Sheabutter Cottage

This handheld fan was my absolute best friend today!
It was a hot and exhausting day at the Green Fair in Maiden Erlegh, but meeting so many wonderful people made every minute worth it.

A special thank you to the lovely couple who left such a lasting impression (and shared some unforgettable Kerrygold butter jokes!).

My feet are aching badly now, so it is time to rest.

Next stop: Thatcham next Saturday!

Glow from shea.

Living with a thyroid condition has taught me that caring for my skin goes beyond what I apply on the outside. While unrefined shea butter nourishes my skin beautifully, looking after what goes into my body is just as important.

If you take thyroid medication, such as levothyroxine, these are a few supplements worth discussing with your healthcare professional:

• Biotin (especially high-dose supplements): Can interfere with thyroid blood test results, leading to misleading readings.

• Iron and calcium: Can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine and are usually taken at least four hours apart from your medication.

• Kelp and other high iodine supplements: May affect thyroid function in some people.

• Ashwagandha: May influence thyroid hormone levels and may not be suitable alongside thyroid medication.

Every thyroid journey is different, so what works for one person may not be right for another. Always check with your GP, pharmacist or endocrinologist before starting a new supplement.

Healthy skin starts with caring for yourself, inside and out. 💛

Next stop is The Green Fair! 🌿

Who is coming along this Saturday? It is FREE entry.

I will be there with Sheabutter Cottage, so if you are visiting, do pop over for a chat and discover my handmade skincare and ethical products.

📍 Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve (Beech Lane entrance)

🗓 Saturday 1 August

⏰ 10am to 3pm

I look forward to seeing you there! 💚

Marlow, here I come!!

I will be at Duck Pond Market this Saturday with my handmade African print lampshades.

📍 Liston Court Gardens, Marlow High Street
⏰ 10am to 4pm

Come and say hello! 🤎💚♥️💙

Upcoming markets

I came across this beautiful sh**ha fabric today and could not resist bringing it home.

A few hours later, I had turned it into this handmade cylinder lampshade.
I love how the mirror work adds texture, colour and a lovely bohemian feel.

Sometimes all it takes is the right fabric to spark a new idea.

Do you remember the bespoke lampshade I made a few weeks ago?

MrP the new owner sent me this message and it completely made my day.

“The lampshade is absolutely stunning. Bold, vibrant and joyful.
It works beautifully with the carved wooden base and has completely transformed it into something very special.”

What I loved most was that this project was about so much more than making a lampshade.

A hand-carved mid-century lamp base from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Shipped to Britain decades ago for a glamorous Cardiff nightclub. Rescued by a man who loved art. Passed down through his family. Then given a new chapter with a handmade African print lampshade.

It is always a privilege when someone trusts me with something that already means so much to them.

Thank you, MrP for trusting me with such a meaningful project and for your incredibly kind words.

Messages like these remind me why I love creating one of a kind pieces. 💛💜🤎

Are you ready to breathe new life into something that already had a story to tell?

One of the hands behind our shea butter, Madam Fuseina. 🤎

A little bit of our story……

I set up the Jilima Coop because I wanted the women making the shea butter to benefit from the work they do.

These women have been hand churning shea butter for generations. It is skilled, hard work and they should be paid fairly for it.

That is why I buy directly from the co-op. There are no middlemen, just the women, their pure shea butter and Sheabutter Cottage.

It has always been important to me that the women earn a fair price and that the money goes back into their families and community.
That is how it should be.

📸 Geoffrey Buta

Happy Monday! 💕💕
I have a little favour to ask.

On 15th August, I will be hosting a Breast Cancer Now Afternoon Tea Fundraiser. While the event itself is happening in Caversham, I know my wonderful community extends far beyond!

No fundraiser is complete without a raffle! If you are a business, a fellow maker, or have a lovely prize you would be happy to donate (whether local or something that can be sent digitally or by post), I would be so grateful.

Every single prize will help us raise even more money for Breast Cancer Now.

If you would like to help, please send me a message or leave a comment below.

Thank you so much for your support. 🎀🎀

A day in pictures.

I started the day by readjusting a beaded bracelet for a customer because it was a bit tight.

After that, I moved on to working on some vibrant new buntings. Gosh, there is a lot of mess involved with all the trimming and tidying up, but the colourful patterns are always worth it.
I also managed to complete a bespoke lampshade order, tucked safely into its packaging.

To wrap up, I am spending some quiet time sitting outside, just listening to the soothing sounds of birds and aeroplanes overhead.

I hope you have managed to find a quiet relaxing time for yourself 💕💕