A collection of stories shaped by the natural world, from the creative process in the studio and the inspiration behind the artwork, to seasonal living and time spent outdoors. Alongside these are simple, practical ways to connect with nature in everyday life, including ideas for little ones through Little Roots and small ways to bring the seasons into your home.
Step into the Journal through its different parts of the story
My Life Is Like A Garden
My garden wasn't supposed to look like this.
The weeds arrived faster than I could pull them. The ants claimed every patch of soil. Plants I'd carefully nurtured began to wilt beneath a relentless sun.
Standing there, surrounded by chaos, I realised I wasn't just looking at my vegetable patch.
I was looking at my year.
Because gardens, much like people, don't fall apart overnight. They quietly draw from what they've already been given, stretching every last reserve until one day, a little water is no longer enough.
But even in the mess, something was still growing.
The Quiet Lies We’ve Been Told About Nature; 4 myths unravelled.
1) Expensive
Often, nature can become stylised, especially online. The images we see on social media are frequently wrapped in a particular aesthetic, beautiful large countryside homes, winding lanes, baskets filled at farm shops, and slow afternoons that appear effortlessly idyllic. Over time, certain parts of countryside living have begun to carry a kind of cultural identity of their own, where appreciation for nature can appear intertwined with a specific aesthetic or affluent way of life.
Mud Pies and Flower Potions
Children are naturally so curious about the world around them, with this instinct to explore, touch, question, and get stuck in fully. In the pace of modern life, it can sometimes feel like there are more things pulling them away from that than supporting it, even when that’s not intentional.
Here, you will find gentle ideas for those moments. Things to make with what is growing or found, small seasonal activities, baking with garden ingredients when possible and simple creative ideas that don’t require much preparation or pressure. Sometimes it will be about getting outside and sometimes it will be about bringing nature in.
Everyday Measured in Seasons
How do you measure your life? How do you track a year? Is it from New Year, September, or from one holiday season to the next? Of course, it is not always possible to step outside of schedules and live entirely by the seasons. But I’ve come to realise there are ways to create small anchors or moments in a day, a week, or a part of life where you can gently align yourself with what is happening in the natural world. These anchors don’t have to rely on always leaving the house.
Breath - The Collection
This series has been designed as a reminder to pause for a moment, and take that all-important deep breath. Here you will find the inspiration and story behind the watercolour pieces in this collection.
Steeped in Stories: A Journey Through Art, Nature, and Life
From a desperate need for a habitual connection to nature, Wild Cottage Works grew as a quiet reminder that creativity, nature and everyday life are closely connected and that even the smallest moments outdoors can shape the way we live. It isn’t about prescribing a particular or ideal way of living, but gently sharing ways to weave a connection to nature into your everyday life, wherever you are.