Hello readers!

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know my life lately is wedding cards, paper flowers, and trying to stop Daisy from “redecorating” the office.

So this week, we did something radical: we shut the laptop, put the glue gun down, and took a proper day out in Leicestershire.

Spoiler: It was the best business decision I’ve made all month.

Reason #1: The Studio View Gets Swapped for This

Staunton Harold Hall and Church

Sometimes you have to remind yourself why you love living and working in Leicestershire. Ten minutes from my card studio and we’re in full National Trust daydream territory. Blue skies, buttercups, and a stately home that makes you feel like you’ve wandered onto a period drama set.

No orders to pack. No foiling to finish. Just me, a coffee, and mentally designing wedding cards inspired by all the spring colours. 

Sorry, I can’t switch off completely.

Reason #2: The Real Studio Supervisor Gets Her Steps In

Meet Daisy, Studio Supervisor and Chief Chaos Officer, doing what she does best: leading the way and then immediately stopping to see if I’m still following!

Running a handmade card business from home means Daisy is with me 24/7. So a dog-friendly day out in Leicestershire isn’t just nice — it’s necessary. We found this gorgeous woodland trail where she could sniff every single tree and I could remember what trees actually look like when they’re not made of cardstock.

Daisy’s verdict: 10/10. Would roll in something questionable again.

Why Taking a Day Out Actually Helps My Handmade Business

I used to feel guilty stepping away from the studio. During wedding season, every hour feels like it should be spent making personalised wedding cards. But here’s what I’ve learned:

1.  Inspiration doesn’t live at my desk: Those colours at Staunton Harold? They’re going straight into a new summer wedding collection.

2.  Burnout is real: A tired card maker makes messy flowers. A recharged one makes magic.

3.  Customers love real life: You don’t just buy a handmade card from me. You buy into the story, the Leicestershire roots, and yes, the dog that occasionally sleeps on your order.

So this is me giving you — and me — permission to take the day out. The wedding cards will still be there tomorrow.

Back to the Studio... Eventually

After a few hours of fresh air, sunshine, and Daisy trying to befriend every duck in Leicestershire, we headed home. She’s now snoring under my desk and I’m back to handcrafting wedding cards with a clearer head and a camera roll full of ideas.

If you’re local and looking for dog-friendly walks in Leicestershire, this one gets the Daisy seal of approval. 

And if you’re looking for a handmade personalised wedding card made by someone who actually takes time to breathe and get inspired, you know where to find me.

The studio is officially back open. Lead times are 7-8 days , because even after a day off, everything is still made by hand. By me. With Daisy supervising.

P.S. Should I start a “Daisy’s Days Out” series? Let me know over on Instagram @charliescards4u and I’ll make her an official tour guide!