had our first flat, all that we could fit in was a short slim line tree from Wilkos. Despite its size, it was perfect for us and it’s still going to this day. It’s the munchkin’s tree (she takes great pride in decorating it) and I use it for all my Christmas lifestyle shoots. So far, it has lasted 13 years and it’s still going strong.

My cards and ornaments are made using high quality @cranfieldcolours metallic inks that give the most glorious glow against the Christmas lights. These inks were chosen because they produce the most beautiful sheen as they catch the light.

I’ve known Louisa for a long time and she has been a supporter of my art business from the very beginning. She knows my style and has seen it develop over the last few years. Mum of two gorgeous children and two very well behaved and loving dogs, Louisa lives a busy life juggling family and business as cofounder of The Dog Log with her husband Nathan. She cares about supporting local business, taking care of the environment (and dogs in particular) and living an ethical life.

This month is a continuation of the Guide To Buying Art but from the perspective of the wonderful Imani - Interiors blogger and colour enthusiast. I first encountered Imani on Instagram and instantly fell in love with her passion for colour and unusual approach to home decor.

In a bid to help you all find that perfect piece of artwork, I’ve been chatting to some people in the know. First up is Trevor Read, Manager at The Aviary in Jesmond, Newcastle.

I came across The Aviary Gallery by accident. My favourite cafe is on Brentwood Avenue and I’d just enjoyed tea and cake there with my husband on a rare day without our child when we walked past The Aviary. It’s always exciting to find a new gallery so we popped in. As it happens we were in there for quite a while, totally absorbed by the art and the decor (you can pretty much buy it all!). The girl on the desk was friendly and we got chatting about my studio. This eventually turned into me making an appointment with the wonderful Trevor Read.

Let me start by saying that I am no psychologist, I am not a counsellor but I have been hit by overwhelm on many an occasion and I thought I would share with you how I have learned to manage it.

Many of us are spending a LOT more time in our homes than we were this time last year so it’s important that it’s a place that we love being in. I must admit that we decorated our home in a rush before our child was born and haven’t really touched it since. There are definitely things I want to change. How about you?

Change Can be Good…One really simple way to make a change is to fill your home with art that makes you smile. So what is your thing? Is it colour, nature, monochrome, metallics? Funnily enough I have something to satisfy each and every one of those desires.

Many of us will be glad to see the back of 2020 and will be ready to usher in the new year. As mad as 2020 was, I have had a lot of highlights. My aim for 2020 was to BE BRAVE and I certainly feel like I achieved that.

Art has always been important to me. Even when I stopped making it - I felt a loss.

The short answer to the question is that I love it but it goes deeper than that. After having my daughter, I did what a lot of mums do and made my every moment about her. For the whole of maternity leave, I was Mum and nothing else. Don’t get me wrong - I am incredibly grateful and proud to be Mum. It is one of the most wonderful things I have ever experienced, but that’s one part of me and I didn’t realise that for a while.

This year more than ever before we are watching the budget. Many of you, like me, have pledged to support independent businesses this Christmas. Showing you care for someone isn’t about how much you spend - it’s about taking the time to choose something with that person in mind.

I love this time of year. The leaves change colour, the layered clothes keep me cosy and the hot drinks get a bit more spicy.

Anyone that follows me will know that I recently decorated my living room and had Fakemas. Yes! I totally unashamedly put up a Christmas tree and garland, filled the room with dried orange smells and celebrated having my Christmas Range designed. This year I totally have my shit together (only for Christmas ha ha - not my whole life - nobody does).

I had other ideas for my blog this month but, after holding a competition for my customers and getting such a great response, I had to write about them.

My fab customers had to take a photo of their favourite buys and tag me in them for a chance to win a full set of hand printed notebooks.

When I wrote down a goal of being exhibited as a major aim for this year, I genuinely thought I was aiming too high. I wouldn’t describe myself as confident but this year, I told myself, is about being brave. The encouragement from my husband was invaluable as he was the one that got the conversation going but I had to be brave and share my artwork and wait for it to be ‘judged’. Lucky for me, Trevor (the gallery manager at The Aviary) has excellent taste and fell in love with my hibiscus and bee prints in particular.

Buying from the high street is great if you want something cheap and disposable, however, if you want something that much more special then independents is where you need to be. Shopping with a small business comes with that personal touch.

If you like my style but want something bespoke – great! Just get in touch.

In this month’s blog, I’ll be talking you through some of the recent commissions that I have been working on.

I don’t know about you, but a bit of sunshine has done me the world of good recently. It’s amazing the difference that some extra vitamin D can make.

I, like me, a colour injection can give you a big boost then these prints and gifts are just what you need. There’s flora and fauna in abundance. Here are a few of my favourites to bring summer to your home whatever the weather.

Let me start by saying that I hope you are all safe and well. As a part time teacher, I am working modified hours in school but mostly from home. However, as an artists, it is mostly business as usual. Below are a few ideas on how to stay inspired during quarantine.

Coming up soon is the Mama Makes Market and I’m really excited to share some exclusive offers and services.

Framing

Selected prints have been framed for the market - the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. There will also be a selection of prints available mounted and backed ready for you to personalise with your own frame.

Special Offers

Mix and Match Cards - all cards are included in the offer. You can get 3 Large Cards for £5.50 or 3 Small Cards for £4.

For those of you that love penguins, you can get a Penguin Sketchbook & Penguin Mug for just £10.

Sketchbooks are only available at markets and the range has expanded to include penguins, gold flamingos and gold dragonflies. Got a request? Let me know and you can order something ready for the market.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect gift, you can make sure that you have it all wrapped in beautiful tissue and raffia for only £1 saving you the effort of doing it yourself. You could even purchase you card and have Mother’s Day all wrapped up before you even get home.

Without doubt, the print that gets the most comments online and at markets is my baby penguin. He’s very cute and there are some great little details to discover.

Well I thought it was time to make him a companion so I’ve been busy sketching, carving and testing until I get it right. Here are a few process pics to whet your appetite…