I got to play shop and have far too much fun – I had a two week pop up shop next door to Colcheco, on Layer Road in Colchester in 2023, and it was full of all the magical things I create.

Here’s me, at my shop counter (honestly it was like playing shop in the best possible way):

Obviously I made a proper till, from an old travel easel with a drawer that is now shimmering black & gold and has space for my tablet & my card reader, and also some cash in the drawers. Felt like I needed an apron for events last year as I always need pockets, so found this amazing shell-covered one which is super on-brand.

It more or less pissed it down the entire fortnight – and actually as I update this a year later it looks like we’re going to have the same this summer, argh – but I had some fab conversations, brilliant visitors and sold some prints, cards, badges & pocket hugs too!

What I didn’t manage to do was properly launch my fantasy shoots after, because somehow August passed in a blur and then I was in Cornwall on a brand shoot & holiday, and then came back and had to panic-move studios… but slowly does it and things are still brewing behind the scenes!

I had a great time and loved playing shop, but my chief takeaway was definitely that I am not cut out to be in the same place continuously – I like my varied schedule and having no particular set hours or days. It works for me and my brain, and it also works for my caring responsibilities which need a lot of flex, sometimes unexpectedly.

But it was a lovely couple of weeks despite the rain, and I’m glad Rachel opened up her space and gave me the opportunity to try it <3

This year it’s different pop ups again over the summer, then a collective pop up shop from September to December, so keep an eye on Colcheco for more info!

And if you missed my shop, you can always shop online for my art prints & cards <3