In this 2 hour session, Michaela and her hens created a series of Lino prints for both the bride to be and themselves to take home and turn into a gallery wall.

See photos of the workshop and read about how the workshop went and what the hens thought of it.

They say a poor tradesman blames his tools but is that really true?

There’s a balance to be struck when aiming to create the highest quality products. It requires a combination of skill, knowledge and the right tools and materials. Even the most skilled of artists will struggle to create their best work with low quality equipment.

I have always been at my happiest when engaging in a creative activity, whether it’s drawing, sewing, journalling or something else. The act of focussing on something I enjoy helps me to process my feelings, take a break from the jobs list and have some time just for me.

While it’s lovely to finish the creative task with a finished piece of something beautiful, I have learned in recent years that enjoying the process is even more important. If I dwell on the getting it finished too much it becomes more like a job, which is often what I need a break from in the first place.

Your environment has a huge impact on your day to day mood. If your home is a mess or falling apart then that has psychological implications. They say ‘tidy space, tidy mind.’ Well I am hopeless with house keeping. I love a good clear out but I have a child and two jobs so yes my house is messy and I’m no Mrs Hinch (I’ve only just learned who she is).

So how do I make my home a feel good space? I add colour.

You’ve been living together for a while and you already have the perfect toaster (4 slice and it works) and you’re looking for a wedding gift list with a difference. Does this sound like you? Then you’re in the right place.

When you create a wedding list with me, you reserve your favourite limited edition linocut prints or a bespoke commission slot and your wonderful guests club together to buy them. The end result is that you end up with stunning artwork in your home to remind you of your fabulous guests for years to come. Perfect!

A commission, in the art world, is where you employ an artist whose work you love to create you a piece of uniques artwork to your own specifications. It’s an exciting process and results in something totally bespoke that you’ll love for years to come.

I would always say to go with your gut. Who’s artwork do you love? If its someone that you keep coming back to and artwork that you always feel good around then that’s the one!

Even the simplest gift can seem all the more special when it’s wrapped with care. That doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on wrapping paper and takes ages folding. There are lots of ways to add that finishing touch that don’t break the bank.

I’m going to share with you how I do it at The Peacock and The Printmaker as well as showing you how some of my creative friends do it.

When we had our first flat, all that we could fit in was a short slim line tree from Wilkos. Despite its size, it was perfect for us and it’s still going to this day. It’s the munchkin’s tree (she takes great pride in decorating it) and I use it for all my Christmas lifestyle shoots. So far, it has lasted 13 years and it’s still going strong.

I’ve known Louisa for a long time and she has been a supporter of my art business from the very beginning. She knows my style and has seen it develop over the last few years. Mum of two gorgeous children and two very well behaved and loving dogs, Louisa lives a busy life juggling family and business as cofounder of The Dog Log with her husband Nathan. She cares about supporting local business, taking care of the environment (and dogs in particular) and living an ethical life.

This month is a continuation of the Guide To Buying Art but from the perspective of the wonderful Imani - Interiors blogger and colour enthusiast. I first encountered Imani on Instagram and instantly fell in love with her passion for colour and unusual approach to home decor.

In a bid to help you all find that perfect piece of artwork, I’ve been chatting to some people in the know. First up is Trevor Read, Manager at The Aviary in Jesmond, Newcastle.

I came across The Aviary Gallery by accident. My favourite cafe is on Brentwood Avenue and I’d just enjoyed tea and cake there with my husband on a rare day without our child when we walked past The Aviary. It’s always exciting to find a new gallery so we popped in. As it happens we were in there for quite a while, totally absorbed by the art and the decor (you can pretty much buy it all!). The girl on the desk was friendly and we got chatting about my studio. This eventually turned into me making an appointment with the wonderful Trevor Read.

Let me start by saying that I am no psychologist, I am not a counsellor but I have been hit by overwhelm on many an occasion and I thought I would share with you how I have learned to manage it.

Let me start by saying that I hope you are all safe and well. As a part time teacher, I am working modified hours in school but mostly from home. However, as an artists, it is mostly business as usual. Below are a few ideas on how to stay inspired during quarantine.