Hello! I'm Lottie. 

This all started in 2021 when I created seeded greeting cards for a friend's wedding. I saw a gap in the market for a more 'sophisticated' design, so I drew simple and elegant monochrome designs with countryside themes and botanical elements, and printed them on handmade seeded paper, word got out locally, they ended up selling well, and so I ran with it! 

I registered Cotswold Handmade Cards Ltd in February 2022 after receiving interest from a few big retailers. The growth led to expansion of our wholesale market, as well as attending trade shows, pop-ups and craft markets, things were really taking off, it was all very exciting!

However, unfortunately, a health crisis in mid-2022 interrupted plans when I underwent major spinal surgery and needed a laminectomy to remove a benign tumor from inside my spinal cord. Thanks to our wonderful NHS and my supportive partner, family and friends, I made a good, but long, recovery.

I've always been creative and that side kept me sane on difficult days, especially when I couldn't move around that much, so I'd draw! The recovery taught me to try and take a more relaxed approach to life (hmm.. still learning) and to appreciate what you have around you. I feel incredibly lucky to live in an area surrounded by rich history, countryside, timeless style, and stunning architecture.

It seemed only natural that after a year and a half or so of illustrating Cotswold designs to offer a selection of gifts, homewares, and home decor pieces for lovely people who share the same passion for this beautiful place as I do. So in February 2024 I rebranded the business as The Cotswold Illustrated Company, and spent the year of 2025 trading at a total of 94 markets around The Cotswolds!

Working on the business full time from home was becoming challenging as I was very limited on space, so I started 2026 with a big move into my very own studio, in a barn located in the beautiful Oxfordshire Cotswolds area of OX7, Chipping Norton, (which is where all my Mums side of the family are from, dating right back to 1800's!). I still attend a few Cotswold markets, so if you see me please pop by and say hello.

Thank you so much for all your continued support,

Charlotte (Lottie) x

(If you'd like to follow my business journey please head over to my Instagram page)