Mint To Be Stationery in its current form was founded in 2007, a natural evolution from my smaller enterprises and a focus for my ever growing commission and OOAK work. I love working with clients all over the world to create something special just for them. I love the organic way that a design evolves as I work every little detail into a piece. I am self taught and have spent all my life drawing, painting, creating...although I mixed in a conventional career too as a biologist, lecturer and online educator amongst other things. I feel that my inquisitive mind and scientific background compliment rather than hinder my work - but then I find science inspiring rather than mind boggling. I love what I do. I am a huge believer in supporting British trade and use British companies for all of my raw materials supplies; indeed most of my raw materials originate from Great Britain with the exception being a few finishing touches to some of my pieces such as Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, some gems and ribbon. I do not buy ready made (e.g. books, boxes, plaques etc) merely to embellish; everything I bring to you is made by me. Offline I have been involved in creations for weddings (from stationery to decorative accessories and big day jewellery) new baby and special occasion giftware and stationery for well over two decades (which makes me feel ancient)! Many of the items I have created have become family heirlooms; an incredible compliment. 2011 saw me create an heirloom of a totally different nature; I was commissioned to design a swirling snowflake tattoo. I cannot even begin to tell you what an honour that was to receive such a commission, let alone be invited to watch it be permanently etched into someone's back. I've recently designed a second tattoo (based on the English Swallowtail butterfly) and am hoping that I get the opportunity to design more - they're really great fun. Lately I have been very busy updating a few of my feathered friends (my avatar kinda gives the game away) because I have been inundated with requests for new baby commemorative pictures. The first of the flock are hanging out in my Wow ThankYou store at the moment in the UK, if you want a peek (the link is at the bottom left of this screen), but the new bunch are just getting their feathers preened and their caps straightened and they should be making ArtFire their new B&B from October onwards, whilst they look for all the homes that they need to deliver their bundles of joy to! Commissions and storks have taken up a lot of time recently and mean that the current range in my ArtFire store is only a small selection of what I create. However, there are lots of new goodies in store for the upcoming year - all just waiting in the (stork) wings. :-)