Creative Chaos, Cute Campaigns & Some Beautiful Homewares I'm Lusting After
The Dayze Digest #3
Before I start this letter, from next month this snippet of content will be replaced with all things Colour Dayze . An exciting and I believe, more inspirational newsletter which I hope will bring some joy to your inbox. I’m trying to streamline my newsletters to a bi-weekly schedule so I can produce more authentic and considered articles that feel as inspirational as they were intended to be. Broadening the scope of my articles across various categories and really diving into all things inspiration.
June was a weird one. Somewhere between a nap and a nervous breakdown. You know the vibe: trying to listen to a calming meditation app while the group WhatsApp is popping off because we just found out that friend’s pillock of a boyfriend is in fact worse than a pillock.
Personally, I feel like I’ve been sprinting toward a finish line… only to realise it’s actually the starting line. Classic self-employed creative dilemma: figuring out what’s pure gold and what’s just glittery nonsense that I’ve convinced myself is a vision because my horoscope told me so whilst I drank too much rosé.
Aside from the usual creative chaos, last month was a bit of a life club sandwich—babies arriving, birthdays, love stories… and the kind of loss that make you sit very still and question your entire trajectory. Nothing recalibrates you faster than life flashing its full-circle credentials.
And on that note: I’ve got exactly two weeks left in my flat before I leap off the London treadmill for pastures new. First stop: a month in America with my gorgeous sister and her family, painting murals, styling, and hopefully soaking up enough vitamin D to regenerate my soul. What happens after that? Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. But given I’ve previously lived in a family tent with a flesh-eating spider as a roommate, I’m weirdly at peace with a bit of uncertainty.
Creatively, I finally gave myself permission to play. With the pressure off paying London rent from August, I ditched the screen and got my hands messy. Was all of it productive? Not particularly. But that’s the freelance game, isn’t it? Half the time you’re planting seeds, the other half you’re just watering soil and hoping it’s not weeds.
But first, back to my favourite agenda of this newsletter...
HEARTED:
Ffern is one of those brands that makes me want to start a brand (again, definitely had at least 5). The storytelling and pure magic always makes me smile and for this summer they created this little ice cream brand activation.
What I loved most, beyond the dreamy video… was that they actually took the van on the road, handing out free sorbets and perfume samples to people on the streets of the UK. In a world that feels increasingly overwhelming, thanks to digital fatigue and the never-ending content avalanche, this kind of raw, real, in-person approach to advertising feels like a breath of fresh (and beautifully scented) air.
I genuinely think we’re on the cusp of a creative shift. As AI takes over more of the digital noise, we might start to see a rise in clever, tactile, real-world experiences—brand moments that actually connect. And honestly? That could be one of the best and most exciting side effects of all this tech which I am so here for.
CARTED:
I know I shouldn’t be buying more things for a flat I’m about to move out of. At this point, it’s less “home” and more “creative-shit-tip” But I had a vision. A colour-themed dried flower display for a project.
Like any committed creative, I’m flinging ideas around like a toddler with a glue stick and no adult supervision. I’m 36, and not many have landed yet, but we persevere. And yes, it’s deeply humbling to pour your entire being into a concept only for it to get 3 likes - two from family and one from your burner account - before vanishing into the algorithm like your pay-check on rent day.
But when your job is literally to be creative, sometimes you’ve got to give yourself a dramatic pep talk, maybe a forehead slap, and say: “Pull it together, Nico. You could be in corporate HR.”
So as part of this fever-dream project I’m calling work, I created a pink dried bloom arrangement. Dried flowers last longer (unlike my focus), which gave me time to experiment without everything wilting like my enthusiasm after checking emails.
(Does anyone else have an unhealthy habit of checking emails waiting for the dream brief/ job offer to come through?…no, just me?)
In the spirit of my self-declared Month of Play™, I put together the arrangement below. I’m thinking of doing a little online workshop on sculptural dried flower arranging course—so if this tickles your fancy, or even just pokes it politely, drop me a comment. Or a sympathy emoji. At this point, I’m not picky.
Another creative project I pulled together this month: a juicy bundle of 24 of my art prints. These were born from the ashes of many failed attempts at running an art shop—truly, a graveyard of good intentions and questionable product descriptions.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit: I am terrible at marketing. So instead of trying to be a slick sales machine, I’ve made these available as digital downloads. That way, if you’re on a budget, you can print them at home (hello, IKEA frames). And if you’ve got a bit more cash to splash, you can get them professionally printed and feel very adult about it, guidelines provided.
They’re also ideal if you're an Airbnb host and need to bulk-buy some wall-worthy goodness that feels more considered and unique. Speaking of which, if you’re looking for some styling tips I’ve also created a guide here.
You can watch my extremely cheesy reel below for the full sales pitch - or just click the link here and grab the bundle. At £15 for 24 prints, I’m basically giving them away. YOU’RE WELCOME. Seriously. Go forth and make your walls fabulous. There are some paintings I actually hand painted IRL, photographic art and some illustrations.
CACKLED:
can relate.
SAVED FOR LATER:
This month’s July Edit is an absolute BANGER. Not to be dramatic, but I may have outdone myself. Below are just a few of my top picks, but the full treasure trove is linked here for your scrolling (and drooling) pleasure.
Working as a trend forecaster means I’ve got my beady little eyes locked on what’s new, next, and gorgeously unnecessary but deeply desirable every single week. And let me tell you…this month’s edit is serving.
As always, this is a democratic affair: you’ll find a glorious mix of high street heroes, designer splurges, and brilliant pieces from indie makers who deserve all the love. I don’t gate-keep. I don’t discriminate. I just enable.
The vibe? Think warm nights in the garden with a spritz in hand, salty hair from a sea swim, and the distant hum of someone else doing the washing up. All I need now is a lottery win and a villa in the Algarve to kit out with the lot.
P.S. Some of the links are affiliate, so if you happen to have disgustingly good taste I made stand to make a small fee. Seeing as I have just one paid subscriber, it would significantly help support this newsletter and you actually get something in return!
LRNCE - CRAB CHAIR
Couldn’t do cancer season justice without a crab feature but these chairs are incredible. Do you need to remortgage to buy the set, yes. But who cares, your butts will be forever grateful.
Anthropologie - Café Violette Handpainted Stoneware Espresso Cup & Saucer
One for the content makers out there, if you are going to film yourself making a coffee, these are the cups to do it in. They’re giving: curb-side cafe sat on a bistro table in Bordeaux.
H&M - Large sandstone vase
It’s shapely, minimalist and neutral but delivers on vibes. This whole collection from H&M is worth a ganger and they’re also styled them with some gorgeous colour palettes that pack a punch.
La Redoute - Metal Bianca Side Table
At £59.99 these tables are an absolute steal! Whether using indoors or out they add character and personality and the colours could work well with various palettes. La Redoute has some really gorgeous homewares if you have a little rummage.
MEMOR STUDIO - Bespoke Mosaic Frame
I’ve been a big fan of Memor Studio for a while with their beautiful vases and general slow approach to design. They also invite customers to co-create on occasions with pieces to work into the mosaic items. A true example of buying something to cherish.