Every year, I buy an A3 wall calendar and hang it in my kitchen. I love seeing a beautiful image each month, having all my plans in one place and being reminded of the things I’m looking forward to.
But in a world that’s increasingly digital, I wanted to create something that felt a little different. Something tangible, colourful, and something that might make you stop for a moment, smile and think.
And so, my Joy & Colour calendar for 2027 was born.
It brings together three things I love: art, colour and creativity. Each month features one of my original artworks, an inspiring quote and a simple, coach-led prompt to get you thinking. Questions like What feels possible to you right now? and What would you make if nobody was going to judge it?
They’re not questions that need a right answer. They’re an invitation to get curious, think differently and perhaps do something you’ve been meaning to do for a while.
What brings you joy? When did you last notice it? What colour was it?
I think we sometimes spend so much time thinking about what we need to do that we forget to ask ourselves what we actually want to do. What makes us feel alive? What makes us laugh? What would we do if we gave ourselves permission to play?
I’m hoping this calendar offers a little reminder to make space for those things. And, of course, to bring more colour into your everyday life!
A personal connection, and a cause close to my heart
There’s another reason I’ve made this calendar, and it’s one that means a great deal to me. I have Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex (EB-S), sometimes known as butterfly skin. It’s a genetic condition that makes my skin fragile and prone to blistering. Everyday things like wearing shoes, walking or spending a day on my feet can be painful.
I wasn’t diagnosed until university, nearly 30 years ago. Back then, EB was much less understood. In my early twenties, I was having my feet syringed at the doctors every other day because my blisters were so bad. They didn’t understand what it was, so I was sent to Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham for a biopsy. The rest as they say in history.
I love being active, getting out on my bike and making the most of life. But living with EB means I have to plans things differently, manage the pain and give myself time to recover.
Research into EB is progressing, and organisations like DEBRA UK are helping to fund research into treatments and support people living with the condition. And I wanted my calendar to contribute to that work.
So, I’m donating 50% of every calendar sale to DEBRA UK. My target is to raise £750, which would make a meaningful contribution towards research and support for people living with EB.
DEBRA has shared two figures that really bring this to life:
- £500 can fund half a week’s research by a PhD student searching for treatments for EB.
- £750 could help towards a specialist powered wheelchair, which costs £1,000 and can give someone with EB greater comfort and freedom.
I love the thought that something I’ve created through my own passion for art and colour could help make a difference to someone else’s life.
A limited edition, looking for a home
I’m printing just 100 copies of the Joy & Colour calendar. It’s a small, special edition, and I’d love every one to find a good home.
I’ve already sold 10, so there are 90 to go! At £15 each, every sale means £7.50 goes to DEBRA. If I sell all 100, we’ll reach my £750 fundraising target.
Perhaps you’d like one for your kitchen, home office or creative space. Perhaps someone you know would love one for Christmas. Or perhaps you’d simply like to support an independent artist and a cause that deserves more awareness.
Whatever your reason, I hope the calendar gives you something to look forward to each month, a reason to pause and a little inspiration to bring more joy and colour into your life.
And if you have EB, know someone who does, or simply want to help raise awareness, thank you for being part of this.
Fancy a little more joy and colour in 2027?
I’ll share visuals from the calendar here so you can have a look – https://canva.link/8b4ztzmlc7a5zea
To order your copy, please email me directly at emma@emmapotter.com.
Thank you for supporting my art and helping me support DEBRA. Let’s see if we can find homes for all 100!
With joy and colour,
Emma 🧡
