I’ve always had a creative streak—ever since I was a child. I could happily spend an entire summer holiday at home, completely absorbed in drawing and making little crafts. For a while, I even dreamed of going to art school, but I let that dream go, held back by a lack of confidence. Life moved on, and I didn’t pick up a pencil for over 20 years.

Then came the pandemic. Like so many others, I found myself turning inward during lockdown, and that’s when I started drawing again. At first, it was just black and white ink, then I rediscovered the joy of colour through coloured pencils. I’ve always loved animals, so it felt natural to start drawing them. Around the same time, I also discovered needle felting with wool—another beautiful way to bring animals to life with my hands.

In 2022, we moved to the stunning west coast of Scotland. The peaceful countryside and breathtaking landscapes brought a sense of calm and freedom I hadn’t felt in years. Creativity fits perfectly with this slower, more mindful way of life. Drawing and crafting have become more than hobbies—they’re a way of reconnecting with who I really am.