Like so many others, this pandemic has meant that I’ve lost a chunk of my work this year. I’ve had food styling shoots; events; festivals and various other work cancelled or postponed, which is of course a massive worry; but one silver lining to come out of all of this has been being forced to galvanise, get creative, adapt and explore new ways of working. At the start of the lockdown, I was contacted by the illustrator Sophie Harpley, who paints and draws the most gorgeous illustrations. She asked me if I’d like to collaborate on a set of cards for people to buy and send to friends and family, and whether I would contribute some recipes to go inside, with her illustrating the recipe for the front of the card.

As someone who loves writing notes, postcards and cards for people, this felt like a perfect project; and it seemed very timely given the fact that people are reconnecting with hand written letters and cooking from home more than ever. The chance to work with another self employed creative also really appealed – I’m so missing collaborating with other people on shoots and events, and this was ideal as we could both do our bit remotely and then bring our two passions together to create a beautiful little product to spread some joy at this time.

I gave Sophie three of my most cheerful recipes (lemon posset; vanilla and cherry clafoutis and pistachio pesto) that I thought she’d enjoy drawing, and the result is a boxed set of 12 stylish cards, printed on sustainable, textured art card. The idea is that you can send someone a card to let them know you’re thinking of them, and they get an original recipe and beautiful drawing as well as your words. This project was about connection: the hope is that people will pick up a pen, rather than rattling off a quick Whatsapp (guilty) and put something permanent down on paper that can be shared and kept along with the recipe and picture. It was really important to us that we include a charity contribution in the price of the cards – so for every box sold, five pounds goes straight to The Trussell Trust, whose work to end hunger in the UK has been more crucial than ever during the pandemic.

Here’s a link to the sets, which I really hope you like – I’m so thrilled with how they look and feel. They would make a perfect gift too for any foodies/writers/recipe collectors in your life, and if you make a purchase, you can also feel good about supporting two female-led small businesses who are trying their best to adapt. Please do tag us if you buy a set – we can’t wait to see them in your homes and on your desks and tables.