Today I’ve been making an Advent Calendar of all things. Gluing two pieces of card together and cutting small doors to see tiny drawings beneath. For no good reason other than I thought it would be fun, and I’ve wanted to do one for ages. If it’s any good I might just publish it!!

I’ve been setting myself new challenges and getting absorbed in them as a way of calming myself. Times move so fast I often don’t want to reach out and seize the day. It’s hard sometimes, isn’t it? There is so much happening out there and most of those things we can’t control. So instead, I’ve been looking after the baby pigeons who came to stay in the top bedroom. I’m making a grand gesture and slowly weeding the whole street. I’m learning to run. And I’m making time to do 24 tiny drawings for behind little cardboard doors. But still I worry. Are you a bit like that? 

I decided to send a quick note to share two of the things I’m getting asked about. Both of which are beyond my control.

There’s an American import tariff coming soon so our online shop will be out of reach for many of our customers… 

There will be no widely published 2026 calendar by Art Group…

What can I do? 

I could encourage those people living in the US to look up our new exclusive offerings at MustardShop before the tariffs hit, 29th August.

I could publish my own calendars, spend a bit of my own time and money on it?

I’ll write a proper letter soon, but I just wanted your opinions on these things… Would you be interested to buy a 2026 calendar for say £20 if I made one? And how’s this tariff going to affect you?

Meanwhile I’ll keep busy preparing for a small online show in late October at Sam Toft Originals. And I’ve another new project drawing hundreds of your pets on one piece of paper. Let’s see how that goes at Little Mustard Club

Don’t buy from Temu by the way. 

They have stolen my pictures and lots of other people’s as well. And my publishing contract with Art Group will not be renewed this time. 

Sending lots of love across the pond and sky. Wishing you strength and hope and a bit of fun along the way… 

Speak soon!

Big love, 

Sam x