Obviously, dinners & parties feel like relics from another world right now, but since all we have are the simple pleasures, why not make a bit of effort - even beans on toast could feel like a treat eaten off your nicest plates! You can read the full article for more inspiration here and shop Scribble & Daub’s collection of customisable hand-painted cards to create your own menus, invitations, place settings and note cards here…

After a long bank holiday weekend, half term is here - not that any of us can really tell the difference! For those with small people to entertain through the yawning days, or anyone who is struggling with the lethargy of lockdown, colouring-in can be a brilliantly absorbing and calming way to spend some time. We had such a great response to the film and drawing Caroline created during her Flower Drawing project with British Standard earlier this month, that we have added a second printable made on the same day to join it - you can now download Columbines and Tulips for free here (and the original Bluebells here). Watch Caroline colour the drawing in this short film, and then have a go yourself - use any materials and colours you like and have to hand - these tulips were green & white, but who’s to say yours can’t be orange or pink and yellow stripes, just have some fun…

Many of you have asked what materials I use in the British Standard film so here is a list, with a few extra suggestions…

Sketchbook - Fabriano Eco Pad

Inks - Dr Ph Martens & Ecoline for colours, Winsor & Newton for black Indian Ink

Pen & nib - I use the Waverley nib which is officially intended for writing (it was Rudyard Kipling’s favourite) but for specific drawing nibs and holders try Choosing Keeping or Quill

Brilliant art kit for kids:

The Caran D’ache Fancolour range is environmentally friendly and has amazing colours, we love the gouache tins and chunky felt tip pens

Kitpas - not strictly for paper, but these crayons are incredible and can be used for scribbling on windows and mirrors - so much fun! - and come off again so easily it’s nigh on miraculous.

The greatest glue for collaging - beautiful packaging, smells like marzipan, we love it!

Art shops:

My favourite will always be L.Cornelissen & Sons, it’s an old fashioned and other-worldly treasure trove of the best materials any artist could ever want - if Diagon Alley had an art shop, it would look like this! My husband bought me some beautiful things from here as an engagement present and it has had a special place in my affections ever since. Not cheap, but nothing here is anything less than the best.

Artwrite in Rye is my local and where I order all my inks from. In the good old days when I could collect them in person, I’d take the kids for an outing as there is always a bowl of the best pear drops I’ve ever tasted on the counter. Nick the owner is incredibly helpful so you can call and email any requests and he will delive anything you need.

And online all these have great selections: Fred Aldous, Cass Art, London Graphic Arts, Jackson