Dear friends,
I hope you’ve been well?
I heard that one of the days last week was hailed as the bluest of the year. I think they meant sad, not rude or azure. Wouldn’t it be great if we truly knew that the worst was over? I really like that idea.
All’s well here in Brighton. The sea is wild, the wind fantastic and the rain is bountiful. Life is full of greens and browns. In my local park the early bulbs are getting trampled almost before they’ve started growing. Hiding there in the mud where multitudes of dogs run free and squirrels forage, those precious shoots get nibbled or squished. But in a few weeks’ time I know I’ll see a confetti of purple and yellow beneath the trees. Tissue-soft snowdrops will nod their dear little heads in gentle breezes against all odds, and soon the scent of wild garlic will fill the air.
And it’s time for us all to bloom again, following the seasons. I know so many people yearn for the light long days of summer but I don’t yet feel ready to let go of the cold and dark. I love my hats and scarves. Getting cosy with candles and a fire. Enjoying the early nights. I always get a bit grumpy when the days get longer. I don’t like change.
But in the land of Mustard there are some big changes coming (and if I can find the money and energy I have an idea for a new book!). Here are the headlines:
- Our online shop at www.samtoft.co.uk is closed until 31st March. But you can find a full range of prints and excellent service at Braithwaite Gallery.
- I have a new website – Mustard General Store! Pop on over and let me know what you think? I worked really hard at the end of last year creating an exclusive range of gifts I hope you’ll like. Sensibly priced, thoughtfully designed, as nice as I could jolly well make them. UK delivery only at present but I’m working on those international contracts…
TEMU, SHEIN, ALIEXPRESS and the like continue to steal my work. It’s upsetting, frustrating and it’s really affected my business. I will be signing new publishing contracts for 2026 and hopefully there’ll be a 2027 calendar distributed worldwide?
Little Mustard Club is open again for new members at www.littlemustardclub.com with a week of tiny original pictures available for early February and we can send worldwide! It’s £22 for 2026, with gift memberships available. You don’t want to miss the first newsletter …
And speaking of Mustard Clubbers, my Big Picture project drawing to a close with a deadline of 30th January. It will have taken me a year, all done, so this is a once in a lifetime offer to add your best friend to my biggest work to date. (See some of what I’ve done on Instagram here and here.) If you miss it, you might regret it. I know I would. I’ll include my Birdy, Betty, Moses, Stan and Almondine of course… There’ll be hundreds of pets on one sheet. I could break it down to make a series of small prints and also one large spectacular print? Maybe mugs and teatowels from MustardGeneralStore by Summer? Still time to join up and email one photo of one pet to littlemustardclub@gmail.com or if you have any trouble with the email then you can direct message @littlemustardclub on Instagram or Facebook. Amber is doing an AMAZING job of collating the pictures and we really appreciate your sending just ONE. Everybody’s pets can be included if we receive them in time! I’m drawing so many dogs… are there any cat lovers out there? Birds, tortoises, mini pigs??
I’ll be back with news of a small originals show and studio sale. But for now, I’m deciding on new directions. Sometimes life leaves us a bit trampled upon. Some things are lost forever. Some things change and grow. Sending big loves to you, wherever you are,
Sam Toft
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