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Meet the Tutor: The Geometry of Joy with Samira Mian
We often talk about the importance of connecting to your creative self, but for Samira Mian that connection is rooted in history, guided by the laws of geometry. Using tools that haven't changed much in centuries, Samira constructs intricate patterns that feel both timeless and contemporary.
She invites us into her garden studio to talk about precision, friendly robins, and the magic of the golden hour.

Gemma Gittins
Jul 83 min read


Meet the Tutor: Coffee & Colour with Janina Maher
If you’ve ever walked into an art shop and felt like a kid in a sweetshop, you have a kindred spirit in Janina Maher. From her garden studio in Caversham, UK, she creates everything from intricate hand-bound books to watercolour building commissions. I caught up with her to talk about the joy of messy desks, the thrill of waterskiing, and why she always reads the end of a book first.

Gemma Gittins
Jun 243 min read


Why the chores can wait!
Whilst we often overestimate what we can achieve in a day, it is just as easy to underestimate what we can achieve in fifteen minutes.

Gemma Gittins
May 273 min read


Small by Design: Why Size Matters
At Ardington, we are all about creating active connection. Instead of just watching, we ask you to pull up a chair and join in the conversation. It’s the reason we’ve intentionally chosen to stay live (and unedited for our recordings) and to stay small.

Gemma Gittins
May 135 min read


My Anti-Perfectionist Manifesto: Why ‘Happy Accidents’ are Essential
In our digital lives, we are surrounded by the myth of perfection and it so easy to believe that, to enjoy something, you have to be perfect at it. But, in the world of handmade art and crafts, perfection isn’t just unattainable; it’s the enemy!

Gemma Gittins
Apr 294 min read
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