So much to tell you . . . . .

Well what has the year so far had in store for Sweet Pea. It started off with lots of thoughts for the year ahead as we all think about goals we want to achieve for many parts of our lives.

I started by taking part in RED January, to run, walk or jog every day throughout the month to raise money and awareness for the charity MIND. I managed to raise £600 which I was really pleased with. Along side this, which kept me going throughout the chilly January days, new creations were taking place. 

After much interest in my 'little squares of prettiness' at the Christmas Market, The Roundhouse, Derby, I had a few commissions and a new range for the new year. I also made the decision to select a few original watercolour paintings and have prints made available. These too have proved to be popular and two of my illustrations have been added to the print collection. 

The winter months were very cold but plans to enjoy a weekend in Bristol for my birthday lifted us all and was very inspiring. Such a quirky city, fab flower shops, vintage finds, amazing street art everywhere, great views and loved the colourful rows of houses. 

In early Febuary, Styleboxe invited me to the NEC's Spring Fair to see the showcasing of my range I assigned for their children's party wear. Last summer Styleboxe approached me and I was blown away with the high quality of the finished products and how fantastic the stand looked. Becky did amazingly and I continue to lease with them through the journey the products are taking and with new ranges in the future.

So whilst the snow was falling and the days were so very cold, I have been busy creating in my country home ready for the Spring Market at The Roundhouse, Derby. This year is now my second year with Deb at Fabulous Places. Plans for new products for the spring event were well under way with many trips to the printers with my new friend Nathan! 

So whilst preparation was going well so was my social media Instagram in particular. I have sold quite a few pieces through Instagram and have a few dedicated followers who are displaying my work in their homes and purchasing gift for family and friends. If you see any of my work I post and like the look of any pieces, if you direct message me I can reserve the piece for you.

March the 10th the Spring Market, The Round House, Derby took place, a week late due to the snow but well worth the wait. This year I was in the library and did the best yet at this event. I was over the moon with the feed back from customers. My prints were really popular and went down really well. I have had many request since too and have more for the next Market. I was busy all day and met some lovely new customers too. I think being part of this particular event means I can push myself a little more and its always nice to chat to my customers. Working from home is wonderful but to interact with others and receive feedback is always interesting. 

I often receive interest in commissions and mid March I was asked to produce an illustration of a little girl with her favourite cherished rabbit. After a few chats, meet ups I created this watercolour illustration. The Mum and I had been talking about it for some time and so once I delivered the piece and we saw her daughters reaction, we were both very pleased. Commissions are something so special to that individual person so always nice to whitness a lovely reaction.  

April became a very creative month with quite a few days out to gardens, art galleries and taking part in workshops. RHS Garden Harlow Carr is well worth a visit and the willow sculpture there is fantastic. Two boxing hares, a bee, spider and the BFG!

The Hepworth Gallery is such a source of inspiration before you have even stepped into the building. The architecture is very powerful and once inside the experience is great to look around. I think its good to step out of your environment sometimes and look at others work or work with other mediums. Ive always loved visiting Yorkshire Sculpture Park and for my Mums 60th birthday she and I attended a Chris Moss wire bird sculpture workshop. It was interesting to effectively draw with the wire to create the shapes. Thinking about the form and movement of the bird. I came home buzzing after that day. Its important to keep doing what you love. 

And in the last few weeks I have been producing a new range of Grey Hares for my little squares of prettiness. I have also illustrated four new prints that will soon be available on my website. 

On the 1st of July I will be at The Roundhouse, Derby for the Summer Market with Debs from Fabulous Places and a few new events. After a little thought, I have been to a few fairs to do a little research into were Id like to see Sweet Pea designs grow and if I am taking my little business in the right direction. So I will keep you posted on news.