Hello! I hope you’ve had a good week!!
On Saturday, the Ode to Charlotte still life collection was launched and it went SO well!! A lot of nerves and excitement all at once! In the end, as soon as the first few orders came in, it was a completely joyful experience, there were a few happy dances and a few happy screams and I can’t thank you all enough for your support and shares (like this post by India Knight, so lovely) and of course, your purchases. The collection is now sold out and each piece is either in its new home or heading in that direction. I’ve heard back from a few happy customers which is the BEST feeling, as sending the artwork off was comparable to dropping off a beloved child on their first day of school. In all honestly, I wasn’t expecting that part to be so nerve-wracking. It was. And now I know!
Also, this week we’ve had our school half term so apart from the packaging efforts and my trips to the local post office, it’s been quite slow, especially for the boys. It’s meant no rush getting uniforms on and out the door by 8am. I love this. Slow mornings, crafting and drawing in pjs. And the chocolate croissants. Then by 10am it’s absolutely time to get dressed and go for a walk (deep down, I’m a morning girl who loves her morning routine and I’m quite looking forward to getting back to that on Monday but sshhhh don’t tell them!!).
As well as shipping the beloved artwork, I’ve been chipping away at the club’s monthly gazette, planning the month ahead. The gazette will drop in your mailbox Sunday morning with all the dates, times etc. and I’m so excited for next month’s online meets. We will draw scenes from Ile de Re, in France together on Zoom. We'll get creative and will journal. The monthly video will feature Keswick and the Lake District and how I drew a sketch-journal spread while exploring, it’s called ‘Travel Sketchbook video (part 2)’.
This week, in these visual journals I write a lot more than usual. I found this rather relaxing. There is a still life again, the one I drew about 35 times on old postcards to thank each customer from the launch - I wanted to keep a note of that. And there are roses, again. I was so inspired by Jo Thompson’s garden notes which I illustrated this week - it features a lot of roses (btw did you know the Glasshouse Garden she designed for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show received a GOLD medal?? The whole project is worth pausing for to read up on and appreciate - what a great team effort and very moving!). Back to roses, I was also given stunning ramblers by my generous neighbours (see pics below). They smell incredible.
My Highlights of the Week
the roses
the launch and seeing the orders coming in - what a buzz!!
the boys in pjs
Bonne Maman hazelnut spread in warmed up croissant (palm oil free, I know)
my new batch of homemade granola - I added walnuts this time
foxgloves and elderflowers spotted in the woods
the woods
drawing with the boys Friday morning
getting positive feedback from happy customers
journaling with club members last night in our co-journaling session (it is so good for my soul and mental health)
Journaling Prompt for YOU, yes YOU!!
Take a few seconds to slow down and consider…
How’s your week been? (actually sit down)
Did you notice anything different about your week?
What brought you joy?
What have your highlights been? Did it involve roses? Breakfast granola with peaches from a tin? Gingham or stripes? Maybe something completely different?
Grab a piece of paper and write your top 5 highlights of the week.
Do it! It’ll make you smile. AND it’ll make you look out for more treasures this coming week.
Have a great weekend! Thanks so much for reading!
xx
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