Hi there lovely,
It’s been an eternity since I last wrote! You certainly have my heartfelt thanks for still being here despite the silence.
If you’ve been following me for a while you may know I have struggled with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) since late 2021 that changed life tremendously. After being severely unwell with these conditions I have recently found some relief from my symptoms and am hopeful that I will continue to improve and be able to give more energy to my work here at Shiloh & Ellery - yay!
For the first time in 4 years of dealing with constant fatigue I have a spring in my step, I’m engaging in everyday errands and experiencing so much joy in this newly rediscovered independence & freedom of movement.
There would be quite a lot to unpack if I was to attempt to share everything I’ve been up to since the last year and a bit! So here’s photos of some of my favourites…
Some new vintage/retro inspired designs added to my compostable wrapping range
A crochet mouse’s house for a friend
A recent crochet make - I’ve gotten a lot of wear out of this vest this past winter ☕
Cairns’ Josephine Falls in the winter - thank goodness! ☀️
I’ve started baking sourdough and love it…especially when it’s time to eat it! 🥖
Fresh of the printer - these notepads are a new product for me and are available on Etsy, with more designs to come… What do you think?
A cosy bonnet I crocheted on a particularly cold and rainy weekend!
My first market in over 2 years and plans for some more in the next few months ✨
Enchanted Forest in Portland, VIC
A little peek at it’s inhabitants, ~hello there!
Family holiday in Bright at autumn, my favourite place to be ❤️
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef - there were so many beautiful fish and corals to take in…it was an amazing experience
One of a set of 5 pieces I completed as a commission for a super lovely local lady - a numbers & alphabet chart, an underwater scene and a cute crab & prawn pair 🦀
I’d always wanted to make pottery and had a great time learning with some friends this year - it’s not as easy as they make it look but I love my one-of-a-kind pieces 🥰
A new card design…how is it already October? This photo is more about the poppies for me…how gorgeous are they? They’ve been coming up in soft buttery yellows, bright red and variegated pinks 🌼
Thank you for being such a lovely bunch of people who care enough about my creative work to follow along as chat about life & exciting happenings in my studio. I do my best to keep you in the loop once or twice a month going forward… Please wish me best of luck - I am not a naturally organised person!
Subscriber bonus
I did promise a goodie - enjoy 30% off everything in my Etsy store with the code EMAIL30 valid through till midnight 12am Tuesday the 21st of October (this coming Tuesday).
Thanks for sharing your precious time with me, but that’s enough about me - I’d love to hear from you - if you have any feedback on this style of newsletter, questions, requests, or just want to say hi please shoot me an email 😊
Olivia xx
Some backstory - grab a coffee, it’ll take a minute!
…or skip over it, I won’t be offended!
I started Shiloh & Ellery from my bed in the autumn of 2022, after becoming largely bed-bound in late 2021 with POTS & ME.
At the time my conditions hit I had a busy active life, regularly running and working with a beautiful kindergarten class. It was a mere matter of days before I was needing a wheelchair, a walker and help to move. It was certainly a different sort of reality to the one I had expected for my early 20’s!
Being unable to independently leave the house I wasn’t able to work and had so much ‘free’ time but dealing with crippling fatigue and weakness I didn’t think I could manage anything but lying in bed.
Things changed April 2022 when my husband bought me a simple little Wacom tablet and encouraged me to try some digital art. I have always loved art and crafting and found comfort in it growing up. Finding this accessible way to create from bed has been a real joy and blessing. Several months later in the spring I attended my first local market with my biggest supporter – my lovely husband (pictured).
Look at those baby faces!
There has been periods of fluctuation and improvement, but for the most part of about two and a half years my world was my bedroom. I have seen countless health professionals and tried so many therapies to help with the fatigue, lightheadedness and weakness to name just a few symptoms (the tip of the iceberg). There’s certainly been times where I’ve been anxious about what my future holds, but I am starting to find new hope with treatment from my naturopath, helping give me back energy for life and Shiloh & Ellery - I’m excited for what the future may bring!
