Editor’s note, July 2020: In our Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story. And as we spend more time at home these days, getting cozy and catching up on our reading lists, we’re taking a moment to revisit some of our favorites—like the story behind this UK-based illustrated art and accessories shop from April of 2018.
Looking back, it seems written in the stars that UK-based artist and illustrator Lee May Foster-Wilson would grow up to do something creative. “I kind of pigeonholed myself quite early on at school,” she says, remembering how art heavily influenced her course selections. “I chose geography because I could color in the maps.” Post-primary school, Lee went all in on her passion, exploring photography and drama before studying fine art painting at Brighton University. “It was inevitable, really,” she explains. “There was no other way out.”
Explore the Bonbi Forest collection
Today, Lee’s artistic endeavours have found a loyal following of fans around the world, bolstered by her imagination-fueled Instagram feed, a recent book release, and the limited-edition collections she unveils every few months on Etsy. From enamel pins that declare “Magic is real” to scarves adorned with lush florals (printed by hand in her off-the-grid studio), Lee’s line, Bonbi Forest, includes work across several different mediums, all boasting her signature whimsical illustrations. “I like working on new things,” she says. “I’m constantly drawing and thinking up ideas. I can’t help it.”
Read on for more insights into Lee’s creative process and to get a behind-the-scenes peek at her studio—then shop the Bonbi Forest collection.

Where do you find inspiration?
The shapes and colors of nature are such a great source of inspiration. I live in a really rural area in Cornwall, surrounded by fields and sheep. I’ve mostly always lived in a rural place, and even when I lived in a city, I was always looking for the nature there. I’m inspired by song lyrics, books I’m reading, and things my children see when we’re out and about. Their little imaginations are such a good source of inspiration—they make up stories about twigs and things.
How do you keep track of the things that inspire you?
I take pictures with my phone. I have a folder that’s called “Inspiration” and it’s full of all sorts of random stuff like tiles, moldy walls, loads and loads of flowers, leaf shapes, and animals. We recently went to Australia on holiday and while my poor family was trying to walk around parks and things I just kept stopping to take pictures. I also sketch a lot.
What does your creative process look like?
Each collection starts with a vague idea: maybe a color palette I‘ve seen or the corner of a painting that I find really beautiful. Then I’ll get on Pinterest, pin lots of things that have that same theme, and make a mood board. From there, I’ll do a mood board analysis where I’ll look at all the colors, shapes, patterns, and imagery, and then start drawing.
Quite often, I’ll have that vague theme and it will completely change by the time the collection’s done. Things just kind of work out. The last part is deciding what I want to make—I’ll need to do a hand-painted scarf, pins, jewelry, a card, and a print for the collection’s sake, so I’ll work the drawings into designs for those pieces.







You have such a wide range of products!
Yes, I like exploring different materials. In pin design or screenprinting, you have limited colors to work with so they kind of inform each other, whereas with the drawings I can really go for it. There are lots of different things to make and do. I’m not very good at sticking with one thing. I know a lot of people who say, “Well, I make this,” and I really admire them because I’d love to be that focused.
What are some of your most popular items?
It all varies, really. I’ve got quite a wide customer base. Some people collect the cards, and if I release a new card, they’ll buy them all. Other people have everything I’ve ever made. Even one or two people having a bit of everything makes me feel really happy that my work is inspiring people like that.
What’s the story behind your moth pin?
That came off the back of one of the limited-edition collections I did, which was based around creatures of the night. I really wanted to do something with a dark background and foliage; originally, it was going to be lots of little creatures that come out at night, like foxes and badgers and hedgehogs, but the moth is the one that stuck. The pin sold out quickly, which really surprised me. So many people got in touch and said, “Please make more moth things! I really like the moths, and I really need this pin!”
I love how intricate and detailed the pin is. It’s beautiful.
Thank you. I’m not very good at minimalism, I have to say.






Where do you work?
At the moment, I have two places where I work. I’ve got my studio, which is basically a converted shed in an old stone building where I keep my stock, do my screenprinting, and pack orders. It’s nice because the studio doesn’t have any internet, so I can go out there and not be distracted at all. But I’ve also got a desk in my house, which has a big window next to it. That’s where I do all my drawing, because it’s warmer than my studio.
What are some of the lessons you’ve learned since you started your business?
Since I’ve had children, I’ve learned that time is quite precious. I don’t have as much time to work anymore, and I wasted a lot of time when I was younger just doing research—or pretending to research—and not getting much done. I used to spend so much time procrastinating, but now I just start and see where it goes, especially with my drawing. Just make a mess, and see what gems you can find inside. That’s my approach.
Do you ever get into a creative rut? What do you do when that happens?
Yes—I had one recently, actually. I was trying to come up with my next collection, and I had a vague idea but it wasn’t going anywhere. I couldn’t really see my way through it, so I left it to one side for a couple of weeks and did something else. I do a lot of classes, especially with illustration, where I pay to take a course and get briefs. Under those circumstances, you’re constantly drawing new things, so I did some of that and just drew for myself. When I came back to the collection, I could see a new way into it.
In the past when I’d get into a creative rut, I’d look online and keep scrolling and scrolling and getting intimidated that what I was eventually going to create wouldn’t be up to scratch. I’ve learned not to do that now.






Can you tell me the story behind the name of your shop, Bonbi Forest?
‘Forest’ is an anagram of one of my names, Foster, which my dad figured out ages ago. When he told me, I was like, “Oh, that’s brilliant! I think I can use that.” Woodland animals were a big deal in the handmade community when I started, but I couldn’t just call it Forest because that was too ubiquitous.
I was working at a call center at the time, and I used to draw these little birds that said “bonjour” in a little speech bubble, so I said to myself, “Ooh, ‘Bonjour Bird,’ how can I work with that?” I was twenty-something at the time, and I thought when I was older, Bonjour Bird might be a bit too twee. So I shortened Bonjour Bird into Bonbi, and added Forest. I liked how it sounded—it could be a place, a person, or a designer.
You started selling on Etsy in 2009. Did you ever think that your shop would grow this big?
No! I didn’t really have any expectations when I joined Etsy. I just put some things on the site to see how they would go, really. This platform has been such a big part of my business—actually, it’s the biggest part of my business! I know a lot of people who buy stuff through Etsy and follow me on Instagram. They get in touch there and say, “I just bought this from you,” which is really lovely to hear.
What are some of your goals for the future?
I want to carry on making the limited-edition pieces, grow my illustration practice, and take on more commissions. Last year, I wrote a book called Creative Marker Art and Beyond, which was really great. I’d love to do another one—I’m actually pitching some ideas at the moment. Fingers crossed!
Follow Bonbi Forest on Instagram and Facebook.
Photographs courtesy of Bonbi Forest.
86 comments
DeUno from DeUno said 2 years ago
Beautiful design! Congratulations on the feature!
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing your interesting story. Congratulations on the feature of your beautiful shop. I wish you much success :)
Lula from TexasRockstarVintage said 2 years ago
Very cool! Unique and original, true talent.
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 2 years ago
Really lovely art! I love those enamel pins!
Rosemary Lambert from cardhugs said 2 years ago
I looked at your sold items. I appreciate the variety of products you have offered. I'm happy for your success. I think it helps to try lots of different things and have fun with it, which it appears you have done, along with all the work. Congratulations on a great achievement!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 2 years ago
I love all these beautiful designs and color. Congratulations on the feature.
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 2 years ago
Love your art! Great story!
Samantha from Emariecreations said 2 years ago
I loved reading your interview! Your pieces are gorgeous and it's fun to hear about the process that goes behind making each unique work of art
R.M Garrett from ArtisticAcrylics said 2 years ago
I just visited your shop, and fell in love with it! from the cards to the jewelry, they're not just beautiful, but have heartfelt messages of encouragement and hope, special gems needed, not only in times like these, but in our own private daily challenges as well. You have a truly beautiful shop, and I wish you joy, blessings and continued success!!
Olga Kaplina from KnitteditemsbyOlga said 2 years ago
Beautiful design! I wish you much success.
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 2 years ago
Great work, congrats on your success and the feature!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 2 years ago
Love your beautiful designs and prints! Love the color combo! Congratulations on the feature!
Rosita from pillowlink said 2 years ago
Lovely work space photos and nice story!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 2 years ago
Your shop is so eclectic and fun! I love how you have branched out to other products, which I think is important in order to grow. Congrats on the feature Lee and I wish you much prosperity!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 2 years ago
Fabulous Shop. Love your items. Congrats on the feature.
Oonah from unatuna said 2 years ago
Another inspiring shop! Thank you!
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 2 years ago
A very diverse collection. great work.
Sonja from LapCatYarnCo said 2 years ago
Beautiful feature article and beautiful shop!
Beth from VintageReinvented said 2 years ago
I throughly enjoyed reading your story, Congratulations !
Carolina from Agirlwithfeathers said 2 years ago
Gorgeous designs! Great work!
Maria from StyleGraphicDesign said 2 years ago
Lovely creations!:)
Karen from KnitPeddler said 2 years ago
Wow, your work is beautiful, I love it! Congratulations on your feature. <3
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 2 years ago
So sweet ~ Beauty in abundance inside and out ! Cheers to much continued success.
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 2 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
Mary Jo and Rachael from SouvenirAndSalvage said 2 years ago
Such lovely products! You're creativity is awesome and love your color choices. Congrats on being featured and best of luck for continued success!
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 2 years ago
Wonderful art! Congrats on the feature and all the best of success to you.
Crystal from ShopCannaBella said 2 years ago
absolutely LOVE these stories they are very inspirational to small shop owners like myself! thank you again!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 2 years ago
Beautiful! Lovely shop, great inspirational story, congratulations!
Ann Kruglak from MysticDreamerArt said 2 years ago
What I love most is the lovely consciousness you express in your beautiful work. It's so simple and appealing and human. Thanks for the uplift! And best wishes for your success and happiness.
Nicola Berkowski from ParadisMaisonUS said 2 years ago
Gorgeous Pins! Love the Designs & Colors!
Anastasia from AmstudiodesignKids said 2 years ago
Wow!!!! super creative!
SimplyCuteArt posh from SimplyCuteArt said 2 years ago
Love all the beautiful designs!!! Thanks for sharing :)
Glimmersmith from Glimmersmith said 2 years ago
What an amazing, talented, inspirational woman! Beautiful creations, all.
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 2 years ago
Congratulations on your feature. Your work is wonderful.
Isabelle Don Carli from ZazaofCanada said 2 years ago
♥
Leo Nuvunga from AfricanCraftsCenter said 2 years ago
Beautiful items! Congrats!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 2 years ago
I'm in love with your '' mama bear '' pins ! Congrats on the feature, well deserved !
RetroRecyclables from RetroRecyclables said 2 years ago
Wow, what a great talent, great shop, and great ideas!! Congrats on being featured which in turn validates what we all strive to do by opening our shops, it may also encourage someone to open their own shop showing them anything is possible with hard work and determination, we offer something different to the world of online shopping, thanks for being apart of that world with your wonderful shop ;-)
Rocket Jack from RocketJackDesign said 2 years ago
Gorgeous designs! Congrats on being featured!
Anna Cross from BettyBeehive said 1 year ago
Your items are so pretty and beautifully produced.
Gillian Northcott from Esani said 184 days ago
Great work. Great design style and colours.
Mariya from MagicArtForYou said 184 days ago
it is always interesting to read the history of becoming. It is very interesting to find out how a person came to what he has now. How this idea was born! Thank you for sharing. This is amazing!
Amy from RootsAndLaceDesignCO said 184 days ago
so very very talented!
Elen Palavandishvili from elsanijewelry said 184 days ago
Beautiful items!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 184 days ago
Still loving the unique and beautiful creations!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 184 days ago
Positive messages rock ~!~ ( Ha as I write looking at my crying baby avatar ) You are talented and creative ~ Cheers to much continued success
Svetlana Hrybach from FairyTaleUA said 184 days ago
Thanks a lot for the article !!! I love this design !!!
Carol Anne Williams from 16thAvenueCreative said 184 days ago
So many beautiful things! She's so talented. That wall of prints is lovely! I think I spotted some Uni Posca markers. Love those! My sons are surfers, and I've used them to create designs on quite a few surfboards over the years. They are so much fun to work with!
Anna from SublimationDesignsAn said 184 days ago
I love creative people. The work is wonderful.
Nadeshda Romanova from MoreSoutacheJewelry said 183 days ago
very interesting Such original prints. Fresh and new.
Gauri Kogekar from ThePout said 183 days ago
Lovely design. I love the way you get inspiration from nature, which is clearly visible in your products. Wish you more success.
Nadine Lovic from HandmadeSilverPanda said 183 days ago
Very nice designs. It's very inspiring. I wish you great creative success.
sandywho1 from amaskforallseasons said 182 days ago
Such bright, vibrant and uplifting art. So needed right now, keep creating!
Oriaku Onuoha-Bean from JewelryByOri said 182 days ago
Awesome feature! Congrats!
Anna Sypalo from XstitchbyAnna said 182 days ago
So positive design!
Ekaterina from katrinshinesupplies said 182 days ago
I love all your products!
Vlada from BeeNovaShop said 182 days ago
So nice! 😍 Love it! Thank you for story
Sharon from YearsAfter said 182 days ago
Very creative and refreshingly free artwork!
Dolce from Dolce3D said 182 days ago
Lovely design! True talent!
Angela Tocilă from AngelaTArt said 181 days ago
The necklaces are so pretty!
Padmini Persaud-Obasi from BrooklynLotus said 181 days ago
Incredible work. Love this feature. Congratulations!
Anastasia from JoyfulUnicorn said 180 days ago
It`s great desigs and fantastic work! I'm grateful that I'm allowed to see it!
kimberly Rush from MindsetGym said 180 days ago
These are beautiful. The detail is absolutely amazing!
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 179 days ago
I just saw your feature! I love your designs and colors.
Fields Of Vintage from FieldsOfVintage said 178 days ago
Lovely shop. Nice studio set up. Congrats on your feature
Carol from MasCollected said 177 days ago
Thank you Aleksa and Lee. Lots of inspiration here! Grateful for the discussion, of the creative process and also how you got out of a rut. Many thanks and best wishes.
Christine Duval from ChristinesShabbyChic said 177 days ago
Beautiful work and inspirational phrases
Alyssa from AlyssaNapierDesign said 177 days ago
I love everything about this! So beautiful, bright, & colorful. Thank you for sharing! Wishing you the best of luck.
ciaffi from ciaffi said 177 days ago
Lovely!!! Congratulations!!! :-) :-)
Sasha Bradley from MyWoodElf said 176 days ago
I adore the originality and variety in your shop! Beautiful work
Mariana from MarianasSkulls said 176 days ago
Great work! I fell in love with your workspace!
Kseniya from KnittedToysKsu said 175 days ago
So nice and original necklaces!
Marina Fedorova from FairyArtStore said 175 days ago
WOW, you are so talented and I love your products!
TheFrozenPictureShow from TheFrozenPictureShow said 174 days ago
Cute, little motivational pieces!
Jeanne from stuartroadstudio said 173 days ago
Nice work! Congrats.
Aleah from HollyGlightly88 said 172 days ago
Beautiful Work! Congrats on being featured <3
Irene Balashova from IreneTemplate said 170 days ago
Inspires! I fell in love with your work!
bluewine studio from bluewinestudio said 168 days ago
lovely art works! I really really love those enamel pin!
Tran Anh said 168 days ago
Beautiful design!
Jackie Hansen from BeanBagsAK said 166 days ago
OH WOW!!! Congratulations on the feature! Your creations are absolutely breathtaking. Must. Go. Look. At. Your. Shop!!
Elena Gerasimova from feltdaisy said 165 days ago
Magic colors! So cute :)
Jennifer from QVCreative said 165 days ago
I love all your beautiful pieces of art, congratulations!
Gina from GinaBogomolArt said 151 days ago
Interesting story! Fantastic Art!
Tebbie from CoolFamilyGifts said 127 days ago
love the art work, congrats.
Nata from DollsForChildrenShop said 122 days ago
It's very warm and cozy here! thanks for your talent!
Aalyah from AalyahsGallery said 8 days ago
I am in love with your style!