This piece — the one hanging from the tree, catching light like whispers — didn’t fall into the world fully formed. It was gathered. Built. Felt. It took hours. It took thought. It took me.

Online marketplaces and social media platforms have become vibrant hubs for artists, crafters, and small business owners to connect with buyers. But where creativity flourishes, scammers often lurk — hoping to exploit trust and vulnerability. Recently, I encountered one such scammer while selling my handmade art. Instead of falling for their tricks, I turned the tables with a dose of sarcasm and surreal humor. Here's what happened — and how you can protect yourself.

At The Craft Collective, we believe creativity and safety should always go hand-in-hand—especially when it comes to products with toy value. Whether it's a soft crocheted bunny or a brightly coloured 3D printed dinosaur, if a child might play with it, then it needs to meet safety standards. This is where CE marking and proper product testing come in.

Last weekend, my sister and I stepped into another world — our very first Renaissance Faire. Neither of us had been to an event like this before, but we went all in, donning rogue-inspired outfits that let us play with a bit of mischief and mystery.

This month has been a cruel one. Two small disasters, each a reminder that in this work, nothing is ever truly secure.

The Kent Magical Market was the perfect place to let the Blackthorn Banshee rogue step out of the shadows and into the crowd. Inspired by my new World of Warcraft rogue character Sable, I wanted to create a look that felt true to the class — stealthy, practical, but with that touch of menace and mystery that makes rogues so irresistible.

When we discard something, do we ever stop to think about where it truly goes? Annie Leonard’s powerful statement, “There is no such thing as ‘away.’ When we throw away something, it must go somewhere,” challenges us to confront the reality of our waste and its impact on the world around us.

Today was something truly special. I had the chance to visit my son's school and talk to his class about my work—particularly how I use beach waste and found materials in my artwork. Let’s just say… the next generation of eco-artists is already bursting with creativity.

At craft fairs, Etsy shops, and even local pop-up markets, it's not unusual to spot handmade items featuring instantly recognisable characters and icons—from Mickey Mouse and Elsa to Hello Kitty, Pikachu, and Spider-Man. These designs may attract customers, but using copyrighted material without the proper commercial license can put your business, stock, and reputation in serious jeopardy.

On a cool, quiet morning walk along Sheerness Beach on the Isle of Sheppey, I spotted something odd nestled just out of reach of the tide: a weather-worn, heavy plastic sign. It had clearly come from far away — over 60 miles inland, in fact.

After the joy of writing about my birthday visit to the Canterbury Cat Café, I couldn’t resist sharing some of the lovely photos I captured during my two-hour booking.

To celebrate my 50th birthday on April 28th, I booked myself a two-hour visit to the Canterbury Cat Café – and it was hands down one of the best ways I could have spent the day. Peaceful, heartwarming, and full of furry charm, it left me completely smitten.