Birthday season begins..

Royal Adelaide show :: New shop window with a dress I did make :: Moopy the 'Care Bear' at a special little girls 4th birthday, face painting and all! we had such a great time

Thanks for all the well wishes on the Softies book... but I have to say now.. some of you have said "my" book, which is very flattering but not true... I am a contributor amongst many... Also a big thank you to all of you who popped in on the weekend to celebrate at the Softies little shindig, it was a great start to Chris' and my 5 year anniversary, we continued on with celebrations (alone..for once! Lily was at her uncles) with a superb dinner for two at the Victory Hotel (Sellicks)... I can't rave on about that place enough... what is lacking in decor is made up for ten fold in the food/wine & service.

Questions answered : Softies is available at all good bookstores... even if it isn't on the shelf, I am sure it can be ordered... (Adelaidians can get their copies at Nest Studio too)

Lily's dress in the previous post is from Seed, we of course got it at a sale... I think it maybe Liberty fabric?

I get this one quite a bit so I might pop a more thorough FAQ in the side panel very soon. Something along these lines "I like your art studio for children how can I start my own?" Firstly, Thank you. Secondly, I had the dream of teaching art to children in a studio for quite some years before I started at my own premisis. I tested out my ideas and desire to even teach (through volunteering my time at schools and other children's art studios) well and truly before I went back to Uni (after already being there for five years doing an honours degree in visual communications) to get my teaching degree. Then I tested my ideas again by starting out small, I think that is the key, especially if you don't have financial backing... I only had 12 students in my first term of enrolment, of which 5 are still coming to class three years on!! (I try my best not to have favourites but admittedly my original kids have a special place in my heart.) It is hard work running your own business and because I am at home being mum with Lily all week and Chris is working hard as a student at uni, there is only so much I can do..If my studio was all I had in my life I would obviously be pushing harder (and earning an income) but I prefer to enjoy each part of my life in appropriate measure. I love what I do, that makes it a whole lot easier to go without some of the other things in life...I believe that if you do what you love and put yourself out there, then you will get what you need back. Passion-Education-Passion-Courage-Perseverance-Balance-Learning-Patience-Passion...... That is how I started and continue to grow.

Favourite books for teaching with? Great question! but that is a whole other post! soon I promise.

Where can I get your toys? No where. well except for a few stragglers hanging around in the Nest Studio tree.. I made a deal with myself (that I haven't told you) that I wouldn't make any toys in 2007 for retail or wholesale... I am meant to be doing my book... aahemm.. yes my book.. I have been working on it but more so in my head than on paper... Sign up on the mailing list over there in the side panel and you will be first to know. 

Comments

[Abby]

a book! how exciting...can you tell us more or is it too early. I can't wait.

[Bethany]

You create great window displays! And I think you were reading my mind because I always was curious how you started your studio/classroom. That has always been my dream and when my kids were only in preschool (they are 9 and 10 now!) I would hold "art camps" in my backyard in the summertime. There are lots of opportunities to share art with kids! I have my art ed degree and have taught school, but I think creativity at home lends itself more to sharing it in private settings, and I've just started to get back into being more creative for myself!

[Kate]

Good luck with the book writing - can't wait to see it when its finished!

[gena]

This was such a great post. And timely too. Not that I'm taking on an endeavor like you have. We're just back to school and we will be entertaining quite a few kids after school Mondays and Fridays and I've been thinking of calling them Crafternoons with B. And so then thinking of what we will work on. I loved reading this post and I continue to be inspired by the work that you do. Thank you!

[gena]

P.S. Congratulations! On the book.

[Bethany]

I haven't been able to find the book in the USA yet. Amazon.com doesn't have it listed. Do you know of any links to any retailers?

[Cintia @ My Poppet]

I think your Blog, along with Aunty cookie was the first to start me on my big blogging/softie/crafting adventures, and now 2 years later i have a shop of my own. Thanks for the inspiration :)

[Pip]

You really do such beautiful work! Love your projects in the Softies book, Miss! And congratulations on YOUR book! Wishing you a zillion successes over the coming years!

[julia]

I just discovered your blog, so your work and I really like it, your creations are so great!!
I really love the drawing inspired by "where does Thursday go?".
COngratulations for your book!