Here’s the thing. Stuff happened and life became very busy.
The short story: I have decided to start again with my mailing list. Please sign up below, thanks.
The longer version: I refreshed the website, and went to email my people about it, because it had been a while since I emailed them. When I got there I found my account had gone due to inactivity (thanks, Monkey!). Apparently, if you don’t email your list often enough, it vanishes into a void.
At first I was gutted. The people there have been reading my emails since I started, since I was Carry Yarn Stitching. We’ve laughed together during crochet and knitting classes, and hung out on social media.
It’s not a failure though, it’s just a new beginning. My style has changed, I work in more mediums. This way, starting from scratch, with a different setup, and I know that the people who sign up are aligned with where I’m going, and want to be part of it. It’s slower, friendlier, less hustle, and more in tune with how I actually work.
I do hope you’ll decide to join me on this creative adventure. I’ll be sending out newsletters every 2-4 weeks, with links to downloadable treats, behind-the-scenes joy and little updates. If you’re interested, please pop your email in the box below. As a thank you gift, there’s a free set of creative prompts for you to enjoy.
Let’s put the stupid monkey in it’s place. I promise I won’t shout constantly. That’s not how I work.
Someone posted in a group the other day and it was a bit of an unitentional bucket of cold water.
They were decorating their home and considering artwork, and they were asking for the names of well-known artists. They said they loved floral, colourful pieces and had seen some lovely pieces by local artists, but they were hoping to buy “proper art pieces” – ‘investment’ pieces that could be handed down to the children.
Here’s my response:
Slightly biased – I’m an artist. Buy what you like, what you want to walk past or admire and enjoy every day. By buying from small local artists, you are putting food in bellies and paying bills, and I guarantee they are doing a happy dance! Who knows? You could snag an early work of a great artist, that could be worth something later.
Make sure you have a few frames for the children’s artwork. Encourage them, everyone needs creativity.
Someone else commented that you don’t get to guarantee what becomes an investment, so buy what you like and support someone whose work you enjoy. Solid advice.
Someone else said they like pieces which remind them of special places or events – a lovely idea.
Other people have responded with the names of artists and galleries, which is probably more what the original poster had in mind, but without a reason why.
I just find it frustrating – if nobody supports small, unknown artists, there will be no new art. It’s like saying ‘Your work is worthless until it is worth something’, or even ‘You aren’t a real artist until this person decides you are, or you win this award.’ (Insert appropriate emoji here, You know the one I mean).
But art isn’t important because it appreiates in value. It’s important because it means something. If we don’t accept new artists, we miss out. Imagine sticking to the old masters – we would have no artists who are Black, women, disabled, queer, protest art, and more. No impression (it’s loose), no abstract (what it is?), no surrealism (doesn’t make sense). Interesting art movements start with art that is not proper.
When you buy from a small artist, you’re paying a bill, feeding a family, making space for more creativity in the world. You’re supporting a dream. And, who knows—you might even snag an early piece of a growing artist. Supporting a local artist is a tiny act of rebellion, choosing to shape the future instead of withdrawing into the past.
If the art doesn’t appreciate in value? You’ve got a piece of beauty you enjoy, that reminds you of something, or just brings joy to your home.
Painting by my Nan
My most precious pieces have been painted by my grandparents and my kids. (I’m looking forward to having one of my Dad’s for my collection). Imperfect, personal, full of memories. A story of where we have been, and where we are going.
So I suppose it depends what you’re after. Money, or memories. I know what I’d rather inherit.
Seriously, if you want a master, just buy a print. You have kids. It’s all going to end up covered in cheese and fingerprints anyway.
I’m had a wobbly website for a while, so I thought this was a good time to fix it, seeing as I’m supposed to be resting. It turns out I’m not great at ‘rest’. at least sitting at the PC stops me from lifting and twisting.
Mailing List Madness
There I was, quietly revitalising my website, and I thought I would just pop in a little signup form for my email newsletter. Well, it didn’t go as planned. My account had been deactivated because I sent too few emails, and now I am rebuilding my mailing list from scratch. I’ll look on the bright side though – my style has changed, and my workshops, so at least this way I’ll know the people receiving my emails are super interested. Still… sigh.
Daily Doodle Challenge
I started very gently, with a colouring book, in fact, but I’m trying to complete a daily sketch or doodle every day when I have my first coffee. It doesn’t always happen, and some are better than others, but it’s nice to start the day with something creative. I could do with some accountability – want to play?
Cats and squirrel drawingsNightshift shawl (knitting)
On my Needles
I’ve been knitting again. I’ve finished one pair of socks, and have another on the go. They are so portable. For a slightly tangier project, I have casted on the Nightshift Shawl, which I first at Edinburgh Yarn Festival several years ago. It’s finally time to start.
Easter Bonnet Workshops
I’ve been really busy pulling everything together for the Easter Bonnet workshops Preston City Coucil asked me to run on Avenham Park. I’ve roped in friends, and it’s been slightly chaotic but fun, and I’m mostly sane, even if I do keep finding butterflies stuck to my clothes, my leg, the dog…
Other Things
I’ve done a little bit of pottering too. I’ve started a new sourdough (it needs a name), and managed to bake a few good, if small, loaves in the Ninja. I’ve done a tiny bit of pottering in the garden – mainly sowing seeds for later. I’ve been reading about permaculture again and thinking about how best to utilise my space. I’m still not 100%, but I know I need to make room for a courgette and some tomatoes very soon.
Looking Ahead
It feels like things are coming together now, and settling down. I’m healing well and looking forward to going back to work soon. I have a few bits to finish on the website, and my daily sketchbook challenge is becoming a bit of a habit I’d like to continue.
I’m also looking forward to running new workshops and working with new organisations this year. I can feel my practice evolving, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you.
Thank you for sticking with me throughout the chaos.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Avenham Park this year, on Easter Monday, 21st April. I’m pleased you braved the weather once again, and it cheered up nicely for us later on.
As usual, we were located between the stage and the hill for egg rolling, but there wasn’t a great deal of time to pause between our workshops. We met some lovely people and saw some familiar faces once again, which is always lovely.
Workshop participants chose hats and decorated them using their choice of ribbon, stickers and handmade items. It takes many hours to put the items and the kits together, and this year we used a lot of scrap materials and things which would otherwise have gone to waste.
I don’t envy the Mayor, who popped in to see us before judging the Easter Bonnet Competition on stage.
Egg rolling 2025Cracking bonnets!Floral bonnetFlowers and pipecleanersThe Return of The HatCaroline at egg rolling 2025
Also, a massive thank you with flowers and shiny butterflies to all my helpers and people behind the scenes, who helped make bits and pieces, donated things, packed bags, helped on the day, provided transport, reassured me, and stopped me lifting heavy stuff. (You know who you are!) I couldn’t do this without you.
Thank you to Preston City Council and The Harris Museum and Art Gallery for organising us and funding the event.
Sign up to the newsletter to receive updates about upcoming events.
At Happy Makes, I offer creative workshops that blend art, nature and wellbeing. These sessions are designed to be playful, inclusive of all abilities, and restorative – a proper break for your mind. You don’t need to be ‘good at art’ to join in.
Workshops are designed to be:
Open-ended and expressive – no ‘wrong way’ to make
Sustainable and low-cost where possible, often using scrap, upcycled or natural materials
Suitable for most ages, generally aimed for ages 13+ (can be adapted on request). Family friendly, but not childish.
Rooted in Nature – drawing inspiration from plants, textures, stories and seasons.
Workshops range from gel plate printing with natural textures, to making pocket journals, scrappy patchwork, slow stitching, zine-making and poetry collages using found words. Messy and energetic, midful or calming, I can put together something for you.
It wouldn’t be Happy Makes without crochet and knitting classes – they haven’t gone away and I’m exploring possibilities.
I’m currently developing my programme in collaboration with local organisations. If you would like me to run one of these sessions at your venue, or deliver a talk, please get in touch.
Otherwise, please join the mailing list to find out when bookings open. Thank you, and see you soon!
Welcome to my creative business space, where I celebrate joyful, messy, and sustainable creativity. As an artist and workshop host, I believe that creativity should be fun and playful, allowing for genuine expression. Whether you’re an experienced creator or just starting out, my workshops are designed to inspire and encourage you to embrace your unique style.
Your Portal to Vibrant Artistry
Explore my portfolio where you can view a colorful array of my mixed media artwork. My pieces often incorporate natural and recycled materials, aligning with my commitment to environmental mindfulness without falling into the trap of greenwashing. Each artwork reflects a piece of my soul, presented through vibrant colors and textures, inviting you to connect with the essence of nature and creativity.
Join the Creative Community
I also invite you to check out my workshops page for updates on upcoming sessions. Here, you can join a community of fellow creatives, share your experiences, and learn new skills that honor the beauty of authentic expression. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter and follow my social media for behind-the-scenes insights, articles, and a sprinkle of creative inspiration. Let’s embark on a joyful artistic journey together!
Greetings, fellow creators! I’m thrilled to invite you into my vibrant world of messy, joyful creativity. As an artist and workshop host, I believe in embracing sustainability while crafting beautiful pieces from mixed media. My creative journey is all about using natural and recycled materials to express oneself, and I’m here to share that passion with you!
Explore My Portfolio
On my website, you’ll find a rich variety of my artwork, displaying the beauty of creativity in its most unfiltered form. My portfolio captures everything I’ve created, from colorful paintings to intricate mixed-media projects. Each piece tells a story, and I hope to inspire you to tell yours. Browse through my collection to see how I blend texture and color, all while remaining environmentally conscious.
Join the Creative Community
Have a peek at my journal where I share thoughts, updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my artistic process. You’ll also discover information about my upcoming workshops where I guide you in unlocking your creative potential. Additionally, check out my shop on Ko-fi, where you can find unique digital downloads and handmade items crafted with love.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on social media for tips on sustainable creativity and joyful expression. Together, let’s sprinkle a little bit of glitter on our creative journeys!
