sunshine, squirrels and sh*t that went sideways
Once upon a time…
When I worked at Angelsey Abbey, I put together a little box of sunshine goodies packed with everything I loved about the place (with a side of festive fun, because why not?) – each design had a cute reason behind it, and I’m here to give you the full scoop:
Shittonne of Snowdrops 🤍
Anglesey Abbey’s snowdrop collection is so epic it makes people lose their minds. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to see the grounds transformed into a breathtaking carpet of white. It’s pure magic and, if you’ve seen it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. This love for snowdrops made it a no-brainer to include them in my designs – tiny, delicate, and full of charm.
Badass Bats 🦇
Yes, you read that right. The Abbey’s grounds are home to several species of bats that come out to play at sunset. Watching them dart around in the twilight feels like being at nature’s very own goth rave. I couldn’t resist turning these little winged rebels into wearable art.
Jaw-Dropping Dahlias 🌼
Every autumn, the Abbey’s gardening team pull out all the stops with their dahlia display. And let me tell you, it’s a showstopper. People come from far and wide just to soak in the sea of colours, and who can blame them? The dahlias demand your attention and keep it – just the kind of spirit I love capturing in my designs.
Squirrels, but Make Them Emo 🐿️
Now, black squirrels aren’t unique to Anglesey Abbey, but they are native to Cambridgeshire, and spotting one feels like seeing a furry little shadow ninja. Naturally, I had to create a piece for these elusive critters – a nod to their mysterious, mischievous vibe.
The Plot Twist
Here’s the kicker: these samples never quite made it to the Abbey gift shop. Cue life unraveling – we’re talking divorce, breakdowns, quitting my job, and a whirlwind of changes that had me packing up and moving away. Yay for personal growth and chaos, right? 🙃
But you know what? I’m still pretty damn proud of how those little dahlia and emo squirrel designs turned out. The bats and snowdrops have remained fan favourites, making appearances at my events and online shop, and I’ve loved seeing how much you all enjoy them!
Why Am I Sharing This Now?
Well, here’s the thing: would you be up for some dahlia or black squirrel-shaped sunshine in your life? Let me know in the comments – your feedback means everything! And honestly, sharing the highs and the ‘oh-hell-no’ moments is what makes this creative journey real. This small business life isn’t just about pretty things and polished moments; it’s a full-on rollercoaster with unexpected loops.
Oh, and before I sign off, see those cheeky wooden brooches peeking out in the photos? They’ll be making their grand (and rather sweary) debut at all my festive events this year. I’m beyond excited to bust out the ‘parental advisory’ signs again. Let’s just say, they’re not for the faint-hearted. 😉
Thanks for joining me on this little story time. I hope the photos make up for my rambling and that you feel a bit more connected to the chaos and charm of it all. Stay tuned for more sunshine, mischief, and plenty of updates!
