From The Artisan Show To The Story Book
Inspired By The Artisan Show - Wendy Garvey's Latest Book.
Some stories begin with a great idea. Others begin with a simple conversation.
For Wendy Garvey of Manystones Barn, her latest children’s book has grown from years of friendship, creativity and memorable moments at The Artisan Show.
Since first joining us in 2023, Wendy has become a much-loved part of our Artisan Show family. What started with just two books has grown into a wonderful journey, inspiring a new story that celebrates the people, conversations and community that make our events so special.
The Story
The Story Behind The Book And What Inspired It
The seed for Rabbit tea under the blackberry tree! was actually planted way back at The Artisan Show in 2024, chatting to Emma in front of the lovely fireplace. I was chatting with Emma about a noisy Blackbird and said "The Blackbird that Emma Heard!" and wrote it down.....fast forward to another show last November and there was Bec who I caught quickly eating a sandwich around the corner and I joked that she looked “like a little rabbit nibbling around the corner.” when I saw her two mornings in the same place, it was just one of those funny throwaway moments at the time, but the image stayed with me and eventually Rabbit began to take shape and, of course, where there was Rabbit, there had to be Hare (and who better to inspire me for a busy Hare - than Leigh, the man behind The Artisan Show itself!)
From there, more and more little pieces of my years at the show began finding their way into my imagination: the artisans I’ve become friends with, their creativity, funny conversations, little mishaps and stories they’ve shared with me. Gradually, all these little snippets of real life began to weave themselves into a new Tales from Manystones Barn story. The result is Rabbit tea under the blackberry tree! a tale in which Rabbit’s tea has mysteriously disappeared. Hare is far too busy to help her search, so perhaps the friendly artisans can help instead…but who are the artisans? And is that really a dragon on the driveway?
meet Wendy
A Little About Wendy And Manystones Barn
Tales from Manystones Barn began during a life-changing time for me. Just before the first lockdown in 2020, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer. Faced with an uncertain time ahead, I felt an overwhelming need to finally put onto paper a story I had first made up for my son, Zak, when he was just four years old. Writing became a welcome distraction during treatment and recovery, and lockdown gave me time to notice the countryside and wildlife around me in a completely different way. While much of the world had seemingly stopped, the animals carried on with their busy little lives — providing inspiration for the characters and stories that would eventually becomeTales from Manystones Barn. That first story became Phone Me When You’re Home! and what began as something I simply wanted to preserve for Zak it unexpectedly grew into a collection of rhyming children's picture books. Thankfully now in remission, I continue to take inspiration from the people, animals, places and little moments I encounters in everyday life sometimes without those around me realising that something they've said or done may one day find its way into a story! and that is very much how Rabbit tea under the blackberry tree! began
From The Artisan Show To The Pages Of A Book
What makes this book so special is that it has grown from real experiences.
The characters, ideas and tiny details woven throughout the story have all been inspired by people and moments from The Artisan Show.
Visitors who know the show may even recognise a few familiar personalities hidden among the pages.
It’s a celebration of friendship, creativity and the wonderful community that has grown around The Artisan Show over the years.
A Message From Wendy.........
The Artisan Show has become such a special part of my journey with Tales from Manystones Barn. Over the years I’ve spent so many happy days exhibiting my books at your shows, meeting visitors and getting to know the incredible artists and makers. It really has become a bit of a home away from home for me and I remember like yesterday how kind you both were to fit me in last minute at the very first show I attended back in 2023 with just 2 books.
Discover More Stories
If you’ve enjoyed learning about Rabbit’s story, why not discover Wendy’s other beautifully illustrated books?
Inspired by nature, family and the little moments that make life special, each story from Tales from Manystones Barn is written to spark imagination, kindness and a love of reading.
Browse Wendy’s collection and discover the magic waiting on every page.
A Special Thank You
At The Artisan Show, we’re incredibly proud to have watched Wendy’s journey grow over the years.
From arriving with just two books in 2023 to returning with a story inspired by the very people and community she’s met along the way, her journey perfectly reflects what The Artisan Show is all about.
We’re honoured to have played a small part in Rabbit’s story and can’t wait to welcome Wendy—and Rabbit—back to The Artisan Winter Show.