Welcome to my creative world.
I’m lucky to call the beautiful Kent Coast home, where I live with my husband, adult daughter, and two lovable maltipoos.
I started Hollyhocks and Polka Dots after having to leave my career working with children due to health challenges. What could have been a setback became a new beginning. Creating has become my happy place—a way to slow down, focus, and bring a little magic into everyday life.
Behind the Scenes at Hollyhocks and Polka Dots ✨
If you peeked into my little workspace, you’d probably find wood dust mixed with yarn fluff, ribbons and pretty embellishments scattered across the table… a cup of hot chocolate nearby… and me happily creating away.
Some days I’m laser cutting wooden blanks and engraving tiny details into signs, bowls and keepsakes. Other days I’m curled up with crochet in hand, stitching cosy little baskets, pots and soft textured treasures while songs from musicals plays in the background. Most days, it’s a mixture of both.
Everything begins slowly and thoughtfully here on the Kent coast. Whether I’m designing a craft kit, painting a finished piece, engraving wood or adding the final i-cord bow to a crochet basket, I love creating things that feel comforting, whimsical and full of heart.
For my kits and blanks, I carefully choose designs that feel joyful and relaxing to make. Each piece is cut, cleaned and checked by hand before it reaches you. I want opening your parcel to feel like unwrapping a little creative escape ✨
When it comes to finished creations, that’s where the layering begins — soft paints, gentle distressing, inky stamping, engraved details, cosy textures, ribbons, sparkles and tiny finishing touches that make every piece feel one-of-a-kind.
There’s no factory line here — just me, creating at my own pace and pouring care into every brushstroke, stitch, engraving and parcel wrapped.
My hope is that whether you’re buying a handmade piece or spending time with one of my kits, it brings a moment of calm. A cosy pause in a busy world. A gentle reminder to slow down and surround yourself with meaningful, beautiful things.
Thank you so much for supporting handmade — it truly means the world to me 🤍