If I can be half as good an artist as Julie Arkell one day and as radiant oh that would be pretty neat. I first came across her work about 5 years ago and it instantly made a huge impression on me. The mix of paper mache, and fabrics, fairytale characters and folk art, I was smitten.

Artists like Julie inspire me to keep making toys and to never let go of the childlike innocence that drives my work.

My life has been filled with lovely things but also terrible things, from a very anxious childhood where I was bullied and always unsettled to an early onset of mental illness around age 12. Perhaps thats why I do what I do, I can finally be me, make animals and dress in bright clothes and dye my hair bright colours. I no longer have to be afraid.

Thanks Julie, from your inspired fan, Louise x