Summer Mornings, Suffolk Fields and a Dog Called Barney
Running a small creative business in Suffolk means finding inspiration in unexpected places. While I usually write about products, tutorials and what's new at handmade by Jules, this week I thought I'd share something that plays a surprisingly important part in my creative life during the summer months: my daily walks through the Suffolk countryside with Barney.
For those of you who don't know Barney, he is my faithful four-legged companion and a very enthusiastic supporter of daily walks, whatever the weather. In summer, when the mornings are bright and the countryside is looking its best, it feels impossible not to appreciate the opportunity to step away from screens, to-do lists and endless cups of tea for an hour and simply enjoy being outside.
One of the things I love most about living in Suffolk is how beautiful the landscape is throughout the year. Summer, though, always feels particularly special. The fields change week by week, the hedgerows are full of life, and the familiar footpaths somehow never look quite the same twice.
There is something wonderfully calming about walking through open countryside first thing in the morning. Before the day becomes busy, everything feels quieter. It gives me time to think, plan and often find inspiration in places I wasn't looking for it.
As anyone who enjoys crafting or making things will understand, creativity doesn't always happen when you're sitting at your desk waiting for inspiration to strike. Sometimes it arrives while you're watching sunlight fall across a field, listening to birds in the trees, or following a spaniel who is convinced that every stick, tennis ball and interesting smell deserves immediate investigation.
Many of the products I create for handmade by Jules have their roots in everyday moments. While this week's blog isn't about a new product launch or tutorial, it felt like a good reminder that creativity often begins with simply noticing the world around us.
The colours of the countryside constantly catch my eye. The greens of summer fields, the golden tones of harvested crops, the soft blues of a clear morning sky and the ever-changing textures of nature all find their way into my creative thinking sooner or later.
Of course, Barney has rather different priorities during our walks. While I'm admiring the scenery, he's usually focused on persuading me to kick a ball one more time. Then another. Then perhaps another after that just to be sure we've done it properly.
Watching his enthusiasm for the simplest things is a lesson in itself. A favourite toy, a familiar path, a patch of sunshine or the excitement of being outdoors seem enough to make every day an adventure. There is something quite refreshing about that approach to life.
A few mornings ago, as we headed along one of our usual routes towards the fields, we came across something unexpected that made me smile. Someone had created a colourful chalk drawing on the footpath. It showed a bright sun with the words "Have a Lovely Day" written beneath it in cheerful pastel colours.
It wasn't elaborate or complicated. It wasn't advertising anything or asking for attention. It was simply a small act of kindness left for whoever happened to pass by. And it worked.
In a world where much of what we see each day can feel rushed, busy or negative, this simple drawing felt surprisingly uplifting. For a few moments it encouraged complete strangers to pause, smile and perhaps carry on their journey with a slightly lighter step. I know it certainly brightened my morning.
As makers, crafters and creative people, we often focus on creating things that bring joy to others. Whether it's a handmade gift, a card, a decoration or something personalised for a special occasion, much of what we do is centred around making people smile.
That chalk drawing reminded me that kindness doesn't always have to come in grand gestures. Sometimes it's simply leaving a little bit of positivity behind for someone else to discover.
It's a sentiment that feels very fitting for a handmade business too. Every order that leaves my craft room is created with the hope that it will bring a little happiness to someone's day, whether it's a gift for a loved one or a treat for themselves.
Perhaps that's one reason the drawing stayed with me long after the walk had finished.
Summer will eventually give way to autumn, the mornings will become cooler, and Barney and I will swap sunny field walks for muddier adventures. But for now, I'm trying to make the most of these early morning outings, the beautiful Suffolk countryside and the small moments that make ordinary days memorable.
Thank you, as always, for supporting handmade by Jules and for taking the time to stop by and read my weekly blog.
I hope wherever you're reading this from, you have a lovely day too.
Jules 🤗💙
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