Life has been incredibly busy lately. June always seems to be a whirlwind for me – it’s my daughter’s birthday month, there’s Father’s Day to celebrate, and we’re racing towards the end of the Scottish school year. This year has felt especially chaotic because my daughter is finishing primary school, and there’s been a whole flurry of activities surrounding that.

So when Ohn Mar invited me (and a few others) to come down for an overnight in London, of course I had to say… YES (?!) I hopped on the train – which, by the way, is my absolute favourite way to travel – stayed overnight, and came back the next day. It was just what I needed.

While I was in London, I got to spend time with some of the loveliest art teacher pals you could imagine. I made not one but two trips to the giant Cass Art store in Islington, picking up some goodies like paper, cards, markers… and even a few presents for my daughter (no spoilers I’m afraid, it’s her birthday next week). It was so much fun.

We also played a board game called Hues and Cues (it’s all about different kinds of colour), which was absolutely hilarious – and, unbelievably, I actually won! I never win board games, so that was a fun surprise.

The whole trip was just really lovely. We chatted, laughed, connected – and it felt so good to be around people who truly get what I do. I went to London feeling exhausted and a little overwhelmed, and I came back feeling refreshed and recharged. There’s something so powerful about finding creative community, especially when things feel full-on.

Speaking of which – I’m hosting an Open Studios tomorrow! I blogged about it last week, but if you’re local (or local-ish), do come by and say hello. We’ll be open from 11am to 4pm at 105 Leith Walk, and since it’s meant to be rainy and miserable, you might as well come inside and do something fun. Come have a chat with me, make a bookmark, and have a nosey at the studio.

You’ll also get to see Lauren’s work – she’s an artist and a printmaker who even makes her own paper (how cool is that?).

And while I’m mentioning cool people – Ohn Mar, who organised the trip, now has art classes available on her own website, which is brilliant. Mel has loads of amazing freebies on her site too – I know teachers at my daughter’s school have used them, and they’re just fab. Definitely check them out.

Nic Squirrel has the most fabulous illustrative designs on all kinds of cute things you can buy and Marie-Noëlle has a fantastic Patreon (I’m a member, so I should know) where she teaches lovely live lessons every month. And have you checked out the Renaissance woman, Jen Dixon’s website lately? To paraphrase P.T. Barnum, if you’ve not seen it lately you’ve not seen it!

Oh! And if you’ve got a creative kid at home, they might enjoy Faye’s Summer of Design – my daughter is going to be doing it.

That’s my little Friday update for you. I hope you’re all doing well – speak soon!