June Postcard Newsletter

Warm weather, a workshop and a fundraiser with a chance to win one of three prizes.

I had a moment last weekend, which felt like perfection.

I was sat in the attic, writing a post for substack, still in my pyjamas at 4.30pm. Barefoot, shoulders out, windows open, Jon sat on the doorstep fixing his bike, boys in their bedroom pretending not to be watching youtube.

I padded downstairs to refill my glass with fizzy water and elderflower cordial made by a friend and cut another slice of watermelon. Blues music was blaring, the kitchen floor felt warm, my belly was full of bubbles and fruit juice.

Everything felt easy.

I think this is one of the things I love about the warmer months (when they do agree to be warmer). Everything just feels a little easier. Less layers to pile on before leaving the house, washing dries faster, standing barefoot on a cold floor doesn’t bring you down with the flu, watermelon, apples and almonds are perfectly logical foods to live on for a few days.

Butter glides onto bread.

June has been good to me so far. I’ve moved into the new studio, positive stuff is happening with my work and after four months of giving up alcohol, I’m beginning to feel the physical and mental shifts I had hoped for.

And I’m feeling a whole heart full of gratitude.

News:

Kitchen table Workshop at the National Festival of Making

I will be hosting a day of Kitchen Table workshops at The National Festival of Making on Sunday 6th of July in Blackburn.

It will be one of several workshops, all centred around a kitchen table. My workshop involves drawing and mark making on paper with objects we often find at kitchen tables as the tools and the subjects.

Basically: come along and sit at a table laid out with plants, newspapers, dishes, fruit and books, and let me guide you in drawing and making shapes with things like forks, spoons, charcoal, turmeric dye, ink and tea.

No drawing skills required!

There is loads to do across the weekend, for adults and children alike (my workshops are suitable 12+)

And it’s all FREE!

Fundraiser Raffle for Medical Aid for Palestinians

I have teamed up with a group of artists and makers to host a raffle fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestinians. There are several raffles, hosted by each artist, so do take a look at them all (there's some bloody beautiful pottery) and all proceeds go to MAP.

By entering, you are donating to the people of Palestine, whilst also getting the chance to win some very lovely stuff.

If you choose to enter my raffle, donation tickets are £5, I am offering three prizes, to go to three separate people:

Prize a) A set of three ink paintings (Lemons, tomatoes and oranges) - value £75.

Prize b) My downloadable online workshop Tell the Story of Your Home, plus two 1-1 consultations. - value £94.99

Prize c) A year’s subscription to A Kitchen Notebook, so that you have access to all essays behind the paywall, including nearly three years of archived pieces. - value £30

The raffle closes on July 1st, so donate now for a chance to win!

What I’m reading: ‘Kahlo, Basquiat and Me’ by Jennifer Clement. My friend Maz gave me a copy (she also wrote on one of the inside pages and it pleased me immensely. I prefer all book gifts to be written in on the inside) and it’s beautiful. Short, tender, compulsive chapters of her childhood in Mexico and then her time in 1980’s New York.

What I’m listening to: Since moving into the studio I’ve been revisiting all my old playlists, and came across this one: Songs for Messing About.

What I’m eating: Watermelon, apples, almonds, Hu almond chocolate, radish Kimchi, mustard flavour crisps from Lidl.

What I’m Watching: Not much. Since being in the studio, I’ve been listening to more music reading and watching less.

What I’m Using: This hair growth aid Bello Hair Helper Spray. I’ve only been using it a month, and already seen a difference in my hair feeling thicker and growing faster. If you’d like to try it, you can order some here and use code for 15% off (affiliate link).

Have a lovely June, I hope the remainder of this month treats you well.

Java x