At this time of year lots of people start planning new routines to get themselves organised. Organisation is key to being successful in any business.
From years and years of being a teacher, where every second of our lesson time and indeed our free time was precious beyond belief, I have 30 years of time management and organisation skills honed to a tee.

There is a myth that creative thinkers are chaotic and disorganised… though I’ll admit that part of my need for planning and organisation has definitely stemmed from my years of being a teacher and now they are serving me well in my years of being an artist.

 Over the years I've tried various business planners, crafty planners, arty planners, boring planners and even a "girl boss" planner (I don't like that term, I can't imagine my Dad who ran his own business for years, buying a "Boy boss" planner; seems bit patronising to me!) Anyway I've tried loads of them. And loads of them are pretty good, but they just weren't quite right for me. It's why I created a unique planner 

A friend suggested I re-created my personal one as a download so that everyone could have a try at my planning system. So that's exactly what I've done. 

 The Planner's Journey:
In my quest for the perfect planner, I found myself piecing together ideas from various sources. Frustrated with the lack of a comprehensive solution, I embarked on a journey to create a monthly planner specifically designed for creative entrepreneurs.
Here's my basic premiss:

• 1. Monthly Focus: A planner that aligns with your artistic rhythm, allowing you to review, plan, and strategise month by month.
• 2. Reflection: Dive deep into yearly reflections, celebrating your highs and acknowledging life's pivotal moments.
• 3. Word of the Year: and word of the month. Choose a guiding word for the, inspiring and steering your creative endeavors. Words I've used in the past, Expansion, Space, Focus, Joy, 
• 4. Marketing Mastery: Develop and execute marketing goals, with insights on crafting engaging social media content and generating unique ideas for your business.
• 5. Financial Mastery: Track your revenue, identify best sellers, and manage expenses effectively to nurture your creative enterprise.
• 6. Key Matrix: Evaluate and enhance different facets of your business with a strategic key matrix.

I first started crafting my own planner in 2018, in 2019 it helped me win the Spire FM  Woman in Business award. each years it gets a little tweak getting better and better. It really works. It's not onerous but it helps keep you on track through the year. 

Over on my shop page you'll find it. Ready for instant download, so you can review 2023, set your goals for 2024, get inspired for a great creative year in Business.

It has advice on creating your business plan and an executive summary in addition to twelve months of reviews and planning pages. Its beautiful designed in colour.

 Join Me in Reliving the Excitement and Heartwarming Moments at the Show.

Hey there, lovely readers! I'm back from an exhilarating three days at The New Forest Show, and boy, am I exhausted! But let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! The show brought together so many wonderful people, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who stopped by my stand to say hello. Your presence made the experience even more special for me.

One of the most delightful aspects of the show was meeting countless new faces who were previously unfamiliar with my work. It's truly exciting to introduce my creations to a wider audience and see them embrace my art with enthusiasm. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to visit!

Now, I have to give credit where it's due - the real showstopper was undoubtedly Mr. Bumbles, my gorgeous merle Cockapoo. He's such a charmer, and his furry magnetism drew so many people to the stand. It's amazing to see how the love for adorable pets can bring us all together.

Mr Bumbles was even treated to doggy ice cream in the evening whilst in the Commoners wine bar in Brockenhurst. we'll be returning there I can tell you!

Now, here's something that filled me with both joy and surprise - my brand-new flowery animals,  Titania and the spring meadow Hare sold out in a flash! Yes, they were gone by the end of the very first day! And Oberon wasn't far behind..also a sell out. Wow! I was thrilled beyond words. Those prints will be available in the coming months, do sign up to my mailing list to be the first to know. ​

I must take a moment to commend the show organizers for putting together such a fantastic event. They created an environment that encouraged creativity, art appreciation, and camaraderie. A big round of applause to them!

But let's not forget the real stars of the show - all of you who came to visit! Your excitement and appreciation for my new work were nothing short of heartwarming. Your smiles and kind words fueled my passion for art, and I can't wait to continue creating pieces that resonate with you all.

​Now, let me share a little unexpected adventure that added a touch of excitement to the already bustling show. At lunchtime, daring parachutists dropped in from the sky, thrilling both visitors and exhibitors alike. It was an exhilarating moment that brought everyone together, proving that The New Forest Show is not just about art but also about the joy of shared experiences.

A special shoutout to my fellow traders and neighbors during the show! You made the experience even more enjoyable with your positivity and camaraderie. It's always a pleasure to be surrounded by like-minded people who share the same love for creativity.

All in all, The New Forest Show was an action-packed, fun-filled extravaganza that left me with a heart full of gratitude and joy. I'm already looking forward to next year's event, where we can create more memories, share more art, and connect over the things that bring us together.

To all of you who couldn't make it or who want to relive the magic, head over to my shop and grab your favourite prints before they disappear!

Thank you again for being a part of this incredible journey with me. Your support means the world, and I'm excited to continue bringing whimsy and joy into your lives through my art.

Until next time, stay inspired, keep smiling, and surround yourself with the things that make your heart sing!

With love and creativity,

I've had some lovely messages from followers who were unable to make it to my most recent exhibition at Fisherton Mill. So here's a little video of the exhibition just before the Private view evening.
​ I hope you enjoy it!

Do you fancy treating yourself to some super art, but too afraid to take the plunge? Read on for my simple guide to getting the art you want without feeling bamboozled.

There are some brushes I always reach for no matter how many hundreds of brushes sit on my worktop. There are some colours I always reach for no matter how many hundreds of tubes of paint there are and there are some canvases that I always seem to be ordering. Read on to discover my absolute favourites.

I'm often asked what is  the difference between a print and an original.
Sometimes the quality of a print is so good, it looks like an original.
What do artists even mean by an original?
So this blog is here to help. 
Don't let the terms artists and galleries  use put you off buying something you love.
Here's my guide to help you understand exactly what you're buying.

I started my own art business in September 2014 after a 20 year career in teaching! I knew how to paint  but I had no idea how I was going to be able to turn my passion  into my full-time job and my full-time living. Now seven years on I'm happy to say I'm a successful artist and loving my life.

If you have doubts about your abilities in business or if you're able to make your passion your business read on and get the mindset to realise your dreams!

Read on for more info or click the button to sign up. It's free by the way!

 Last year Carrie Green, founder and CEO of the Female Entrepreneur association interviewed me for her podcast. Here's a link to listen. It was such lovely session and if you're thinking of starting a business, or trying to grow your business in 2021, I'd recommend the joining the FEA.
​

I'm asked about why I charge for postage and packing and how safe the artwork really is!

I have robust, bespoke made cardboard boxes for all my larger framed prints and all my original paintings.
If you order online you want to be sure that your order will arrive in good condition. So do I. So this little video explains how!