Hey! Are you sitting comfortably? I’d put the kettle on too because it’s a long one!
This blog is to remind me of the things I’ve done in the year because I forget easily and think that I’ve done absolutely nothing! And if anyone has the time or the interest in an illustrators life then please read on. It’s a bit self indulgent but it’s so lovely to have you here.
Here are 2025’s charity donations. It was a busy year for these. .
3 for Faultline gaza 355, 4 for The Bookmark Project, 3 for National Doodleday(Epilepsy Action)
Because I work with traditional materials mostly, I started the year off by travelling to my publishers in London to hand deliver the artwork for my latest picture book project. I always panic that I’ll leave it on the train, but I didn’t. Here’s my cute editor and designer at Nosy Crow pulling the same faces as the characters in one of my paintings. .
This is “Snow Bunny’s Christmas Tree” , the 4th Snow Bunn in the series!! and it will be out in the UK Oct 2026. It’s already available in France, Japan and Italy and there have been some lovely reviews for it on my Instagram feed.
The publishers give me copies of the books translated in the different languages. I had a lovely load this year. My books went to new territories and some countries reprinted for the 7th time!
I did a couple of LIVE events in 2025. First up- a biggy- I was interviewed for a podcast for BBC Wales at the Hay literary festival. I was weirdly calm but probably because Sara from 16media was at the helm and Lucy Owen was interviewing me. It all gelled together because of these fab ladies. I was proud to have my illustration up on the screen which I was commissioned to do for the podcast branding. My mind should have exploded but I held it together. (thank you also Bach Rescue Remedy)
And look who I met there!!!!!!!!
Lovely Michael Rosen.
The next event was in beautiful Montgomery in Mid Wales. .
Author Lucy Owen read and I drew and we met lots of lovely families, signed books and gave lots of free things away. We met the Mayor of Montgomery and he presented my painting to the local school as a gift after the festival…
My agent has a drinks gathering to bring all of the authors and illustrators she represents, out of their burrows and into London to socialise. It’s a lovely bunch and we’re grateful for this event. 2025 was again an absolute belter for hot sunshine! We melted but it didn’t stop us talking!
I have an ongoing project at the moment. I’m making a studio in the house. It’ll be the first proper dedicated space for work that I’ve had! I know- crazy innit! It’s a bit of a meaty task as I had to empty it for the electrician to put more sockets in, get the roof fixed for leaks and then repair and decorate. Look at this before and after bit!! Blimey. . .
The Ikea flat packs have been delivered so watch this space…
My eldest baby graduated this year and my youngest went off to uni in London. Wow lots of emotions. I did a car sketch of the latter..
The Summer was all about drawing out the 5th Snow Bunny book. It was boiling hot and I really had to use my imagination for the snowy scenes!! haha
My very first picture book was written by author Jonathan Emmett 20 years ago. It was lovely to meet up with him and his wife Rachel this Summer as they passed through Wales on holiday. Here we are in Caerphilly Castle . .
And after the dreamy Summer evenings I was inspired to do a collection of illustrations as a reminder. It made me feel happy and made the Summer last longer in my mind. There are still a handful available in my shop.
I had 2 tiny breaks in the Summer. One in Pembrokeshire where we swam, sketched, walked, dolphin watched and rested…..
and the second was a night away in the Cotswolds with a lovely old friend. We visited the most beautiful model village and my head and heart nearly popped. .
They say be a tourist in your home town so I listened and did 2 historical walks in 2025. One in my home village (which has a castle!! So lucky growing up!!) and one in the secret parts of an arcade in Cardiff. All so enjoyable. I wish I could remember all the facts I heard!
Are you still here??? Wow!! You’re amazing. I’ve nearly finished. I was just going to mention how much I loved Autumn so I made a few Autumn posts on Instagram. The oranges and the cosiness makes it one of my favourite seasons.
I think I need to go to more gigs this year. 2025 was seriously lacking but we saw these, and my eldest and I met one of our fave authors. .
And this brings me up to now! I hope you had a lovely festive period. Twixmas is my absolute favourite! I feel so creative when the Christmas shenanigans are over. I just wish that bit was longer. haha. In my brain, time continues so I don’t make resolutions in January as such. But would like to say, let’s continue to support the many lovely minority groups and be kind and understanding, tolerant and mindful of others. Love you all! Thank you for reading! And click the heart below if you haven’t collapsed and fallen asleep and I will know you came by xxxx
