The Connect section needed to move up for this newsletter as we engage with Desmond Tutu's challenge, "if you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor". George Floyd's murder has highlighted not just one horrific incident of injustice but systemic inequalities that we all have power to fight.

I've found myself moving between feelings of powerlessness, anger, cluelessness, frustration, determination... I can only imagine what others have felt at this time. As a white woman I've spent a lot of time trying to learn, listening and reading, letting the words of black friends, and those black influencers who are so eloquently speaking into this time, shape my thinking and response. And, honestly, my main recommendation would be for you to do the same, as much as you are able.

But I can definitely relate to the feeling of not knowing where to start so here are a few general suggestions. I've also been building up a list of specific resources that I've found helpful so please do get in touch if you'd like me to send it to you.

READ AND LISTEN:
Begin with social media if that's most accessible for you. Start to hear the ideas and feelings that are being expressed, follow those you find helpful (even if not comfortable!) so you can continue to journey with them. Podcasts, vlogs and blogs are great too, as they allow you to hear more than a soundbite, giving more depth, nuance, and clarity to the thoughts and emotions being shared.

And I will always champion the value of books. Not only can you engage so much more fully and richly, but being willing to pay to be able to hear the voice of BAME authors signifies much more than a 'like' or 'follow' that costs you nothing. It says that you want to invest your own resources into reading and understanding the perspective of that writer. It says to the book industry that you recognise what is being said is important and worthy of publication. And it supports the authors with finance and acclaim. Definitely worth it.

ADVOCATE:
It might not seem like much but even signing a petition is a way of using your voice to speak out against systems that support white privilege. You can also take actions like writing to your MP, asking questions about what is being done and sharing your hopes and concerns. Not only do these actions let those in power know that we want to see change, it also says to those being marginalised that we recognise the issues and are prepared to stand with them and take action. 

AMPLIFY: 
Celebrate the wisdom you hear, share it with others both online and in person. (Made Unique has a Pinterest board where we gather quotes that inspire us - I’d love you to send me words that inspire you too!) Seek out and champion BAME creatives who express their experience and perspectives through images, words, music, dance... Enjoy engaging with those from different backgrounds on all sorts of topics, not just issues of race, to gain greater insight and build deeper connection.

The image above is from Joke Amusan, an artist whose work I absolutely love.  Rather than try to summarise her work in my words, I'd prefer you to visit her blog and hear her share about the materials and the message. She also has some really helpful suggestions for how we can all support black people, not just now but going forward. Aside from how incredible her work is, I admire Joke for her courage, creativity, and the way she embodies her own message: 'IF YOU HAVE A VOICE, SPEAK'.  

As Nelson Mandela encouraged us, "it is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it".

Although today’s changes to the rules might mean we can retreat indoors when friends or family come to visit, there's still lots to keep us enjoying the great outdoors. Welcoming wildlife into our outside spaces is not only really important for our biodiversity and environment but also really lovely so we can get up close to the incredible creatures on our doorsteps, and in our lawns, and sitting on our fences...

We have a small hanging bird feeder to put fat balls into and the whole family love watching as birds come to feed right near our kitchen window. However our menu has proved extremely popular with a gang of sparrows who now devour anything we put out in a very short space of time! So I've been exploring other (cheaper!) ways of giving our feathery friends a bit of a treat including feeders made of pine cones (sadly both got stolen by our cheeky local squirrel), loo rolls (not our most successful attempt), and drinks cartons. We've also found that keeping a few basic shallow containers topped up with a bit of fresh water is much appreciated, although there are some great, creative bird bath ideas I'm hoping to try out sometime.

There are lots of fun ideas out there for bug hotels which I think essentially come down to having some wilder space or different kinds of natural materials around, but it seems that welcoming bees can be a little more problematic. So we've tried a simple, but specialist bee home and hope it will be comfy and safe for these little heroes of our ecosystem!

It’s wonderful to have Abiy share words and images with us here, and more can be found on her blog, sunday, once more. You can also follow her on Instagram.


Doubt has often crept up on me this past month, it has sat in my throat and refused to budge. As if it’s made itself at home in my body, my mind, without giving space for questioning. It’s like the unspoken belief that no matter how confident you are in what you create, before showing it to others Worry sits at the back of your mind with Anxiety. Both gossiping about your inabilities, that maybe what you’re doing isn’t enough and that people don’t care.

And, I am tired of the internal dialogue. With so much going on in the world, it’s hard not to notice the grasp the news has on us. It’s a lot to take in, it’s overwhelming and there is a constant exposure to the pain of others. It makes me feel uncomfortable, uncertain and doubtful of what I can do, if anything I do matters anymore when I feel drained and tired of hearing the groaning and collective pain of the world. Which then leads to worrying my art is worth sharing anymore? Is it good enough? Is using my voice going to do anything? The questions are never-ending, but I think the most important thing I’ve taken away from this month is that it is okay to ask the questions and to doubt. But we must also keep moving even when doubt presents itself, when worry and anxiety camp out at the back of our minds. Despite the presence of doubt, fear, anxiety, or worry – there is permission for you to still wholly be yourself and to reflect who you are through your art, into this world. It may feel daunting at times, but what you do is defiance within itself; it is saying that even though you are scared, you are still capable of moving through life and trust the process, even if it’s terrifying.

We don’t grow in the comfortable. Using our voices, creating art, it’s not always easy and it’s not always comfortable, but sometimes you move through it because you know that piece is worth creating. No matter the product you took the step and did it in fear, you were willing to learn something about yourself through that process. What you do is valid, it is enough, and it is important. You are allowed to show up for yourself and others when it is hard even if it’s the scary thing to do, because we so often forget that no man is an island. We inhabit the island with others, bringing what we can, what we have and what we do to the table because it’s what we know, it’s uniquely ours, and it matters even if we do not see it.

Friend, I urge you when you feel yourself leaning towards doubt the next time you create, know that what you do is valid, it is important, and it is needed. The world needs you, it needs your voice, and it needs your art.

I guess we all knew it had to happen... this newsletter we're delving into the vast array of animal crafts you can have fun creating with some very simple materials! I thought I’d go with a bit of a Noah’s Ark theme to these animals collections - not because I suggest you make two of everything but it seemed appropriate with so many rainbows brightening our streets and this weekend's celebration of 72 years of the incredible NHS… it also means I can share some very sweet little boat ideas I’ve found with you.

Clicking on the first link of each section will take you to our Pinterest collections of LOTS of ideas using that main material, but I've also chosen my favourite two of each type so the possibilities aren't too overwhelming...

TOILET ROLL ANIMALS... starring butterfly & owl
CLOTHES PEG ANIMALS... starring dragonfly & bird
PAPER PLATE ANIMALS... starring snake & fox (yes, we do read the Gruffalo, a lot!)
EGG BOX ANIMALS... starring whale & crab
BUBBLE WRAP ANIMALS... starring jellyfish & starfish 
LOLLIPOP STICK ANIMALS... starring chicken & crocodile

And for the ark you could go little with this egg box version, scale up so cuddly toys can join in this cardboard box boat, or make this magnificent vessel for your little creatives to jump in too!

Hopefully you'll have some bits around that mean you can have a go at some of these but if you don't, or would like the supplies to make a particular craft, PLEASE do get in touch. I'm collecting reusable items, buying some materials in bulk, and finding places to source extra good value/free supplies so I'd love to share these with you!