This year, we're excited to announce River Peacock will be joining the Wraptious team, following her win in the Autumn competition . River lives in Falkirk, Scotland, and runs her own etsy store selling beautiful handmade butterflies and art. Here's a little more about her!

What does a typical day look like for you? How do you organise your time?

I can't start my day until I've drank a pint of water, made my bed, showered and dressed. Then I grind my coffee beans, have breakfast and do the housework then practice yoga. I have a very busy etsy shop so I spend the rest of the morning packing orders to take to the post office. I usually go to the gym when covid allows it to be open, after my post office drop. Then I feed my family and settle down for the evening at my easel and paint til the small hours.

What mediums do you work in?

Acrylic on canvas or linen, leather paints, Soft pastels, colour pencils, graphite and fur/fabrics.

What inspires your designs? Where do you get inspiration from?

Nature inspires me mostly.Trees, waterfalls, rivers, stone steps, birds and animals. Making friends with nature, I want people to connect and love and care for it.

Which artists do you admire or have influenced you?

Hannah Yata, Claire Henley, Stephanie Law, Amanda Clarke, June Feeney, June Urigereka, Matylda Konecka, Wow, they're all women! I hadn't noticed that before.

What’s the greatest challenge of being an artist?

For me it's Space, Money and Time.

Feel the fear and do it anyway, practice, practice practice and take one step closer to your goal every day, no matter how big or small.

What is your favourite piece of your own work and why?

My favourite piece of art is of Percy Peacock at the waterfall titled 'Let me take you there' It's painted on leather, just 30cm and is packed with detail and colour. It's my River Peacock

I've wanted to be a children's book illustrator since I first picked up a Rupert the Bear annual as a small child. Ideally I'd want to be the author too. I have so many books I wrote for my children just sat in boxes around my house.

Favourite quote!

Nothing works unless you do.

And you'll find me saying 'Ermerferkengerd' quite a bit in exclamation of something truly awesome.

Check out her beautiful new designs on our website:

https://www.wraptious.com/collections/river-peacock