Lee Foster-Wilson is a Maker of Shiny Things

Lee Foster-Wilson describes herself as an illustrator, an author and a maker of shiny things. Based in the far south-west of England, through her work she explores patterns, rhythms, and stories, the connection of people to nature and our relationships with each other. 

Her brand, Bonbi Forest (whose products are sold on Etsy), features her original artwork, printed on anything from adorning cards and prints to hand screen-printed scarves and accessories, as well as a range of jewelry and pin badges.

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Soo, Black Friday! I know so many people don’t like Black Friday in any iteration, it’s promotion of consumerist culture being the main reason and I have seen several businesses saying they won’t be participating by offering discounts and the like. I always do a lot of thinking about what to do at this time of year and when I get to the nuts and bolts, the fact is, I feel like if you run a business selling gifts that no one really NEEDS (like I do) then you are kind of participating in that kind of culture anyway…like we all need food, shelter, knickers, socks, perhaps some galoshes if you live in the UK ☔️ that sort of thing, but everything else is superfluous really. I also kind of see it as a way for people who have had their eye on something that they would really like in their life because it would make them or someone they know happy, to get it at a price that may be more affordable for them…PLUS, personally in my business I don’t really offer any other discounts throughout the year so Black Friday is a way for me to say THANK YOU to everyone who has bought from me previously, given a ❤️ to my art or commented, because each and every one really does mean so much 💕 You are all helping me to support my family, feed my children and cat and buy them new knickers when they need them (the kids, not the cat) and in turn I can help support other small businesses by buying their lovely things 🥰So yeah, my newsletter subscribers will already know this (and I do realise even having one of those to let you know about the stuff I sell feels like it’s promoting some kind of consumerism too!) but you can get ✨20% off all pins, jewellery and posters✨ until midnight on Wednesday 4th! No code required though you do have to spend at least £10 to get the discount 👍🏻 Right, I am off for a weekend away with my family in an hour and a half and I haven’t started packing for me and the kiddos yet, let alone finished packing the week’s orders!! 🖤🖤🖤 . . . . . #illustrator #buydifferently #etsyfinds #etsyukseller #blackfriday #mycreativebiz #illustratoroninstagram #illustrationnow #illustrationartist

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“The nice thing about hand-printed goods is that they have a unique touch and each print is ever so slightly different, a work of art in itself,” notes Foster-Wilson on her website. “The hand that made the print can be seen in the outcome and keeping that quality is a nod to the printing days of yesteryear, before machine printed goods and mass manufacture.”

Inspired by the shapes and colors found in nature, she’s also drawn to song lyrics, books, and the things her children’s imagination. “Their little imaginations are such a good source of inspiration—they make up stories about twigs and things,” gushed Foster-Wilson in an interview with the Etsy Blog.

“Since I’ve had children, I’ve learned that time is quite precious,” she adds. “I don’t have as much time to work anymore, and I wasted a lot of time when I was younger just doing research—or pretending to research—and not getting much done. I used to spend so much time procrastinating, but now I just start and see where it goes, especially with my drawing. Just make a mess, and see what gems you can find inside. That’s my approach.”

The result is anything but messy. Take a look for yourself: