Every creative journey starts somewhere

I’ve been having a little wander through my past. We are packing to move house (again), and I came across a pile of photos of the first toys I ever made – right back to the very first one I sewed when I couldn't have been more than around 6 years old (can you spot it?!) – it’s super-raw (but full of enthusiasm).

‘Christmas Mouse’ was made when I was about 10–12 years old, and it still sits at the very top of our Christmas tree over 40 years later.

My favourite one is 'Artist Mouse’. I just wish I had kept all of these old toys, as this one would now be pride-of-place in my studio!

My mum was a talented seamstress and pattern maker, and she taught me to hand-sew and use a sewing machine from a very young age. I started out on an old Singer treadle machine in the garage while my mother worked next to me on her industrial machine.

Another big influence was my mum’s cousin, who gave me a simple felt mouse pattern (the white/cream mice) and some felt sheets. It was the first time I really understood what “felt” was. Looking back, it was the beginning of a lifelong love of craft and toy-making.

Every creative journey has a starting point. These were part of mine. 🧵🐭

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