{"id":55847,"title":"Almost There: The Story Behind the Design","description":"Discover the story behind Almost There, a minimalist bank vole illustration printed on organic cotton, inspired by everyday life activities of the UK's smallest vole.","content":"

Hidden away in the undergrowth, scurrying along on their own little paths. <\/strong>You\u2019ve probably never seen them, even though they are active all year round. Going about their day; surviving, living, existing. The UK\u2019s smallest vole,<\/strong> the bank vole <\/strong>\u2013 active, agile and speedy. Eating seeds, fruit, fungi, some small invertebrates, and of course delicious berries.<\/u><\/p>

They were the inspiration behind one of my earlier designs \u2013 Almost There.<\/em><\/p>

The Design and Product<\/strong><\/h3>

\"5cbz8b9a0rjwbvklxpbgplxbpydb83sfvofxozqgz1hwoet0.png.jpg?w=1140&h=auto\"Almost There <\/em>is a minimalist illustration of a Bank Vole with a heart-shaped nose, reaching for a berry. Available in my signature range<\/a> - printed large in black on a soft, oat-coloured organic cotton tee <\/strong>for men <\/a>and women<\/a>.<\/p>

Also available on other products \u2013 take a browse<\/u><\/a><\/p>

Designed for those who appreciate wildlife, minimal design, and clothing that respects the planet. It's earthy tones and clean, crisp lines make it an easy everyday essential.<\/p>

\ud83c\udf3f<\/span> 100% organic cotton<\/strong><\/p>

\u267b\ufe0f<\/span> Made to be remade<\/strong> in a circular production system<\/p>

\ud83c\udf31<\/span> Vegan approved<\/strong><\/p>

\u26a1<\/span> Manufactured using renewable energy<\/strong><\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

The Story<\/strong><\/h3>

I\u2019ve been lucky enough<\/strong> to have spent a summer studying these cute little mammals, tracking their movements in my local nature reserve. It was an unexpected project, I had no experience of this type of tracking activity and I was informed that I might not get enough data. But I took the opportunity<\/strong> regardless, and I\u2019m very glad I did!<\/p>

My study involved early starts and late evenings, in low light making my way through woodland trying to find my pre-set location points. The area I was using was not created for public access (permission was granted from the local Wildlife Trust for the study) so it was hard going in some parts. It felt like a long summer at the time, and collecting data could take a few hours some mornings as there was so much activity. I was surprised at how many small mammals were there.<\/strong><\/p>

I found a way to recognise each creature I came across and there was one bank vole that stood out from the rest, she was old and tatty looking and a regular on my tracking data. She didn\u2019t go far on her travels like some of the younger voles and she was quite slow. She was given a name \u2013 Maggie May<\/strong>, I was routing for her every day. I knew she wouldn\u2019t last too much longer but she seemed determined. Her life was becoming a struggle though; a struggle to avoid her predators, a struggle to find food, a struggle to survive. But despite this, she kept going<\/strong>, trying to instinctively<\/u> stretch herself a little further than seemed possible. And over 20 years later I still remember her, lasting memories <\/strong>of her last stretch in life remain with me.<\/p>

I was learning a lot throughout the study, admiring the efforts of the little mammals and how far they would travel. But near the end, I was counting down the days until it was complete. I had my \u2018almost there\u2019 moment for sure, knowing the day would soon arrive when I\u2019d achieved what I set out to do, knowing I had enough data for my study against the odds.<\/p>

Some Reflection<\/strong><\/h3>

I always find it amazing to think of how many little mammals are running around out there, overlooked, and constantly navigating a world that is much bigger than them. And let\u2019s face it, scary at times. Yet they keep going, always reaching<\/strong> for their daily, weekly, seasonal goals. Whether it\u2019s to reach for that precious berry, find a mate or run from a predator.<\/p>

It reminds us that every creature, no matter how small, has a story, a struggle, and a place in the world.<\/p>

My design \u2013 Almost There<\/em> represents a simple act, but one filled with meaning. The reach isn\u2019t easy; there\u2019s effort and hope. You may not succeed, but you try anyway, you keep going.<\/p>

Take-home message<\/strong><\/h3>

We all have our own \u201calmost there\u201d moments \u2014 times when we\u2019re reaching for something that may be just out of grasp. For something big or small, for something that matters. A goal, a dream, <\/strong>a version of ourselves we\u2019re still growing into. It can feel frustrating, unachievable, even exhausting at times. But those moments are where change can happen<\/strong>. You may not always reach the final goal but you learnt something along the way.<\/p>

  • Do you have a current goal?<\/p><\/li>

  • Do you remember something you thought was unachievable but did it anyway?<\/p><\/li>

  • Did you start on one path but ended up on another?<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

    \u00a0<\/p>

    Keep going \u2013 you\u2019ve got this! Those small steps do matter and growth happens in the reaching.<\/u><\/p>

    <\/p>

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