This weekend, I had the joy of hosting two of my oldest friends, Nay and LNR, for a wonderfully creative retreat. Our time together was filled with muddy walks, artistic exploration, and a celebration of the little things that make life meaningful.
Nay and LNR are two of the most creative and talented people I know. LNR has a unique ability to capture the character of a person or thing through art. The quirky, expressive style is unmatched. Talent extends beyond drawing— a keen and skilled crochet-er, constantly brimming with ideas and creativity. Nay, on the other hand, has an incredible eye for detail, finding the smallest beauty in a forest of wintered trees. A fascination of the raw, unfiltered magic of nature and a knack for capturing it and talking about it in ways that make you pause and appreciate the world around you.
Both live together in Leicester with their three toy poodles, and their shared creative energy is infectious. During the weekend, we worked collaboratively on images from LNR’s sketchbook, blending all of our ideas to create art that spoke to each of us. Using a 3D-printed printing press and experimenting with other printing techniques, we turned sketches and textures into unique prints that feel like a true reflection of our time together.
This process of creating together felt magical—melding styles and perspectives into something entirely new. The artwork from this weekend will form a collection titled “Echoes of Nature”, inspired by the raw beauty of the woods and the small wonders we found along the way. Some of these prints have already been transformed into cards and limited-edition pieces. These will soon be available on my website and Etsy store as part of Crafted by Friends, a collaborative project that celebrates creativity, connection, and the joy of working together.
The weekend reminded me of the power of collaboration and the inspiration that comes from creating with people you care about. Whether it was discovering tiny mushrooms on our woodland walk or sharing ideas around the table, every moment felt like a celebration of creativity and friendship.
Keep an eye out for the “Echoes of Nature” collection—they’re not just art, but memories captured on paper, crafted by friends.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our creative weekend and the Echoes of Nature collection. If you’d like to stay updated on upcoming collections, behind-the-scenes stories, and more:
• Visit my website: craftedbymhairi.co.uk
• Shop my Etsy store: craftedbymhairi.etsy.com
• Support my journey: buymeacoffee.com/craftedbym1 Follow along as we continue creating, collaborating, and celebrating the beauty in nature and art. Let’s stay connected!