Well, it’s safe to say the last few months have been nothing short of transformative! After many years in Somerset, we’ve now settled in Lincolnshire – a county we know well and have always been drawn to. There’s something about the flat lands and the expansive skies here that feels so peaceful. It’s the kind of place where you can breathe deeply, pause for a moment, and just feel the world slow down. It’s calm, it’s grounding, and we knew from our many visits that this was where we wanted to be.
Leaving Somerset, however, wasn’t easy. For those of you who have followed my journey, you’ll know that King’s College in Taunton holds a special place in my heart. It’s where Steve and I met, and it’s where we built a life full of wonderful memories. King’s College was more than just a workplace for us; it was home. We made some truly fantastic friends there – people we miss dearly, but we take comfort in knowing that friendships like those endure no matter where you are. And while Taunton may no longer be home, it will always have a special spot in our hearts.
Our New Home: A Victorian Gem in Rural Lincolnshire
So, where have we landed? Well, we’ve traded in the hustle and bustle of school life for something a bit quieter – a small village in rural Lincolnshire. Our new home is a former church room, built in the late Victorian era, and it’s been a bit of a project! Countless hours have been spent decorating, tweaking, and making the space our own. We’ve painted, stripped, sanded, and painted some more, learning lots of new skills along the way! Let’s just say the decorating is still very much a work in progress. But despite the ongoing to-do list (which seems to grow daily), this house already feels like home. There’s a warmth here, not just from the actual structure but from the memories we’re beginning to build. We’re incredibly happy here and look forward to putting our stamp on every nook and cranny.
New Stockists on the Horizon
Moving house hasn’t slowed things down on the business front either! I’ve been lucky enough to secure some fantastic new stockists this year, which is always a highlight for me.
First up, Handmade Design in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, where they now stock my Dovedale Stepping Stones prints. If you’ve ever visited Dovedale, you’ll know how iconic those stepping stones are – I’ve depicted them in two different seasons, and it’s lovely to see how well they’ve been received.
Next, I was thrilled to have my Lyme Regis Beach Huts and The Cobb designs available at Coombe Street Gallery in Lyme Regis. Lyme Regis holds a special place in many hearts (not just mine), and capturing its charm in my prints has been such a joy.
Closer to my Somerset roots, I joined the South West Makers pop-up shop in Langport, and I’m now a regular seller in what’s become a permanent feature in the town. It’s been wonderful to remain connected to the creative community there, even from afar.
In August, I secured another new stockist – this time in Yorkshire! All Is Good Yorkshire in Penistone is a café, deli, and maker’s collective, and I’ve designed a series of landscapes especially for them. These designs were particularly special for me. They depict memories of riding through the local area on horseback as a child and later in my twenties, and reconnecting with those places from my past has been an incredibly enjoyable process. I look forward to developing this series even further.
Taking a Step Back from Super Seconds Festival
With everything that’s been going on, I decided to step back from the latest Super Seconds Festival. As much as I love taking part, this year, time simply wasn’t on my side. Between moving, new stockists, and designing bespoke pieces, I had to make the difficult decision to sit this one out. However, the time I’ve gained has allowed me to focus on something just as exciting: a brand new website!
Steve and I have been working tirelessly on it, and I’m excited to say it’s nearly ready to launch. Building a website from scratch has been an adventure in itself – one that required plenty of patience (and cups of coffee). But we’re nearly there, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
Christmas and The Ropewalk Gallery
As we approach the festive season, thoughts naturally turn to Christmas. I’m getting ready for an art fair at The Ropewalk Gallery in Barton-upon-Humber at the start of December. Now, I have to confess, I’m not the biggest fan of face-to-face events. Don’t get me wrong, they’re brilliant for meeting people and showcasing my work, but I’m more of a ‘grafter behind the scenes’ kind of person! Still, these events are great for connecting with new audiences, especially now that we’re new to the area. Plus, there’s something quite special about seeing people’s reactions to your work in real-time.
So, as the year draws to a close and we settle into our new Lincolnshire life, I’m feeling incredibly positive about the future. There’s a lot still to do – both in the house and in the business – but it feels like the start of an exciting new chapter. Watch this space, as there’s plenty more to come!
