If your Swedish dishcloth has grown mould, it’s not faulty, it just needed a bit more air and a regular wash. Here’s why mould happens, and how to stop it.

A first trip south to sell at the Garden City Mākete in Christchurch — new faces, good conversations, and cloths off to New York, Germany and the UK as Christmas gifts.

Every Swedish dishcloth starts out in the kitchen — until it’s a little too worn for the bench, and earns one more job in the garage or workshop before its final trip to the compost.

There’s a corner of my garden that’s been waiting for me for months. It’s not a big job — but somehow it keeps getting bumped. I’ve been wondering if you have something like that too, and whether it might be time we did something about it.

Art with Heart shares the story behind my donation campaign supporting Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. As a wife, mother and grandmother, this cause feels deeply personal. Discover how a simple Swedish dishcloth purchase became a small act of care for women and families affected by breast cancer.

I’m diving into Affinity Designer as a self-taught surface pattern designer, transitioning from textured illustrations to clean, scalable vector art. In this post, I share what it’s like to learn new design software from scratch, how it’s shifting my creative process, and why it’s an exciting step in my surface pattern journey.

A peek behind the scenes as winter settles in with early snowfalls, busy studio projects, new Christmas card designs for Brushstrokes for Kaimanawa Horses, and a little Winter Reset Bundle to bring some calm to the season.

This guide is packed with practical, creative tips to help you embrace sustainable living effortlessly. From using Swedish dishcloths to greenify your kitchen to a 10-step checklist for a more eco-friendly home, it’s never been easier to start your journey toward a sustainable lifestyle.

What’s Inside:

• Simple eco-friendly swaps for every room in your home

• Creative and unexpected uses for Swedish dishcloths

• A printable checklist to kickstart your sustainable living goals

Ready to make your home greener?

Download your free guide today and take the first step toward a more joyful, sustainable home.

My illustrations are rich in color, texture, and storytelling, often with a nostalgic, yesteryear feel. I love creating full, layered scenes where every detail adds to the story—never just a simple vignette. Nostalgia plays a big role in my work because older things have a charm and lasting value that modern trends often lack. Just like we’ve come full circle with paper bags replacing plastic, I believe there’s something timeless about art that sparks memories and connections. My goal is to create pieces that speak to people, evoking magical moments and stories that last for years.

Discover the magic of a handmade Christmas! In this blog, we explore the joy of creating your own decorations and gifts—simple, cost-effective, and deeply meaningful. From natural garlands to DIY pamper kits, handmade items not only reduce waste but also add a personal touch that recipients will treasure. Embrace the slower pace of crafting and create memories that last far beyond the festive season.

Read more to get inspired and start your handmade holiday journey.

The rhythm of the seasons shapes so much of our lives—what we wear, what we eat, and even how we feel. For me, it also profoundly influences my art. Autumn’s vibrant colors, summer’s golden light, winter’s cozy comforts, and spring’s fresh energy all find their way into my creations.

Some seasons feel easier to capture than others. Autumn’s warm tones and textures often inspire me, while summer’s brightness brings a sense of playfulness. Winter, with its stark beauty, can feel challenging but also offers moments of reflection.

As the summer solstice approaches, I find myself celebrating this seasonal rhythm, drawing inspiration from the transitions and the stories they tell. Each season carries its own beauty—and endless creative possibilities.

What stories do the seasons inspire in your life?

Finding balance as a part-time artist isn’t always easy, especially while managing a business and working another job. If I could, I’d love to have a virtual assistant handling all the admin work so I could spend more time creating! This year, I’ve managed to carve out Sundays for personal projects, nature walks, and family time—my way of recharging and keeping my creative spark alive. It’s a work in progress, but even small pauses, like watching the alpacas grazing or listening to the birds outside, help me stay centered and inspired.

If you’re striving for balance too, remember to embrace those small moments—they’re the ones that make the journey worthwhile.

Embracing the Rhythms of Rural Life

Experience the simple beauty of rural life in Masterton, where each season brings its own tasks and rewards. From tending to our alpacas and gathering rainwater to finding creative solutions for life’s little challenges, living rurally is about embracing the slower pace and connecting with nature. In this blog, I share the quiet joys and self-sufficiency that make this way of life so fulfilling.