It can be quite tough being a small business. I'm not looking for sympathy, I love what I do, but when you run your own small business, the learning curve is enormous. In the last two years, I have taught myself basic accounting, developed an order and accounts management system, plodded my way through my tax returns, set up a database, learnt a new illustration programme to chart my patterns, set up two on-line shops and improved my photography and editing skills. All that p

I have been trying to work out what the collective noun for a group of creative people would be. An exaltation perhaps? A company or a clutter? I think maybe a chatter of creatives is the best way I can describe the group of entertaining and talented individuals I have been fortunate enough to spend my weekend with. I have been away by myself, for the whole weekend, for the first time since Pip was born, at a crafting retreat in Rye organised by Natasha from 'Taking A Moment