I cannot believe that it is already November, and while for many of you Christmas is still a distant blur on an uncertain horizon, for artists and makers it’s now time to ramp up the efforts behind the scenes and to get ready to launch our collections.

When the children returned to school, I started to plan and design, working on all things Christmas. As a one woman band there are many hats to wear when running a creative business - I am a designer, a maker, an artist and illustrator. I am also a photographer, mini film maker, marketer, admin and filing person, accounts manager, wrapper of orders and postal runner.

Phew. That’s a lot of hats right?!

So today, I’m going to share a glimpse into my week, of the build up to a launch and what I’m working on.

Most mornings start with some administration work and emails. While the paperwork side of things is definitely not my top favourite thing to do, I’ve learned over the years that to keep on top of it by doing a bit each day is really is the only way to deal with it. I make it easier on myself by then doing something more enjoyable so usually schedule studio time in for later in the morning or the afternoon.

I’ve been painting and preparing my decorations with gorgeous hanging ribbon, and setting up the camera to take some shots for my Christmas landing page. I did a handful of these hand painted baubles last year and they all sold out! I had enquiries to see if I was doing more this year…well, I enjoyed making them so much I thought it would be lovely to release another limited edition range. I have been very inspired by nature and wildlife this year, and drawn to paint animals, birds, foliage and flowers which I am really enjoying. My work is evolving quite naturally in this direction and so I decided to create a seasonal collection called ‘Wild Winter’.

As well as my Christmas decorations, I have also designed a range of cards which are due to be delivered any day now! Continuing with the Wild Winter theme, the cards will be available in sets and individually and are perfect for Christmas cards. I have also - oh this is exciting - (for the first time in a few years, and I know you’ve been asking) designed a brand new calendar for 2021 - it’s called ‘Journey Through the Seasons’ and each month brings a seasonal inspired picture for you to enjoy. This calendar features twelve of my most popular images, including some of my most recent artwork like ‘Midwinter’ shown here:

I still have some decorations left to paint before the collection is complete, and I also need to finish designing my landing page (this is the page that will advertise all my Christmas gifts that you’ll be able to buy, with prices and links to the store). I then need to photograph all the products, upload them to the website store and create descriptions, the SEO and keywords so they’re all good to go on launch day. I will also be writing and sending weekly emails to my mailing list, the content varying from personal stories to gift guides. With launch day just around the corner it seems like an awful lot to fit in, but I keep my trusty planner to hand which has been a godsend. If you’re curious about the planner I work with, it’s this one here.

In between all of this work, I like to take myself off for walks in the woods close to home to relax. I am more grateful than ever now for this abundance of nature and inspiration on my doorstep in light of the new lockdown that begins here in England on Thursday the 5th November. It has been a tough, strange and challenging year hasn’t it? I have found some parts of it really hard, but through it all my art and music has helped dearly.

If you’d like to be the first to hear about my ‘Wild Winter’ Christmas launch, then you’re very welcome to sign up to my mailing list where I always update subscribers first with previews, launches and shop updates, and occasionally send out exclusive discount or free shipping codes!

I hope you’ve enjoyed finding out more about what happens behind the scenes here at the studio, and if you’ve any questions about my process then just get in touch!