I’ve been spending plenty of time in the garden lately, nurturing both my plants and my patience. My young bonsai trees are coming along beautifully- one of my favourites is an elderflower cutting from last spring, now showing promising new growth in its terracotta pot. I also cleared out weeds in the vegetable garden, getting everything ready to plant out my young veggies now that the last frost should be behind us. With parsley thriving and young onions peeking through the soil, I’m buzzing to see the garden come to life this spring!

It’s Friday, and for once, the weekend isn’t just about catching up on rest—it’s something to actually look forward to. After weeks of rain and grey skies, the sun has been shining since Wednesday, and today even reached 10.7°C. The best part? It’s supposed to stay bright and dry all weekend.

The whole week has felt different—lighter, fresher, almost like a little preview of spring. Even the drive home felt special, with the roof down, the crisp air rushing past, and the golden evening sun stretching across the sky. And when I pulled into the driveway, I wasn’t the only one enjoying the change.

Smudge was already darting around the garden, Lady was padding happily through the dry grass, and the other cats had settled into sun-warmed spots like they owned the place. It was one of those rare, peaceful evenings that called for just one thing—a cup of tea outside, surrounded by my little gang, with no rush to go back inside.

This week has been a reminder that spring is coming, the rain won’t last forever, and sometimes, it’s the smallest moments—sunshine, fresh air, a quiet garden—that make all the difference.

Looking for a unique way to celebrate your pet? 🐾 My custom hand-drawn pet portraits capture the heart and personality of your furry friend in stunning detail. Whether it's a gift for a loved one or a special keepsake, I’ll guide you through the easy ordering process—from choosing the perfect size to receiving progress updates on your bespoke artwork.

✨ Discover how to order your own custom pet portrait and see examples of my work! ✨

When Jo approached me with a commission for her basset hound, Mabel, I expected a traditional pet portrait. What I got instead was a delightful challenge—transforming Mabel into a Victorian noblewoman, draped in lace and reclining in regal luxury. This project pushed me into new creative territory, blending humour, history, and fine detail to capture not just a likeness, but a character. The result? Lady Mabel, an aristocrat in her own right, immortalised in paint.

Read the full story behind this whimsical portrait and see the transformation unfold! 🎨🐶✨

This weekend, I hosted two of my oldest friends, Nay and LNR, for a creative retreat filled with woodland walks, artistic experiments, and meaningful collaboration. Together, we transformed sketches and textures into unique prints using 3D-printed stamps, capturing the raw beauty of nature and the joy of working together. These creations will soon debut as “Echoes of Nature”, a collection celebrating friendship, creativity, and the little wonders that inspire us. Stay tuned on my website and Etsy store for these collaborative works, crafted by friends and inspired by nature.

A year ago, I dipped my first batch of beeswax candles, not knowing just how much patience and precision the process would require. From carefully melting pure beeswax to navigating the delicate rhythm of dipping, cooling, and repeating, each candle became a labor of love. There were plenty of mishaps—uneven layers, temperature struggles, and a few curious cats eager to investigate—but with each attempt, I refined my technique. Now, as I prepare to list these handcrafted, all-natural candles in my Etsy shop, I’m excited to share the journey behind them. These aren’t just candles; they’re a craft, an experience, and a warm, honey-scented piece of tradition. 🕯✨

Coming soon to Crafted by Mhairi!

For years, I struggled to call myself an artist. My process didn’t follow the “rules”—I didn’t stick to one medium, I built my pet portraits in scattered layers, and for most of the journey, my work looked completely unfinished. But over time, I learned to trust it. Art isn’t about following a formula; it’s about finding your way of seeing the world. In this blog post, I take you behind the scenes of my creative process—from the barely-there sketch to the final, lifelike details.

Read more about how I embraced my unique approach to art: www.craftedbymhairi.co.uk.

Bring Warmth, Sustainability, and a Touch of Nature to Your Home

My Westcountry Beeswax Tealights aren’t just candles – they’re a little slice of Somerset, handcrafted with 100% locally sourced beeswax. Clean-burning, eco-friendly, and infused with a subtle honey scent, these tealights add warmth to your space while supporting local bees and sustainable practices. Every purchase brings me closer to my dream of starting a hive of Buckfast bees, so together, we can create a greener, cosier world.

Shop now at craftedbymhairi.co.uk or on Etsy!

As January draws to a close, I’m reminded of the subtle transitions happening all around us. The days are growing longer, the garden is beginning to stir, and even the cats seem to sense the change—balancing adventures with moments of quiet reflection. After a few days of much-needed rest, I’m ready to lace up my boots again, carrying forward the lesson that rest isn’t a weakness, but a vital part of growth. Just like the garden, we’re all quietly preparing for brighter days ahead.

Welcome to Crafted by Mhairi! 🌿 Join me on a journey of creativity, sustainability, and heartfelt handmade goods. From custom pet portraits to beeswax candles, each piece supports my dream of starting a hive of our own. 🐝

Discover the joy of small-batch craftsmanship and help make the world a little sweeter, one creation at a time!